Film Discussion Questions

I have developed a list of questions for use in class discussion based on what I have researched during this project. These are general questions and can be used for any film. Additional questions can be developed depending on your specific film.

How is information determined by the visual and auditory mechanics of film?

What influences are at work with shaping the document?

How has the background of the director or actor shaped the film?

How was the film received by the public?

Did the film influence other works?

What historical character does the film follow?

What historical facts are present in the film?

What fiction is evident in the film?

Are there any obvious historical inaccuracies?

Are there any major events or people who are missing from the film? Why might the director have left that part of the plot out?

How does the film compare to what we have previously learned in class?

What do you think has been added to the film for entertainment purposes?

Were there any morals or lessons that the director has portrayed to the audience through the film?

How are minority groups portrayed in the film?

What emotions does this film evoke?

How might a film produced in a different country change the perspective of the film?

How has this film influenced your feelings or ideas about an event?

Criteria to Consider when Using Film in the Classroom.

Based on my research I have compiled a list of criteria that I think is important when choosing a historical film to show in your classroom.
1.)    A film must recreate an event that is not equally described or experienced in text form.
2.)    A film must recreate an event or time period that cannot be experienced through a field trip or a skit.
3.)    The film should portray the culture and attitude of the time.
4.)    The film must allow for critical analysis of the subject.
5.)    The film must evoke emotion or some type of empathy.
6.)    The film must be appropriate for classroom use (language, sexual content, violence) depending on your age group you may want to avoid particular films.)
7.)     The film must contain at least one perspective of a particular group or person during a historical event.
8.)    The film must not negatively stereotype any particular group (unless your lesson is partially based on inaccurate stereotypes of particular groups in history).
9.)    The film should contain historical fact. (possibly the most obvious element)

Preparing to Use a Film in the Classroom

1.)    Be sure to preview the film to screen for obscenities, nudity, sexual situations, and violence; be prepared to skip problematic scenes.


2.)    Films are long so you may want to select a series of clips from the film to show in the classroom. This will also be helpful in films with problematic areas with nudity and extreme violence.


3.)    Once you have picked a film, communicate intentions to parents and school administration. Permission slips to parents may be necessary when using films that deal with a sensitive subject.


4.)    Prepare students with necessary background knowledge needed in order to view the film critically. This will include various other resources, information and knowledge through class discussion.


5.)    Prepare discussion questions, and appropriate activities that will allow your students to critically analyse the content of the film.