Media Unit ‘Matilda’

Media Unit Media Unit ‘Matilda’‘Matilda’

Directed by Danny Directed by Danny Devito, based on the Devito, based on the novel by Roald Dahlnovel by Roald Dahl

Writing TitlesWriting Titles• Whenever you write the title of a film, Whenever you write the title of a film,

novel, poem or play, the title should novel, poem or play, the title should always be written with inverted commas always be written with inverted commas around it, e.g. ‘Matilda’.around it, e.g. ‘Matilda’.

• Write the following three sentences out Write the following three sentences out and decide which and decide which Matilda’sMatilda’s will need will need inverted commas around them.inverted commas around them.

1.1. Matilda was directed by Danny Devito and Matilda was directed by Danny Devito and based on the novel written by Roald Dahl.based on the novel written by Roald Dahl.

2.2. Matilda is a very intelligent child who Matilda is a very intelligent child who discovers that she has special powers. discovers that she has special powers.

3.3. The main characters in Matilda are Miss The main characters in Matilda are Miss Trunchbull, Miss Honey and Matilda. Trunchbull, Miss Honey and Matilda.

AnswersAnswers1.1. ‘‘Matilda’Matilda’ was directed by Danny was directed by Danny

Devito and based on the novel written Devito and based on the novel written by Roald Dahl.by Roald Dahl.

2.2. MatildaMatilda is a very intelligent child who is a very intelligent child who discovers that she has special powers. discovers that she has special powers.

3.3. The main characters in The main characters in ‘Matilda’‘Matilda’ are are Miss Trunchbull, Miss Honey and Miss Trunchbull, Miss Honey and MatildaMatilda..

‘‘Matilda’ – Our FilmMatilda’ – Our Film

• ‘‘Matilda’ was Matilda’ was directed by Danny directed by Danny Devito and Devito and includes the includes the following stars:following stars:

– Mara Wilson as Mara Wilson as MatildaMatilda

– Embeth DavidtzEmbeth Davidtz as as Miss HoneyMiss Honey

– Pam FerrisPam Ferris as Miss as Miss TrunchbullTrunchbull

‘‘Matilda’ – Our FilmMatilda’ – Our Film• As we watch and learn about the film we will be As we watch and learn about the film we will be

looking at the following cinematic (film) techniques:looking at the following cinematic (film) techniques:– Characterisation and representationCharacterisation and representation– Camera AnglesCamera Angles– SoundSound

• When you write about a film the language you use When you write about a film the language you use is a little bit different and some of the terms or is a little bit different and some of the terms or phrases that you might use include:phrases that you might use include:

– Scene (a series of sequences strung together, can Scene (a series of sequences strung together, can be lengthy)be lengthy)

– Sequence (a section of a scene)Sequence (a section of a scene)– Shot (a single frame or image, a still)Shot (a single frame or image, a still)– Audience (the people the film is targeting) Audience (the people the film is targeting)

Camera Camera TechniquesTechniques

• Camera anglesCamera angles are the positions are the positions from which a film is shot.from which a film is shot. They are They are used in different ways to show used in different ways to show characters and settings in different characters and settings in different situations and can have a variety of situations and can have a variety of effects e.g. to show someone effects e.g. to show someone towering over another person, to towering over another person, to make someone/something smaller make someone/something smaller etc…etc…

• Camera shots are the way in which Camera shots are the way in which the camera is used to focus on the camera is used to focus on particular aspects of the setting or particular aspects of the setting or characters.characters. They show the audience They show the audience scene setting, how a character feels, scene setting, how a character feels, what their costume is like etc.what their costume is like etc.

Camera Camera AnglesAngles

• Camera anglesCamera angles are the positions are the positions from which a film is shot.from which a film is shot. They are They are used in different ways to show used in different ways to show characters and settings in different characters and settings in different situations and can have a variety of situations and can have a variety of effects e.g. to show someone effects e.g. to show someone towering over another person, to towering over another person, to make someone/something smaller make someone/something smaller etc…etc…

• Camera shots are the way in which Camera shots are the way in which the camera is used to focus on the camera is used to focus on particular aspects of the setting or particular aspects of the setting or characters.characters. They show the audience They show the audience scene setting, how a character feels, scene setting, how a character feels, what their costume is like etc.what their costume is like etc.

CamerCamera Pairsa Pairs

• In your pairs, see if you can correctly match In your pairs, see if you can correctly match the definitions with the shots or angles. the definitions with the shots or angles.

• Raffle ticketsRaffle tickets for the first ones to correctly for the first ones to correctly complete the task! complete the task! Bonus raffle ticketsBonus raffle tickets if if you can correctly split these into the two you can correctly split these into the two groups, shots and angles. groups, shots and angles.

• After you have had your work checked, glue After you have had your work checked, glue the matching pairs into your jotters. the matching pairs into your jotters.

ShotsShots

• Extreme Close UpExtreme Close Up - The camera moves in to show - The camera moves in to show detail on a character’s face, for exampledetail on a character’s face, for example

• Close UpClose Up - The camera moves in to a specific part of - The camera moves in to a specific part of a person or objecta person or object

• Long Shot Long Shot - The camera shows all of a fairly large - The camera shows all of a fairly large subject and much of its surroundingssubject and much of its surroundings

• Extra Long ShotExtra Long Shot - The camera is at its furthest - The camera is at its furthest distance from the subject, and is used to emphasis distance from the subject, and is used to emphasis the backgroundthe background

• Zoom Zoom - The camera moves in close and pulls back - The camera moves in close and pulls back from the subject from the subject

• PanPan - The camera swings across the scene, showing - The camera swings across the scene, showing everyone in the action and what they are doing everyone in the action and what they are doing

AnglesAngles• Low-angle ShotLow-angle Shot - The camera is below its subject, - The camera is below its subject,

looking up at it. This would make the subject seem looking up at it. This would make the subject seem important and powerful important and powerful

• High-angle shotHigh-angle shot - The camera is above its subject, - The camera is above its subject, looking down at it. This would make the subject seem looking down at it. This would make the subject seem little or insignificantlittle or insignificant

• Point-of-view shotPoint-of-view shot - The camera sees what the - The camera sees what the character sees, to give that person’s perspective character sees, to give that person’s perspective

SoundSound

• There are two types of sound:There are two types of sound:– Sound Track (usually music of some form, Sound Track (usually music of some form,

instrumental or songs or narration)instrumental or songs or narration)– Sound Effects (sounds which are placed onto Sound Effects (sounds which are placed onto

the film artificially) the film artificially) • Now that you have had a brief Now that you have had a brief

introduction to cinematic (film) introduction to cinematic (film) techniques…techniques…

Let’s get watching…Let’s get watching…

Matilda Before Matilda Before SchoolSchool1.1. How did the Wormwoods How did the Wormwoods feel about the birth of feel about the birth of their daughter, and did their daughter, and did you find their reaction you find their reaction unusual? unusual?

2.2. List three things that List three things that either of the Wormwood either of the Wormwood parents did or said that parents did or said that showed you how they felt showed you how they felt about the birth of their about the birth of their daughter. daughter.

3.3. List three things that List three things that Matilda does in her early Matilda does in her early years that suggests that years that suggests that she is unusually gifted. she is unusually gifted.

4.4. Why is Matilda not Why is Matilda not allowed to go to school?allowed to go to school?

Answer the Answer the following questions following questions in sentences…in sentences…

Matilda Before Matilda Before SchoolSchool5.5. Describe the events that occur that give Matilda Describe the events that occur that give Matilda the idea to punish her parents, and explain what the idea to punish her parents, and explain what she does as her first form of punishment. she does as her first form of punishment.

6.6. What does this tell you about Matilda’s What does this tell you about Matilda’s character?character?

7.7. What criminal activities was Mr Wormwood What criminal activities was Mr Wormwood involved with? involved with?


8.8. What camera What camera angles were angles were used during the used during the TV explosion TV explosion scene to show scene to show how Matilda how Matilda felt? Pick at felt? Pick at least two and least two and explain them. explain them.

Character in Character in filmfilm• We are going to continue watching the film, but We are going to continue watching the film, but

we are going to focus on the ways that characters we are going to focus on the ways that characters are are represented represented in the film. in the film.

• Representation has a number of different aspects:Representation has a number of different aspects:– Costume and propsCostume and props (what they are wearing or carrying) (what they are wearing or carrying)– DialogueDialogue (things the character says) (things the character says)– ActionsActions (things that the character does) (things that the character does)– Facial expressions Facial expressions – Camera techniquesCamera techniques (you should focus on close ups, (you should focus on close ups,

extreme close ups, high angle shots and low angle shots)extreme close ups, high angle shots and low angle shots)

The Trunchbull and Crunchem Hall

• In your groups, note down things that show that the Trunchbull is a baddie. (Hint – you may want to think about the following: costume, props, quotations, actions, sound and camera techniques)

Crunchem HallCrunchem Hall1.1. Think about the first time you saw the silhouette of Think about the first time you saw the silhouette of

Miss Trunchbull at the garage with Mr Wormwood. Miss Trunchbull at the garage with Mr Wormwood. Write a short paragraph describing your first Write a short paragraph describing your first impression of her. You should make sure to impression of her. You should make sure to mention, things that she says, the way that she mention, things that she says, the way that she speak and her appearance. speak and her appearance.

2.2. Do you think there is a connection between Miss Do you think there is a connection between Miss Trunchbull’s attitude to children and the name of Trunchbull’s attitude to children and the name of her school – Crunchem Hall – and if so what might her school – Crunchem Hall – and if so what might it be? it be?

3.3. At Crunchem Hall, why do you think that the At Crunchem Hall, why do you think that the camera doesn’t show the Trunchbull’s face camera doesn’t show the Trunchbull’s face immediately? immediately?

4.4. What prop does the Trunchbull use to help her What prop does the Trunchbull use to help her seem terrifying?seem terrifying?

5.5. Threatening, masculine, intolerant, aggressive, Threatening, masculine, intolerant, aggressive, powerful and intimidatingpowerful and intimidating are all words that could are all words that could be used to describe Miss Trunchbull. Look up the be used to describe Miss Trunchbull. Look up the definitions of these words in the dictionary and definitions of these words in the dictionary and write these down in your jotter. write these down in your jotter.


Assembly with Assembly with Boggtrotter…Boggtrotter…

1.1. The Trucnhbull seems to be offering Bruce some The Trucnhbull seems to be offering Bruce some cake. In what ways does she still seem quite cake. In what ways does she still seem quite threatening despite the apparent nice gesture? threatening despite the apparent nice gesture?

2.2. Describe the setting of the assembly hall. Make Describe the setting of the assembly hall. Make sure you mention, lighting, colours, and general sure you mention, lighting, colours, and general atmosphere. atmosphere.

3.3. Bruce seems almost ready to give up eating the Bruce seems almost ready to give up eating the cake when his fellow pupils start to support him. cake when his fellow pupils start to support him. Describe how the atmosphere changes. Describe how the atmosphere changes.

4.4. The atmosphere suddenly changes again as a The atmosphere suddenly changes again as a result of an action of the Trunchbull’s - what does result of an action of the Trunchbull’s - what does she do? she do?

Answer the following Answer the following questions in sentences…questions in sentences…

Crunchem HallCrunchem Hall1.1. Think about the first time you saw the silhouette of Think about the first time you saw the silhouette of

Miss Trunchbull at the garage with Mr Wormwood. Miss Trunchbull at the garage with Mr Wormwood. Write a short paragraph describing your first Write a short paragraph describing your first impression of her. You should make sure to impression of her. You should make sure to mention, things that she says, the way that she mention, things that she says, the way that she speak and her appearance. speak and her appearance.

2.2. Do you think there is a connection between Miss Do you think there is a connection between Miss Trunchbull’s attitude to children and the name of Trunchbull’s attitude to children and the name of her school – Crunchem Hall – and if so what might her school – Crunchem Hall – and if so what might it be? it be?

3.3. At Crunchem Hall, why do you think that the At Crunchem Hall, why do you think that the camera doesn’t show the Trunchbull’s face camera doesn’t show the Trunchbull’s face immediately? immediately?

4.4. What prop does the Trunchbull use to help her What prop does the Trunchbull use to help her seem terrifying?seem terrifying?

5.5. Threatening, masculine, intolerant, aggressive, Threatening, masculine, intolerant, aggressive, powerful and intimidatingpowerful and intimidating are all words that could are all words that could be used to describe Miss Trunchbull. Look up the be used to describe Miss Trunchbull. Look up the definitions of these words in the dictionary and definitions of these words in the dictionary and write these down in your jotter. write these down in your jotter.


Assembly with Assembly with Boggtrotter…Boggtrotter…

1.1. The Trucnhbull seems to be offering Bruce some The Trucnhbull seems to be offering Bruce some cake. In what ways does she still seem quite cake. In what ways does she still seem quite threatening despite the apparent nice gesture? threatening despite the apparent nice gesture? Think about her facial expressions, words and Think about her facial expressions, words and actions. actions.

2.2. Describe the setting of the assembly hall. Make Describe the setting of the assembly hall. Make sure you mention, lighting, colours, and general sure you mention, lighting, colours, and general atmosphere. atmosphere.

3.3. Bruce seems almost ready to give up eating the Bruce seems almost ready to give up eating the cake when his fellow pupils start to support him. cake when his fellow pupils start to support him. Describe how the atmosphere changes. Describe how the atmosphere changes.

4.4. The atmosphere suddenly changes again as a result The atmosphere suddenly changes again as a result of an action of the Trunchbull’s - what does she do? of an action of the Trunchbull’s - what does she do?

Answer the following Answer the following questions in sentences…questions in sentences…

The The Trunchbull’s Trunchbull’s OfficeOffice

Watch the following scene. Note down at Watch the following scene. Note down at least three things that make her office least three things that make her office seem like a threatening and uninviting seem like a threatening and uninviting place. place.

Trunchbull in Trunchbull in classclass1.1. Miss Honey encourages Matilda when she tells Miss Honey encourages Matilda when she tells her about her powers, even though she doesn’t her about her powers, even though she doesn’t believe her. What does this tell you about her believe her. What does this tell you about her character? character?

2.2. Kind, sensitive, timid and braveKind, sensitive, timid and brave are all words are all words that could be used to describe Miss Honey. Pick that could be used to describe Miss Honey. Pick out three of these and for each write a short out three of these and for each write a short paragraph using the paragraph using the PPEEEE structure, make structure, make the the pointpoint, use , use evidence from the film to prove evidence from the film to prove your pointyour point, and , and explain how the evidence explain how the evidence proves your pointproves your point. An example is below. . An example is below.

Example:Example: Miss Honey is kindMiss Honey is kind because she helps because she helps Amanda Amanda Thrip take out her pigtails before Thrip take out her pigtails before Miss Trunchbull Miss Trunchbull gets to classgets to class. . This This shows she is kind because she shows she is kind because she helps helps Amanda to stop her getting into troubleAmanda to stop her getting into trouble. .


Miss Honey and Miss Honey and MatildaMatilda

1.1. Explain the connection Explain the connection between Miss Honey and between Miss Honey and Miss Trunchbull in as Miss Trunchbull in as mush detail as possible. mush detail as possible. Remember you can Remember you can explain their history too. explain their history too.

2.2. What treasures did Miss What treasures did Miss Honey have to leave Honey have to leave behind when she left her behind when she left her house?house?

3.3. When Matilda and Miss When Matilda and Miss Honey are outside the Honey are outside the Trunchbull’s house during Trunchbull’s house during the day, what does the day, what does Matilda discover about Matilda discover about the Trunchbull’s fears?the Trunchbull’s fears?

Answer the following questions in Answer the following questions in sentences…sentences…

Inside the Trunchbull’s Inside the Trunchbull’s HouseHouse1.1. Think about the Trunchbull’s name. What Think about the Trunchbull’s name. What

animal does she remind you of?animal does she remind you of?2.2. List four things about her that makes her List four things about her that makes her

seem like an animal. Think about her seem like an animal. Think about her actions, appearance, and what she says.actions, appearance, and what she says.


3.3. What atmosphere is created What atmosphere is created by the lighting and music in by the lighting and music in these scenes. How does this these scenes. How does this make the audience feel? make the audience feel?

4.4. What happens when the What happens when the Trunchbull jumps down the Trunchbull jumps down the stairs, and what does this tell stairs, and what does this tell you about her? you about her?

Trunchbull’s House by Trunchbull’s House by DayDay

• In pairs you are going to note down things In pairs you are going to note down things you notice about the Trunchbull. One of you you notice about the Trunchbull. One of you should note down should note down key quotationskey quotations that she that she says and says and the way she speaksthe way she speaks, and the other , and the other should focus on her should focus on her appearance and appearance and actionsactions. .

• Copy the notes from the other person’s jotter. Copy the notes from the other person’s jotter. 1.1. Make a list of quotations, actions, and aspects Make a list of quotations, actions, and aspects

of her appearance that make the Trunchbull of her appearance that make the Trunchbull seem masculine. seem masculine.

2.2. Using either your animal list from earlier on, Using either your animal list from earlier on, or your masculine list, write a short or your masculine list, write a short paragraph using the PEE structure that you paragraph using the PEE structure that you learnt previously for the Miss Honey learnt previously for the Miss Honey character.character.

Trunchbull’s Trunchbull’s Comeuppance Comeuppance 1.1. Kind, sensitive, timid and braveKind, sensitive, timid and brave are all words that are all words that

could be used to describe Miss Honey. Pick out three could be used to describe Miss Honey. Pick out three of these and for each write a short paragraph using of these and for each write a short paragraph using the the PPEEEE structure, make structure, make the pointthe point, use , use evidence evidence from the film to prove your pointfrom the film to prove your point, and , and explain explain how the evidence proves your pointhow the evidence proves your point. An example . An example is below. is below.

Example:Example: Miss Honey is kindMiss Honey is kind because she helps because she helps Amanda Amanda Thrip take out her pigtails before Miss Thrip take out her pigtails before Miss Trunchbull Trunchbull gets to classgets to class. . This shows she is This shows she is kind because she kind because she helps Amanda to stop her helps Amanda to stop her getting into troublegetting into trouble. .

• Describe three ways that a scary atmosphere is Describe three ways that a scary atmosphere is created at the end of the film during the classroom created at the end of the film during the classroom scene when Matilda makes the chalk write a scene when Matilda makes the chalk write a message. In your answer you should comment on message. In your answer you should comment on three of the following: lighting, sound, facial three of the following: lighting, sound, facial expressions, and actions. Use the PEE structureexpressions, and actions. Use the PEE structure

Trunchbull’s Trunchbull’s Comeuppance Comeuppance

1.1. Describe three ways that a scary Describe three ways that a scary atmosphere is created at the end of the film atmosphere is created at the end of the film during the classroom scene when Matilda during the classroom scene when Matilda makes the chalk write a message. In your makes the chalk write a message. In your answer you should comment on three of the answer you should comment on three of the following: lighting, sound, facial following: lighting, sound, facial expressions, and actions.expressions, and actions.

2.2. Think about Matilda’s character throughout Think about Matilda’s character throughout the film. Make a list of five words that you the film. Make a list of five words that you could use to describe her. could use to describe her.

Loyal, brave, rebellious, intelligent, just, Loyal, brave, rebellious, intelligent, just, independentindependent

3.3. Using two words from your own list, and Using two words from your own list, and two words from the list above, write out two words from the list above, write out four short PEE paragraphs about Matilda. four short PEE paragraphs about Matilda. Remember, make a point, use evidence from Remember, make a point, use evidence from the film, and explain what the evidence the film, and explain what the evidence shows. shows.

Scene Focus Scene Focus • We are now going to focus on We are now going to focus on

three scenes:three scenes:– Miss Honey’s visit to the Miss Honey’s visit to the

Trunchbull about MatildaTrunchbull about Matilda– The Trunchbull’s house during the The Trunchbull’s house during the

dayday– The Trunchbull’s hauntingThe Trunchbull’s haunting

• For each of these scenes we will For each of these scenes we will be focussing on the key be focussing on the key characters, the camera angles characters, the camera angles and shots that are used, and the and shots that are used, and the sound. sound.

Miss Honey visits the Miss Honey visits the Trunchbull Trunchbull

1.1. As the camera approaches Miss As the camera approaches Miss Trunchbull’s office, whose perspective is the Trunchbull’s office, whose perspective is the audience seeing?audience seeing?

2.2. The first Close-Up shot focuses on Miss The first Close-Up shot focuses on Miss Honey’s hand? What does this shot tell you Honey’s hand? What does this shot tell you about the way that she is feeling?about the way that she is feeling?

3.3. How is Miss Honey made to look vulnerable How is Miss Honey made to look vulnerable and childlike in this extract?and childlike in this extract?

4.4. The camera moves around the room slowly The camera moves around the room slowly and then suddenly speeds up. Why does it and then suddenly speeds up. Why does it do this, and what effect does it create?do this, and what effect does it create?

5.5. List five things that you see in the study that List five things that you see in the study that reflect the Trunchbull’s personality. reflect the Trunchbull’s personality.

6.6. How does Miss Trunchbull’s study reflect How does Miss Trunchbull’s study reflect her personality? (Hint - think about the her personality? (Hint - think about the atmosphere in the study)atmosphere in the study)

Trunchbull’s House at Trunchbull’s House at NightNight

1.1. Describe the setting on the night Describe the setting on the night that Matilda goes to the that Matilda goes to the Trunchbull’s house. Think about the Trunchbull’s house. Think about the weather, the lighting, and the weather, the lighting, and the atmosphere in general. atmosphere in general.

2.2. List four things that Matilda does to List four things that Matilda does to scare and unsettle the Trunchbull. scare and unsettle the Trunchbull.

3.3. What camera angles are used to What camera angles are used to show that strange things are show that strange things are happening?happening?

4.4. How does the Trunchbull feel while How does the Trunchbull feel while this is all happening, and why is it this is all happening, and why is it so easy to scare her? so easy to scare her?

5.5. Make a list of quotations, actions, Make a list of quotations, actions, and aspects of her appearance that and aspects of her appearance that make the Trunchbull seem scared make the Trunchbull seem scared and weak. and weak.


PEE

• The words that you use during the P (point) section should not be repeated during the final E (explanation) section. You must use a different word.

PEE: point, evidence, explanation• Complete a three PEE points to

describe the Trunchbull’s character (remember, you can use your notes, and you may want to think about her costume, facial expressions, actions and quotations)

• Complete two PEE points explaining how the Trunchbull’s office and the things in it, convince the audience that she is scary (remember you can use your notes, think about the props in her office and what they suggest about her)

PEE: point, evidence, explanation• Complete a two PEE points to describing way

that the Trunchbull makes other characters feel (remember, you can use your notes, you could choose a pupil, or Miss Honey, you will need to use evidence to show how they are feeling: facial expressions, camera techniques, actions)

• Complete three PEE points explaining how the atmosphere becomes tense when the Trunchbull chases Miss Honey and Matilda around the house (remember you can use your notes, think about the lighting, the sound, the camera techniques the Trunchbull’s actions)

‘‘Matilda’ Essay – points to Matilda’ Essay – points to remember…remember…

1.1. Remember that whenever you are referring to the title Remember that whenever you are referring to the title of a film you should use inverted commas, e.g. of a film you should use inverted commas, e.g. ‘Matilda’. ‘Matilda’.

2.2. Introduction must mention the title of the film, its Introduction must mention the title of the film, its director, its key stars, and director, its key stars, and refer to the essay refer to the essay questionquestion. .

3.3. Remember that a Remember that a PPEEEE section has three parts: you section has three parts: you make a point, you make a point, you use evidence to support the pointuse evidence to support the point, , and you and you explain what the evidence showsexplain what the evidence shows. .

4.4. Remember that if you use any quotations, these must Remember that if you use any quotations, these must have inverted commas around them. have inverted commas around them.

5.5. You must always You must always check your work overcheck your work over. You should . You should look for spelling and punctuation mistakes, and you look for spelling and punctuation mistakes, and you should make sure that all your sentences make sense. should make sure that all your sentences make sense.

‘‘Matilda’ EssayMatilda’ EssayHow is the theme of good triumphing How is the theme of good triumphing over bad revealed in Danny Devito’s over bad revealed in Danny Devito’s the film ‘Matilda’? In your answer you the film ‘Matilda’? In your answer you should refer to character, setting, should refer to character, setting, camera techniques and sound.camera techniques and sound.

• You should each have a copy of the You should each have a copy of the essay plan. This is a step by step plan essay plan. This is a step by step plan that will tell you how best to answer that will tell you how best to answer this essay question. this essay question.

• You will all also have plenty of notes in You will all also have plenty of notes in your jotters. If you followed the your jotters. If you followed the instructions and wrote your answers in instructions and wrote your answers in sentences, then some of the essay will sentences, then some of the essay will already be done for you. already be done for you.

Documents

Media Unit ‘Matilda’