“Cinema is truth at 24 frames per second.”
-Jean-Luc Godard
“Cinema is lies at 24 frames per second.”
-Michael Haneke

The following twenty four questions are prompts for a critical engagement of the film. Some can be answered immediately after watching, while others might require further research.

The Terminal (2004)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writers: Andrew Niccol, Sacha Gervasi, Jeff Nathanson

1. What is Viktor Navorski’s mission?
2. Who “sent” him on this mission?
3. What is significant about the title of the film?
4. How does Frank Dixon’s name connect to the theme in the move?
5. Does Frank love his job?
6. How is Frank contrasted with Viktor?
7. What happens as people come into contact with Viktor?
8. How is Amelia Warren revealed through her name?
9. What does Viktor do with his hands throughout the film?
10. What does Frank do with his hands throughout the film?
11. Why did the writer’s chose a goat for Viktor’s story over the heart medicine?
12. How does Viktor repair relationships throughout the film?
13. How is Viktor like/unlike Napoleon?
14. What is the role of music in the film?
15. How does language and miscommunication play in each relationship with Viktor?
16. What is the role of gifts in the film?
17. What is the role of barriers in the film?
18. How does Frank embody Law?
19. How does Viktor embody Grace?
20. Who else, like Viktor, is between worlds (“unacceptable”)?
21. Why would the film end with Amelia “unacceptable”?
22. Is Law abandoned at the end or is it reborn?
23. What are common themes and elements in Andrew Niccol’s films?
24. What are common themes and elements in Steven Spielberg’s films?