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In the press materials for “Critical Thinking,” producer Carla Berkowitz drops this line about her reaction to reading the true story that inspired the film: “The image and story was haunting and I felt like I had a quantum shift in my perception of chess and who plays it.” The who in question are five Miami-area Black and Latino men who, along with their teacher, Mr. Martinez, brought back to their underprivileged Florida neighborhood the U.S. National Chess Championship. This happened in 1998. The film chronicles the loving camaraderie of the players and the events leading up to their victory.

In that same press release, acclaimed writer and actor John Leguizamo , who plays Martinez and also directs, states that he wanted to make this film because there were very few representations of Latin people on-screen when he was growing up. He also mentioned that the book The Bell Curve  harmfully depicted people of color as being mentally inferior due to our genetics. I wondered if, like me, Leguizamo grew up in an environment where the Black and brown people he knew played chess, so that it wouldn’t seem unusual nor an anomaly that they did. Because Berkowitz’s statement really made me consider what exactly the standard issue chess player was supposed to look like.

Chess has appeared in a lot of movies, from Boaz Yakin ’s “ Fresh ” to Steven Zaillian ’s “Searching for Bobby Fisher” to 2016’s superb Mira Nair film, “ Queen of Katwe .” I even remember it being prevalent in a crappy Gary Coleman TV movie about a smart Black kid. The game always carries the same symbolic qualifier: the person who plays it has a mental capacity for strategy and is intelligent. Chess is often employed to teach life lessons in these movies, to the point where it has become a cliché that just so happens to be used differently depending on who’s playing it. This difference is something that I admit often sticks in my craw, so I found myself wrestling a bit with this movie even though it seemed to be addressing my concern.

Unlike Zaillian’s film, which I guess answers my question of what a “standard issue” chess player is supposed to look like, the protagonists in the other films I’ve mentioned, and in “Critical Thinking,” are people of color whose economical circumstances are far from ideal. This tends to be the model when minorities are seen playing chess in films, which bends the cinematic chess player cliché toward making the ability to play the game the audience’s reason to offer empathy. Sure, they’re broke, probably in crime-ridden areas and may even do a crime or two, but see, they’re smart, so it’s OK to feel for them! This line of thinking has to do with who stereotypically plays chess and who does not.

Leguizamo’s Mr. Martinez speaks to this early in “Critical Thinking” by asking why chess is never associated with brown people despite a Latin man playing a major role in its evolution. “Why don’t you think we know about him?” he asks the students in his critical thinking class before delivering a great, pointed monologue that speaks about how history is taught in schools. The script by Dito Montiel has some sharp commentary about the education system, from what gets funded to the over-reliance on test scores to the differences between Martinez’s inner city school and the posh preppy institutions who fall victim to our heroes on the tournament circuit. There’s a bit more bite than you may be expecting, and the writing is just prickly enough to balance out the moments when the film dives headfirst into its tropes. And there are numerous tropes to swim in; not only is this a sports movie, it’s also an entry in the “Beloved Teacher” genre.

Our chess champion team is comprised of Sedrick Roundtree ( Corwin C. Tuggles ), Ito Paniagua (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.), Gil Luna ( Will Hochman ), Rodelay Medina (Angel Curiel) and later, Marcel Martinez ( Jeffry Batista ) who joins the team after dispensing a hustler’s ass-whipping in a speed chess match. Their dialogue is peppered with the language the PG-13 won’t allow but realism will. Martinez is often telling them “watch your mouth” in his class, even if, in his less guarded moments, he’s prone to occasional profanity. Leguizamo gets good performances from each of them, especially in moments where you really feel the bond between teammates, both in the tournaments and in the streets. When they tell each other that they’ve got each other’s backs, there’s a real emotional pull that emanates straight from the actors.

Though this is an inspirational movie, Leguizamo and Montiel never sugarcoat the dangers of the environment their characters inhabit. The potential for violence, temporary homelessness, crime, and police harassment are always hovering in the margins, sometimes even invading the safe space of Martinez’s class or the school. An early sequence that shockingly ends in violence shows how good Leguizamo is at quickly establishing the audience’s tie to a character. When Rivera (Dre C) is thrown into critical thinking class after a disciplinary problem (“my class is not detention!” Martinez yells at frenemy Principal Kesler [ Rachel Bay Jones ]), he immediately runs afoul of Ito. Rivera’s lack of response is due to Spanish being his primary language, which may also have something to do with the infraction that got him sent to this class. Martinez talks to him in Spanish, lectures Ito and all seems well.

Rivera is then brutally assassinated in broad daylight after accidentally bumping into another person on the street. The film is barely 15 minutes old when this happens, but it immediately establishes that “Critical Thinking” has no plans of abandoning reality for its feel-good message. That sense of realism extends to the way the characters bond with, rib, and defend each other. Additionally, Leguizamo plays Martinez as someone who understands the temptations and frustrations of his students’ world. He challenges them to do for themselves because he knows all too well that the system has no intention of lending a helping hand.

Like Nair does in “Queen of Katwe,” Leguizamo also blatantly refuses to impose on poverty any notions of shame or requests for pity. “Chess is the great equalizer,” Martinez tells his team as they navigate snooty tournament heads and appearances against challengers from much posher ‘hoods. Even when things get expectedly dire for some of the characters, “Critical Thinking” remains focused on the characters’ response to the situation, never once stripping them of their dignity for cheap emotional manipulation.

Of all the team members, Sedrick has the most detailed arc. He has a girlfriend, Chanayah ( Zora Casebere ), who is supportive and tougher than she looks, and a father ( Michael Kenneth Williams ) whose sole job here is to fill that chess movie trope of the angry guy who uses chess as a means of brutal domination. Williams is an always welcome presence, but I could have done without him. Still, there is one very good moment where he shows some growth, and his son makes a snide comment that he silently acknowledges as being right.

The chess scenes are good even if you know nothing about chess. I’ve been playing since I was five, so of course I wanted more detailed representations than Leguizamo provides. I found his classroom lessons and the team’s banter about moves fascinating, and every time I was given a good look at a chessboard, I got closer to the screen to investigate. And yet, despite its acknowledgement of my aforementioned issues, I still felt a little itchy watching “Critical Thinking.” I am always game for a movie that makes me reckon with my personal feelings and biases, and I’m glad this one exists because representation will always speak volumes. If nothing else, “Critical Thinking” reminds you what a chess player can look like.

Odie Henderson

Odie "Odienator" Henderson has spent over 33 years working in Information Technology. He runs the blogs Big Media Vandalism and Tales of Odienary Madness. Read his answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire  here .

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Film Credits

Critical Thinking (2020)

117 minutes

John Leguizamo as Mario Martinez

Rachel Bay Jones as Principal Kestel

Michael Kenneth Williams as Mr. Roundtree

Corwin C. Tuggles as Sedrick Roundtree

Jorge Lendeborg Jr. as Ito Paniagua

Angel Bismark Curiel as Rodelay Medina

Will Hochman as Gil Luna

Jeffry Batista as Marcel Martinez

Zora Casebere as Chanayah

• John Leguizamo
• Dito Montiel

Cinematographer

• Zach Zamboni
• Jamie Kirkpatrick
• Chris Hajian

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‘Critical Thinking’ Review: All the Right Moves

John Leguizamo directs and stars in this warmhearted drama about underprivileged teenagers who enter a national chess championship.

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By Jeannette Catsoulis

Whether championing math, poetry, or just how to be a decent human being , the inspirational teacher is as familiar to movie audiences as the class stoner. “Critical Thinking” does little to detach itself from genre cliché; yet this heartfelt drama about a rough-and-tumble group of high-schoolers who claw their way to a national chess tournament has a sweetness that softens its flaws.

Based on a true story and set in an underserved Miami neighborhood in 1998, the movie drops us into the boisterous classroom of Mr. Martinez (played by the director, John Leguizamo).

“Chess is the great equalizer,” he tells his multiethnic students, using the game to teach his critical thinking elective — with a side of racial history discouraged by his school board. The principal (Rachel Bay Jones) might treat his classroom like a dumping ground for miscreants, but Martinez, assisted by wigs and funny accents, explains complicated chess moves with a deftness that cuts through their indifference.

With goals as modest as the lives of its characters, “Critical Thinking” follows the predictable arc of the underdog drama as the chess team overcomes troubled home situations and other setbacks on the road to a Beverly Hills-set finale. Slow and straightforward, the movie knows that a chess match is hardly a barnburner; but its lively young performers and their eventual triumph are easy to warm to. Drugs and gangs might beckon — and immigration officers hover just outside the frame — but they’re no match for the values of sportsmanship and teamwork. And Mr. Martinez’s pep talks.

Critical Thinking Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 57 minutes. Watch through virtual cinemas, or rent or buy on iTunes , Google Play and other streaming platforms and pay TV operators.

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‘Critical Thinking’ Review: John Leguizamo’s Inspirational High-School Chess Drama

The true story of the Miami Jackson High chess team — five brainy wizards from the inner city — is told in a rousing but conventional way.

By Owen Gleiberman

Owen Gleiberman

Chief Film Critic

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“ Critical Thinking ” is one of those up-from-the-streets high-school competition movies where just mentioning the true story it’s based on kind of gives the game away. Set in 1998, it’s about the five chess wizards from Miami Jackson High who became the first inner-city chess team to win the National Championship. Boom! But, of course, it’s how they got there that matters, and even if this movie weren’t based on a true story, you’d know more or less know where it’s going. “Critical Thinking” has some appealing young actors, and it’s been directed, by John Leguizamo (who costars as the film’s tough-saint teacher), in a way that gives them the space to clown around and then get serious. It’s still, in the end, a bit of a connect-the-inspirational-dots movie, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be inspired.

Leguizamo plays Mario Martinez, who teaches an elective class in chess at Miami Jackson, where his students call him “Mr. T.” They’re a rowdy, bellicose, street-smart bunch, hard to control in class, so at first we think we’re seeing one of those movies, like “Stand and Deliver” or “To Sir, with Love,” about a captivatingly square gadfly instructor who shows a bunch of underprivileged kids how to transcend the expectations (or lack thereof) that have been thrust upon them.

In a way, “Critical Thinking” is one of those movies, though with a crucial caveat: The basic training — the intellectual whipping into shape — has all happened before the drama even starts. Martinez, in his thankless underpaid plaid-shirts-off-the-rack way, is beloved by his students, and he has taught them well; they’re chess players who’ve got the game in their blood. (It’s the only thing that gets them to settle down .) Leguizamo, who spent a number of his early one-man stage shows sketching in (often quite brilliantly) the lives of young people from a similar background, knows how to create scenes that bubble with spontaneity. And he himself plays Martinez with an effusive, slightly weary middle-aged demeanor that’s touching, because what he nails is the unabashed corniness of certain great high-school teachers — their willingness to put on a show for their kids, to turn the life of the mind into energized nerd theater.

At one point, using the magnetic chess board at the front of the class, he plays out a chess match authored (and recorded) by Paul Morphy in 1858, and he makes it sound as exciting as something on Roblox. He employs silly accents (Southern, French, Austrian) and puts on wigs and fake beards to enact the game, and he draws the kids into it, challenging them in his geek-with-cool-slang way (“Why is it a wack move, Sedrick? Don’t just talk to me, man, show me!”).

It’s one of the only scenes where we actually witness the mechanics of chess, and while that’s always a challenge for a chess drama (there’s only so much it can lure the lay audience into the heady intricacies of the game), I wish the students’ connection with chess were less of a given, and a little less abstract. Watching “Critical Thinking,” you’d never even know that the art of chess is rooted in thinking several moves ahead. Yet Leguizamo stages the matches with percussive power, the kids pounding their time clocks even as their eyes burrow into the board like lasers.

Much of the film’s appeal lies in the way it revels in chess as a pure symbol of leveling the playing field of opportunity. As Mr. T explains, chess is “the great equalizer.” It doesn’t matter how rich or poor you are, what Ivy League college or prison you’re in: The elemental nature of the game shears away everything but intellectual ability. So in a drama like “Critical Thinking,” where five students (four Latinx and one African-American) bust out of a high school with limited resources to attend a series of tournaments, there’s a democracy-in-action, anyone-can-win-in-America spirit.

The actors are terrific; the roles, as written, less so. Leguizamo is working from a script, by Dito Montiel, that walks the line between lived-in experience and overboiled cliché. Sedrick is played by Corwin Tuggles, who has a great pensive face, and he lends conviction to the character’s struggles at home. But it still feels like a contrivance that his father (Michael Kenneth Williams), an angry curmudgeon who treats his son’s chess victories as if they were beneath contempt, is also…the guy who plays chess with him every day! The other pivotal character is the canny hothead Ito (Jorge Lendeborg Jr,.), who begins to moonlight as a drug dealer, and though it’s not that we don’t buy it, it plays out like one of those obligatory flirtation-with-delinquency subplots from the 1980s.

There’s also a newly arrived immigrant from Cuba who joins the class — a sleek prodigy named Marcel (Jeffrey Batista), who can play (and win) four simultaneous games with his eyes closed. Always good to have someone like that on your team! As likable an actor as Leguizamo is, “Critical Thinking” never generates the teacher/student face-off intensity that “Stand and Deliver” did. The issue of how the team members fund their trips, with Martinez having to win over a skeptical principal (Rachel Bay Jones), creates some tension along the sidelines, yet once these kids start to win their tournaments it seems like they can do no wrong. The picture is pleasant enough, but watching it you’re always one or two moves ahead.

Related: 

Reviewed online, Aug. 31, 2020. MPAA Rating: Not rated. Running time: 113 MIN.

• Production: A Vertical Entertainment release of a Chaplin/Berkowitz production, in association with NRSP, Cinema Veritas. Producers: Scott Rosenfelt, Jason Mandl. Executive producers: Harvey R. Chaplin, Carla Berkowitz, Emilio Estefan Jr.
• Crew: Director: John Leguizamo. Screenplay: Dito Montiel. Camera: Zach Zambone. Editor: Jamie Kirkpatrick. Music: Chris Hajian.
• With: John Leguizamo, Corwin Tuggles, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Will Hochman, Angel Curiel, Jeffrey Batista, Michael Kenneth Williams, Rachel Bay Jones, Zora Casebere.

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• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Critical Thinking

The true story of the Miami Jackson High School chess team which was the first inner city team to win the U.S. National Chess Championship. The true story of the Miami Jackson High School chess team which was the first inner city team to win the U.S. National Chess Championship. The true story of the Miami Jackson High School chess team which was the first inner city team to win the U.S. National Chess Championship.

• John Leguizamo
• Dito Montiel
• Rachel Bay Jones
• Michael Kenneth Williams
• 31 User reviews
• 20 Critic reviews
• 65 Metascore

• Mr. Martinez

• Principal Kestel

• Mr. Roundtree

• Sedrick Roundtree

• Oelmy 'Ito' Paniagua
• (as Jorge Lendeborg)

• Rodelay Medina
• (as Angel Bismark Curiel)

• Marcel Martinez

• See all cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

• Trivia Martinez started the after-school chess club in 1992 after his teacher's lounge rounds of chess with another teacher sparked student interest. His playing partner left the school that year and students began challenging him to matches so the club was born.
• Goofs During Ito's game at the regional tournament, both Ito and Martinez say that he is in "Zugzwang". However, in a real "Zugzwang" situation, a player loses only because he is forced to make a move, while Ito lose the same way even if it was his opponent's time to move, as he could take the pawn on d3 with the queen.

Mr. Martinez : All right, now, people, this is gonna be very basic for some of you, but for the fish, or the newbies as I like to call you, this is gonna be eye opening because what you've got is 64 squares, 32 pieces, it doesn't matter how rich or poor you are, what Ivy League school you may go or you may not go to, what prison you hopefully never set foot in, because chess is the great equalizer.

• Crazy credits Over the credits, there are interviews with the real people who the movie is based on.
• Soundtracks What Would You Do Written by Timothy McNealy Performed by Timothy McNealy Published by Afrika Kuruvilla Kurian, BMI

User reviews 31

• Sep 16, 2020
• How long is Critical Thinking? Powered by Alexa
• September 4, 2020 (United States)
• United States
• Eleştirel Düşünme
• Miami, Florida, USA
• Critical thinking
• Cinema Veritas
• Hialeah Park Studios
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $3,000,000 (estimated)

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 57 minutes

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Critical Thinking

2020, Drama, 1h 57m

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Critics Consensus

Strategic in delivering all the feels, Critical Thinking is a good old-fashioned underdog story that marks a winning directorial debut for John Leguizamo. Read critic reviews

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Miami -- 1998. Poverty, broken families, and a prejudiced system push underprivileged youth to the fringes of society. But for a magnetic group of teens, there's a reprieve. A game where it's not about where you come from, but how you play. That equalizer is chess. Mr. "T" Martinez, a chess militant and passionate coach, leads them to a completely foreign field of battle.

Genre: Drama

Original Language: English

Director: John Leguizamo

Producer: Jason Mandl , Scott M. Rosenfelt

Writer: Dito Montiel

Release Date (Theaters): Sep 4, 2020  limited

Release Date (Streaming): Sep 4, 2020

Runtime: 1h 57m

Distributor: Vertical Entertainment

Production Co: Perfect Balance, Cinema Veritas, NRSP, Hialeah Park Studios

Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

Cast & Crew

John Leguizamo

Mario Martinez

Rachel Bay Jones

Principal Kestel

Michael Kenneth Williams

Mr. Roundtree

Corwin C. Tuggles

Sedrick Roundtree

Jorge Lendeborg

Ito Paniagua

Angel Bismark Curiel

Rodelay Medina

Will Hochman

Zora Casebere

Jeffry Batista

Marcel Martinez

Dito Montiel

Screenwriter

Jason Mandl

Scott M. Rosenfelt

Carla Berkowitz

Executive Producer

Harvey Chaplin

Emilio Estefan

Zachary Zamboni

Cinematographer

Jamie Kirkpatrick

Film Editing

Chris Hajian

Original Music

J. Mark Harrington

Production Design

Lewis Zucker

Art Director

Set Decoration

Danny Santiago

Costume Design

Avy Kaufman

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Is Critical Thinking Based on a True Story?

Directed by John Leguizamo, ‘Critical Thinking’ is a 2020 sports film that follows a group of kids from Miami Jackson High School trying to win the National Chess Championship. Led by Mario Martinez, the team comprises Sedrick Roundtree, Marcel Martinez, Gilbert Luna, Rodelay Medina, and Olemy Paniagua. The five boys come from the inner parts of Miami, where the families strive daily for necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing. Coach Mario Martinez sees their interest in chess as an opportunity for growth and sets out on a quest to create history.

Set in 1998, the film portrays what it’s like to come from underprivileged backgrounds and how classism deprives poor people of great opportunities. In addition, the narrative tackles subjects such as racism and juvenile crimes and depicts how the latter results from several other factors in a system that doesn’t uplift the downtrodden. The various characters and backdrops feel authentic and allow the audience to empathize with the people they see onscreen. The compelling performances and organic character journeys have got many wondering if the movie is rooted in reality. Well, allow us to shed some light on the matter.

Is Critical Thinking a True Story?

Yes, ‘Critical Thinking’ is a true story. Written by Dito Montiel and directed by John Leguizamo, the movie captures the events leading up to the 1998 National Chess Championship. It showcases how Mario Martinez and his team of boys from Miami Jackson High School won the title. The group is also the first-ever team from Miami to win the national title in chess . Executive producer, Carla Berkowitz, came up with this idea when she read an article in 1997 about the boys of Miami Jackson. She wanted to tell the story of all these boys doing such incredible things in the chess world with Mario Martinez’s help.

Interestingly the movie is quite close to how the events unfolded in real life. All 5 players in the movie are based on real-life chess players. Even the character of Coach Mario Martinez in the film has a real-life counterpart, who is a chess teacher . The real-life figures also played a significant role in the filming process. In an interview with CineMovie, Carla Berkowitz said , “All the boys that were portrayed and Mario obviously were the consultants in the chess movie.”

Another fascinating aspect is that Berkowitz wanted to make the movie for about two decades. Although filming began in 2018, Carla Berkowitz has been in touch with all players and Mario Martinez since 1997. While describing the movie’s accuracy, the real Mario Martinez and Carla Berkowitz mentioned a few things. First, all games we see the players play in the movie were played by their real-life counterparts. Second, Marcel’s book of chess moves also existed in real life. Third, the scene where Marcel plays with Mario, Sedrick, Roddy, and Gil, with his eyes closed, happened in reality too.

Numerous events in the movie mirror circumstances that transpired in reality, which elevates the narrative’s authenticity. ‘Critical Thinking’ is far more than a chess championship for Mario Martinez and the boys. The group comes from a place where they have nothing but want to create a better life for themselves. However, the boys do not get a fair shot at anything due to racial discrimination and financial circumstances. Coach Martinez sees chess as an opportunity and a metaphor for their life.

At the film’s beginning, Martinez says that chess is an equalizer that puts everyone on a level playing field. In fact, the teacher solves almost every problem with a chess move because he considers the game symbolic of life. The ideology comes from the real-life coach. In an interview with Orlando Sentinel, he said , “Chess is a way of looking at choices and realizing, ‘If I do this, then this will happen. If I do that, then that will happen,'” Martinez deduced, “Choices have consequences. That’s critical thinking. That’s analytical. And that’s life.”

The coach always applies this philosophy in the movie, which leads the boys to bag the national title. Marcel wins the title for the individuals’ category, and Miami Jackson High School wins in the teams’ category. In real-life, Coach Martinez didn’t stop with the 1998 championship title. The teacher went on to win several more via kids who developed an interest in the sport. In the next four years, he offered his guidance to various teams comprising different players representing Miami Jackson and won 4 more national championship titles.

In 2000, Rodelay Medina became the national champion in the expert division. Marcel played three opponents simultaneously while being blindfolded. Therefore, to reiterate, ‘Critical Thinking’ is a true story of a group of boys and their coach from Miami Jackson. It essays how Martinez and his team become the first from Miami to win the National Chess Championship. The narrative also portrays how the boys overcome several struggles and move toward a hopeful future.

Read More: Is Mario Martinez Based on a Real-Life Coach? Where is He Now?

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Critical Film Studies: An In-Depth Exploration of Cinematic Analysis

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on July 30, 2023

Categories Filmmaking , Education

Critical film studies is an academic discipline that focuses on the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of films, filmmakers, and their impact on society, culture, and the art of cinema.

This field of study adopts various theoretical frameworks and critical approaches to better understand and engage with the complex visual, auditory, and narrative elements that make up a film.

Throughout its history, critical film studies has evolved to encompass a broader range of topics such as the historical and cultural context of film, the impact of political and social issues on film production and reception, and the roles of technology and the economy in shaping the film industry.

As a result, critical film studies today incorporates a wide range of methodologies and perspectives, aiming to generate meaningful conversations about the influence and importance of films in our lives.

Key Takeaways

• Critical film studies analyzes and evaluates films to understand their impact on society and the art of cinema.
• The discipline has evolved to cover various topics like historical and cultural context, political issues, and the film industry’s economic aspects.
• A range of theoretical frameworks and methodologies are employed to foster significant discussions about films’ role and influence in our lives.

History and Evolution of Critical Film Studies

Early film studies.

In the early days of film studies, it was primarily concerned with the aesthetics and technical aspects of filmmaking. Early film theorists like Sergei Eisenstein and Vsevolod Pudovkin focused on the role of editing and storytelling in cinema.

They analyzed the various methods filmmakers employed to create meaning and evoke emotions in the audience.

The study of film as an art form eventually expanded to include the cultural and sociopolitical contexts in which films were produced and consumed.

One of the key movements in early film studies was the auteur theory , which emphasized the creative control of a director over a film, viewing them as the primary author of a work. This led to the establishment of film studies as an academic discipline, integrating it into the broader field of film history .

Modern Approaches

Modern critical film studies have evolved to encompass a wide range of critical approaches , such as the study of film and cultural identity, film and gender, and the relationship between film and history.

This expansion of the field has allowed scholars to examine films from various perspectives, including reception studies, which focus on how audiences engage with and interpret films.

Technological advancements in filmmaking and film distribution have also shaped the development of critical film studies. With the advent of digital cinema and streaming platforms, film scholars have had to adapt their analyses to new modes of production and consumption.

Furthermore, the field has had to consider the role of transnational and global cinema, as films are increasingly produced and distributed beyond national boundaries.

In short, critical film studies has evolved significantly over time, adapting to new cultural, social, and technological contexts to provide scholars with a multifaceted understanding of the medium of film and its impact on society.

Theoretical Frameworks

Auteur theory.

The Auteur Theory suggests that the director’s personal creative vision is the driving force behind a film, making them the primary “author” of the piece. Often, the director’s work is analyzed for recurring themes, visual styles, and distinct narratives that represent their unique perspective.

This approach to film theory emphasizes the creative power of an individual in shaping film regardless of time, genre, or changing societal norms.

Genre Studies

Genre Studies focus on examining how films fit into certain established genres or categories. These can include everything from romantic comedies, action dramas, to science fiction or horror.

By comparing and contrasting films within a genre, critics can identify common themes, narrative structures, visual aesthetics, and character archetypes. Genre studies also touch on the social impact of these films and the audience’s expectations, and how they reflect societal values and interests.

Gender and Sexuality

An essential aspect of critical film theory is analyzing movies through the lens of Gender and Sexuality . This approach looks at how films portray and represent gender roles, sexual orientations, and the dynamics between these.

By considering the ways movies depict masculinity, femininity, and diverse sexual identities, critics can identify societal norms, biases, and stereotypes in the film industry. This framework of film theory is closely related to sociology, as it helps to demonstrate the relationship between cinema and the society it reflects.

Influential Films and Case Studies

Pulp fiction.

Pulp Fiction is a highly influential film directed by Quentin Tarantino. The non-linear narrative structure and unique blend of dark humor, violence, and pop culture references have made it a classic.

The cast includes big names such as John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, and Uma Thurman. Their dynamic performances, along with Tarantino’s distinct directing style, have shaped the film’s impact on media and film studies.

My Dinner with Andre

My Dinner with Andre is a thought-provoking film that explores the art of conversation.

It features two main characters, played by Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory, engaging in a real conversation over dinner. Directed by Louis Malle, the movie focuses on the depth and importance of interpersonal communication.

My Dinner with Andre has become a seminal work in critical film studies as it pushes the boundaries of plot conventions and challenges viewers to examine their own conversations and relationships.

Community Episode: Critical Film Studies

Community, a popular TV show, has an episode titled “Critical Film Studies” that pays homage to My Dinner with Andre. The episode stars Danny Pudi as Abed, who invites Jeff (played by Joel McHale) to a “Pulp Fiction” themed surprise party.

However, Abed and Jeff end up at another restaurant, where Abed recreates the setting of My Dinner with Andre.

Throughout the episode, themes from both Pulp Fiction and My Dinner with Andre are discussed by the characters. For example, the “gimp” scene from Pulp Fiction serves as a metaphor for the masks people wear in society. We also see the character of Britta, played by Gillian Jacobs, attempt to recreate a scene from Cougar Town, a show Abed likes, to teach Troy (played by Donald Glover) a lesson.

The clever blend of pop culture references and media studies commentary makes this Community episode a prime example of how films like Pulp Fiction and My Dinner with Andre continue to influence television and storytelling in various formats.

Roles and Careers in Film Studies

Film studies is an academic discipline that examines various aspects of cinema, including film production, theory, and history. Graduates in this field have plenty of career opportunities in the film industry and beyond, such as film directors, filmmakers, and film studies educators.

Directors are responsible for overseeing the creative aspects of a film. They work closely with actors, screenwriters, and production staff to ensure the final product aligns with their creative vision.

A strong foundation in film studies can provide aspiring directors with valuable knowledge about cinematic techniques, storytelling, and film history. To gain hands-on experience, students may participate in internships or create their own short films, paving their path into the film industry.

Filmmakers, including producers and writers, work collaboratively to create films from pre-production through to post-production. They are involved in various aspects of film production, like screenwriting, budgeting, and marketing.

One possible career path for film studies graduates is independent filmmaking, which allows for greater creative freedom while producing films outside mainstream networks. They can also find work opportunities in theater productions, journalism, and animation, where their understanding of film concepts, visual storytelling, and critical analysis can be applied effectively.

Film Studies Faculty

Film studies graduates may also choose to pursue a career in academia as faculty members at colleges and universities. They teach courses on film history, theory, and production, helping students develop a critical understanding of the medium.

Beyond teaching, they often engage in research, publish scholarly articles, and present at conferences to contribute to the ongoing development of the field. A career in academia typically requires a higher degree like a master’s or a Ph.D. in film studies or a related discipline.

In conclusion, film studies graduates have a variety of career options to explore within the film industry and beyond. Their deep understanding of the craft and business of cinema can be applied in professions like directing, producing, writing, and teaching.

Through internships and hands-on experience, they can build their networks and establish a strong foundation for their future endeavors.

Impact on Society

The impact of critical film studies on society can be seen in the way movies influence community values and norms. One significant area in which this relationship becomes apparent is censorship .

As films are often seen as powerful communication mediums, they sometimes face scrutiny and restrictions to prevent negative influence on society. Governments might impose censorship on films deemed inappropriate, offensive, or politically dangerous, as they can shape public opinion and trigger unforeseen consequences.

Influence on Pop Culture

Films are also significant contributors to pop culture , impacting society through fashion, music, and social trends. For instance, movies like “The Matrix” and “Pulp Fiction” redefined fashion and action movie tropes, while “Jurassic Park” created a lasting fascination with dinosaurs.

Films can also lead to social activism and advocacy, such as An Inconvenient Truth raising public concern about global warming.

Interpreting Films as an Art Form

Lastly, critical film studies encourage viewers to interpret movies as an art form, going beyond mere entertainment. The analysis of films involves dissecting the underlying messages, themes, and cultural significance.

This process helps audiences appreciate the intricacies of filmmaking and recognize the impact of cinema on their own beliefs and values. By examining films as art, viewers deepen their understanding of society and culture, fostering open-mindedness and critical thinking.

Notable Film Critics and Scholars

Richard ayoade.

Richard Ayoade is a British actor, director, and television presenter known for his work in various genres of film and television. Ayoade has a distinct and analytical approach to film criticism which he incorporates into his work as a filmmaker.

His directorial debut, Submarine (2010), is a perfect example of his unique take on storytelling and character development, while his sophomore feature, The Double (2013), showcases his ability to blend visual storytelling with a thought-provoking narrative.

Joel McHale

Joel McHale is an American actor, comedian, and television host best known for his work on the television show, Community . While he may not be a traditional film critic, McHale has a keen understanding of the entertainment industry and offers entertaining and insightful perspectives on both film and television.

His background in comedy allows him to approach film criticism from a humorous angle while maintaining a thoughtful and analytical viewpoint.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover, also known by his stage name Childish Gambino, is a multi-talented artist who excels in many different mediums, including acting, writing, music, and directing. Glover’s work in the film and television industry demonstrates his deep understanding of narrative structure, character development, and visual storytelling.

As a film critic, Glover’s perspective is unique because of his diverse experiences in various artistic disciplines. His work on the groundbreaking television series, Atlanta , showcases his ability to merge film, television, and music into a cohesive and innovative storytelling experience.

Television Show Community and Film Studies

Themes and concepts.

The television show “Community” is known for its exploration of various themes and concepts related to film studies. A notable episode is Critical Film Studies , which aired on NBC during the second season. This episode centers around a “Pulp Fiction”-themed birthday party for the character Abed, organized by the study group at the college they attend.

Throughout the episode, discussions of Erik Satie’s music, cinematic trivia, and concepts of friendship intertwine with themes of critical media analysis. The episode delves into these ideas in a way that showcases the influence of film studies on the show.

Performance Reviews

“Critical Film Studies” received positive reviews for its exploration of film study concepts, as well as the performances of the actors.

The dynamic between the character Jeff, who represents the mainstream fascination with pop culture, and Abed, who has a deeper appreciation for the art of cinema, offers an interesting perspective on the importance of film studies in contemporary society.

The actors’ portrayals of their characters, combined with the clever writing, contribute to the episode’s success as a unique exploration of film theories and concepts.

Connections to Film Studies

The “Community” episode not only highlights various film studies concepts and theories but also directly connects to film studies as an academic discipline. In the context of the show, the college Dean is tasked with overseeing various subject areas, including film studies.

The episode’s approach to critical media analysis, combined with its strong connections to the characters’ academic pursuits, showcases the value and potential impact of film studies on popular culture.

Overall, “Critical Film Studies” is an example of how television programming can engage with and promote the importance of film studies in a creative and entertaining way.

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'Nickelodeon' Is Latin for 'I Don't Care About God'?

"using google translate" and "seeing for yourself" only works in cases like this if you also have your critical-thinking cap on., aleksandra wrona, published march 29, 2024.

About this rating

In March 2024, a meme went viral on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that "Nickelodeon" is the Latin translation of the English phrase, "I don't care about God." The image was also shared on Instagram , Facebook , and TikTok . "Use Google translate and see for yourself," one Instagram post with the image  read . 

The rumor spread in the aftermath of the premiere of " Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV ," a "docu-series that uncovers the toxic culture behind some of the most iconic children's shows of the late 1990s and early 2000s." As The Guardian review  of the documentary informed, the "'in plain sight'" moments in the series are clips from Nickelodeon shows that "repeatedly featured underage performers in bikinis or leotards, or having jets of water or thin stripes of goo squirted into their faces."

(X user @AnimeBibleVerse)

We found that the same rumor was spread in 2023 via  TikTok and Instagram  posts linking it to Illuminati conspiracy theories.

Snopes found that "Nickelodeon" is not, in fact, a genuine Latin translation of the phrase "I don't care about God." We have rated the claim as "False."

To begin with, whoever created the viral image broke up the name "Nickelodeon" into arbitrary segments divided by spaces, so that Google Translate would interpret it as a phrase instead of a single word. When we performed our own Google Translate search of "nic kelo deo" on March 29, 2024, the English translation in fact read "I don't care about God." However, when we clicked on the English translation of the phrase, Google Translate indicated that in Latin it would be rather "Non curat de Deo." 

(Google Translate Screenshots)

We tried looking up different variations of the alleged Latin sentence via Google Translate website. For instance, when we entered "nic kelo deo n" (including an extra "n" at the end), the translation into English remained unchanged as "nic kelo deo n." Furthermore, translating the phrase "I don't care about God" from English into Latin showed the result "Non curat de Deo."

(Google Translate)

What's more, when we searched for "nic" and "kelo," Google Translate the results read "nothing" and "kelo." However, Online Latin Dictionary did not show any results when we searched for " nic " or " kelo ." 

(www.online-latin-dictionary.com)

We have reached out to Google for a comment on the matter and will update the article if/when we receive a response.

Etymonline, an online etymology dictionary, explained that the word "Nickelodeon"  derived from a combination of the word "nickel," a five-cent coin, and the Greek word "odeion," meaning a music hall. 

1888 as the name of a theater in Boston; by 1909 as "a motion picture theater," from nickel "five-cent coin" (the cost to view one) + -odeon, as in Melodeon (1840) "music hall," ultimately from Greek oideion "building for musical performances" (see odeon). Meaning "nickel jukebox" is first attested 1938.

In December 2022, we debunked a similar false rumor, claiming that "Balenciaga" was Latin for "Baal is king."

Nickelodeon | Etymology of Nickelodeon by Etymonline . https://www.etymonline.com/word/nickelodeon. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

ONLINE LATIN DICTIONARY . https://www.online-latin-dictionary.com/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Palma, Bethania. "No, 'Baal Enci Aga' Doesn't Mean 'Baal Is King' in Latin." Snopes , 7 Dec. 2022, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/balenciaga-baal-is-king-latin/.

Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV . Business Insider, Maxine Productions, Sony Pictures Television, 2024.

Seale, Jack. "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV Review – How on Earth Was This Stuff Ever Broadcast?" The Guardian , 25 Mar. 2024. The Guardian , https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/mar/25/quiet-on-set-the-dark-side-of-kids-tv-review-how-on-earth-was-this-stuff-ever-broadcast.

By Aleksandra Wrona

Aleksandra Wrona is a reporting fellow for Snopes, based in the Warsaw area.

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