Here is a complete list of camera techniques that Betty Thomas uses in the opening scene.

1. Here is a complete list of camera techniques that Betty Thomas uses in the opening scene. For each, write down the purpose of using that shot. Once you have completed the purpose for each shot, write down the effect of combining all of these shots.

2. SCENE 2: Gwen and Jasper travel to the wedding. • This scene is littered with clues that Gwen has a drug and alcohol problem. • How many clues can you find that Gwen has a problem? Write them down.

3. SCENE 3: The wedding. • Contrast is essential in helping us know that Gwen has a drug problem.

4. These are the reactions of folk after Gwen has fallen on the Cake. • For each picture… • Write down what the type of shot used • Write down what we can see for each shot • How does the contrast between Gwen/Jasper and the other guests show they have a problem?

5. View scene 5-6 Gwen arrives at rehab VIEW scenes 6 The attack on the Ant Hill.

6. Scene 5: Gwen arrives at rehab • In this scene, Gwen doesn’t think she has a problem, and doesn’t admit she has a problem. • How does she show this • Through the things she says • Through the things she does • We discover that Gwen’s drug problems are not simply limited to alcohol. • What other drugs does she do? BLUE= Copy RED= Do this

7. Scene 6: Gwen settles into rehab • What is the name of Gwen’s room-mate? • What is Gwen’s attitude to the room-mate? • During this scene, we are again given reminders that Gwen has a drug problem. How does Betty Thomas remind us of Gwen’s problem? • Gwen does drugs to block out painful memories. • Why do these memories return while in rehab? • How does Betty Thomas again make use of dramatic irony, during the flashback? • What is Gwen’s attitude to the other people in rehab? • What does she say that indicates this attitude • What does she do that indicates this attitude?

8. Scene 6, Gwen continues in rehab • During this scene, Gwen is fined $1 for not doing her duty. Gwen responds by saying Gwen: ‘Tell you what. Here’s five dollars. I don’t plan on cleaning all week.’ • What does this response indicate about Gwen’s attitude to other people in rehab?

9. Final task for today… • The theme of this movie is that we must admit our problems, and ask for help when we have a problem • Write about one time when you have had a problem. • How did you overcome this problem? Did you get help? How did this work out?

10. View scene 7 Gwen almost gets thrown out of rehab VIEW scenes 6 The attack on the Ant Hill.

11. When Cornell tells Gwen ‘God never dumps more on us than we can handle’ Gwen responds: ‘Oh, is that available stitched on a pillow somewhere?’ • What does this tell us about Gwen’s approach to rehab? • What two things does Gwen do in this scene that indicates she isn’t taking rehab seriously?

12. The downward spiral… • What is Gwen’s response to being thrown out of rehab? • What signs are there that she is waking up to the fact that there is a problem? • Why does Betty Thomas link Cornell’s description of the lowest point with Gwen falling out the window?

13. View scene 8-10 Gwen’s response to almost getting kicked out of rehab VIEW scenes 6 The attack on the Ant Hill.

14. This is a major turning point in the film. • Describe the realisation that Gwen is making in this shot • What are the chief factors in changing Gwen’s attitude towards rehab?

15. The effects of drugs • So far, Betty Thomas has been careful to point out the negative effects of drugs. • Write down the… • Social effects • Physical effects • Mental effects

16. How does this picture show Gwen’s attitude has changed?

17. For each quote • Copy it down • Explain how each indicates that Gwen has accepted that she has a problem? • Listen, about that jail thing. I can’t. I can’t go. There’s something wrong with my hands… well, with me. • …if I go to jail like this, I’ll die. • Gwen in therapy ‘I’m having a bad day. I’m having the worst damn day of my entire life.’

18. View scene 12 Group therapy with a horse. VIEW scenes 6 The attack on the Ant Hill.

19. Scene 12: Group therapy with a horse ‘It’s character revealing. The way we approach the horse is the way we approach the world.’ ‘Gwen, are you sure you don’t need some help?’ Gwen: ‘No.’ • Explain what the horse symbolises. • What do we learn about Gwen through this scene? COPY ANSWER

20. ‘Therapeutic tool’ • Gwen is given a therapeutic tool. What does this read? • Gwen now knows she has a problem. • What do both the sign and the horses hoof suggest about overcoming her problem?

21. Changing relationships… scenes 13-15 • How has Gwen’s relationship with Jasper changed? • What words/ actions indicate this change? • What are the reasons for this change? • What does this tell us about Gwen and her drinking problem? • What does Jasper do that is inappropriate? • What does this tell us about him as a character?

22. View scene 16-18 The obstacle course, Lily visits Gwen VIEW scenes 6 The attack on the Ant Hill.

23. What is the group’s opinion of Jasper? • Who does the audience agree with? Why? • Does Gwen want their help in deciding? • How does that link to the horse’s hoof?

24. What shot is used here? • Why does Betty Thomas use this shot? • What do we learn that Gwen has done at the wedding? • How does this reinforce that Gwen has a drinking problem? • By now, we know what Gwen needs to do to overcome her problem. How does her relationship with Lily NOT help?

25. Paragraph writing • How is a character presented at the start of the film? At the start of 28 Days, Gwen is presented to us as a drunk. After a heavy night’s drinking, Gwen says to Jasper (her partner) ‘What happened last night?’ As she has been drinking, the director has shot the scene with little focus. A red filter has been placed over the camera. The director uses these techniques as Gwen is drinking in the pub. They combine to create dramatic irony. The audience knows that Gwen has a drinking problem well before she knows it herself. Gwen’s comment to Jasper also indicates her drinking problem, because, like many drunks, she has little knowledge of what she has been up to the night before. By using these techniques, director Betty Thomas is able to portray Gwen as a drunk.

26. Now your turn. • What is one idea in 28 Days?

27. 22 • Hay barn sharing of dumb incidents. Eddie happy to share, Gwen not so. Appearance of a new woman who won’t do chores. Shows how far Gwen has come. Andrea leaving, Gwen writes a ‘Santa Booze’ script for people. 23 • Andrea leaving Theraputic tools‘Sometimes you gotta kiss ass before you can kick it.’‘It’s the engine that kills you, not the caboose.’‘Make love, not war.’Don’t ever be someone’s slogan, because you are poetry.’24 • Eddie and Gwen argue over sharing dumb moments. Ends with Jasper appearing 25 • Andrea dead. Ends with Gwen calling 26 • Making up between Gwen and sister – break-down of Gwen and Lily27 • Checking out and farewell – ‘Jeremiah was a bullfrog’28 • Back to the city. Jasper Breakthrough with the horse: ‘I just need help!’Then: ‘I can control the little things. Then I just have to let go. And it’s up to somebody else.’

28. View scene 22 Eddie wants to share drinking stories. VIEW scenes 6 The attack on the Ant Hill.

29. Before we begin class today… • How has Gwen changed in this film? • What changes does she still need to make if she is to fully recover?

30. When Gwen and company are watching Santa Cruz, a new person appears at rehab. • Why does Betty Thomas bring in this new person? • How does this help us to realise how much Gwen has changed?