Idea

How does
Edward
contrast to
Jim (Kims
boyfriend)?

Examples of film techniques depicted Effects of these techniques

on viewers emotions.
Choice of actor: Edward (Johnny Depp)
We sympathise, empathise
is distinctively shorter and slimmer than
with Edward. We dislike Jim. As
Jim (Anthony Michael Hall). Depp is more
an audience, we are cheering
effeminate than Hall.
for Edward.
Characterisation: Edward is nave and
We are upset when Edward
vulnerable. Jim is arrogant and cocky.
fails, but revel in Jims failure.
Edward moves awkwardly and stiffly. Jim
We identify Jim as a bully. We
glides and struts.
want to relate to Edward and
Camera Angle: low-angle shots make
may relate personal
Jim seem more imposing, and physically
experiences to Edwards
larger. Close-up shot: showing Edwards
situation.
eyes, he is seen looking sensitive,
We are unmoved by Jims
vulnerable, puppy-dog like.
death.
Music: often slower, emotive musical
Edward is sweet and lovely,
pieces are playing when we witness a
you have an overwhelming
close-up of Edwards face.
desire to protect and shelter
Choice of language: Jim uses vulgar,
him. Edward reminds you of a
more aggressive language. Edward barely puppy.
speaks, and when he does is always
As an audience, you also relate
polite, and sweet.
to Peg, the over protective,
Costumes: Edward wears dark, clunky,
loving, caring mother.
odd, clumsy looking clothing. Edwards
hair is wild and scruffy. Additionally
Edwardss hair is dark black. In contrast,
Jim looks slick, well groomed. Jim is often
seen wearing a varsity sweater. He has
clean, combed, blonde hair.
Different character motives: Jims only
ambition appears to own a car. Jim will
even steal, to make this happen. Edward,
is depicted as hard working. Edward is
willing to work for free, or for cookies.
Edward is providing a valued service to
the neighbourhood. Edwards skills are in
high demand.
The use of flashbacks show that
Edward did not receive a traditional
upbringing. Edward lost his father/creator.
Edward has been isolated for most of his
life. Jim, on the other hand, comes from
wealth. His father is both powerful and

Idea
The
neighbourh
ood is often
depicted as
a group
rather than
as
individuals.

Idea

rich.
Examples of film techniques depicted Effects of these techniques
on viewers emotions.
Camera Angle: Use of wide-shots, which The neighbourhood is a
shows the entire neighbourhood in the
collective rather than
same location. Use of background and
individuals. Most of the
foreground. Often the neighbourhood
neighbourhood share similar
residents are seen in the background,
values and beliefs. Ultimately,
whenever action is unfolding. Here, seen
this further alienates Edward.
as nosey.
The neighbourhood are
Costumes: The neighbourhood residents displayed as a pack. They are
dress similar, similar style, similar colour
quick to judge Edward, who is
in clothing (all very bright). Only Edward
different and does not naturally
dresses differently.
fit their world.
Symbolism: The men leave and arrive
The neighbourhood does not
for work at the same time, their cars
have a lot of experience or
leave and pull into the driveway in
expose to diversity, to
unison. All the women in the
disabilities, or ethnicity. We
neighbourhood get new haircuts. The
view the neighbourhood as
houses are almost identical in size and
often acting quite cruel to
dimensions. The cars, letterboxes, etc.
Edward. As a result, we
are very similar. The street is completely
sympathise with Edward more
flat, yet Edward lives on a giant hill only
so.
metres from the street. The entire street
is shown decorating their houses for
Christmas.
Staging: Events, such as the
neighbourhood barbeque, display
neighbourhood residents looking
identical. Edward is chased back to the
hill by the entire neighbourhood. The
entire neighbourhood accept Edward and
turn on him in harmony.

Examples of film techniques depicted Effects of these techniques

on viewers emotions.

What
conclusions
can you
draw from
Pegs job?
(A door-todoor, Avon,
beauty
saleswoman
)
How is
isolation
explored in
this film?

How is the
suburban
housewife
represented
in this film?

Idea
How is
disability
represented
in this film?

Examples of film techniques depicted Effects of these techniques

on viewers emotions.