The Guardian Film Recap

The Golden Compass and Fantastic Mr Fox

Higher Close Reading Homework

The Film Recap Series

• Every week, the Guardian select a film that is going to be shown on TV.

• They do a recap BEFORE it’s on and also ocassionally do a Tweet-along as the film is on TV.

• Here you have 2 examples – one the writer hated and one he loved.

First up…The Golden Compass

Total Marks - 20

The Golden Compass

• The Golden Compass was released in 2007 and was widely panned.

• It is based on the books of Philip Pullman which were incredibly popular and quite controversial.

• Here the writer tries to work out what made it such a bad film.

Question 1

• Explain fully how the writer creates an effective opening to the passage in paragraph 1.4E

Question 2

• How does the writer’s use of sentence structure in paragraph 2 help convey his opinion about Philip Pullman’s books? 2A

Question 3

• Summarise the main reason for the film’s failure stated in paragraph 3. 2U

Question 4

• Explain the benefits of the writer’s use of sentence structure in the latter half of paragraph 3.2A

Question 5

• How does the writer use language to express his distaste for The Golden Compass in paragraph 4?6A

Question 6

• Comment on the writer’s use of imagery in paragraph 5. Select either example and show how the writer has used it to his advantage.2A

Question 7

• What does the writer argue is the final reason the film was so bad?2U

Next…Fantastic Mr Fox

Total Marks - 20

Fantastic Mr Fox

• Released in 2009, Fantastic Mr Fox is based on the book by Roald Dahl.

• It is made with stop-motion animation.

• Here the writer explains why the film is worth a second watch…

• …And a third, and a fourth, and a fifth.

• In my opinion anyway!

And it had a little clay Jarvis Cocker!

• Who wouldn’t love this wee cheery song?!

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQiwBkCyyTs

Question 1

• Explain the contrast between Wes Anderson and Roald Dahl as presented in paragraph 1.2A

Question 2

• How did Anderson tailor the story to suit his tastes (paragraph 2)? 1U

Question 3

• Summarise what kind of character Anderson has created in Fantastic Mr Fox. 5U

Question 4

• Comment on the writer’s use of tone in paragraph 5. Justify your answer. 2A

Question 5

• In what ways is a second watch of the film rewarding?2U

Question 6

• How does the writer use language to create an image of Willem Defoe’s character?2A

Question 7

• What is the writer implying in paragraph 7?

2E

Question 8

• Referring to any of the points in the “Observations” section, explain how the writer conveys his admiration for the film through either ideas or style.4E