How to talk about films: Non- print Fiction
Date: 26th October 2005
Time: 2:00- 3:00 p.m.
Venue : School Hall
1. A film has
 Plot
 Characters and
 Setting
2. When you talk about a film, you can discuss
 What kind of film it is
 What feeling you have while watching it and
 What message it conveys.
3. Here is a checklist of things you might mention when
discussing a film:
 Storyline
 Actors and actresses
 Setting
 Directing
 Sound and Music
 Special effects
 Camera work
 Lighting effect and
 Feelings you have after watching it.
Titanic
Background information:
 Starring Leonardo Dicarprio and Kate Winslet.
 Winner of the Best Picture and 11 Oscar Academy
Awards(1997)
 The movie was about “Titanic’ …the Unsinkable
which sank in April 1912 off the coast of Halifax ,
Canada after crashing into an iceberg.
 Titanic was also known as a ship of Dreams”. It
was made of steel.
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Titanic is not just a cautionary tale- a myth, a parable, a
metaphor for the ills of mankind. It is also a story of faith,
courage, sacrifice and above all , love.”
James Cameron(1997).
General Questions:
1. Do you like the story?
2. What does this movie talk about?
a. greed
b. Class distinction
c. over reliance on technology
d. fight for survival
e. sacrifice
3. Has the movie changed the way you think?
4. What message does the story convey?
Questions about characters:
1. How would you describe the characters?
Are they well cast?
2. Which character is your most favorite?
3. Which character you dislike most?
4. Was Rose a happy person before she met Jack on
Titanic?
5. Is it justifiable to consider Jack a noble person?
Questions about plot :
1. Do you like the storyline?
2. Does the plot move fast enough to keep your
attention?
3. What are the key events in the movie?
4. Could the story be ended differently?
Questions about the theme music/ special effects?
1. Do you like the theme music? Does it match the theme
of the movie?
2. How do you rate the animation, the sound effect, the
props and other special effects of the movie?
(You can refer to the scene- Sinking of the Titanic)
Last two questions:
1. How can this movie be compared to other Hollywood
blockbusters?(e.g. the Aviator)
2. Would you recommend this movie to your friends?
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Group Discussion
Work in small group of four and share your insight on the
questions I have listed on the worksheet. You may also consider
the following the framework for discussion:
 What do you think about the story?
 What do you think about the acting?
 Does the film convey any message?
 Would you recommend this film to your friends?
Contributed by CCC Ming Yin College
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