SHREK - CRITICAL ESSAY PLAN
SHREK is both a modern fairytale and an animated feature, which
challenges our expectations and is a “superb film on any level”. Discuss.
PARAGRAPH 1 – INTRODUCTION
• Name movie and main character
• Movie genre
• Main characters – ogre, princess, donkey, Lord F.
• Setting – swamp, castle etc
• Plot – quest to save princess Fiona
• Modern fairytale – challenges genre stereotypes
• Challenges our expectations
• Appeals to modern audience – modern heroine, humour etc
FOR EACH MAIN PARAGRAPH:
 STATEMENT
 EVIDENCE
 EXPLANATION
PARAGRAPH 2 – CHARACTERS – Shrek, Fiona, Lord Farquaad, Donkey
• How the main characters conform to the genre (fairytale) stereotypes.
• How the main characters are different to the genre (fairytale) stereotypes.
• How does this make the film more challenging/enjoyable/funny etc
PARAGRAPH 3 – SETTING- swamp, dragon’s castle, Duloc
 How does the setting conform to the stereotypical fairytale?
 How is it different?
 How does this make the film more challenging/enjoyable/funny etc
PARAGRAPH 4 – PLOT- Shrek’s quest
 How does the plot conform to the stereotypical fairytale?
 How is it different?
 How does this make the film more challenging/enjoyable/funny etc
PARAGRAPH 5 – THEMES
 Good triumphs over evil
 Appearance and reality
 Love
 Friendship
 Choose some of the themes above and explain what ‘messages’ we get
from the film.
 What does the film SHREK say about the themes?
PARAGRAPH 6 – FILM TECHNIQUES
 How do camera shots help create setting, character, tension etc?
 How do camera angles help create setting, character, tension etc?
 How does the use of music add to the movie?
PARAGRAPH 6 – CONCLUSION
 Sum up the things which make SHREK such a “superb film”
 Look at your jotter homework for ideas!