Oral Presentation Part 4

1:35:39-1:40:39
1. Rationale: I choose this extract because it best signifies the homeless situation and desperation that Chris Gardner had to deal with on his path to success. Additionally, Chris has one of the last things taken away by a man 'above him' and in power, another recurring theme in the novel.

2. My extract relates to the film as a whole through the fact that the test for his internship was just completed and he is shut out of the shelter for the first time we see. This extract shows many of the recurring themes of perseverance, big taking away from small, and desperation, in addition to highlighting the key concepts of Chris and Christopher's relationship.

3. The film structure holds itself in two very distinct parallels. These two parallels are the fake life that Chris leads so that he has a chance at the internship, and the hectic life as a homeless single parent trying to find someplace for himself and his kid to sleep every night. My extract contains both elements of Gardner's life, from the calm, quiet and focused life at Dean-Whitter to the difficulties of the living on the streets. (directors style)

4. The plot is time and character driven, as the plot revolves around all the various actions that Chris makes and the various locations in which he travels to. Chris serves as his own narrator at times, further deepening the meaning of certain shots that would otherwise only have music playing in the background.

5. The director uses Chris yelling at his son to help push along the story and provide more depth in the relationship Chris has with his son Christopher. Also, the choir at Glide Memorial Church is used to show how Chris still has faith that everything will turn out alright even though everything has been going against him and there is little hope to grasp onto.

6. Our engagement with the characters and story is usually through Chris's reaction to all the hardship he faces, as well as when we see Christopher get emotional due to all of the pressure and stress that is set on him as well. Our engagements are usually highlighting one of the various recurring themes, perseverance, big versus small, etc.

Side note: Muccino influenced by Italian director Vittorio de Sica and neorealism movement that occured after the second World War. Major themes of neorealism in Italy were poverty and desperation.
Some scenes similar to that of the Bicycle Thieves by Vittorio de Sica, father eating with son.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_neorealism