Workshop 1: Themes and Ideas

Theme & Ideas - Continuous idea/subject that links throughout the text.

Looks can be deceiving - don't judge a book by its cover
                                      - don't judge by appearance

Example 1: Character of Wybie - when we first meet him he seems scary (mask, motorbike, use of hight angle to look bigger, loud music) but in reality, he's just a weird neighbour.

Shows theme because like other characters, our first impressions based on appearance, tone, visual techniques aren't always correct.

Important because helps the audience understand with Coraline that just because something looks good doesn't mean it is - She should choose the real world lover the other world.

Example 2: Character of the 'Other Mother' - She seems normal/friendly at the start but by the end becomes a soul devouring spider demon.

Shows theme because 'Other Mother' isn't what she appears to be at the start so we shouldn't judge by first impressions.

Important because Coraline realises that having something that looks perfect isn't always a good thing.

Statement - In Coraline, the theme 'looks can be deceiving' is used effectively to engage the audience.
Evidence - For instance, the character of the 'Other Mother' shows us that looks can be deceiving because she starts off as a kind mother figure but gradually changes into a soul devouring demon.
eXplanation-audience - This makes us understand that we shouldn't judge a character based on first impressions as they can often be wrong.

eXplanation-director - This is done to help Coraline decide between the real world and the other world. If the 'Other Mother' was really perfect Coraline wouldn't choose to go home.

eXplanation-another technique(shots/angles,music,setting,lighting/colour) - Combined with this is the use of colour and lighting. The 'Other Mother' first appears in a vibrantly bright room that makes us feel warm and safe. However, by the end it has become dark and green which makes the viewer feel scared and shows that her first look was deceiving.

Your link - This can be juxtaposed to the character of Wybie who we think at first is evil but is actually kind, proving looks can be deceiving.