Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Complete this guided reflection as part of your Case Study Assignment (5% of final grade) by answering each question thoughtfully. Answers need to be complete and comprehensive, demonstrating that you paid attention and thought about what was shown on the screen. You may use more than one paragraph if necessary. Be sure that the topic sentence of your first paragraph uses key words from the question. All responses should be in complete sentences using proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

ABOUT THE FILM:

Saving Mr. Banks (2013) is a work of historical fiction based on a true story. While the events and people portrayed in the film were in fact real, the writers created a narrative with words, conversations and portrayals that serve to tell the story through their creative lens. We can learn a lot from historical fiction and yet we also want to be sure we are examining other pieces of information to get the full picture if we want accurate and true to life information.

ABOUT THIS GUIDED REFLECTION:

Read the questions before you watch the movie so that you will know what to look for. At breaks or when the film is over, take the opportunity to make short notes in the spaces provided. If you make notes while the movie is playing, make sure that your note taking doesn't interfere with carefully watching the film. You do not need to make any notes on this worksheet, but when the movie is completed, you will be required to fully respond to the questions.

1. Write a summary of the main plot, describing the event or events that are the focus of the film, stating where and when they take place.

2. Name and describe the protagonist and the antagonist in this story and discuss some key attributes of each one.

Protagonist: A protagonist is the main character of a story. The protagonist is at the center of the story, makes the key decisions, and experiences the consequences of those decisions. The protagonist is the primary agent propelling the story forward and is often the character who faces the most significant obstacles. 

Antagonist: An antagonist is a character in a story who is presented as the chief foe or opposition of the protagonist.

3. Name and briefly describe the other characters portrayed in this film and use key words or phrases to understand them and their relationship to the protagonist and antagonist.

4. In the story told by the film, what is the main conflict (or if you observe several conflicts, comment on them as well) and how was it resolved (if it was resolved t all)?

5. Music and lighting are part of the way that the moviemakers communicate their message. Go deeper than that. Give one or two specific examples of how other elements of the cinematic art, such as shot framing, camera angles, camera movement, color, editing choice, or length of take were used by the filmmakers to get their point across.

6. Describe two images or scenes from the film that stand out in your mind. Discuss why they impressed you and how they relate to themes explored in the story.

7. Describe a lesson from this film that viewers can apply to their own lives: (1) in deciding what position to take on an issue of public or personal concern or (2) in their relations with family, friends or co-workers. Discuss the events that relate to this lesson.

8. The thread of forgiveness weaves it way throughout the film. Describe the situations or events where forgiveness takes place, which characters are involved and for what reasons was forgiveness or unforgiveness important? Discuss briefly.

GRADING RUBRIC: (5 points) (5% of final grade)

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