Classic Films - Reviews and Reflections with Stuart Fernie

Discussion of the use of humour in drama with reference to Molière, Groundhog Day, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and some modern action/adventure franchises.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “Living”, a remake of Akiro Kurosawa’s “Ikiru”, directed by Oliver Hermanus and starring Bill Nighy, Aimee Lou Wood and Alex Sharp 

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “Oui, mais…” or “Yes, but…”, a French film directed by Yves Lavandier and starring Émilie Dequenne and Gérard Jugnot.

This film could be used as part of a French course with senior pupils to stimulate discussion and perhaps produce a written response to the characters and themes treated in the film.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “Hell in the Pacific”, starring Lee Marvin and Toshiro Mifune, focusing on the need for collaboration between opposing sides in the face of common challenges.

Thoughts on elements of film noir and existentialism in “Vera Cruz” which predated and influenced later films that explored similar themes.

Discussion of qualities and issues in “Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”, and issues concerning character development, plot integrity and audience engagement in many modern adventure films.

Discussion and analysis of the main character and themes in “Point Blank” (1967) starring Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson and Keenan Wynn.

Discussion of the meaning of “Il faut cultiver notre jardin” in the context of the end of “Candide”, where the phrase appears, as opposed to interpretations of the stand-alone phrase.

General discussion and analysis of the main characters and principal themes in “Drive My Car”.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Gabriel Axel’s “Babette’s Feast” starring Stéphane Audran, Brigitte Federspiel and Bodil Kjer.

Discussion and analysis of how the central characters in “The Batman” are influenced and developed by the nature of society in Gotham City.

Discussion of the origin and value of Christian thought, the influence of the Church, and the possible existence of fate or destiny.

Discussion of the extent to which we “act” in society, or how we adapt our manner, tone and attitude to suit the circumstances and the company in which we find ourselves, and how this may influence our identity.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket, focusing on “the duality of man”. 

Discussion and analysis, from an existential perspective, of characters and themes in Martin McDonagh’s “The Banshees of Inisherin”, starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “We’re no Angels” directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray and Peter Ustinov.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Taika Waititi’s “Jojo Rabbit” starring Roman Griffin Davis, Scarlett Johansson and Taika Waititi.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Edward Zwick’s “The Last Samurai” starring Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in “The Magnificent Seven” directed by John Sturges and starring Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen and Eli Wallach.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in James Mangold’s “Le Mans ‘66” or “Ford vs Ferrari” starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale.