Hello. I was wondering if you could please help me with a few questions for my english class on the movie Invictus?

Question

1) Name 5 themes and describe how they are developed through the movie and through which characters?

2) What imagery is used to explore the themes?

3) What film techniques are used to explore the themes?

Thanks so much for your help!

Dean

Answer 1

1) Five themes explored in the movie Invictus include: Forgiveness and Reconciliation; Overcoming Adversity; Leadership and Unity; Self-determination; Hope and Inspiration.

2) Nelson Mandela's prison cell is powerful imagery of the importance of self-determination and overcoming adversity; The rugby pitch, and scenes of excited crowds there are imagery of hope and inspiration; The Presidential Office (especially when compared to Mandela's prison cell) is imagery of leadership; and the scene in which Mr. Mandela urges his constituents not to change the name of the rugby team is imagery of forgiveness and reconciliation.

3) Close-ups of the facial expressions of Mandela and other political leaders show their emotions and burdens, while wide shots of the rugby stadiums and crowds highlight the immensity of a nation and the power of unity.

For further discussion of Invictus, or any other film, book a lesson today!

-Brian