CHARACTES
Who is the protagonist of "Blinded by the Light"?
Javed
What is the central theme of "Blinded by the Light"?
The quest of identity
Where is the film primarily set?
Luton, England
Is the film director a woman or a man?
A woman.
Who was Prime Minister at the time of the movie?
Margaret Thatcher
Name the character who plays the protagonist's childhood friend.
Matt
How does music influence the protagonist's journey?
Music acts as a trigger, it opens his eyes and makes him find his place and pursue his dreams.
What is the significance of the 1980s setting in the film?
It was a period of social and political unrest. The Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher took strong political measures that impacted the working class and caused social unrest (strikes and protests), which triggered a wave of racist backlash.
Who directed "Blinded by the Light"?
Gurinder Chadha
What historical events are referenced in the film?
Major unemployment crisis leading to social unrest
Which character does the main protagonist fall in love with?
Eliza
Give the example of a scene showing that racism is part of the main protagonist's family's daily life.
When children pee on Malik's friend's front door.
When Javed stumbles upon a National Front supporter tagging a wall in Javed's neighborhood.
When Javed's father is beaten up by a group of National Front supporters on his way to his daughter's wedding.
How do the visual elements enhance the storytelling?
The visual elements contribute ot the audience's better understanding of what Javed feels. They enhance his boiling desire to emancipate, and the emotional swirl he goes through (and in which the audience is captured)
What other notable films has the director made?
Bend it Like Beckham / Bride and Prejudice
How does the film address issues of race and identity?
With the rise of the National Front
Identify the friend who introduces the protagonist to Bruce Springsteen's music.
Roops
Describe how the film reflects the immigrant experience.
The movie explores the themes of racism and identity. It is not only about Javed's journey in his quest of emancipation and identity as an English boy of Pakistani descent. The movie also shows how difficult life is for his parents who emigrated from Pakistan to England expecting better living conditions, but end up confronted with unemployment, and racism.
Discuss how the use of color contributes to the film's mood.
It may contrast with the hardship the family has to go through, and the notion of entrapment in which Javed feels entangled into. Color may also reflect Javed's metaphorical life quest. It may symbolize hope and life.
What is particular about this fiction.
It is based on a true story.
In what ways does "Blinded by the Light" reflect the socio-political climate of the 1980s?
Striving to find one's place in society/ struggling to make a living/ period of unrest and protests
What is the significance of the protagonist's family in the film?
By sticking to their Pakistani culture in a society which is not as welcoming as they expected, they trigger the protagonist's questionning on his identity as an English boy of Pakistani descent.
In what ways does the film address the concept of personal freedom?
The movie shows that the protagonist manages to disentangle himself from the family pressure, and cultural expectations through his strong will to assert himself and by taking actions on his own to be able to pursue his dreams.
According to you whast is the impact of the film's cinematography on the audience's experience.
Free answer
How does the director's style influence the film?
Being of Indian descent she knows how it feels to feel unwelcomed in a country where you strive to integrate.
Explain the significance of Bruce Springsteen's music in relation to social issues portrayed in the film.
Springsteen's music is both hopeful and very realistic. It encourages to keep on going despite adversity, and to rely on oneself to overcome obstacles.