Writing a film essay on a main character
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Develop a critical response to
specified aspect(s) of oral or
visual text using supporting
evidence.
Develop a convincing critical
response to specified aspect(s)
of oral or visual text using
supporting evidence.
Achievement with Excellence
Develop an integrated and
perceptive critical response to
specified aspect(s) of oral or
visual text using supporting
evidence.
Choose ONE question.
Read the whole question and make sure you understand it before you begin your answer.
Write an essay of AT LEAST 400 words.
Your essay should develop a critical response based on close analysis of appropriate text(s).
You should support your ideas with relevant evidence.
You will be rewarded for demonstrating perceptive understanding and sustained insight.
Your essay should include:
an introduction, clearly stating the focus and scope of the argument

a range of appropriate points, supported by accurate and relevant evidence

a reasoned conclusion.

Your essay should show accurate use and control of writing conventions.
Remember what you already know about writing essays:
 PLAN FIRST. You must plan so that you are able to group similar ideas together and
present them in a logical order.
 Have three or four different ideas that support your point of view.
 You must have quotes from the film, specific scene references, and specific production
techniques (film techniques) to support your answer.
 “at least 400 words” means you should be aiming at 500-600 words, especially if you
want Merit or Excellence. Remember you have an hour to write it this time.
 Develop your paragraphs using SEXIST:
Statement
Explanation
eXample
director’s Intention
links to Society
Themes
The main character in the film is Paul Rusesabagina, played by Don Cheadle. His
attributes of courage, integrity, intelligence, and generosity affect the way the story
turns out. It is the choices Paul makes that lead to over a thousand refugees being
saved. Paul changes during the film, from being concerned mainly about his family,
to trying to help everyone that he can. Paul is important because we see the events
in Rwanda unfolding from his point of view – the story is told through his eyes.
Here are two different questions on characters from past exam papers, and a suggested
plan for how to answer them. Use on of these plans or come up with ideas of your own to
write an essay on “Hotel Rwanda”.
“The use of a range of production techniques can help a director to develop
characters.” To what extent do you agree with this view?
Introduction: topic, title and director of film, main points in essay.
Paragraph 1: Music/sound effects help us to understand Paul’s feelings, e.g. in the
river road massacre scene. This is important because the director wants us to
sympathise/identify with Paul.
Paragraph 2: Camera techniques are also used to help us understand his feelings,
for example point-of-view shots, pan/tracking shots. This is important because the
director wants to show us events in Rwanda from one man’s point of view – we see
the story through Paul’s eyes. Close ups help us to see his reactions, e.g. talking to
the General, “Please shoot me!”
Paragraph 3: Costume: wearing a suit makes Paul seem civilised, professional,
rich, intelligent. He tears off his shirt and tie after seeing the river road massacre –
symbolic of the destruction of civilisation by the Hutu. Shows us what an effect it
has had on Paul. Link to theme: horror of war.
Conclusion: we need a range of production techniques to fully develop Paul’s
character.
“Films are primarily concerned with the issues of everyday people.” To
what extent do you agree with this view?
Introduction: Although civil war is an extraordinary circumstance, the director helps
us to understand it through the issues of everyday people. (title, director, main
points).
Paragraph 1: Production techniques used to present characters as ordinary people,
help us to identify with them. Music, costume, close ups, dialogue…
Paragraph 2: One issue Paul deals with is providing for his family and keeping them
safe. “Family is all that matters.” “I will never leave you.”
Paragraph 3: Another issue Paul deals with is the fear of losing his job; trying to
“maintain the dignity of the Mille Collines”.
Paragraph 4: Explain why these issues are important in the film – link to themes,
director’s intention, etc.
Conclusion