Classic Films - Reviews and Reflections with Stuart Fernie

Send us Fan Mail Discussion of characters and themes in the 2024 French film version of “The Count of Monte Cristo”, focusing on elements to do with the Enlightenment Movement and Existentialism.

Send us Fan Mail Episode aimed at young students or beginners with advice and suggestions for writing essays on films. A text version is available at stuartfernie.blogspot.com and a video is available at https://youtu.be/xcb6X7h5l3k .

Send us Fan Mail Discussion of characters and especially themes raised in Alan Parker’s “Midnight Express”, written by Oliver Stone.

Send us Fan Mail Discussion and analysis of the nature of the antagonism between the C.I.A. and Jason Bourne, instigated by the consequences of Bourne’s amnesia.

Send us Fan Mail A defence and justification of arts and humanities in face of dismissive and condescending attitudes and outlooks.

Send us Fan Mail Discussion and analysis of characters, themes, strengths and weaknesses in “Heaven’s Gate”, written and directed by Michael Cimino and starring Kris Kristofferson, Christopher Walken, John Hurt and Isabelle Huppert.

Send us Fan Mail Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Alex Garland’s “Civil War”.

Send us Fan Mail Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Joseph L Mankiewicz’s adaptation of “The Ghost and Mrs Muir” starring Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison and George Sanders.

Send us Fan Mail Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in James Gray’s “Ad Astra” starring Brad Pitt and Tommy Lee Jones.

Send us Fan Mail Discussion of the nature and implications of duality in examples of 19th century literature, how it was influenced by the Enlightenment Movement, and how it evolved into Existentialism and beyond.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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 

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Send us Fan Mail 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.

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

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

Send us Fan Mail 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