Plot and Events
Why does Frank run away from home?
His parents divorce and he is forced to choose between them.
What is the name of the FBI agent who chases Frank?
Carl Hanratty
What camera shot is used to show a character's emotions?
Close-up
Where does Frank feel the strongest sense of belonging at the start of the film?
With his family.
How many body paragraphs should your essay contain?
Three.
.
What happens to Frank after he is caught by the FBI?
He is sent to prison.
What family member does Frank admire most?
Frank Abagnale Sr.
What type of lighting is used during the family Christmas scene?
Warm golden lighting.
What event causes Frank to lose this sense of belonging?
His parents' divorce.
What TWO things should be included in the introduction besides the film title and director?
An answer to the question AND the main ideas/paragraphs.
What profession does Frank pretend to be first?
Substitute Teacher.
What lesson does Frank Sr. teach through the "two mice in the cream bucket" story?
Never give up.
What does the red wine stain symbolise?
Problems developing within the family.
Why does Frank repeatedly create new identities?
He is searching for acceptance and a place to belong.
What is the purpose of evidence in a body paragraph?
To support and prove your point.
Why is the parents' divorce an important event in the film?
It causes Frank to lose his sense of belonging and influences many of his later choices.
What do Carl and Frank have in common?
Both are lonely and searching for connection.
Name and describe one example of sound used in the divorce scene.
The overlapping dialogue between the adults creates confusion and chaos, helping the audience understand how overwhelmed Frank feels.
Why is the Christmas phone call important to the theme of belonging?
It shows that both Carl and Frank are lonely and lack meaningful connections.
After discussing your first technique, what should you do next to move towards Merit?
Discuss a second technique that reinforces the idea.
How does the divorce help the audience understand Frank's criminal behaviour later in the film?
It explains his loss of belonging and helps the audience understand that many of his actions are motivated by loneliness and his desire for acceptance.
Why is Carl more than just the villain of the film?
Although he chases Frank, he understands Frank's loneliness and eventually becomes an important source of connection and belonging in Frank's life.
Explain how Spielberg uses the French prison scene to create sympathy for Frank.
Through dark lighting, diegetic sound, and Frank's physical condition, Spielberg presents Frank as vulnerable and suffering, encouraging the audience to sympathise with him despite his crimes.
How does Spielberg suggest that a lack of belonging can influence people's decisions?
A loss of belonging leads people to seeking acceptance through deceitful behaviour and poor choices.
A question asks:
How does Spielberg use characters to help you understand an important idea in our world?
A student writes:
Spielberg uses characters to help us understand an important idea.
Why is this not a strong thesis statement?
Because it simply repeats the question. It does not provide a specific argument or idea that the essay can prove.