Do you love talking about Films? Are you trying to watch more films in English?
Thinking in English will host the monthly Film Club: Premiere at 18:00 (UTC+1) on Wednesday 31st July!
Join us to discuss…. Mulholland Drive!
You can find more details on how to participate on Patreon and Discord!
Film Club – Mulholland Drive – 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.
Members meet every week on Wednesdays at 6pm UK Time to discuss Films and TV. Most weeks there is no specific topic and you do not have to watch or prepare anything before joining. It’s just a free chat about films!
However at the end of each month we have a special Film Club: Premiere where we discuss one specific film. Earlier in the month, members have voted for what film they want to discuss and 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 Film Club: Premiere on Wednesday 31st July, we will be discussing Mulholland Drive, an unforgettable surreal mystery from the cult-favourite master filmmaker David Lynch.
Mulholland Drive
(2001)
What is Mulholland Drive
Here is a movie description for Mulholland Drive!
“Mulholland Drive,” directed by David Lynch, is an exciting, sometimes disturbing, and very confusing psychological thriller. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director, the film is especially remembered for Naomi Watts’ amazing breakout performance.
Watts plays Betty, a seemingly innocent and hopeful young actress who has just moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming a movie star. In her apartment, Betty finds a frightened woman who seems to have lost her memory after a car crash. As the two women try to uncover the truth, the audience is taken on a series of unexpected twists and turns, exploring the beauty, pain, jealousy, and illusions of a “Hollywood” love story.
The film is very surreal, not following a normal timeline. Even 23 years after its release, people still discuss and argue about its true meaning. Despite—or maybe because of—its mysterious nature, “Mulholland Drive” remains vivid, thought-provoking, and features deeply human performances.
Conversation Questions and Talking Points!
- What did you think about the relationship between the two main characters? How did it evolve throughout the film?
- Did your understanding of all the characters’ identities change in the final part of the film?
- Did you find any parts of the film particularly disturbing or emotional? Which parts?
- What was your favorite scene in the movie and why?
- How did the movie’s non-linear narrative affect your understanding of the story? Did you find it hard to understand?
- What do you think is the significance of the blue box and key?
- What role do dreams play in the film?
- How does “Mulholland Drive” portray Hollywood?
- Is this a love story? What does it have in common with a traditional love story, how is it different?
- How do you understand the ending of the film? Did it make the rest of the film make sense?
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 Mulholland Drive? 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:
IMDb Page
IMDb page where you can find everything about the film including: Videos, Characters, Cast and Crew, Plot Synopsis, Quotes, Reviews and more!
Roger Ebert Film Review
Review written by legendary American film critic Roger Ebert
YouTube Analysis
An explanation and analysis of the film by YouTube creator LondonCityGirl
Vocabulary
Mulholland Drive 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
Listening and Spelling
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 2 – “Did your understanding of all the characters’ identities change in the final part of the film?”
B1 Example Answer
B2 Example Answer
C1 Example Answer
See you all at the Film Club!
