film studies - themes

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

‘Super 8’ (J.J. Abrams, USA, 2011) ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ (Wes Anderson, USA, 2012)

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

Messages and valuesThe way messages and values are communicated to film audiences.

ThemeThe overarching ideas conveyed in a film. Examples of common film themes include moral dilemmas, conflict, racism, love, betrayal and redemption.

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

What key themes and messages did you identify in the reviews of ‘Super 8’?

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

What key messages and themes did you identify in reviews of ‘Moonrise Kingdom’?

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

Key Themes

Grief/loss/deathFamilyEnd of childhood

Key Messages

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

What is the significance of Super 8’s opening scene?

Consider the effect of the 4 technical elements.

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

How are the two families contrasted?

How does this relate to the theme of grief?

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

Super 8 can be seen as a coming of age film. It is about the trauma of the end of childhood and the move into adolescence.

Development of sexual identity

Progression through the Oedipal stages

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

The film’s key themes are grief, and Joe’s relationship with Alice.

How do the two themes link together?

• Home movie sequence

• Zombie sequence• ending

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

Key Themes

RelationshipsLoveFamilyEnd of childhoodCommunityUS SocietyImagination

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

Key Themes

US SocietyThe film is set in 1965 – dividing line in American history.‘this movie is set in an American village that doesn’t really exist in the same way it did anymore’ Wes Anderson.

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

Key Themes

Relationships:• Sam and Suzy• Suzy’s parents (Mr and Mrs

Bishop)• Mrs Bishop and Captain Sharp

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

Key Themes

Family

Sam-orphanBishopsSam and Suzy

Lesson Objectives: To be able to discuss the messages, values, and themes of ‘Super 8’ and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’.

Key Themes

Opening sequenceTelephone call – 8 minsSam and Suzy Constructing family – 23minsFamily – 27 minsBeach – 38mins30 letters