10 Things I Hate About You Year 10 Film Study

Visual Text 10 Things I Hate About You – The Exposition

The exposition of a film is the beginning – when we are introduced to the characters and the setting for the first time.

It is important because we base our perceptions of what the film will be about and what the characters will be like from what we see at the very beginning.

Activity:Get into six groups.Each group will be looking at a different aspect of the exposition:

Group One: LightingGroup Two: Types of shotGroup Three: Camera angles Group Four: Music/soundtrackGroup Five: Use of colourGroup Six: Props and costume

We will watch the exposition – the first few minutes of the film - twice.You need to just look for the aspect that you have been given – write down:

A description of it Where it occurs What it tells us

Every member of your group should be writing these down – then you will collate everything that you have recorded.

Present what you have come up with on an A3 poster – write all of the examples that your group has found and explain each one.

10 Things I Hate About You – Techniques Used

Several film techniques are used in 10 Things I Hate about You. They include:

Dramatic Irony

For example – at the MBA students’ party, the doorbell rings and Bogey says, ‘That’ll be Nigel with the brie’, but the audience knows that it is actually a wild, party crowd that has turned up.It is also used to show character. Bianca says, “A girl’s room is very personal”, just after she has shown Cameron Kat’s room and is now refusing to let him see hers.

Irony The humour in the film comes from the sharp social comment used.Mr Morgan says to Kat, “I know how difficult it must be for you to overcome all those years of upper middle class oppression… next time you’re storming the PTA… ask them why they can’t ever buy a book written by a black man”. This comment makes fun of Kat’s self-important attitude.Bianca’s dress is described by Michael as “a strategically designed sundress to make guys like us realise that we can’t have her and guys like Joey realise they want to”. This comment makes the viewer realise how opposite to a garment the sundress is – it is a statement of Bianca’s power over men.

Visual IronyThe camera is used to comment on the action.When Joey talks to Patrick on the sports field, we see behind them Kat giving a particularly fierce tackle in soccer practice. The price Patrick asks for taking her out goes up to $50.Ms Perky (the guidance counsellor) says, “I’ve got deviants to see”, and in walks Patrick with the reputation of being a deviant, but not the behaviour to match it.

MusicThe music comments on the action:‘Sunshine, on the window, makes me happy…’ plays when we first see shots of the Stratford house.Bianca eyes Cameron up to the music, ‘can’t get enough of you baby’.

Aerial ShotsShots of Seattle and Padua High School are used to introduce the scene and conclude the film. This technique suggests that we are swooping into a ‘world’ like gods or fairies – and then we leave it once the story is wrapped up.

Film Techniques Activity

Give specific examples of the techniques used in the boxes below.

Technique Detail Reason/effectDramatic irony

Irony

Metaphor

Visual irony

Stereotyping by cars:Cameron

Katarina

Patrick

Joey

Michael

Shots:Slow motion

High Angle shots

Low angle shots

Clothes symbolism:Cameron

Kat

Patrick

Bianca

Walter Stratford

Close Viewing ExerciseThe Confrontation between Kat and Bianca

View the scene at 1hr 11min 42sec that begins with Bianca lying on her bed watching The Real World, and ending with a shot of Bianca on the swing.

The questions follow the action of the scene.

Fill in the following worksheet:

1. How is the shot of the television showing ‘The Real World: Seattle’ an example of dramatic irony?

2. Describe Bianca’s room.

3. This is called a ‘talking heads’ scene – why do you think it is called that?

4. What is the colour symbolism in this scene, shown in the clothes that the girls are wearing?

5. The shots of the girls talking are all at the same angle – what does this symbolise about the girls?

6. Why do you think the director used so many close-up shots of Kat’s face in this scene?

7. How does the body language of Kat and Bianca show that this is a serious scene?

8. Why is the following quote important?‘I swore I would never do anything else just because everyone else is doing it’.

9. When Kat sits on the bed next to Bianca, Bianca gets up – this shows that she is exerting power over her sister. How does this mark a change in their relationship?

10.The cut to Kat lying on her bed is what kind of shot?

11.How does Kat’s room compare to Bianca’s? How does this show the differences in character between the sisters?

12.What is the effect of the High Angle Shot looking down at Bianca? How does Bianca’s costume add to this effect?

13.How do the lyrics at the end of this scene complement it?

14.Why is this an important scene?

15.How does the camera tell us a story without words?

Close Viewing QuizAt the Prom – starts 1hr 16min 19seconds

Answer the following questions about the prom scene.

1. We see the band Letters to Cleo three times during the film.a. Where?b. How are they made part of the plot rather than just an extra to

the action?c. Why do you think this is done? (What is the effect?)

2. Describe four techniques used to show the importance of the band shown in the first shots of this clip.

3. Kat:a. How does the angle of the first shot of Kat coming up the stairs

show her feelings?b. How is her nervousness shown?

4. What is the symbolism of the red rose that Patrick gives Kat?

5. How is suspense created when Patrick meets Kat?a. In the actionb. In words

6. What is the name and effect of the shot used when Joey calls at the Stratford house?

7. How does Michael’s outfit show that he is ready to go along with Mandella’s ‘involvement’ with Shakespeare?

8. From the time that Michael and Mandella leave Patrick and Kat, until it cuts to Bianca in the bathroom, the camera seems to stay stationary and the shot size doesn’t seem to vary.

a. What effect is the director trying to establish?

b. Find three specific shots that show examples of movement – and explain the techniques used.

9. Cameron and Bianca:a. How are we shown Cameron’s innocence when Joey hits him?

What is the purpose of this?b. How is surprise created when Bianca hits Joey?

10.As Kat leaves Patrick:a. How are we reminded of a fairy story?b. Which one?c. We are left with a feeling of sadness. How is this achieved –

which characters are involved and what kind of shot is used??

Lyrics in the filmWeb-based activity

Go to the website http://www.lyricsondemand.com/soundtracks/0/10thingsihateaboutyoulyrics/ Or http://www.lyricsdownload.com/10-things-i-hate-about-you-lyrics.html

and read the lyrics to the songs that form the soundtrack of the film.

Complete the following activities:

1. How is the soundtrack used in this film? Why does it seem to be so important?

2. Read the lyrics to the song Bad Reputation. a. At what point in the film do we hear this song?

b. Which character does it portray?

c. How do the lyrics complement the action?

3. Read the lyrics to the Letters to Cleo song I Want You To Want Me.a. What do you think the significance of this song is?

b. At what point in the film do we hear it?

4. Read the lyrics to the song One Week by the Barenaked Ladies. a. At what point in the film do we hear this song?

b. How do the lyrics relate to the film?

5. Choose two more songs that play in the film, and answer these questions:a. How does the music complement the action of the film?

b. Why do you think the director chose to have this music playing at this point in the film?

c. Are there any other songs that you can think of that could have been used instead of this song? Why? Quote the lyrics to support your answer.

The CharactersComplete this table:Katarina Stratford

Quote What it shows about Kat

What values it shows that she has

Where it is in the film

1. “A bitter self-righteous hag who has no friends”2. “In this society being male and an asshole makes you worthy of our time.”3. “Have you seen the unwashed miscreants who go to that school?”4. Walter: “Made anyone cry yet?”Kat: “No, but it’s only 4.30.”5. “Angry girl music of the indie rock persuasion.”6. Patrick, talking about

her father: “Is he a pain in the ass?”Kat: “No. He wants me to be someone I’m not… Bianca.”7. The prom – “An antiquated mating ritual”8. “I don’t like to do what people expect. Why should I live up to people’s expectations and not my own?”9. “Just once, after Mom left. Everyone was doing it so I did it.”

Make a Character Map about Kat.Complete this table:Bianca Stratford

Quote What it shows about Bianca

What values it shows that she has

Where in the film it is

1. “She’s totally pure.”

2. “A snotty little princess”

3. “She is what we’ll spend the rest of our lives not having.”4. “My sister’s a particularly hideous breed of loser.”5. “Have you always been this selfish? Just because you’re beautiful doesn’t mean you can treat people like they don’t matter.”

6. To her father, “What’s a hot rod?”

Complete a character map like the one below for Bianca.

Complete the table:

Patrick Verona

Quote What it says about Patrick

What values it shows that he has

Where it is in the film

1. “Keep it in your pouch”.

2. “Why would I be afraid of you?”“Most people are.”3. “He sold his own liver on the black market for a new set of speakers.”4. “Don’t let anyone ever make you feel you don’t deserve what you want.”

5. “You’re not as bad as you think you are.”

6. “I lived on my grandfather’s couch.”

7. To Kat, “You never disappointed me.”

Fill out a Character Map for Patrick.

Create Character Maps for two of the following characters: Joey Donner Michael Eckman Cameron James Chastity

The Theme

In groups, discuss the following questions:

Being true to yourself

1. How is Kat ‘true to herself’ in the film?

2. Discuss Kat’s attitude to men and how this seems to change over time. What is her attitude to other women?

3. In what ways has her mother’s departure affected Kat?

4. What clues are there that she may be playing the part of a stereotypical ‘intelligent young woman’ instead of being ‘true’ to herself?

5. Is Patrick ‘true’ to himself?

6. What is the function of Joey Donner in the film? What values does Joey have that the film teaches us to despise?

Thinking of others

1. Unselfishness is a lesson that Bianca certainly learns, but Kat does too. How do they both show selfishness/unselfishness?

2. Explain the changing relationship between Kat and Bianca. What mistakes does each make? How has this changed by the end of the film?

Kat’s poem10 Things I Hate About You

This is the poem that Kat writes to Patrick:

I hate the way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair.

I hate the way you drive my car, I hate it when you stare.

I hate your big dumb combat boots and the way you read my mind.

I hate you so much it makes me sick, it even makes me rhyme.

I hate the way you’re always right, I hate it when you lie.

I hate it when you make me laugh,even worse when you make me cry.

I hate it when you’re not around, and the fact that you didn’t call.

But mostly I hate the way I don’t hate you, not even close

not even a little bit not even at all.

This poem is a significant moment in the film.

1. Why is it significant to the characters?

2. How does it affect the relationship between Kat and Patrick?

3. What do you think about the poem?

4. Write your own ’10 Things I Hate About You’ poem. It must be about a specific person, a sport, or school.

Comparison of two textsSonnet 141 and Kat’s poem

Sonnet 141 is Shakespeare’s sonnet that Mr Morgan reads out to his English class. It provides the basis for the assignment he gives the class – to write their own sonnet. Here are the two poems:

Sonnet 141 Kat’s poem

In faith, I do not love thee with mine eyes,For they in thee a thousand errors note;But 'tis my heart that loves what they despise,Who in despite of view is pleased to dote;Nor are mine ears with thy tongue's tune delighted,Nor tender feeling, to base touches prone,Nor taste, nor smell, desire to be invitedTo any sensual feast with thee alone:But my five wits nor my five senses canDissuade one foolish heart from serving thee,Who leaves unsway'd the likeness of a man,Thy proud hearts slave and vassal wretch to be:Only my plague thus far I count my gain,That she that makes me sin awards me pain.

I hate the way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair.

I hate the way you drive my car, I hate it when you stare.

I hate your big dumb combat boots and the way you read my mind.

I hate you so much it makes me sick, it even makes me rhyme.

I hate the way you’re always right, I hate it when you lie.

I hate it when you make me laugh,even worse when you make me cry.

I hate it when you’re not around, and the fact that you didn’t call.

But mostly I hate the way I don’t hate you, not even closenot even a little bitnot even at all.

Read both poems and do the following activities:

1. What does the Shakespeare sonnet mean? Circle any words that you are unsure of and find out what they mean. Go to these sites for help: http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/xsonnetanalysis.html#141

http://www.nosweatshakespeare.com/sonnets/141.htm Then write out Sonnet 141 in modern English.

2. Draw a Venn diagram to show the similarities and differences between the two poems.

3. How has Shakespeare’s message stayed current? Remember that this film is based on a Shakespeare play – why do you think that his stories stay popular today?

Plot

In your books create a graph of the plot.1) Start by plotting the 10 most important events in order that they

happened

2) Write the following terms out with an example from the film for each.

Exposition - in most novels, this happens at the very beginning. We get to know some of the characters and settings. Development - where things happen, making the novel more interesting or tense. Mini climax - there may be several of these, and they are often leading up to the main climax. They are smaller events that add interest to the novel. Climax - where the major event of the novel happens, and characters must deal with the situation. Resolution - the period of calm after the climax. In most texts this involves tying up most loose ends and life attempting to return to normal.

3) Plot these events on to the graph, showing the events with the most tension over time.

Essays and exam practice

Choose ONE topic. Make sure you understand both parts of the topic before you start writing.

Write at least 250 words for your answer.

Make sure you answer both parts of the topic. Each part is equally important to help you show understanding of the text.

Support your points with specific details from the text.

TOPICS

1. Describe a memorable character in the text. Explain how verbal and / or visual features of the text were used to help you remember this character.

2. Describe an important setting in the text. Explain how verbal and / or visual features of the text were used to help you understand why this setting was important.

3. Describe a situation or event in the text that shocked or surprised you. Explain how verbal and / or visual features were used to make you feel shocked or surprised.

4. Describe an important conflict between characters in the text. Explain how verbal and / or visual features were used to help you understand why this conflict was important.

5. Describe the first ONE or TWO scenes in the text. Explain how verbal and / or visual features were used in this scene (or scenes) to suggest what the text would be about.

6. Describe an interesting idea presented in the text. Explain how verbal and / or visual features were used to help you understand this idea.