Matchstick Men (2003) Ridley Scott
Discussion Questions, Resources, and Viewing Guide
“Madness in Movies” Coordinated Studies
Brian Holt & JC Clapp, North Seattle Community College, 2013
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Do see any symbols (physical objects that represent abstract concepts) or motifs (repeated
elements that carry meaning) in this film?
What do you notice about how the film was shot. Were there any interesting camera
angles or editing that are worth pointing out?
Discuss the film’s soundtrack. Where and how is music used effectively?
What is the narrative structure of this film? How does it build to the “reveal” at the end?
What kind of character is Roy? Consider his behaviors, thoughts, and actions as well as his
physical characteristics such as his clothing. What are we explicitly told about him? What
must we infer?
What kind of character is Frank? Consider his behaviors, thoughts, and actions as well as
his physical characteristics such as his clothing. What are we explicitly told about him?
What must we infer?
What about Angela? Did you ever suspect she wasn’t being truthful with Roy? When did
you figure it out? In retrospect, or upon a second viewing, where there hints along the
way?
What does this film tell us about being a man? A father? A criminal?
How does this film portray mental illness? Sympathetically? Or with hostility? Are we
meant to identify with Roy?