Learning Objectives: The Mighty

1. Explain what a stereotype is.  Identify the use of stereotypical characters.
2. Demonstrate an ability to form a thesis about the film that draws on its main ideas and themes.
3. Make connections between different texts and media by comparing features such as themes, issues, styles, and appeal (Compare and contrast the Mighty to Casablanca and to the advertising videos we’ve watched).
4. Relate ideas and information in communications media to universal themes.
5. Compose or create communications works for specific audiences and purposes, including to entertain, persuade, or inform

Final assignment at end of film: Write an outline for a persuasive speech stating your opinion about one of the following three themes: the value of teamwork, being judged for our actions and deeds, rising above our limitations.

Process:

1. Take notes on all three themes during the film. Watch for details that you can use to support your case. What is the film saying about the above three themes? What makes you think so?

2. Look over your notes and pick one of the three to work on. Form a thesis: what is the film’s main point about this theme?

3. List at least three supporting reasons, which you can illustrate with moments from the film.

Other things to watch for and take notes about:

1. How is the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table used? Keep a list of all the references to (visual and auditory) to this story. What role does the Metaphor of King Arthur serve in this film?

2. Note what type of shot is used to accomplish the following:

a) to focus attention on the man and women fighting in the bar
b) to provide a sense of the surroundings of the place where Iggy and Loretta live
c) tell Max that Kevin was in trouble in the cafeteria
d) establish Max’s grief over Kevin’s death

3. How is camera work used to illustrate the theme of rising above one’s limitations?

4. What message is the film sending about the use of violence? How does it send this message?