Textual analysis presentation
- 1. Film Studies Textual Analysis Presentation Luke Nutter Friday, 2 November 2012
- 2. Thesis Statement • “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand” In light of this statement, compare and contrast the narrative of two thrillers; Mr Nobody directed by Jaco Van Dormael and Source Code directed by Duncan Jones. Friday, 2 November 2012
- 3. Source Code • In the film Source Code, the audience witnesses the experiences of the protagonist known as Colter Stevens. He is being used by a military program to help determine the identity of a train bomber. This is accomplished through a reoccurring simulation of the same event, where he slowly pieces together various details which lead him to the killer. Friday, 2 November 2012
- 4. Mr Nobody • The film Mr Nobody follows the life of a man called Nemo Nobody. It captures the various choices Nemo makes over his lifetime, but also the different scenarios as a result of alternative choices. To act as a point in time to show where Nemo currently is, the audience is referred back to the future in which Nemo is the last mortal on Earth. Friday, 2 November 2012
- 5. Character Roles and Problems To Overcome • Source Code (Colter Stevens) - Colter acts as the middle man in transferring information back to reality from the virtual train bombing simulation. He is faced with many choices along the way, and has to overcome the problem of putting the needs of others before his own. He must also face the fact that it is a simulation and he cannot change what has already happened. • Mr Nobody (Nemo Nobody) - Nemo is the focus of the audience. He is the cause for all the different paths we see in the film. It is through his choices which allows the plot to progress. In all the different lives he leads, he has problems to overcome. These problems range in level of seriousness but are generated from his previous decisions. In the film the main event which sparks all of these pathways is when Nemo has to choose whether to stay with his father, or to leave with his mother. Friday, 2 November 2012
- 6. What Lessons Are Learnt • Source Code - You can’t change what has already happened, but we can learn from the past and apply it to future scenarios. We also see how it is considered a dilemma in keeping Colter Stevens alive as he is unable to physically function, remaining in a vegetative state. In highlighting this dilemma we learn to think of the needs of individuals, as well as the needs of a collective. • Mr Nobody - Choices cannot be avoided, nor can we always make the right decision when faced with a choice. It becomes apparent that we should use our basic principles and morals to guide us through life and make the most of it. The film also reinforces the lesson that the smallest decision can in fact alter the rest of our lives. The film uses a reference to chess known as “zugzwang” when the only viable move, is not to move. Friday, 2 November 2012
- 7. How The Audience is Affected / Meaning • Source Code - The audience can have mixed feelings towards the film Source Code. It can be viewed as very positive in the way that the terrorist is stopped, and Colter gets to live out a new consciousness with the passenger he falls in love with. The negative outlook is that in reality he dies and has has been manipulated by the military. This brings about the question whether or not it was morally right to keep him alive for the greater good. • Mr Nobody - The film Mr Nobody can make the audience relate some of the messages to their own lives and cause them to think a bit more about the consequences of their actions. It also results in the audience questioning their existence, whether or not it is in fact real or just the outcome of a choice which hasn’t been made yet. Friday, 2 November 2012
- 8. Key Scenes 1 Freeze Frame Scene Zugzwang Friday, 2 November 2012
- 9. Key Scenes 2 Phone Call Entropy Friday, 2 November 2012
- 10. Key Scenes 3 Rubble Pigeon Superstition Friday, 2 November 2012
- 11. Key Scenes 4 The Deal Innate Fears Friday, 2 November 2012