The History Boys
The History Boys
Costume - This image suggests that these boys are of school age (in uniform), and their uniform is much smarter than typical state school uniform, suggesting they go to a private or grammar school. The uniform also implies they are likely English.
Setting - The setting in the background is a large, perhaps old, Victorian style building which presumably is a school. This indicates the film is set prior to the 2000s.
Lighting - The lighting is not very important to this scene, the scene is well lit to clearly see the characters expressions but does create any specific type of atmosphere or mood.
Character expression - The boy on the right seems confused or vexed, whilst the boy in the middle seems to be the main focus of this scene, and appears to be bemused or questioning something in the distance. His body language is somewhat arrogant, he seems to have a lot of confidence.
Hair and makeup - The boys aren't wearing makeup because they visually portray their characters without the addition of makeup and this wouldn't add anything to the scene. The boy in the middle has his hair slightly slicked back and appears well kept, suggesting he thinks appearances are important.
Props - There aren't any props in this scene.
Film review
What are your expectations of the film?
I expect this film to be a typical comedy about arrogant posh school boys. I have never heard of this film and I don't think it will have a very original concept. This film is rated a 15 so I assume there will be swearing, maybe a little violence and generally have dark humour throughout.
Narrative turning points - at what points does the plot change?
I think the turning point was when Posner tells Irwin he is gay and the theme shift to accepting, denying and living as a homosexual, deeper than the original plot of school boys simply trying to get into Oxford or Cambridge in the beginning. It goes on to compare and contrast Irwin and Hector as homosexual teachers and their teaching styles.
Memorable moments - what moments in the film stood out for you?
I think a memorable moment was when Hector cries in front of his students after he is forced to retire and is inconsolable. Throughout the film he is presented as having a deep love and passion for teaching and his subjects, which contrasts to Irwin who pushes the idea of teaching for the exam. It is perhaps both these teaching styles that gets the boys into Oxford. As an audience we feel sympathy for Hector because all his life was in teaching, but this remorse is conflicting because he was inappropriate with students and abused their trust, which makes his forced retirement inevitable and justified.
Emotional response - what was your emotional response? Did your emotions change? If so why?
Initially I didn't understand the direction the film was going, but it did surpass my expectations and I don't think the plot was cliché at all. The boys were working class and so had worked very hard and were very intelligent to get to their positions which is admirable. I liked how in the end some had made it to Oxford/Cambridge, whilst others hadn't and they were all happy and content nonetheless.
Did you feel empathy/sympathy for any of the characters? Which were your favourites? Why?
I liked the character Dakin because he was intelligent and charming, although manipulative. For other characters their homosexuality created many obstacles, but Dakin never once queried about his sexuality, meaning he overcame these. I felt sympathy for Posner because he knew it would be difficult for him as a homosexual but courageously said he didn't want to change.
Music included New Order, The Smiths, The Clash and Echo & the Bunny men which is all 80s music which links to their working class roots.
Film review
What are your expectations of the film?
I expect this film to be a typical comedy about arrogant posh school boys. I have never heard of this film and I don't think it will have a very original concept. This film is rated a 15 so I assume there will be swearing, maybe a little violence and generally have dark humour throughout.
Narrative turning points - at what points does the plot change?
I think the turning point was when Posner tells Irwin he is gay and the theme shift to accepting, denying and living as a homosexual, deeper than the original plot of school boys simply trying to get into Oxford or Cambridge in the beginning. It goes on to compare and contrast Irwin and Hector as homosexual teachers and their teaching styles.
Memorable moments - what moments in the film stood out for you?
I think a memorable moment was when Hector cries in front of his students after he is forced to retire and is inconsolable. Throughout the film he is presented as having a deep love and passion for teaching and his subjects, which contrasts to Irwin who pushes the idea of teaching for the exam. It is perhaps both these teaching styles that gets the boys into Oxford. As an audience we feel sympathy for Hector because all his life was in teaching, but this remorse is conflicting because he was inappropriate with students and abused their trust, which makes his forced retirement inevitable and justified.
Emotional response - what was your emotional response? Did your emotions change? If so why?
Initially I didn't understand the direction the film was going, but it did surpass my expectations and I don't think the plot was cliché at all. The boys were working class and so had worked very hard and were very intelligent to get to their positions which is admirable. I liked how in the end some had made it to Oxford/Cambridge, whilst others hadn't and they were all happy and content nonetheless.
Did you feel empathy/sympathy for any of the characters? Which were your favourites? Why?
I liked the character Dakin because he was intelligent and charming, although manipulative. For other characters their homosexuality created many obstacles, but Dakin never once queried about his sexuality, meaning he overcame these. I felt sympathy for Posner because he knew it would be difficult for him as a homosexual but courageously said he didn't want to change.
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