All posts by John

About John

I am a teacher, currently working in Banton Primary for North Lanarkshire Council. I also act as Product Owner/provide support for Glow Blogs. I like Blogs.

Matilda

General

  • When Hortensia begins to tell Matilda and Violet about Trunchbull, the camera begins to zoom in. Why do you think it does this?
  • When we are first introduced to Trunchbull in flashbacks, we do not see her face. Why do you think this is? Do you think it’s effective?
  • The first camera shot of the ‘Chokey’ is a low shot. Why do you think the filmmaker chose to use this shot?
  • When Matilda first sees the Trunchbull, how do you think she’s feeling? How would you feel?
  • Look at what colours the Trunchbull is wearing. Do you think the colours help represent her character? Why/why not?
  • The filmmaker uses low shots when Trunchbull is speaking to Amanda. Why do you think this is?
  • What kind of character do you think Amanda Thripp is? Do you think she’s scared of Trunchbull?
  • When Amanda says ‘but’ to Trunchbull, music begins to play. How does this piece of music make you feel? Does it match what is happening in the clip?
  • Does the music change when Amanda lands in the flowers? If so, in what way? How does it make you feel now?

Credit: Laura McEachran @MissLMacDonald

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Christmas

  • Why do you think a wide shot is used as Bob and Tiny Tim walk up the street?
  • What special celebration do you think it is and why? What can you infer from the clip to support your views?
  • What time of day do you think this scene is set? Why do you think that?
  • Do you think Bob and Tiny Tim are happy or sad as they walk down the street? Why do you think that?
  • Compare the colours used outside the house with inside. Do you think they help to set the scene? Why?
  • Are Mr Kratchit’s family happy to see him? Why do you think that?
  • Does Mrs Kratchit like Mr Scrooge? Why do you think that?
  • Do you agree or disagree with her?
  • If you were Mr Scrooge, what might you do after seeing the Kratchits at Christmas dinner?

Credit: Laura McEachran @MissLMacDonald

Arthur Christmas

Christmas

  • Look at the colours used to set the scene in the first few moments of the clip. What kind of place of you think it looks like? Does it remind you of anywhere?
  • A wide shot of the factory is used. Why do you think this is effective?
  • Listen to the soundtrack as the camera uses another wide shot. Does the sound match what is going on in that shot?
  • Why do you think there are so many characters who work there? How would you feel if you were working there?
  • When we are first introduced to Arthur in the clip, he is wearing a colourful jumper. Do you think this mirrors his character? ln what way?
  • How do you think the other characters feel about Arthur?
  • If you could use three words to describe his character, what would they be and why?
  • At one point in the clip, the soundtrack stops as Arthur speaks, why do you think the director does that?

Credit: Laura McEachran @MissLMacDonald

Klaus

Christmas

  • Which season do you think it is? Why do you think that?
  • As Klaus starts to walk away, he notices something happening. What do you think may be happening and why?
  • Why do you think the director uses a shot of the ground in this scene?
  • Look at the colours used in this clip. Why do you think the director has chosen to use these colours?
  • What toy did Penny have?
  • What happened to it?
  • How do you think Klaus feels about helping Jesper?
  • When did Klaus agree to meet Jesper?
  • If you could use three words to describe the character of Klaus, what would they be and why?

Credit: Laura McEachran @MissLMacDonald

It’s a Wonderful Life

Christmas

  • When George realises all of his friends and family have come to offer money, however do you think he felt?
  • Why do you think they offered to help him?
  • What special time of year is?
  • What clues can you find from the clip to help support your answer?
  • Why do you think the man with the glasses hesitates before putting his money in the pot?
  • e What do you think Harry’s job is?
  • The note from Clarence said, “No man is a failure who has friends.” What do you think that means?
  • The director often uses close up shots of George and his family in this scene. Why do you think they have done that?

Credit: Laura McEachran @MissLMacDonald

Miracle on 34th Street

Christmas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCNbTAtD-jU

  • How does the director’s use of colour in this clip make you feel? What do you think about his use of colour?
  • When Susan approaches Santa, the director makes the viewer think they are her by using a clever camera shot. Why do you think he chose to do that?
  • Where do you think this particular clip is taking place?
  • When Susan is talking to Santa, the camera focuses on Mr Bedford. Why do you think the director used that shot?
  • Do you think Susan believes he is the real Santa?
  • Why do you think the soundtrack changes slightly when Susan tells Santa she doesn’t have a Dad anymore? Do you think this is effective?

Credit: Laura McEachran @MissLMacDonald

The Star

Christmas

  • How does the director’s use of colour set the scene for introducing the two dogs?
  • How do you think the donkey feels when he sees these animals? Are there any clues in the clip?
  • Why do you think the director uses a single light when the soldier enters?
  • The music begins to change as the soldier searches for Mary. Why do you think this is? Do you think it is effective?
  • The director uses a low angle shot when donkey Is kicked to the ground. Why do you think he uses this?
  • The mood of the music changes as all the animals appear. Why do you think this is?
  • The last we see of the soldier is his helmet falling to the ground. What can we infer happened to him?

Credit: Laura McEachran @MissLMacDonald

The Grinch

Christmas

  • The Grinch What do you think the girl ts doing with the two ladies?
    Does the director’s use of colour set the scene well?
  • Why do you think the director chose a wide shot when we see the babies arriving?
    How does the director’s use of colour help the viewer to determine what time of day it is?
  • Do you think the director’s use of flashback is effective? Why/why not?
  • When baby Grinch arrives, he gets stuck in a tree and is very sad. He can see everyone inside and they appear to be very happy.
    These are two very contrasting shots. Do you think they help set the scene for the Grinch’s life so far? Why?
  • We see flashbacks from the Grinch’s childhood. Why do you think the director shows us these?

Credit: Laura McEachran @MissLMacDonald