Hi Rick, my thoughts are that, yes I agree, I think that what most of us are doing is putting forward viable possibilities, rather than absolutes. I think that's what I'm doing anyway. I do, personally believe in what I am saying, but I also respect that other poeple may not see it that way - I guess that's what most of us have to do.
Oh and for my work, I think detailed analysis and observation are essential, there is so much detail in a frame, and so much that contributes to an image that a cursory reading would produce superficial evidence. Also, I don't agree that close readings of films allows for a greater number of interpretations - close readings are neverdiscussed in isolation from the rest of the text, so I don't see how that could happen. But that's a very interesting thought, and I'm sure I will consider it in future when I'm working.