Film

Film theories: cinema techniques, how to ‘read’ movies, and what makes them work.

Legs and Nike shoes just visible as a basketball player leaps for a shot

Air (2023): big business, bare Jordan | Review

An up-and-coming underdog defies the rules and changes history. No, not Michael Jordan, silly: Nike

Low-angle shot of a spiral circle creating concentric circles of vivid blue against a deep black background.

Her (2013): AI and the puzzle of beautiful, handwritten letters

How the story of a guy who can’t catch a break in love reveals our twisted romance with technology

A woman's thigh wearing fishnet stockings. We can just see the top of her skirt. The image has a strange mustard hue.

Peeping Tom (1960) explained: sex, death and sinister cinema

Decoding the symbolism, significance and dark art of Peeping Tom

Abstract close-up of darkened leaves on a red background.

Children of Men (2006): dystopia or disaster movie?

Children of Men and the parallels of dystopian and disaster stories

Stylised image of the Statue of Liberty shrouded in icy clouds.

The Day After Tomorrow (2004) explained: when hell freezes over

UV, or not UV? Climate catastrophe and existential angst in The Day After Tomorrow

A man's face seems to float in a blue, watery environment. He's wearing a white blindfold.

Minority Report (2002) explained: the paradox of precognition

Symbols of seeing and not seeing – and the unbearable weight of grief – in sci-fi thriller Minority Report