Bring on the tough stuff. There’s not just one right answer.
- Men in Black touches upon some serious social concerns: racism, government oversight, immigration, to name a few. Why do you think the film chooses a comedic tone in which to address these issues? Follow up question: Does the comedic tone allow the film to properly address them?
- How would you describe the film's pacing? How does this pace affect the feel of the movie and do you think it is appropriate given what the movie is trying to accomplish?
- How does Rick Baker's creature design help set the film's mood? Would the film have been altered had they gone with a more, say, H.R. Giger approach to extraterrestrial design?
- Why do you suppose Kay erased Jay's memories if he was going to invite him to the Men in Black recruitment test anyway? What reason might he have had and what does this tell us about his character?
- Kay says: "A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals, and you know it." Do you think this sentiment is true for people as presented in Men in Black? Do you think people are presented fairly in the film?
- Dr. Laurel Weaver has her memories wiped more than any other character, and it's hinted that she may hold the record. What does this tell you about the character and the world of the film?
- The Men in Black are the ultimate government metaphor. What do you think the film is saying about the role of government in society?
- Why doesn't Edgar kill Beatrice? He murderballs a waiter for an apron; why do you think he spares the widowed Mrs. Edgar?
- In the original comics, Agent J was white, but in the film, he's played by African American actor Will Smith. Do you think the film would have been thematically different if the casting had been more in line with the source material?
- If you were in charge of the next MiB sequel, how would you do it? Would you delve into the darker themes and conflicts of the original comic book? Cast a female lead? Take the action away from Earth? How would your choices serve your version of MiB creatively and thematically?