The MacGuffin Men

George Lazenby as Bond, recasting an icon, blockbuster as art cinema, and Diana Rigg.

Robert Altman, Julie Christie’s stamp on the film, Warren Beatty as a Western hero, and the film’s all-around subversion of its genre.

Frances McDormand as a Hollywood icon, Chloe Zhao’s short but illustrious career, Malick-inspired stylistic choices, and the film’s hybrid of documentary and scripted storytelling.

Reservations about the word “prank,” the genius of Eric Andre (and Kitao Sakurai and Dan Curry and Andrew Barchilon and etc), the evolution of a genre with few entries, technology, and genre manipulation.

John le Carré adaptations, how director Anton Corbijn’s choices bring a grounded style to an old-fashioned film, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Film grammar in a comedy, Rachel McAdams and Jesse Plemons’ incredible performances, and the film as a game.

Entry two in Alan J. Pakula’s paranoia trilogy, Warren Beatty’s role as producer, conspiracy theory action films, and silent tension.

Michael Haneke’s use of static images, media criticism, and control in a divisive film.