Film Reveiw, Im Not Scared

This film is an incredibly rich teaching resource that lends itself to enhancing the visual literacy of senior students. It has won numerous awards, including two for cinematography, and as such has great merit for teaching students about effective uses of visual techniques and film conventions. The Italian director, the auteur Salvatores, has made a film that is extraordinarily compelling: in terms of cinematography, almost any random pause of the film would depict an incredible use of camera angle, shot size and composition. The use of sound is evocative and potent as well, and I think effectively enhances meaning and atmosphere. It is a foreign language film, subtitled, but I have seen a diverse range of students of different abilities, ethnicities and gender consistently respond positively to this film. This is perhaps due to the accessibility of its narrative and themes: it is essentially a coming of age film and as such appeals to adolescents. The film is constructed from the perspective of a young boy who dramatically reassesses his perception of and relationship to his parents. His idealisation of his father in particular is challenged by an ethical dilemma: will he conform to adult expectations of him, or do what his conscience tells him is morally right? In facing this situation with courage (note the title), the boy achieves greater autonomy and a clearer sense of identity. Salvatores explores these tensions subtly, exploring a stage in cognitive and moral development directly relating to adolescent development. It also has the benefit of introducing students to another culture, broadening their experience of diverse texts and enriching their knowledge base. It is a thriller: most students have found it exciting and engaging because of the suspense. However, it plays with the accepted conventions of this genre: Salvatores has set this thriller largely in sunlit open spaces. This in itself can generate rich discussion.