____(3) 1. Present a short summary of the plot (at least a paragraph; don't be too brief) IN YOUR OWN WORDS. (Please do not go online and cut and paste a summary of the film.)
In 1960 the federal government mandated that all public schools be de-segregated. In Louisiana, the governor refused to comply. Ruby Bridges was one of the black children selected to integrate the schools. When she arrived at her new school, with federal marshals as escorts, she discovered that the other black children did not show up and the white parents pulled their children from the school. For much of the school year she was the only pupil in the school. The movie follows Ruby through the year, and shows the resistance she faced at school as well as the problems the family encountered because of the integration. It also showed how strong the hatred was at the time and how some people were gradually changed by the experience.
____(3) 2. Discuss whether the title is appropriate in relation to the film as a whole?
The title of the film seems to have been chosen because it focused on Ruby herself and the impact she had on others. In that respect it is appropriate. However, given the importance of the issue of the movie, it does not really relate to the film. Without a reference, or knowledge of civil rights history of the era, a person would not know what the movie is really about.
____(3) 3. Discuss at least three themes in this movie. [offer examples to support theme(s)]
One theme of the movie is the degree of discrimination and hatred that existed at the time of school desegregation in the south. This is displayed by the angry crowds in front of the school every day and the hateful things they shouted. It is also displayed by the Bridges being asked not to shop at their neighborhood market and Mr. Bridges losing his job.
A second theme is the strong opinions of other black Americans who felt the stress and frustration brought about by the school integration. This is displayed by the neighbor’s actions and comments.
A third theme is that faith can get you through trying times. This was displayed several times in the movie by Mrs. Bridges insisting that Ruby pray, and comments Ruby made to Dr. Coles.
____(3) 4. Are the actors convincing in their roles? Why or why not? [be specific naming the actors]
Some of the acting in the movie could be better. Chaz Monet, who plays Ruby is not consistent with her southern accent, but we do have to keep in mind that she is a child actor acting as the main character. Kevin Pollak, who played Dr. Cole was not very convincing as an army psychiatrist. It may have been the wardrobe, or just the way he portrayed the character, but his performance seemed flat.
____(3) 5. Does this film take a particular position or remain "neutral" (middle of the road) about the subject?
In other words, if there is some type of discrimination in the film, is the filmmaker trying to show that it's wrong or does he/she just tell the story and not have the viewer see one side or the other?
I believe that the filmmaker tried to remain neutral with this subject. They did a good job of portraying both sides of the issue in an historically correct manner. Obviously, from a 1998 viewpoint, the segregation and hatred that existed in the south until the 1960’s was wrong, but the filmmaker simply shows what was there.
____(3) 6. Describe three visual effects/scenes & their impact on the setting and themes of the film?
The first visual effect that stands out occurs around thirteen minutes into the film when Ruby arrives at the school for the first time. As they reach the bottom of the stairs to the school, the camera switches to a view from Ruby’s viewpoint and shows the steep stairs and the front door that seems very high and very far away. This gives the impression that Ruby is undergoing a massive struggle against amazing odds.
Another visual scene is the setting at the beginning of the film, showing the whole neighborhood outside together, jamming on the porch and playing softball in the yard. This stresses the togetherness of the Ruby’s neighborhood and community and contrasts later scenes where we see few of the neighbors outside or in groups.
A third visual effect is when Mrs. Bridges tells Ruby to go back to her room and pray after she has come to her parents bed during the night crying. The shot shows Ruby praying by the side of her bed and suddenly smiling, as if everything is suddenly better. This shows the strength of Ruby’s faith and helps signify how the family’s faith helped them get through the trying ordeal.
____(3) 7. Describe three audio effects & their impact on the setting and themes of the film?
The first audio effect that comes to mind occurs with the first visual effect. As Ruby and her mother start up the steps to the school, the music starts with an ominous sound signifying that a huge undertaking has just begun.
Another audio effect used in the movie is the sounds of the angry crowd that is heard from the classroom. It shows how difficult it was for Ruby and her teacher to concentrate on the material.
A third audio effect involves the music that played when Ruby recited the prayer she said every day for the angry protesters outside her school to Dr. Cole. The music is rather pastoral and gives the idea that Dr. Cole just had a major revelation about the faith and strength of Ruby.
____ (3) 8. Does the ending wrap up nicely or are there any disunities (loose ends) left? In other words, does it leave the viewers wondering if more should have been included to clarify points; or is it that America didn't clarify points during the event and that is why the filmmaker ended the movie the way that he/she did?
I believe that the movie wraps up nicely for these events. The filmmaker shows that, with time, some people began to accept the change. They showed that it was going to be a long slow process but that there is hope.
____(3) 9. How does this movie both entertain & educate the general public about this historical period and/or
event in American history?
This movie is entertaining and educational in that it provides a good look at what parts of the country were like at that time in history since I was not around then to experience it. It provides a reminder of how things used to be and how big a struggle it was to try to make things right.
____ (3) 10. Offer your overall impression of this film, discussing its strong and weak points. Discuss
how well it delivers its themes/messages. How does it tie in with your Race in America course?
How did it affect you and what did you learn from it? (be specific)
Overall, I think this is an excellent film depicting an important event in American history. It delivers its message that Black Americans were still not treated as equals in the 1960’s and that it took a tremendous amount of bravery and sacrifice in order to create change. It also shows that change did not come easily in the South. It ties in well with the Race in America course because it shows how deep the hatred of black was in the white community. It also shows how oppressed the black Americans felt. One theme that was not mentioned above is that someone who fought for the country in war, and was wounded in combat, was still treated as a second class citizen when he got home. I made me realize that hatred is learned at home but it can be overcome just by people getting to know one another.
_____ Total Points (out of 30)
