"War Horse" Film

"War Horse" film (juniors)

1. Overall Aim & Learning Intention We are developing our understanding of and ability to analyse a film as a visual text Success Criteria We can study the film War Horse

2. W e A re L earning T o Discuss our first impressions of War Horse

3. What do you know about War Horse ? Use these questions as a prompt Have you heard of or read the novel? Have you heard of or seen the play version? Have you seen advertising for the film anywhere? What are your expectations of a film with this title?

4. Media Unit - Film In this unit we will study the war drama film War Horse (2012) It is based on the best selling book and play by UK author Michael Morpurgo . It is directed by t he famous Steven Spielberg . It is set in during World War I “ Young Albert enlists to service in WWI after his beloved horse, Joey, is sold to the cavalry. Albert's hopeful journey takes him out of England and across Europe as the war rages on”.

5. Film Summary Set in rural England and Europe during the First World War, War Horse begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert, who tames and trains him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraordinary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets-British cavalry, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter- The story reaches its emotional point in the heart of No Man's Land. The First World War is experienced through the journey of this horse-an journey of joy and sorrow, passionate friendship and high adventure.

6. Film Poster Image Light Colour Composition Text W ork in pairs to identify and describe the effects of all the different elements of this poster. Think in particular about the use of image, light, colour, composition and text . What type of film does this poster suggest and who do you think it is aimed at?

7. Learning Intention We are developing our understanding of and ability to analyse film trailers as a visual text Success Criteria We can discuss and complete a worksheet highlighting the difference between two trailers

8. Compare and Contrast Carefully watch the following trailers for War Horse Whilst watching make notes in your analysis table What type of film do you expect War Horse to be?

9. Write down the different images you see in each of the trailers. Think about: Target audience, Genre, Music, Sounds, Special effects, Camera shots/angles, Plot of the film/trailer Trailer A Trailer B

10. Trailer A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7lf9HgFAwQ Trailer B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRf3SfeMRD4

11. Think-Pair-Share With your partner, discuss and make notes on the following questions. As always, be prepared to share your thoughts with the rest of the class. 1. Are both trailers aimed at the same audience? Why? Why Not? 2. Why would a film need more than one trailer? 3. Which trailers did you prefer and why?

12. Task: Radio Script Now you have an idea of how the film is promoted by the trailer and the poster, think about how you might promote it on the radio. Using the text from the poster, or dialogue from the soundtrack to the trailer, W rite a script for a radio advert for the film’s release. Describe the music you would like to include, explaining its desired effect.

13. Learning Intention We are developing our understanding of and ability to analyse camera angles/shots Success Criteria We can discuss and identify different c amera angles/shots

14. Camera Shots

15. The Establishing Shot

16. The Wide-Shot

17. The High Angle Shot

18. The Low Angle Shot Low angles help give a sense of confusion to a viewer, of powerlessness within the action of a scene. The added height of the object may make it inspire fear and insecurity in the viewer, who is psychologically dominated by the figure on the screen.

19. The Medium Shot Contains a figure from the knees/waist up and is normally used for dialogue scenes, or to show some detail of action. Background detail is minimal, the audience already know where they are and now want to focus on dialogue and character interaction

20. The Close-Up Shot This shows very little background, and concentrates on either a face, or a specific detail . Everything else is just a blur in the background. This shot magnifies the object (think of how big it looks on a cinema screen) and shows the importance of things, be it words written on paper, or the expression on someone's face. The close-up takes us into the mind of a character. A film-maker may use this to make us feel extra comfortable or extremely uncomfortable about a character.

21. Camera Angles The relationship between the camera and the object being filmed gives emotional information to an audience, and guides our judgment about the character or object in the scene.

22. Camera Movement A director may choose to move action along by telling the story as a series of cuts, going from one shot to another, or they may decide to move the camera with the action. 1. Pans A movement which scans a scene horizontally. (across) 2 . Dolly Shot Where the camera is fixed Onto a moving object e.g. fixed onto the car so that we The viewer travel with the fast car

23. Film Camera Shots – Notes The Establishing Shot – shows overall scene from afar The Wide-Shot – shows longer stretch of room or people The High Angle Shot – looking downwards Low Angle Shot – Looking upwards Close Up Shot - concentrates on either a face, or a specific detail .

24. Learning Intention We are analysing and understanding the opening sequence of “War Horse ”. Success Criteria We can identify at least four different camera angles/shots and explain why they are used We can discuss ways in which Spielberg helps us to understand characters.

25. 1) What has been your first impression of Albert from the opening section? 2) List 5 words that describe Albert’s character. 3 Then write a sentence for three of these words which describes what shows this? Example : Albert is a strong character because…. Albert Narracott

26. What is your opinion on Joey as a central character in the film? 2) List 5 words that describe Joey’s nature and character traits. 3. Write two sentences that describes what shows this? Example : Joey is l oyal to Albert because…. Joey

27. Learning Intention We are learning about characterisation in films Success Criteria We can discuss ways in which Spielberg helps us to understand characters.

28. Like a book, directors use many different techniques to help the audience understand their characters. Think back to the scene we watched yesterday and comment on three techniques . How have they helped us to understand the characters we have met so far? Albert Narracott Ted Narracott (Albert’s father) Rosie Narracott (Albert’s mother) Mr Lyons (Landlord) Joey Costume Colour Sound/Music Dialogue – what they say Camera angles/movements Actions – what they do

29. Answer the following questions in sentences. As always, be prepared to share your thoughts with the rest of the class. Separation Do you think that Albert’s father was right to sell Joey? Justify your opinion . How do you think Albert is feeling when Joey leaves? Why? How does the audience feel when Albert and Joey are separated? Do you believe Albert’s promise to Joey? Why? Why not?

30. ASSESSMENT Learning Intention To analyse and evaluate a scene from “War Horse”. Success Criteria To carefully watch and write about the different technical codes used and the impact these have on the film.

31. Make notes on the following : Outline of the scene – a summary of what actually happens Character – what are they wearing, what do they do to show off their personality, are they a nice person? Why? Why not? Camera angles – Where exactly are they used? And, what exactly do they show? Sound – Diegetic and non-diegetic Colour – Does the colour change? When? Why? Lighting – Does the lighting change? When? Why? Importance of this scene to the rest of the film The first time we watch the scene, only look over your worksheet. Take in the scene as a whole. Thinking about: What is happening? What characters are important? etc. We will then watch the scene for a second, third – even a fourth time – then you should complete your Analysis sheet in as much detail as possible. You do not need to write in sentences but make sure you are noting down anything you think is important.

32. Written Task Choose ONE character from War Horse Write a paragraph describing his/her appearance, likes and dislikes, personality traits and background. You may want to include some techniques used which help you understand this character more fully.

33. Learning Intention We are developing our understanding of the themes within “War Horse” Success Criteria We can discuss and identify how the filmmakers show the friendship between Albert and Joey

34. What is a theme ? An important and recurrent idea within a text An idea the filmmaker wants you to learn/think about A message One of the main themes in “War Horse” is FRIENDSHIP

35. Friendship The novelist and the playwright use a range of literary and stylistic conventions to show how the bond of friendship between Joey and Albert grows. What ways do we see the friendship develop? The first meeting Playing together Showing affection for each other Training and work

36. Starter Task Select one of the scenes from yesterday which you believe best shows the bond forming between Joey and Albert. Describe what happens. What have you selected this moment over the others? Be prepared to share your thoughts with the rest of the class

37. Joey Changes from a working farm horse into a cavalry mount Write about how Joey might feel about the training During his last week of military education Joey has changed, how? Why do you think he has? What might he feel about his new life? His relationship with Captain Nicholls How would Joey view Captain Nicholls? How does Captain Nicholls treat Joey ?

38. Captain Nicholls Captain Nicholls is _________ with other soldiers. Why does he want Joey to be his horse? Why do you think we see Captain Nicholls drawing Joey? What does he do to keep his promise to Albert?  

39. Topthorn Joey forms a ________ with the black horse when they are taken by the _______. What affect does Joey have on Topthorn ? What does Joey volunteer to do? Joey _______________ so others will not suffer.

40. The German Soldiers What do the two soldiers prevent? The soldiers are ________ with Joey. Why does Gunther want to stop his brother? Why does Gunther steal the two horses and where do the two young men end up?

41. Characters Learning Intention We are developing our understanding of characters in “War Horse”. Success Criteria We can create notes on several characters from the film.

42. Emillie and Grandfather Emillie finds the horses in the ………... and she ………………………. Joey is ………………………. with Emillie . Joey and Topthorn bring …………….. to the family . Why does Emillie hide the horses in the attic? The German soldiers come to their home. The soldiers ……………………………………………………………………………… They tell Emillie’s grandfather: “The war has ……… ………… …… ……….” What do the characters of Emillie and her grandfather tell the audience about war?

43. The German Soldiers How do the soldiers treat the horses? Do all the soldiers treat the horses in the same way? Write down two things said by the soldiers which highlight their different opinions. How might Joey and Topthorn feel about their new owners?

44. Learning Intention To understand how and why director’s use lighting in film. Success Criteria Complete a table comparing two scenes of “War Horse”.

45. Low Key Lighting Produces sharp contrasts of light and dark areas. Deep, distinct shadows/silhouettes are formed. What genres might use a lot of low key lighting?

46. High Key Lighting Lighting is natural and realistic to our eyes Produces brightly lit sets or a sunny day. What genres might use a lot of low key lighting?

47. Now… Copy and complete the table by closely watching two clips from “ War Horse”. Scene One – The Farm Scene Two – The Battlefield What type of lighting is used: High Key Lighting or Low Key Lighting? What type of lighting is used: High Key Lighting or Low Key Lighting? How do you know this ? How do you know this ? What sorts of colours are used? What sorts of colours are used? Why has Spielberg used these colours? Why has Spielberg used these colours? Do es the music/sound match the colour/light? Why do you think this? Do es the music/sound match the colour/light? Why do you think this? Why do you think Spielberg used this kind of lighting in this scene? How is the lighting different in this scene? Why do you think Spielberg used this kind of lighting in this scene?

48. THEME Learning Intention: We are developing our understanding of the theme brutality of war. Success Criteria: We can analyse and create notes on a key scene from “War Horse” to show our understanding of the brutality of war .

49. Themes Friendship HARDSHIP Brutality of War Rural Life

50. The Brutality of War What does brutality mean? Violence Inhumanity Cruelty Ruthlessness

51. The directors show the audience the brutality of war in many different ways throughout the film. Write down at least two examples from the film – so far – which you believe show the hardship of being at war. Think about characters, sound, lighting, colours. Be prepared to share your examples with the rest of the class

52. Task As you study the following clip of the film: Create notes M inimum of five bullet points What you hear and see Think about these different techniques : Hear – Dialogue, sound effects, music See – Colours, light, characters, action, props Be prepared to share your ideas with the rest of the class

53. THEME Learning Intention: We are developing our understanding of the theme: brutality of war. Task This time around, pay close attention to Albert’s characters. Create notes on what we see and hear from him.

54. Albert A significant amount of time has passed in “War Horse”. The audience is shown this through Albert’s character. Amidst all the chaos of the battle we see Albert………………………………………………. He also………………………………………………………….. What might Albert’s character represent at this point of the film?

55. Brutality of World War One Which part of this section of “War Horse” do you think best shows the audience the brutality of World War One?

56. Starter Task No Man’s Land _______ dies and it clearly upsets Joey. For the first time in the film Joey is _____________. As Joey runs through No Man’s Land the director uses _____ and ________ music. As the _______ and ______ soldiers try to release Joey from the ______ _____Spielberg uses low-key lighting and _______ colours. He does this to show _________________________________________.

57. Learning Intention To analyse the final part of “War Horse”.

58. Task As you watch carefully, create notes on the following headings: Light Colour Music Camera Angles/Shots to show emotion Importance of the scene

59. Learning Intention We are developing our understanding of the message of “War Horse ”. Success Criteria We can use listening skills. We can comment on the message of “War Horse”.

60. Home Learning Due Tuesday 8 th Dec Think of a scene from “War Horse” which you found particularly enjoyable/moving/exciting/interesting. Write a short summary of this scene. Try to include : camera angles Music colours and lighting characters

61. Albert & Joey Reunited When Albert and Joey are reunited the audience are _______________________. The scene is very___________________. Albert and Joey are finally together. This moment of the film represents ______ __________________________________.

62. Final Scene When Albert and Joey head back to the farm the director uses _____________________ music. The pair arrive home at ____ ____. The director uses ____ colours such as _____ and _____. The director uses a ______ _____ to show Joey and Albert walking towards the farm . There is a ____ ___ of Albert’s father’s ______. Spielberg uses this shot to show the audience ______________________________________.

63. Think-Pair-Share Now we have watched the whole film, consider the film overall. With a partner discuss, listen to one another and create notes on the following questions: 1. What is the message of the film? Does it tell us something about the time it was set? Justify your answer. 2. Who is the film aimed at? (Think about age/interests/hobbies/gender) Explain why you think this. 3. To what extent do you think blockbuster films - based on fictional stories should be used to explore history ? 4. Do you think it is ethical to use animals in film? Why/Why not? (You may want to consider their needs such as food, shelter, exercise) Be prepared to share your thoughts with the rest of the class.

64. Rules for Pair Work What makes an effective partner? What would you see and hear when working well with someone?

65. Think-Pair-Share Now we have watched the whole film, consider the film overall. With a partner discuss, listen to one another and create notes on the following questions: 1. What is the message of the film? Does it tell us something about the time it was set? Justify your answer. 2. Who is the film aimed at? (Think about age/interests/hobbies/gender) Explain why you think this. 3. To what extent do you think blockbuster films - based on fictional stories should be used to explore history ? 4. Do you think it is ethical to use animals in film? Why/Why not? (You may want to consider their needs such as food, shelter, exercise) Be prepared to share your thoughts with the rest of the class.

66. Learning Intentions To strengthen understanding of plot To identify media techniques To create notes on the theme of war

67. Watching and Listening Task Now you have analysed the film fully, you will re-watch to gain a deeper understanding of the plot before starting the critical essay. TASK - As you watch and listen, create notes on the theme of WAR. Think about: Setting Characters Camera Shots/Angles Lighting/Colour Sound/Music

68. Learning Intentions To develop our understanding of using a film review To learn how to create and produce a film review To strengthen our ability to use accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar

69. Success Criteria To create a film review on “War Horse” To write about different film techniques such as camera angles, lighting, music and characters To produce a piece of writing which is a minimum of 500 words To use accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar in a piece of writing

70. Learning About Film Reviews Think about and create a list/mind-map of reasons why people create film reviews? Think about why someone might read a film review? What important features must be included in a successful film review? http:// www.essortment.com/write-good-film-review-34563.html http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NGmzp1CEuw

71. Creation and Production Key outcome of the National 4 English Course Develop writing skills Functional writing Build a portfolio of work Develop language and literacy skills Understand purpose and audience

72. Purpose and Audience What is the purpose of a film review? Who would be likely to read a review of a movie like “War Horse”?

73. Learning Intentions To develop our understanding of using a film review To learn how to create and produce a film review To strengthen our ability to use accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar

74. Planning your work Use the planning sheet you have in front of you to organise your review of “War Horse” What is your opinion of the film? Will your review be positive or negative? Y ou must be able to say why you did or didn’t like the film Use your notes on characters, camera angles, music and light to help you plan your review.

75. We have analysed and understood “War Horse”, we have discussed and learned how to create a film review, we have organised our response. Now it is… Over to you!

76. Success Criteria To create a film review on “War Horse” To write about different film techniques such as camera angles, lighting, music and characters To produce a piece of writing which is around 500 words To use accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar in a piece of writing

77. Learning Intention We are strengthening and applying our listening skills Success Criteria We can closely observe a film clip and answer a series of questions

78. Listening Exercise Watch the film clip carefully and answer the following questions: