What does “Our Last Tango” do to creatively tell the historical stories of its core subjects?
"Our Last Tango" includes beautifully-performed tango choreography to tell the history of its two central subjects, in a wonderful twist on traditional documentary style.
How does the sensory assault in “Der Nachtmahr” serve the film?
"Der Nachtmahr" uses intense sound and visual strobing to disorient the viewer and get them in a similar state of mind to the troubled protagonist of the picture.
Is there a linear story in “The Forbidden Room?” Does it matter?
There's no real linear story in "The Forbidden Room," but it doesn't need one. The film's purpose isn't to tell a single tale.
How can one interpret the narrative chronology of “Mulholland Drive”?
Most of "Mulholland Drive" seems to be a flashback that combines real-life events with emotional desires of the narrative's central character, Diane Selwyn.
Were all the players in “The Killing” really necessary to pull off the heist?
"The Killing" depicts a wonderful, well-executed robbery of a horse track during the biggest race of the year. But were all the people involved really necessary for the plan to work?
Is Diane in “Mulholland Drive” a call girl? What’s her story?
"Mulholland Drive" never explicitly says it, but enough clues and subtext exist to infer that the character of Diane was working as a call girl to pay for her life in Hollywood.
Would “12 Angry Men’s” jury composition and behaviors be acceptable in court?
"12 Angry Men" doesn't represent a typical jury, and some of their behaviors wouldn't fly in real courts.
How does “Singin’ in the Rain” constantly play at revealing the phoniness of Hollywood?
"Singin' in the Rain" is a comedy musical about Hollywood's transition to talking pictures, but also a portrait of the phoniness of Hollywood, frequently giving us a peek behind…
How does “12 Angry Men” use cinematography to build tension during the film?
"12 Angry Men" uses various angles and lenses to build a feeling of claustrophobia and tension among its cast.
In “The Martian,” does Watney need to use antibiotics after being wounded in space?
Watney may be in space, but there are still bacteria that could have been transported with him and that might lead to an infection.
How does “Seinfeld” parody the Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan scandal in “The Understudy”?
"Seinfeld" episode "The Understudy" parodies the Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan scandal.
How did “Star Trek: The Next Generation” differentiate itself from the original series?
"Star Trek: The Next Generation" started out with identity issues and struggled to find itself. But as it went on, TNG established itself as a distinct entity from the original series to…