Do you love talking about Films? Are you trying to watch more films in English?
Thinking in English is hosting another Film Club!- 18:00 UTC on Wednesday 21st February!
Join us to discuss…. The Grand Budapest Hotel!
You can find more details on how to participate on Patreon and Discord!
Film Club – The Grand Budapest Hotel – Conversation Questions –
Useful Resources – Vocabulary – Example Answers
What is the Thinking in English Film Club?
The Film Club is a great opportunity for Thinking in English Patreon members to practice their conversational English by discussing a film with other members.
In each session we will talk about one film, please try to watch it before attending! Just like in the normal Conversation Clubs we will provide 10 questions about the film to help to inspire you.
You can find these (and some other useful resources) below…
For our next meeting on Wednesday 21st January, we will be discussing a The Grand Budapest Hotel, the most successful film from director Wes Anderson.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
What is The Grand Budapest Hotel?
Here is a movie description for The Grand Budapest Hotel!
The Grand Budapest Hotel” is a whimsical movie set in a fictional central European country in the 1930s. It is about a luxury hotel and its quirky staff.
We follow Monsieur Gustave, the hotel’s flamboyant concierge, and Zero, his lobby boy and loyal assistant.
The two main characters get caught up in a crazy adventure involving theft and murder. Along the way, they meet lots of strange characters and have exciting escapades.
The movie is visually stunning and a prime example of director Wes Anderson’s unique style. It has a lot of carefully choreographed moments of physical comedy but also teaches us about friendship, loyalty, and facing challenges with courage.
Overall, it’s a light-hearted and enjoyable film that is meticulously crafted in the director’s iconic personal style.
Conversation Questions and Talking Points!
- Who was your favourite character in the movie? Why?
- Can you remember any moments when the film made you laugh? Do you like this type of comedy?
- How did the visual style of the movie contribute to its overall impact?
- What is the importance of the setting (time period and location) of the film?
- What is the importance of the start of the film showing the ways the story is being told?
- How did the movie balance its comedic elements with its more serious themes?
- Do you think the hotel itself was an important symbol in the film? What does it represent?
- How did the director use of different aspect ratios and colour palettes?
- Do you think “The Grand Budapest Hotel” has a deeper meaning beyond its surface story? If so, what do you think it is?
- How does the film explore the concept of legacy, both in terms of personal legacies and those of institutions like the hotel?
And finally, how would you describe the film to someone who has never seen it before? Would you recommend it? Why?
Do you have any more thoughts or questions about The Grand Budapest Hotel? Why not prepare 1 or 2 more of your own questions or opinions about the film?!
Useful Resources
To help you prepare for the Film Club, you might want to look at the following useful online resources:
Playlist of The Grand Budapest Hotel on YouTube:
IMDb Page
IMDb page where you can find everything about the film including: Videos, Characters, Cast and Crew, Plot Synopsis, Quotes, Reviews and more!
Online Review: Wes Anderson’s new film is a ‘deeply pleasurable immersion’
A film review from 2014 in the major UK newspaper The Guardian written by Peter Bradshaw
Vocabulary
The Grand Budapest Hotel Vocabulary
Learn and practice vocabulary for this Conversation Club!.
Practice using 5 different study games and activities – including writing, listening, and memorisation techniques!
Flashcards
Matching Game
Learning Game
Test Yourself
General Film Vocabulary
Learn and practice vocabulary for this Thinking in English Conversation Club.
Practice using 5 different study games and activities – including writing, listening, and memorisation techniques!
Flashcards
Matching Game
Learning Game
Test Yourself
Listening and Spelling
Example Answers
Example answers to question 5 – “What is the importance of the start of the film showing the ways the story is being told?”
B1 Example Answer
B2 Example Answer
C1 Example Answer
See you all at the Film Club!
