The best way to define the distinctive qualities of Leigh's work (and the implicit challenge it presents for viewers) is to notice its difference from mainstream American film. Hollywood movies are basically devoted to achievement. Characters are defined in terms of their ability to do things (anything from freeing the hostages to getting the girl) – frequently by being pitted against each other in tests of wit or prowess. Hollywood understands life as essentially a matter of competition, achievement, and reward.

A narrative organized around a series of problems for characters to solve or goals to achieve appeals to American viewers for at least two reasons. First, it makes the story easy to follow. Characters' progress (or failure to progress) can be measured in an almost step-by-step way.