And I have to side with F and X. There is no "theory" in discourse theory, hence starting in on it is a good idea. The point of talking about a complex world is to make it simple, to make it undrstood. JB thinks "neo-Marxist critical theory" is one of the best "tools" we have for understanding semiotics and film. A tool is supposed to be labour saving not labour consuming. If you talk in critical theory speak there is no way to tell if you understand what you are saying never mind if I do. icj