Entre les Murs

Character & Identity The Class is a film that explores identity from a variety of perspectives. Amongst the two easily identifiable character groups – students and teachers – a multitude of sub-groups are established. Identity can be defined by the groups which individuals belong to: their school, class or profession; their nationality, ethnicity or religion; sporting allegiances, dress code, gender – the list goes on. Identity is constructed in the film through action and interaction, with the early scenes enabling the audience to recognize the key players and their roles. As this is an improvised drama, characterization is partly drawn from life but at the same time, all the actors are playing ‘versions’ of themselves.

General questions

  1. How are different identities asserted and acknowledged– in this film? In society at large?
  2. How important do you consider the expression of individual identity, and to what extent is this possible or desirable within an educational context, where the emphasis is often on conformity?
  3. To what extent are groups with similar interests (such as the student body, or the teaching staff) united or divided by significant events – within the context of the film, or within the compass of your own experience?

Debate & Conflict In the classroom portrayed in this film, the emphasis is on informed discussion where no subject is taboo - provided it is properly defended. Yet the line between discussion and argument is a fine one. François treats his pupils like adults but in some instances, the exchange proves too much and discussions quickly become heated. But to what extent is this approach a purposeful preparation for life beyond the school environment? And if the classroom in the film is a microcosm of society at large, what significance do these exchanges take on?

General questions

  1. During the course of the film, explore the way tensions develop and subside:
    - amongst the students themselves;
    - between individual students and their teacher François;
    - between François and the class as a whole.
    Consider how these shifting relationships relate to your own experiences of education.
  2. Souleymane, often reluctant to participate in lessons, bares a tattoo that reads: ‘If your words are less important than silence, keep quiet’. In what ways could this be interpreted? How significant does this seem within the context of the film?
  3. Souleymane: ‘It’s revenge’
    François: ‘We’re not on the streets’
    To what extent do conflicts in the classroom film relate to personality? What other factors are at play in these instances?

Education-The educational environment represented in the film is dynamic, and at times unstable, as dialogue breaks down and relationships become strained. The film considers the concept of education as social improvement, empowering young people; yet in the context of The Class, the educational establishment sometimes fails those students. François endeavors to teach his class about broader concerns, as well as the French language, but the students debate the relevance of this education to their daily lives and relationships between students, teachers and the education system as a whole are called into question.

General questions

  1. The film raises questions about the value of ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ learning, exploring the extent to which intuition plays a part in our knowledge. What value do you think should be placed on ‘informal’ learning? What do you think might constitute this kind of education?
  2. Does an educational establishment shape a young person’s achievements or potential? Are we limited solely by our own ability and motivation, or does our experience of and treatment by others have an impact on our success?
  3. During the course of the film, both teachers and students make definitions of and demands for respect. In what different ways might you interpret respect? To what extent can it, or should it, be earned? How far do you think society relies on this concept?

Film Style

The Class, filmed in a school setting using untrained actors and improvisation techniques, represents a blend of reality and drama. Each sequence within the film needs to work as a part of the whole without seeming artificial; the director and editors must bring the film together through narrative, characterisation, camerawork, editing and all the other aspects of filmmaking needed to make a film coherent. The film’s French title, Entre les Murs(Between the Walls, from the book of the same title), clearly establishes the action within a particular environment – but it becomes clear that what takes place between these walls has a much greater resonance.

General questions

  1. To what extent can documentary filmmaking capture the true nature of any situation or environment? Consider any examples of the genre that you know of, thinking about their purpose and construction.
  2. The Class is shot as a ‘docudrama’ – a style of filmmaking that combines features of documentary with familiar aspects of drama. What freedoms or restrictions might you associate with either style of production?
  3. What value can you see in exploring issues to do with education, identity, democracy, society and social cohesion within the context of this film?