Ask the Professor: How did “400 Blows” change the coming-of-age genre?
While films traditionally sentimentalized children, "400 Blows" is an authentic portrayal of childhood that captures the genuine emotions and experiences of a young teenage boy.
Ask the Professor: Did the French New Wave invent the idea of the “auteur”?
Although the idea of the "auteur" was popularized during the French New Wave, it first came up with German theatre director Max Reinhardt.
Ask the Professor: How did Truffaut transition from harsh film critic to filmmaker?
After being an outspoken and harsh critic, Truffaut became a filmmaker to prove that he can do better.
Ask the Professor: Were the five sequels to “400 Blows” a new kind of episodic storytelling?
After Truffaut made "400 Blows," he may not have intended to make a sequel, but he liked the idea of following a character as he grows up.
Ask the Professor: Why is the therapist scene in “400 Blows” so iconic?
By improvising the therapist scene in "400 Blows," Truffaut created one of the most iconic and memorable scenes in film.
Ask the Professor: Why does “400 Blows” end on a freeze frame? What was influential about it?
The open-ended ending of "400 Blows" leaves the audience to reflect back on the film and decide for themselves what happens to the characters.
Ask the Professor: Why does “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” end with a freeze frame?
By ending on a freeze frame, the Western myth of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid can live on.
Why is “Mr. Holmes” more like “Gods and Monsters” than other Sherlock Holmes films?
Although "Mr. Holmes" is a Sherlock Holmes film, its unusual depiction of the detective makes the film more similar to Bill Condon's other film "Gods and Monsters."
Why did “Vertigo” beat out “Citizen Kane” as Greatest Film in the 2012 Sight & Sound Poll?
The Hitchcock classic finally dethroned "Citizen Kane" in 2012, but why?
Ask the Professor: In “Exterminating Angel,” why can’t the guests leave?
The reason behind why the guests in "Exterminating Angel" can't leave relates back to director Buñuel's Marxist perspective.
Ask the Professor: What was the political background of Buñuel’s “Exterminating Angel”?
Because Buñuel's Marxist perspective was evident in his films, they became controversial in both Spain and Mexico.
Ask the Professor: Why do “Exterminating Angel” and “Discreet Charm” satirize the ritual of eating?
Both Buñuel's "The Exterminating Angel" and "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie" satirize the ritual of eating to reveal the unwritten rules around basic interactions.