In this episode, we dive into Peter Ustinov’s bold decision to film Billy Budd in black and white, even as color movies were becoming the norm. Through a mix of research and discussion, we explore why audiences often see black-and-white imagery as more “real,” and what that reveals about perception and cultural habits. We also examine the debate sparked by film critic Ivor Montagu, who challenged Ustinov’s idea of realism and the illusions created by cinema. Our conversation explores the connection between film style, psychology, and storytelling to reveal why sometimes the least literal images can feel the most truthful. Join us as we explore how art influences the way we perceive reality itself.