This film is part of Free
The Art of the Whodunit: Rian Johnson on Knives Out
The modern master of murder mysteries discusses his creative process and how he’s reinventing the genre.
Overview
The creator of one of the most innovative modern mystery series in contemporary cinema, Rian Johnson, delves into the creative processes behind Knives Out, Glass Onion and the eagerly anticipated Wake Up Dead Man.
From behind-the-scenes stories to personal reflections, he reveals his approach to crafting intricate, character-driven mysteries, the evolution of Benoit Blanc as a modern detective figure and the series’ reinvention of classic whodunit tropes. He also reflects on the films, books, and storytellers that influenced him, and the way they have fed into and shaped his work. Hosted by Ali Plumb, film critic and journalist (BBC Radio 1) as part of LFF for Free at the BFI London Film Festival 2025
Related
Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A
Inside Film 2025 38 mins
Kyle MacLachlan talks to BFI CEO Ben Roberts about working with David Lynch on the legendary series Twin Peaks.
Daniel Craig in Conversation with Mark Kermode Daniel Craig in Conversation with Mark Kermode
Inside Film 2025 44 mins
Daniel Craig talks to Mark Kermode about his acting career, from his early role in Love is the Devil through to the Luca Guadagnino directed Queer.
Jafar Panahi Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Jafar Panahi Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 45 mins
The Palme d’Or-winning director looks back on a career that has seen him actively engage with art and politics.
Tessa Thompson Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Tessa Thompson Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 68 mins
The actor discusses her career, including her titular performance in BFI London Film Festival selection, Hedda.
Lynne Ramsay Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Lynne Ramsay Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 67 mins
Lynne Ramsay discusses her singular career populated by visually intoxicating, ground-breaking and provocative films.
Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 73 mins
Daniel Day-Lewis, the ultimate actor’s actor discusses his career in conversation with Mark Kermode.
Jon M. Chu: The Wizard of Wicked Jon M. Chu: The Wizard of Wicked
Inside Film 2025 49 mins
Director Jon M. Chu discusses his ground-breaking vision of Oz.
Yorgos Lanthimos Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Yorgos Lanthimos Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 66 mins
Yorgos Lanthimos sits down with Succession creator Jesse Armstrong to reveal the secret ingredients that underpin his uniquely weird brand of satire.
Islands - Extended Q&A Islands - Extended Q&A
Inside Film 2025 31 mins
Director Jan Ole Gerster and actor Sam Riley talk about Islands, a thriller with noirish undertones and echoes of Hitchcock and Highsmith.
Lynne Ramsay Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Lynne Ramsay Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 67 mins
Lynne Ramsay discusses her singular career populated by visually intoxicating, ground-breaking and provocative films.
Tessa Thompson Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Tessa Thompson Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 68 mins
The actor discusses her career, including her titular performance in BFI London Film Festival selection, Hedda.