Now best known for its stunt-heavy sequels, Mission: Impossible began as a Brian De Palma thriller about surveillance, performance, and how what you see isn't always the whole story.

In this episode, we get into:

• How the opening scene teaches you how to watch the film

• What makes the writing in this film sing

• Why the production design is more than just stylish — it's integral to the storytelling

• What costumes, props, and performances reveal about character

• The crackling chemistry of a cast that brings texture to even the smallest roles

• How the film's set pieces are more than just excuses for impressive stunts

💌Get the FREE companion viewing guide: Discover one of the best films of 2024, a different kind of genre film from the other side of the world

💬 Enjoy digging into filmmaking details like this? That's one of the things we do inside Reel Ruminators — a space for curious film lovers to explore great movies together, spark insights, and deepen your appreciation of film craft.

Join by June 2, and you'll get access to May's featured film and the close readings we did together — perfect if you want more of the kind of scene-level analysis you heard in this episode.

👉 Click here to join Reel Ruminators

✍️ More on cinematic structure and craft at Seventh Row