Teaching students about films can be an engaging and effective way to help them understand the cultural context, symbolism, and storytelling techniques. Annabelle, a popular horror movie released in 2014, can be used as an unconventional teaching tool in classrooms, particularly for older students. In this article, we will explore how educators can teach students about the themes and film techniques in Annabelle, enhancing their appreciation for the art of filmmaking.
Background:
Directed by John R. Leonetti and produced by James Wan, Annabelle is a supernatural horror film that tells the story of a haunted doll. The movie is set in the 1970s and revolves around John and Mia Form, a young married couple expecting their first child. Events take a bizarre turn when they discover that an evil spirit has taken over their vintage Annabelle doll.
Themes:
Annabelle can introduce students to various themes, such as fear, the unknown, family dynamics, and the power of belief. By analyzing these themes within the context of the movie, students can appreciate the complexities of human emotions and relationships while developing critical thinking skills.
Fear: The main theme of Annabelle is fear. Students can explore how the film evokes fear through various storytelling devices like suspenseful music, unexpected twists, and creepy atmospheres.
The Unknown: When faced with inexplicable events, characters in Annabelle grapple with uncertainty and skepticism. This provides an opportunity to discuss notions of reality versus supernatural phenomena.
Family Dynamics: Throughout the movie, John and Mia struggle to balance their relationship while dealing with newfound terror. This allows students to analyze how external factors can impact family bonds in unpredictable ways.
Power of Belief: Annabelle highlights how belief systems influence characters’ responses to supernatural occurrences. Educators can use this topic to discuss how belief shapes our understanding and reactions towards unexplained events.
Film Techniques:
Teaching students about Annabelle’s film techniques can enhance their understanding of the horror genre and filmmaking in general. Key aspects to discuss include cinematography, sound design, and special effects.
Cinematography: Annabelle’s visuals contribute to its eerie atmosphere. Students can analyze camera angles, lighting, color schemes, and visual motifs that drive home the movie’s horror aspects.
Sound Design: The film’s use of unsettling music and sound effects is integral to building tension. Teachers can encourage students to identify moments when sounds heighten fear or manipulate the viewer’s emotions.
Special Effects: Although not overly reliant on special effects, the film features certain CGI-enhanced scenes that emphasize supernatural elements. Educators can facilitate discussions on the role of visual effects in creating unnerving sequences and manipulating viewer perceptions.
Conclusion:
Using Annabelle as a guide for teaching students about film techniques and themes can be a unique and engaging way to enhance classroom learning. By exploring various elements within the movie, educators have an opportunity to provoke critical thinking skills and appreciation for the art of filmmaking while shedding light on complex human emotions and relationships.
