Problem with meaning on expressions like 'That is' and 'What does something do?'

[Bushwhacker]

In the following sentence there are a couple of doubts:

Finally, the last question --and that is--, what in fact does painting do? Also relevant to cinema: What in fact does cinema do?

My problem is on what is in red.

Any help, of major gratitude. And Happy New Year.

Bushwhacker :-D:up:

 

[Anglika]

In the following sentence there are a couple of doubts:

Finally, the last question --and that is--, "what in fact does painting do?" is also relevant to cinema: What in fact does cinema do?

My problem is on what is in red.

Any help, of major gratitude. And Happy New Year.

Bushwhacker :-D:up:

"in fact" = "in reality"/"in actual fact", so what does painting in reality do?/what does cinema in actual fact do?

 

[Bushwhacker]

"in fact" = "in reality"/"in actual fact", so what does painting in reality do?/what does cinema in actual fact do?

Thank You for your help, but sorry, it's my fault, I didn't express my doubts correctly. My problem is in the meaning of "and that is" (Can it mean something like "and that's the very question"?) and in the meaning of "what in fact does painting do?" (Can it mean "what in fact is the mission of painting? or the like?)

Thanks a lot again and excuse me my carelessness.

Bushwhacker :-D:up:

 

[Anglika]

No problem. You are more or less right.

"and that is" = "and the question is!

and yes, "what is painting's mission/aim/purpose" is pretty much what is meant.