Freedom Writers
An important theme from the film “Freedom Writers” directed by Richard LaGravenese is the theme of understanding, respect and tolerance. “Freedom Writers” is an amazing and inspiring film set after the Rodney King Riots in L.A. the film is based on a true story about the experiences that the students from room 203 at Woodrow Wilson High School went through. The variety of camera work used throughout the film helped portray how the characters demonstrated the importance of showing tolerance, understanding and respect.
At the beginning of the film when the students meet Erin their lack of respect is clearly shown from the very start, as they come in late, ignore Erin, and face their seats away from her clearly stating that they are not interested in learning. Jamal’s dialogue “I give this bitch a week” shows the disrespect he has towards Erin and it also illustrates the way the students feel towards their teachers and how they behave. In the scene where the note was being handed around the class, suspense built up through tracking shots and close ups of the note being passed around, the camera then cuts to Jamal eagerly unravelling the note. When he sees it he immediately puts his hood on and lowers his head humiliated, ashamed and embarrassed. We then finally see an extreme close up of the note. On it is a racist drawing of Jamal by Tito exaggerating the size of his lips. The close up of Erin shows the disbelief and disgust of seeing the note whilst the other students are laughing and showing no respect, making the audience see just how awful and revolting the discrimination is between the students. Erin then tries to educate them on the Nazis and comparing Titos drawing with the racist drawings of Jews during the Holocaust. Trying to teach them the consequences of such hatred and intolerance.
In the line scene it showed the change of mood, as the students were more eager and willing to participate. Erin starts off with easy questions and then slowly moves into
At the beginning of the film when the students meet Erin their lack of respect is clearly shown from the very start, as they come in late, ignore Erin, and face their seats away from her clearly stating that they are not interested in learning. Jamal’s dialogue “I give this bitch a week” shows the disrespect he has towards Erin and it also illustrates the way the students feel towards their teachers and how they behave. In the scene where the note was being handed around the class, suspense built up through tracking shots and close ups of the note being passed around, the camera then cuts to Jamal eagerly unravelling the note. When he sees it he immediately puts his hood on and lowers his head humiliated, ashamed and embarrassed. We then finally see an extreme close up of the note. On it is a racist drawing of Jamal by Tito exaggerating the size of his lips. The close up of Erin shows the disbelief and disgust of seeing the note whilst the other students are laughing and showing no respect, making the audience see just how awful and revolting the discrimination is between the students. Erin then tries to educate them on the Nazis and comparing Titos drawing with the racist drawings of Jews during the Holocaust. Trying to teach them the consequences of such hatred and intolerance.
In the line scene it showed the change of mood, as the students were more eager and willing to participate. Erin starts off with easy questions and then slowly moves into