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

We Are Learning To

Discuss our first impressions of War Horse

• What do you know about War Horse ?• Use these questions as a prompt

1. Have you heard of or read the novel?

2. Have you heard of or seen the play version?

3. Have you seen advertising for the film anywhere?

4. What are your expectations of a film with this title?

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 the 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”.

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.

Film Poster• Image• Light• Colour• Composition• Text

• Work 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?

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

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?

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

Trailer Ahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7lf9HgFAwQ

Trailer Bhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRf3SfeMRD4

Think-Pair-ShareWith 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?

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,

• Write a script for a radio advert for the film’s release.

• Describe the music you would like to include, explaining its desired effect.

Learning Intention

• We are developing our understanding of and ability to analyse camera angles/shots

Success Criteria

• We can discuss and identify different camera angles/shots

Camera Shots

The Establishing Shot

The Wide-Shot

The High Angle Shot

The Low Angle ShotLow 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.

The Medium ShotContains 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

The Close-Up ShotThis 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.

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.

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. PansA movement which scans a scenehorizontally. (across)

2. Dolly ShotWhere the camera is fixed Onto a moving objecte.g. fixed onto the car so that weThe viewer travel with the fast car

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.

Learning IntentionWe are analysing and understanding the opening sequence of

“War Horse”.

Success CriteriaWe 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.

1) What has been your first impression of Albertfrom 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

1) 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 loyal to Albert because….

Joey

Learning IntentionWe are learning about characterisation in films

Success Criteria

We can discuss ways in which Spielberg helps us to understand characters.

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?1. Albert Narracott2. Ted Narracott (Albert’s father)3. Rosie Narracott (Albert’s mother)4. Mr Lyons (Landlord)5. Joey

• Costume• Colour• Sound/Music• Dialogue – what they say• Camera angles/movements• Actions – what they do

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?

ASSESSMENTLearning 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.

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.

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.

Learning IntentionWe 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

• 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

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

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

JoeyChanges 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?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

Learning Intention

To understand how and why director’s use lighting in film.

Success Criteria

Complete a table comparing two scenes of “War Horse”.

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?

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?

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?

Does the music/sound match the colour/light? Why do you think this?

Does 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?

THEMELearning 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.

Themes

Friendship

HARDSHIP

Brutality of War

RURAL LIFE

The Brutality of War

What does brutality mean?

ViolenceInhumanityCrueltyRuthlessness

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

TaskAs you study the following clip of the film:• Create notes• Minimum 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

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.

AlbertA 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?

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?

Starter TaskNo 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 _________________________________________.

Learning Intention

To analyse the final part of “War Horse”.

TaskAs you watch carefully, create notes on the following

headings:

• Light

• Colour

• Music

• Camera Angles/Shots to show emotion

• Importance of the scene

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”.

Home Learning Due Tuesday 8th 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

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 ______ __________________________________.

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 ______________________________________.

Think-Pair-ShareNow 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.

Rules for Pair Work

• What makes an effective partner?

• What would you see and hear when working well with someone?

Think-Pair-ShareNow 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.

Learning Intentions• To strengthen understanding of plot

• To identify media techniques

• To create notes on the theme of war

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

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

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

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

Creation and ProductionKey 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

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”?

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

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?• You 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.

• 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!

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

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

Listening Exercise• Watch the film clip carefully and answer the

following questions: