Im showing this to an 11th grade class studying the 50s and would ike to know some good questions to ask during the movie. I saw it a long time ago and thought it would be great to show, but dont have the time to watch the whole thing again and pull out questions. and dont forget to answer each question. thanks
2007-03-18 16:24:05 · 13 answers · asked by Devin S 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Movies
sorry but you should do your own homework
just like you expect the kids to do
2007-03-18 16:27:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 4⤋
How does the movie portray the 50's on television? What do you think the reality was at that time? Why do you think it wasn't portrayed realistically? Contrast that with today's television portrayals of reality...How do they differ? Make a list. What does the lack of color signify in the movie? And what does the color the characters gain represent? How might our experiences give us color, so to speak? Explain. What are the characteristics of the Pleasantville? Give physical specifications. What are the social specifications of the time? How do they change? What is the role of women? And the role of men? How does guilt and innocence play a role in the movie? How does censorship play a role in the film? Were times better then or now? Explain your reasoning? Which would you prefer?
2007-03-19 00:14:20 · answer #2 · answered by stormc2 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
1. What was the ideal family unit of the 50's as compared to the ideal family unit of today? What are the societal expectations of us?
2. Were things perfect in the 50's or did they just hide the bad things? Are things similar today?
3. Which is more necessary for life, passion or order? Would you say we have changed as a society?
4. When you think about the past what things do you assume you will have to do without? What didn't they have then?
and 5. Are cultural events reflected in television or are they avoided so as to make personal problems more important? What if things were reversed?
2007-03-19 02:22:36 · answer #3 · answered by LORD Z 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your going to ask about the 50's you can ask about the different ways the kids acted in the 50's compared today's kids. How the firemen acted back then compared today's firemen. How kids back then entertained themselves back then.
About the movie ask about the actors. Like who was the actor who played the repair man. What was the first thing to change colors. Can you name another movie that Toby Maguire was in. Not Spiderman 1,2,3 Name the kids new names when they go into the TV.
I can tell you the name of the kids when they go into the TV the names are Bud and Mary -Sue Parker.
The actor who played the repair man. Don Knotts
Another movie that Toby Maguire was in Seabiscut
I think the first thing to change color was a Flower
Hope this points you in the right direction
2007-03-18 23:57:53 · answer #4 · answered by Sam A 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wiki is a good source for you to get a complete synopsis of the movie. For instance, I was able to find these 2 questions below very easily, and I have seen the movie in the past. Here's the link for you to derive your questions, but feel free to use my suggested ones if you desire:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleasantville_(film)
Q: What is the “Pleasantville Code of Conduct”?
A: A list of rules preventing people from things such as visiting the library, playing loud music, or using paint colors other than black, white or gray.
Q: Can you name 3 themes the movie contains?
A: Historical references, political contexts, and perceived reality vs. false reality.
2007-03-18 23:40:00 · answer #5 · answered by crash 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
"Pleasantville", "Scent of a Woman", and "2001 A Space Odyssey" all have a similar theme (which I abhor). They all convey that good and evil must coexist in people for man to progress. This same theme is also seen in lots of other media. Frankly, I feel that progress can occur without evil. anyway, here are your questions:
1. What is the theme in Pleasantville?
2. How is this theme portrayed? (B&W cinematography of good characters embracing evil and evil characters embracing good)
3. How is Christianity demeaned by this theme?
4. What do you feel is the author's view of morality and why?
5. What other movies or literary works convey the same theme?
Extra Credit
1. What modern religion also teaches this same ideology (LDS and New Age)?
2. Do these organizations hold this belief outwardly or as secret knowledge to the initiated?
2007-03-18 23:38:44 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Censorship: Is it fair to tell someone what they can and cannot use in their art or read?- the character played by Jeff Daniels was only allowed to paint in certain colors, they burned books
Sexuality/sex revolution: How were relationships and dating different then compared to now? - Jennifer's being very sexually active and in Pleasantville no one, not even the mom, knew what sex was
What made the people turn from black and white to color? -based on the premise that people had to get rid of their repression, stand up for themselves or reveal inner demons, etc...
How were the fifties depicted as compared to now? -'big beds', dinner on the table at five, no working moms, etc...
How was bigotry and racism portrayed in the film? Why did they act this way?- black and white characters were fearful and violent toward those who were now in color
How did the main two characters evolve? -Jen decided to get an education and the boy (I forget his name, but Tobey Maguire) stands up for himself and makes a stand for his ideals.
2007-03-18 23:38:55 · answer #7 · answered by Viewaskew 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Look at clothes, attitudes, the role of women.
Though set in the 50's the film is more about peoples attitudes towards black people.
2007-03-18 23:31:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
ask this: would it be better to live in an innocent and perfect world that is largely bland and colourless or in an imperfect but colourful and fast-paced one. is the loss of innocence worth the enlightenment?
2007-03-18 23:36:36 · answer #9 · answered by rooster1981 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Are you looking more for book report type questions, (what happened here...) to see if they are paying attention? Or do you want more in depth, thought-provoking questions? Feel free to email me gilly_b_2@yahoo.com.
I know this movie pretty well, it's one of my favorites.
2007-03-18 23:33:57 · answer #10 · answered by Regenbogen! 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I know this movie by heart but what kind of questions are you looking for? you can email me cara82browny@yahoo.com
2007-03-18 23:30:20 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋