Basic Questions for the Analysis of Films Plot, Title, Enigma: 1
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Basic Questions for the analysis of films Plot, title, enigma: 1. What is this movie about? This movie is about a father and son, Carlos and Luis, who live in East L.A. Carlos is a landscaper who is trying to make a better life for him and his son while also trying to keep Luis away from gang life. Luis is Carlos’ fifteen year old son whose girlfriend is affiliated with a gang. The story shows how the father and son come together in the goal to make a better life for themselves in a tough time. 2. If applicable, what is the historic reference? There is no historical reference. The film is based on a current issue. 3. What is the meaning of the opening scene? How does it set up the expectations for the rest of the film? The opening scene shows Carlos getting up and going to work as a landscaper. They show his drive through the poorer part of town he lives in and into the nicer neighborhoods he works in. When he goes home for the night, we see that he and Luis are living in a one bedroom. It shows what class they are and what Carlos has to do each day to support them. 4. Whose story is it? It is the story of Carlos and Luis but also of illegal immigrants as a community. It shows what life is like for them and the difficulties they face. Specifically, arguments could be made for it being Carlos’ or Luis’s story. It could be Luis’ story because Carlos has the same goals and motivations throughout the film- trying to make a life for him and is son. Luis is the driving force of the movie and the reason behind all that Carlos does. He’s kind of disobedient and has an attitude in the beginning and I would have predicted that he would get into a gang, but his attitude changes based on his dad’s actions and in the end, he has grown up a lot- obeys his dad’s wishes, stays away from his friends to avoid getting mixed up in their gang. He grows as a person and his goals change. On the other hand, it could also be Carlos’ story because the film opens and closes with him. His actions are what shape and influence Luis, who would not have a story if it weren’t for Carlos. 5. What is the meaning of the title? Is there a metaphorical meaning that extends beyond the literal one? “A Better Life” refers to what Carlos and other immigrants come to America seeking. All that Carlos does in the film is so that he can provide a better life for Luis than he had and give him more opportunities. 6. Identify recurrent stages, props, images, and settings and explain their possible meaning in the overall story development. One recurring theme was the setting. There was an emphasis on the difference between the area Carlos and Luis live in and the neighborhoods Carlos does landscaping in. The area they live is always shown at night with sirens and car alarms blaring constantly. They also show the gang life that is Luis’ potential future. On the other hand, in the nice neighborhoods where Carlos did landscaping, it is always bright and sunny and you can hear the sound of the ocean and birds chirping. In this way, setting and sound both emphasize the contrast between the two areas and Carlos’ desire to get out of their current living situation and to let Luis have a better childhood. Another theme was the gang culture, lifestyle, and influence. This was used as a negative influence and to show what could become of Luis if he is to stay in the area and not try to have a better chance at life. A prop that was crucial to the film was the truck Carlos and Blasco did there landscaping business out of. To Carlos, the truck represented hope and opportunity. Without it there would be no chance that he and Luis could have a chance at a better life. 7. What effect does the closing scene create in the audience? The ending produces mixed feelings. On the one hand it feels hopeful. Carlos is not giving up and it shows him about to cross the border into America again to come back for Luis regardless of the consequences. Also, it shows Luis obeying his father’s wishes and staying with his aunt, playing soccer, and avoiding the gangs- trying to set himself up for a better future. On the other hand, the ending is sad because we realize what little choice Carlos really has. He is repeating what he has done in the past- breaking the law, immigrating illegally, but because we have seen everything he’s been through, we want him to succeed. The story: 1. What is the coherent message? The difficulties immigrants face in our country and how we should be more accepting and less judgmental. Don’t let your current situation or environment influence your outcome in life. Don’t give up or settle for the hand you’ve been dealt. 2. What is the film social or/and cultural context and why do we need to know it to better understand the film? The cultural context is the life of Hispanic immigrants in America and what they have to do to survive and make money. Carlos is an illegal immigrant and has to stay under the radar to avoid deportation while also trying to make a living for his son. Luis conflict shows viewers the pressure on young men in his situation to become a part of gang life. The film is predominantly in English and set in the U.S, which means the United States is the intended audience. The social context involves the fact that a lot of Americans are judgmental and critical of illegal immigrants, the film is making us relate to them through emotions and have more sympathy and understanding for their situation. 3. What is the basic conflict? Obedience versus Rebellion- Carlos faces the constant choice of obedience to the law versus breaking it in order to do what he believes is right for Luis. He chooses to buy the truck to make more money even though if he gets caught driving it he will go to jail. At the end of the movie, we see him about to cross the border into the United States again in order to get back to Luis. Luis’ conflict is obedience to his father versus rebellion by disrespecting him and joining a gang. Man versus Society- Carlos is an illegal immigrant, doing things that are contrary to the laws of society. Want versus Need- There is a constant inner conflict in Carlos between doing what he wants to do and doing what he needs to do. He is a good person and doesn’t want to break the law, but he needs to do so in order to create a better life for his son. At the end of the movie, when he is about to cross the border back into the United States, we see that his need to be there for Luis wins out. 4. Whose narrative(s) voice(s) and/or focalization tell/shows the story? The story is told through an objective or outside perspective. While it revolves around Carlos and Luis’ lives, we do not see the story through their eyes. We see everything from the view of an outside, objective observer. There are frequently close ups of each of the character’s faces and when they speak to one another, the shot is from a view as though we are standing behind one of them observing. Sources Ebert, Roger. "A Better Life Movie Review & Film Summary (2011) | Roger Ebert." All Content. 6 July 2011. Web. 23 Nov. 2015. http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/a-better-life-2011 Giannetti, Louis. Understanding Movies. 11th ed. Prentice Hall, 2007. Print. Dargis, Manohla. "Drifting Apart, Struggling Together." The New York Times. The New York Times, 23 June 2011. Web. 23 Nov. 2015. A Better Life. Dir. Chris Weitz. Perf. Demian Bichir, Jose Julian, Joaquin Cosio. 2011. Film. Honeycutt, Kirk. "A Better Life: Film Review." The Hollywood Reporter. The Hollywood Reporter, 15 June 2011. Web. 23 Nov. 2015. HUM 326-01 Corey Burks, Charles Burns, Tony Cannon Fall 2015 A Better Life Directed by: Chris Weitz Screenplay by: Eric Eason, Story by: Roger L. Simon Principal Cast: Demian Bechir, José Julián Context The film takes place in present day Southern California. It explores the role and life of an illegal immigrant to the United States. It also explores the challenges presented to a second generation immigrant, especially one growing up surrounded by gang culture and being presented with challenges that their parents do not understand. The film is a microcosm surrounded by protests against deportation and persecution of illegal immigrants, especially in the Southwestern United States. Plot ● It revolves around Carlos Galindo, a single father and undocumented immigrant struggling to provide “a better life” for his son, Luis. ● While Carlos works hard as a gardener, Luis struggles to stay focused on his schooling. ● Blasco, who works with Carlos as a landscaper, offers to sell his truck, and therefore his business, to Carlos. Uncertain at first, Carlos is eventually persuaded that the truck will allow him to make a great deal of money. ● Anita, Carlos’ sister, loans him the $12,000 he needs to purchase the truck. ● Things briefly appear to be looking up for Carlos, but unfortunately his hope is promptly shattered.