Production features of a particular scene contribute to a films central idea(s)

INTRO = State your position on the statement; include the text title, director, use the wording of
the statement, outline of at least 3 points you will make and the techniques (at least 3) you will
refer to.
The film Heavenly Creatures directed by Peter Jackson, uses the production features of intercutting,
editing in black and white dream sequences and ________________in the scene(s) of
_________________________, ______________________ and ______________ to contribute to the
films central ideas of ___________________________________ and
________________________________.
MAIN POINT ONE EXAMPLE
Topic sentence = A sentence that uses the wording of the question to outline what this
paragraph is going to be about. So for this question it will state the scene, production feature(s)
and central idea that you will discuss in this paragraph.
T: Firstly, in the opening scene of the film Jackson uses the production feature of intercutting between
archival footage of 1950s Christchurch and two girls running through bushes covered in blood, to
contribute to the films central idea of two girls not fitting into Christchurchs 1950s conformist society.
Examples and Details: (Here, give specific Examples about techniques used in the opening
scene and Details about the effects of techniques and how the techniques show the central
idea.)
E + D: In the beginning, viewers are introduced to a sepia toned archival travelogue of Christchurch.
The footage shows a British cultural influence as the viewers see British styled buildings, schooling,
neatly, uniformed people and hear an English accented voice over narrate the pictorial tour as a guide
for viewers. This introduction sets up the conformist, English values and ideal world of "civilisation" in
Christchurch in the 1950s. Jackson then uses the technique of intercutting to cut to a handheld camera
shot showing two girls running and screaming through the bushes covered in blood. This automatically
sets up a contrast between the civilized values of Christchurch society, and these two uncivilized girls,
running, screaming and covered in blood.
So what = This is where you relate your examples and details to what the directors purpose for
doing this was and the deeper meaning or theme it shows. You can also link the examples to the
film as a whole and also relate what you have said to what it shows about society at the time or
society today.
S: Through this technique of intercutting and contrast in the opening scene, Jackson sets up the idea
that the two protagonists of the film do not fit the mold or expectation of 1950s Christchurch and sets
up the central idea of Pauline and Juliet being non conformists that dont fit the oppressive nature of
this society, causing them to rebel against it, and want to escape it. We later see that Pauline and Juliet
are two very creative and imaginative girls, trapped in a society where they cannot express this and
where their creativity is not valued or accepted by society. This ultimately leads to their connection and
obsession with each other as they feel no one else understands them.

YOUR TURN = MAIN POINT TWO WRITE THIS OUT IN YOUR BOOK
T: Jackson also uses the production feature of intercutting three black and white dream sequences into
the storyline of the film to show the central ideas of obsession and escapism and how this leads to the
murder, and their separation in the end.
E + D: NOW PROVIDE EXAMPLES OF THE DREAM SEQUENCES TECHNIQUES USED IN THEM
AND DETAILS ABOUT HOW THIS SHOWS THEIR OBSESSION/ ESCAPISM/ REASONING BEHIND
THE MURDER
SOME IDEAS = SYMBOLISM OF THE SHIP SYMBOLISM OF FEET ABSENSE OF PAULINES
FAMILY IN THE SCENES CLOSE UPS ON DISTRAUGHT FACES MEDIUM SHOT OF PAULINE
AND JULIET AND THE HULMES ALL HUGGING IN SECOND SEQUENCE SHOWING THE
REASONING BEHIND THE PLANNED MURDER.
S: NOW SAY WHAT JACKSONS PURPOSE BEHIND THESE SEQUENCES WAS I.E. TO SHOW
PAULS WISH OF BELONGING IN A MORE SUPERIOR CLASS TO SHOW MOTHER WAS AN
OBSTACLE TO THEIR DREAM TO SHOW THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS AN OPPRESSIVE SOCIETY
THAT DOESNT VALUE OR ACCEPT DIFFERENCE I.E. IMAGINATION CAN HAVE IN LEADING TO
VIOLENCE AND OBSESSION/ ESCAPISM ETC.

YOUR TURN = MAIN POINT THREE CHOOSE A SCENE, TECHNIQUE(S) AND CENTRAL IDEA OF
YOUR CHOICE.
Topic sentence = A sentence that uses the wording of the question to outline what this
paragraph is going to be about. So for this question it will state the scene, production feature(s)
and central idea that you will discuss in this paragraph.
Examples and Details: (Here, give specific Examples about techniques used in the scene and
Details about the effects of techniques and how the techniques show the central idea.)
So what = This is where you relate your examples and details to what the directors purpose for
doing this was and the deeper meaning or theme it shows. You can also link the examples to the
film as a whole and also relate what you have said to what it shows about society at the time or
society today.

CONCLUSION
Peter Jackson used intercutting, black and white dream sequences and __________________ in the
scenes of ________________________ to help the audience understand
__________________________. These production features reinforced the ideas of
________________. Jackson wanted his audiences to walk closely with the girls and understand their
lives. (FINISH ON A LASTING NOTE OF WHAT AUDIENCES CAN LEARN OVERALL FROM THE
FILM)