Topics include using films to improve conversational skills, preferences between films and TV series, discussions on French films and 'Get Out', analysis of films like Pride and Prejudice and Love Actually, the impact of a horror film, benefits of watching horror films, struggles of going to the cinema with young children, and language learning through films.
Films can help learners of English understand and discuss various topics, such as societal issues, personal growth, and philosophical concepts.
Choosing a favorite film is difficult, as it often changes depending on the mood or reason for watching.
Cara and Luke discuss the pros and cons of watching films in the cinema versus at home, weighing factors such as screen size, sound, atmosphere, and convenience.
The conversation explores the psychological and emotional effects of horror films, including their ability to prepare viewers for real-life fear, the importance of quality storytelling and deeper messages, and director preferences in the horror genre.
Deep dives
Recent Films - Groundhog Day and Get Out
Recently, I watched a French film called Tonnél de Chine starring Féli Robert. It's about two men who set up a horse trekking business in the Basque country, but things go wrong. I also rewatched Get Out, a psychological horror film directed by Jordan Peele. It tackles social commentary and racism. The film Groundhog Day, directed by Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray, is another favorite, a romantic comedy with deeper messages about personal growth and change.
British Films
I enjoy period dramas like Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice. However, some films from the 2000s, such as Love Actually, have aged poorly in terms of fat-phobia and other problematic elements. Richard Curtis, who directed Love Actually, is known for other films like Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Favorite Films
Choosing a favorite film is difficult, as it often changes depending on the mood or reason for watching. Currently, Groundhog Day is a favorite due to its mix of comedy, romance, and deep philosophical themes. When it comes to films, I also appreciate those that tackle socioeconomic issues or offer moments of hope and personal growth.
Using Films to Learn English
Films can help learners of English understand and discuss various topics, such as societal issues, personal growth, and philosophical concepts. By watching films, we can explore complex themes in an engaging and detached way. However, it's important to approach film-watching as an active learner and not rely solely on passive exposure to improve language skills.
The pleasure of watching films in the cinema and at home
Cara and Luke discuss the pros and cons of watching films in the cinema versus at home, weighing factors such as screen size, sound, atmosphere, and convenience.
The impact and benefits of horror films
The conversation explores the psychological and emotional effects of horror films, including their ability to prepare viewers for real-life fear, the importance of quality storytelling and deeper messages, and director preferences in the horror genre.
The role of films in language learning
Cara and Luke discuss the use of films as language learning tools, highlighting the potential benefits of exposure to native speech, cultural aspects, visual context, and subtitles in different languages.
