Film Studies: Thematic Elements
Chapter 2The Art of Watching FilmsJoseph M. BoggsDennis W.
Petrie
Film Studies: Thematic ElementsThematic ElementsTHEME refers to
the unifying central concern of the film, the special focus that
unifies the work.
IdeasPlotEmotional Effect or MoodCharacterStyle or Texture
All five are present in ALL film; but in any given film, one is
predominant.
Thematic Elements: PLOTWhat happens in the film?Adventure
storiesDetective storiesGladiatorSpider-ManHidalgo Raiders of the
Lost ArkTitanicThe Fast and the FuriousThematic Elements: EMOTIONAL
EFFECT or MOODThe director creates a highly specialized mood or
emotional effect. In such films, it is possible to identify a
single mood or emotion that prevails throughout the film.The
Shining40-Year-Old VirginThe PianoPsychoThematic Elements:
CHARACTERThe focus in this type of film is mostly on the character.
Although plot is important in such films, what happens is important
primarily because it helps us understand the character being
developed.What sets these characters apart from ordinary
people?
A Beautiful MindCinderella ManRaging
BullElizabethFridaRayThematic Elements: STYLE or TEXTURE OR
STRUCTUREThese films have a quality that sets them aparta unique
look, feel, rhythm, atmosphere, tone, or organization that echoes
in our minds and senses long after we leave the theater.
Waking LifeThe English PatientFargoPulp FictionThe Road
HomeThematic Elements: IDEASIn most serious films, the action and
characters have a significance beyond the context of the film
itselfa significance that helps to clarify some aspect of life,
experience, or the human condition.
Moral ImplicationsThe Truth of Human NatureSocial ProblemsThe
Struggle for Human DignityThe Complexity of Human
RelationshipsComing of Age/Loss of Innocence/Growing AwarenessA
Moral or Philosophical RiddleThematic Elements: IDEASMoral
ImplicationsFight ClubBeing John MalkovichCrashThe Truth of Human
NatureLord of the Flies (1963)Groundhog DayRequiem for a
DreamSocial ProblemsMississippi BurningDead Man WalkingDo the Right
Thing
Thematic Elements: IDEASThe Struggle for Human DignityMillion
Dollar BabyRentSchindlers ListThe Complexity of Human
RelationshipsThe War of the RosesBrokeTerms of EndearmentA Moral or
Philosophical RiddleFight Club
Thematic Elements: IDEAS
Coming of Age/Loss of Innocence/Growing AwarenessAbout a
BoyFinding NemoSixteen CandlesBilly Elliot
Thematic Elements: IDEASBilly Elliot (2000)Director: Stephen
DaldryJamie BellBilly ElliotJean HeywoodGrandmaJamie DravenTony
Elliot (brother)Gary LewisDad (Jackie Elliot)
Setting: The 1984 Miners Strike in England
Brief Synopsis: A talented young boy becomes torn between his
unexpected love of dance and the disintegration of his family.
