Life Is Beautiful 75 Points

Life Is Beautiful – 75 points

The film opens in 1939, on the eve of the Second World War, in a small Italian town in Tuscany. The filmasks us to reflect on the impact the concentration camp has on Guido and his family, rather than the horror of the place itself, something that has been the subject of other films including Schindler's List, The Pianist and The Boy in Striped Pajamas. Some critics of the film have argued that it makes light of the Holocaust, and it does include a unique element of comedy that starkly contrasts with the horrors, but the situation allows Benigni to explore one way of coping with the most awful of experiences. As with The Road, we see a father’s strategy for coping with the terror of the situation, his own fears, and his desire to protect his son.

The film begins with the statement that this story is a fable (a short tale to teach a moral lesson), a lesson the title may suggest is that “life is beautiful.” Consider what that contention means as we watch and study this film together and compare and contrast it to The Road.

Answer the following discussion questions for the film Life Is Beautiful. You will probably want to jot some notes as you watch. Then, use complete and grammatically correct sentences to answer these questions with hearty, full paragraphs. Back up your claims with reasons and evidence. Typed responses are due at the beginning of class on Monday. No late work will be accepted as your responses will be used for class work. Make sure to answer all parts of the prompts.

1. The first half of the film is peppered with references to the horrible events to come (foreshadowing). Describe several of these and analyze Guido’s attitude toward them. Are there clues that speak to how he will eventually handle being put into a concentration camp? (10 pts.)

1. Over the course of the film, Dora goes through a transformation. Describe this transformation, paying close attention to the early scenes with Amico(her fiancé) and the later scenes in the camp. What inspires her to change? How is this transformation evidenced? (10 pts.)

1. Do you think Guido was right in telling his son that the Holocaust events were a “game”? Analyze Guido’s parenting style and unique approach to protecting his son. (10 pts.)

1. When you first meet Guido, does he seem the kind of man you would all a hero? By the end of the film have you changed your mind? Explain. (10 pts.)

1. Many critics have noted that the film feels like two distinct pieces: The first, a lighthearted comedy, and the second, a dark tragedy with comedic elements. Why do you think Benigni divided the film so sharply into two halves? What effect does this structure have? (10 pts.)

1. Create a substantial visual diagram of your choice comparing and contrasting Benigni’sLife Is Beautiful and the McCarthy’s The Road. Sure, consider the obvious, and then work to go beyond the obvious to make some interesting, thoughtful, observations. Finally, write an excellent thesis statement in which you compare the themes of the film and novel. Remember, thesis statements can be more than one sentence. (25 pts.)