The Blindside directed by John Lee Hancock

1. The Blindside directed by John Lee Hancock Looking closely at the film

2. Plot Write plot summary that is exactly 75 words long. Ensure you include coverage of all the key events.

3. Characters - description After viewing the film, choose five words you would use to describe Michael and five words you would use to describe Leigh Anne. Give a specific example AND quote from the film to support each word. • ………………… e.g. • ………………… e.g. • ………………… e.g. • ………………… e.g. • ………………… e.g.

4. Characters - relationships Michael and Leigh Anne 1) Describe the relationship that these two characters have. Write a minimum of 50 words. 2) Find 3 quotes that support this description. 2) Describe 2-3 scenes that BEST convey this relationship.

5. Challenges & Obstacles What are some of the physical challenges that Michael faces? (List at least 2) What are some of the emotional challenges that Michael faces? (List at least 2) Describe one challenge in detail. Explain how Michael reacts to this challenge and how this effects his life. Give two quotes and one-two film techniques that were used effectively during this challenge.

6. Character Development How does Leigh Anne’s character change? (How does her personality change or does she learn anything about the world or herself?) Give a quote and an event that backs this up. How does Michael’s character change? Give a quote and an event that backs this up.

7. Themes • Overcoming adversity • Compassion • The importance of a loving family Select twothemes or choose your own. Write your own definition for each one(what the theme means to you) Describe 2-3 events from the film (with quotes) that illustrate each theme. Try to discuss a range of visual and verbal techniques.

8. Character - theme Explain how both Michael and Leigh Anne help to convey the following themes: • Overcoming adversity • Compassion • The importance of a loving family • Or, your own ideas of a theme Try to give specific examples from the text to support your answer.

9. Settings • Describe the neighbourhood Michael comes from: • Describe the neighbourhood Leigh Anne comes from: • Describe the kinds of attitudes that Michael faces from other people. • Give 1-2 quotes for each setting that help back up your description.

10. Important Event Describe what you believe to be the most important event in the film. Describe how effective the acting during this event is and how two film techniques were used. Give two quotes from the event. What does the event show the viewer about: • Each character involved? • The themes in the film?

12. Mood Describe the scene from the film you thought was the saddest… Describe the scene that made you the happiest… Describe a scene that made you feel angry… For each scene explain how one of the following film techniques matched your mood: Sound / Music / Camera shots / Lighting

13. Review (Optional extension activity) Write your own review of the Blindside Write 100-200 words (1/2 – 1 page) Don’t bother about describing the plot, just explain your opinion about the film and any aspects of it that you thought were well made or weren’t that good. Give a rating and who this film might appeal to. (e.g. people who liked…will like the Blindside.)