Film Enrichment: Fish Tank

Laura Cuk

In film enrichment…

• In film enrichment I watched the film ‘Fish Tank’ which was written and directed by Andrea Arnold which stars Katie Jarvis, Kierston Wareing and Michael Fassbender.

Question #1

• You discussed your feelings after the film trailer. Have they changed after watching the whole film? Why or why not?

• After watching the trailer, I thought that the film looked interesting.

Question #2

• Discuss your thoughts/feelings about the main character Mia. What type of character is she? Do audiences connect with her? How/why?

• Mia's character shows that she is broken down. Mia's character is lonely. Also, in the film, Mia has a short temper and gets frustrated over certain things. Audiences can connect with Mia's character because of some of the situations shown in the movie that Mia has gone through.

Question #3• Describe the relationship between Mia, her mother and her sister.

• These characters relationship with each other is turbulent. • In the film, Mia's mother doesn't show Mia any love or affection and

doesn't give Mia the attention she needs. • In addition to this, Mia becomes rebellious and tries to gain this

attention from her mother. On the other hand, when the mothers new lover comes onto the scene, Mia's mother changes her attitude.

• However when the boyfriend isn't around, the mother regains her old attitude towards the children.

• Mia and her sister don't have much of a sisterly relationship. However when Mia decides to leave the audience can see that they do love each other deep down but decide not to show it.

Question #4

• Describe the relationship between Mia and her friends.

• At the beginning of the film, the audience can see that Mia has a fight with her friend Keely who is apparent to being her only friend.

Question #5

• Describe the relationship between Mia and Connor. Is it inappropriate? Why do you think she seeks his attention and companion?

• At first, his behaviour towards Mia is like a father figure. His character is quite respectful. There relationship is inappropriate because Connor's character is more older than Mia's character. Mia's character seeks attention from Connor because his character is practically praising Mia and also because Mia cannot get any attention anywhere else.

Question #6

• Why do you think dancing is so important to Mia?

• Dancing is important to Mia because it's a means of self expression. Dancing is a passion of Mia's. It was a way for her to escape from her everyday life. Dancing is somewhat her release from her unhealthy emotions so she takes the refuge in being alone.

Question #7

• How and why is Mia rebellious?

• Mia is rebellious because she does things that are illegal. An example of this would be when she breaks into Connors home. Another example would be when she breaks onto someone else's property to free an old white horse.

Question #8

• Mia is fascinated with releasing a white horse; why do you think this is? What does the horse symbolise?

• The white horse is chained up and Mia walks by and tries to free this animal. The white horse symbolises freedom. With the horse being trapped, Mia can relate to this because she also is feeling trapped. Also, the colour of the horse is white and this represents purity and innocence.

Question #9

• The director employed real people. Why do you think was? Was it successful?

• With employing real people to play the parts, there is a better element of relation. The film becomes more realistic and believable with the raw emotion presented through these ordinary people acting. Also, there is a sense of authenticity.

Question #10&11

• Why do you think the film is called fish tank?

• I think the film is called fish tank because it shows how the main character Mia is trapped in her world.

• Does Mia live in a fish tank? How/why?

• Mia does live in a fish tank because she is continuously living in a repetitive lifestyle.