THEME AND FOCUS

Definition Theme refers to the unifying central

concern of the film, the special focus that unifies the work

Focus can be broken into five different types Plot Emotional effect (mood) Character Style Ideas

Plot Final outcome is all-important, but only

within the context of the specific story being told

Many summer blockbusters and action films focus strictly on the plot

These films tend to employ straight forward and flat characters

Emotional effect (mood) Possible to identify a single mood or

emotion that prevails throughout the film The individual steps in the film lead to

one single powerful emotional moment Horror films, suspense thrillers, and some

romance movies fall into this category

Character The film focuses on a single unique

character The major appeal of the character are the

traits that set him/her apart from the rest of society

Style Films that are set apart because of a

unique look, feel, rhythm, atmosphere, tone or organization

Such films are usually not commercially successful because some audience members will not like or understand the unique characteristic of the film

Ideas This film tries to clarify some aspect of

life or the human condition Many times the central idea or theme of

the film can be summed up in a single word or phrase (usually some human emotion like jealousy or some human condition like injustice or prejudice)

There are seven different categories that this theme might fall into:

Moral implications Truth of human nature Social problems Struggle for human dignity Complexity of human relationships Coming of age Moral or philosophical riddle

Moral implications These films are intended to convince us

of the wisdom or practicality of a moral principle and thereby persuade us to apply the principle in our lives

Don’t mistake a moral implication for a moral statement

The film should take a clear stand on the moral issue not just address the issue and allow the viewer to decide

Truth of human nature Films that focus on universal or

representative characters The characters are representative of

humanity in general, and they serve as cinematic vehicles to illustrate some widely or universally accepted truth about human nature

Social problems Films that expose social vices and follies

or criticize social institutions Usually they concentrate on defining the

problem and emphasizing its importance instead of suggesting reform for the problem

Struggle for human dignity Portray a basic conflict or tension

between two opposing sides of human nature

Conflict may be external or internal, and while victory can occur it is not necessary for the film

The conflict and how the character deals with it becomes the central focus of the film

Complexity of human relationships

Focus on problems, frustrations, pleasures and joys of human relationships

These relationships can include family, love, marriage, etc.

Coming of age Major characters are usually young

people going through experiences that force them to become more mature or to gain some new awareness of themselves in relation to the world around them

This concept can be treated comically, seriously, or even tragically

The central character is dynamic because we will see them as different at the end of the film

Moral or philosophical riddle

Film develops around a riddle or some puzzling quality

This type of film communicates through symbols or images so analysis is essential for understanding

In addition to themes, some films contain motifs (images, patterns, or ideas that are repeated throughout the film and are variations or aspects of the major theme)

Once we have identified the theme of the film we want to evaluate its effect on the audience

If a theme has universality it is one of lasting interest, of interest to all people in all places and times

Some themes are localized to a place or time