Rear Window, Copycat and the art of the housebound detective The plot techniques in play when a film’s lead character is trapped at home
The Firm (1993) explained: for the love of money A hot-shot tax lawyer accepts a high-paying job, but gets a lesson in the perils of greed
Vertigo (1958) explained: is the cop the real killer? Is Vertigo’s bumbling detective – Jimmy Stewart – as harmless as he appears?
Joker (2019): a fine line between good and evil Joker plays on good and evil, Chaplin’s comedy … and stairways
The Departed (2006) explained: dirty rats and the ‘double’ theory The mirror game: doubling and identities in The Departed
Is Jack Finney’s book The Body Snatchers about paranoia? The Body Snatchers portrays a community – and country – gripped by fear