Wonder Film Study - Treacher Collins Syndrome

Welcome to another blog-post, below are poster that I created for each research question. For English we are working on the film wonder, and the main character (Auggie) has Treachers Collins Syndrome. 

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙢 𝙄 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜?

𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘚𝘺𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮.

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜?

𝘌𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵.

                      𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙢 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜?

                                 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮?

Wonder Film study - Understand how characters are developed in a film:

Characters are the people the story is about. In visual text the plot usually centers around a group of lead characters. For this task I had to Identify 2-3 character strength in August (Auggie) main character in Wonder, and one other character of my choice.

Auggie - Bravery

In the film Auggie has to show bravery quite frequently because of his deformity and the difficulties he faces along with it. Early in the film, he shows bravery on the first day of school. He's very afraid and tells his mother the night before about his worries and fears. In this case Auggie is going to be attending school for the very first time; He was home schooled by his mother ever since he was young. 

However, he preservers and goes to school.  In spite of trying to hide his face and the way in which he eats, he does eventually make a couple of friends that first day.

A second incident that shows bravery is when Auggie is at a camp. A group of bullies are picking on him and his friends because of how he looks, and the group pushes his friend Jack to the ground. Auggie steps in and faces the bully, even though he is  a lot smaller than him, which shows a lot of character and bravery. 

Why is it important to be brave in real life?

Bravery is important in life because, we need bravery to face our fears and overcome obstacles in our life. Facing fear in life can help you succeed in life. For example, you could be able to speak in front of a big crowd. 

Auggie - Humour

In the film, Auggie was naturally funny. Sometimes he didn't know he had made a humorous remark until somebody started laughing. A scene where Auggie was showing a character of humour was when he was having lunch with Jack, that scene was the beginning to Auggie and Jack's friendship, Auggie displayed a different side of himself, he was all happy and laughing, enjoying his lunch together with Jack while telling jokes.

 

Why a sense of humour is an essential like skill?

Studies have shown that a sense of humour can improve your mental and physical health, boost your attractiveness, and improve your leadership skills. Being funny is possibly one of the best things you can do for your health.

Via - Love

However, Via is someone whose own life has been profoundly affected by Auggie's condition, it is clear right away that she often feels neglected and overshadowed. Via is in an extremely difficult position, wanting to be treated as a more important part of her family but also feeling guilty about her desire for attention, therefore she patiently keeps it to herself, also Via lover he brother very much and she understands that he's going through a hard time, Via loves her brother that she hates when people react or stare unkindly when they see Auggie's appearance. 

Why is love important in our life?

Without love, money loses value. Love is more important than money. You work to provide for yourself and your family. Having the love of someone is very important, because humans are very sociable, and it is very important to have close relationships with people you can always turn to. 

Via - Forgiveness

Therefore Via was trying to fit into high school, she was also facing problems with her best friend Miranda. Miranda has been acting very weird lately that eventually she starts to ignore and avoid Via. Via went through a lot, not only did Via lose her best friend, she feels like she doesn't get much attention from her family, and sometimes Via feels that Miranda was going against her. But later on Via learns what happened to Miranda and she eventually found forgiveness for Miranda, even though Miranda left her, via forgave her and became best friends again. 

Importance of forgiveness:

Forgiveness is for our growth and happiness. When we hold onto hurt, pain, resentment, and anger it harms us far more than the offender. Forgiveness frees us to live in the present. Forgiveness allows us to move on without anger or contempt or seeking revenge. 

Resume - Wonder

𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐦 𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠?

𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠?

𝘐𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐦 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠?

𝘞𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘮?

Symbols in Film Wonder

Understand how symbols can be used to add meaning to a film:

Masks:

Auggie frequently wore an astronaut helmet in the past, and also wears a "Scream" mask on Halloween. Auggie received a astronaut helmet by Via's friend; Via. Since then Auggie has always loved the Astronaut helmet, it's special to him because it separates him from the real world and into his own world, therefore Auggie likes outer space, he also like the helmet because it covers his face and no one can see him and recognise him. 
Halloween is Auggie's favourite day of the year, because he gets to dress up and go to school with a mask covering his face so other students dont recognise him, also so people doesn't stop and stare at him or try to avoid him because his face is covered. 

Shoes:
 
Auggie mentions shoes a number of times in the film. This shows that he spends a lot of time looking down, not making eye contact. This is probably because he is self-conscious and doesn't want to see the reactions people will have to his face. This is also Auggie's first time going to school, Auggie does walk often staring down because he's scared about what other people might think and say about how he looks. 

The Padawan Braid:

The Padawan braid was a symbol worn in the hair or head that marked the rank of a Jedi Padawan. When a Padawan was declared Jedi Knight after passing the trials, the braid was shed. If a Padawan was expelled from the Jedi Order, the braid was ripped off. Therefore Auggie cutting his braid off symbolises personal growth and a clear transition from one part of his life (homeschooling) to another (real school). 

Wonder Plot Analysis - Wonder Film Study

What am I learning?

I'm learning to analyse and understand the plot of Wonder.

How does this show my learning?

By summarizing and explaining what each plot of the film means and how each part furthers the film.

What am I wondering?

I am wondering who comes up with the ideas for these plots?

Workshop 2 - Wonder Film Study - Inside & Out

Workshop 2: 

The impact of Angles, Movements & Shots.

Shot A: Jack Fighting Julien because Julien called Auggie a freak.

- teacher pulling Jack off - Mr Brown

- Dutch tilt used - shows something is not right

-makes look smaller than the other

-Julien looks weak and vulnerable 

Viewer feels:

shocked - didn't expect Jacks reaction, surprised, concerned,

uneasy.

Director - The director did this to make us feel surprised,

sad, worried for Jack. 

- Other Techniques - Music - creates atmosphere, minor, slow motion-

makes more intense.

Sexxxy Paragraphs: Shot A

In the film Wonder, low angle shots were used effectively. This is demonstrated in the scene where Jack attacks Julien because he called Auggie a freak. In this scene a low angle dutch tilt shot is used to make Jack look stronger and Julien weak and vulnerable. This makes the audience feel shocked, surprised and concerned, because we didn't expect a violent reaction from Jack, who has been a kind person up to this point where he can't stand anymore from Julien. The purpose of this was to show the theme of kindness as Jack finally stands up for Auggie. Combined with this is the use of quiet, minor music and slow motion to create an atmosphere and the event feel more intense. This can be contrasted to the nature reserve fight scene where Auggie now shows kindness by standing up for Jack.  

Sexxxy Paragraphs: Shot B

BRAINSTORM:

Fight scene - Nature Reserve - Auggie makes friends, high 5 is important because normally nobody would want to come in contact with Auggie or touch Auggie or else they will get the plague, Jack, Amos & others were there, they beat up and ran away from 7th graders. 

Wide Angle long shot - makes us feel like we are a bystander watching an important moment, the emotions are the characters, not ours.

Audience - Joyful, proud, cheerful, ecstatic, relieved - Auggie finally is included, has friends.

Director - Shows Auggie is finally fitting in, shows theme importance of friendship 'or kindness'.

Other Techniques: lightning - use of shadow - outlining the boys, feels like they are all together.

Wonder Film Study - Purpose of Camera Angles, movements and shots.

Identifying purposes of Camera Angles,

Movements and shots in the film of Wonder. 

This shot was used to make the audience feel sad for Auggie and the rough times he's going through, this also shows how Auggie's feeling, he's feeling low and lonely also sad, because there's other students passing by him not even recognizing him, which makes him sad and  feeling left out.

This shot is of Summer and Auggie sitting together at break time,
This scene is important in the film because this is where Auggie 
starts gaining friends and trust, While in the background there are
the rest of the students looking and wondering why Summer is 
sitting beside Auggie, this shot really does explain the quote
"When give the choice to be right or kind. Choose Kind.", 
because Summer has seen Auggie struggling for the past few weeks
in school, and during breaks he's normally sitting by himself,
therefore Summer has made a choice by going and sitting with him
and getting to know him, this is a good lesson for us aswell;
don't judge a book by it's cover, because if you really take the time
and go and talk with that person you might find some interesting
stuff about them, and there could be something in common between
you and that person.
At this moment Auggie probably is feeling a mixture, such as sad, 
confused and happy, because he doesn't want to experience
the same problem that he had with Jack,
but therefore Summer was a true friend for Auggie.

What am I learning?
I am learning how to response to a visual text, 
by showing my understanding of the purpose of the techniques in these
camera shots, and being able to describe it.

Quote Hunting - Wonder Film Study

Analyzing the ideas and themes of a film:

Quote Hunting!

"I wish everyday could be Halloween. We could all wear masks all 

the time. Then we could walk around and get to know each other before 

we go to see what we looked like under the masks." 

- Auggie

- This quote Highlights Auggie's desires to be known for something

other than the way he looks. It's more like he wants to be hidden

under a mask all the time so other students don't get frightened

or bully him for how he looks. The problem is that few people take their

time to have the guts to go up to Auggie and talk to him and get

to know him, since many people are put off by the way he looks. 

Auggie wants everyone to realize that it matters more what

is on the inside rather than on the outside. 

"Funny how sometimes you worry a lot about something 

and it turns out to be nothing."

- Auggie

- This quote marks the beginning of Auggie changing from being

disliked and feeling like he doesn't fit and belong at school to being

accepted and being involved. He spends much time worrying about 

what the other students will think of how he looks. 

People have begun to accept Auggie for who he is and no longer react

negatively to how he looks.

"I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should 

get a standing ovation at least once in their lives". 

- Auggie

- The entire auditorium claps for Via and the other student actors

after they complete their opening night performance of the school

play. This quote shows Auggie's insightfulness and kindness, 

he recognizes how worthwhile it is to make people feel important

and loved, and wants everyone to have that feeling. In another way,

such warm acceptance is something that he hasn't had often enough 

in his life. 

"If every single person in this room made it a rule that wherever

you are, wherever you can, you will try to act a little kinder 

than is necessary - the world really would be a better place.

- Mr. Tushman

Mr Tushman's speech at the fifth grade graduation 

is about the importance of showing kindness in all areas of life,

this also shows the theme of Kindness, because throughout

Mr Tushman's speech it gives a really touching important message

behind being kind and treating others the way they want to be treated.

The other students have learned how essential it is to be kind to everyone,

even those who appear to be different. 

"You really are a wonder, Auggie. You are a wonder"

- Mom

This quote is an acknowledgement of how Auggie has changed 

the lives of everyone around him in just being who he is.

Also how far he's made it and how he has managed to put up 

with other students calling him nasty names and not being him nicely.

Now Auggie is seen as a wonder because of his strength

of character and his braveness and kindness. 

He has taught both other characters in the film and people who are

watching the film important lessons throughout the film.

Auggie really is a Wonder.

Wonder Themes!

Kindness:

Kindness features strongly in this film, as many of Auggie's

struggles in life are linked to the unkind responses of others. 

My favorite scene in the film that shows the theme of Kindness

is at the end of the film, Mr Tushman makes an important graduation

about the importance of being kind to all people, regardless of background,

circumstances, or appearances. 

Family:

Auggie's family plays a really important role throughout the film

and in Auggie's life while adjusting attending school for the first time.

The Pullmans Family are a constant source of support, 

encouragement, and love, no matter how rough it gets of Auggie

as he tries to fit into school. Family is also important because

other characters such as Miranda don't have the luxury of a close

family like Auggie's. 

While the universe has been so unkind to Auggie in many ways,

in perhaps the most important ways it has blessed him with a loving,

supportive family that can help him get through almost anything.

Friendship:

It only takes one person to help someone who was once 

lonely feel much more confident and secure, and the friends

that Auggie makes throughout the film plays a huge role of helping

him to get through his first year at school. 

Summer is a true friend to Auggie right from the beginning,

she is there for him during his toughest times.

While Jack screws up and says things he does not mean,

he eventually realizes the mistake he is making and apologizes,

True friends make it so much easier to face and overcome any 

challenge in life.

Popularity:

Popularity is an important theme in this film, 

multiple characters struggle with the choice between doing what will

 make them popular and doing what they know is right. 

Jack tries initially to fit in with Julian because he wants

to be popular, but eventually realizes that being a friend

to Auggie is more important. Miranda tells lies at camp 

to be more popular, but loses her best friend as a result this 

dishonesty and comes to see that being friends with Via is what really

matters to her. 

Workshop - Ideas/Themes

Kindness - respecting others, Look after each other, speak nicely, 

             include others.

Example 1 - Summer sits with August, this shows the theme of kindness because Summer left the kids who were saying mean things to go and sit with

August who looked lonely and sad. Kindness is important to the story overall because without it August will not build confident, make friends and feel accepted. 

Example 2 - August shows kindness when he shares his answers with Jack.

This links to the theme because Auggie sees someone in need, Jack isn't 

even his friend yet, but helps him anyway. This is important because it is the first step to enabling August to make friends, being kind starts this friendship

that will be important in the film.

Importance of Family and Friendship!

Through these relationship Auggie and others learn the values of trust and 

self confidence. They are less alone. 

Example 1 - The scene where Miranda talks about spending Christmas 

with the Pullmans family. 

 -   Link to the theme  - Miranda is happy and included by the Pullmans.

 -  She is ignored/ forgotten at home.

 -  She realizes that she misses having friends/ family. 

-  Important because makes Miranda recognizes what she lost/ misses and 

    she makes an effort to reconnect with Via and the Pullmans. 

Example 2 - The boys come to rescue Jack and August.

- Auggie is included, has friends and is feeling trust and self confident.

- Ultimate example of acceptance and friendship, his classmates had his

  back without him asking. 

- First time they treat them as an equal.

Being kind vs Being Popular!

Doing the right thing even when you friends don't, others pressure you.

Example 1 - Julian picks on August in front of others, Auggie is an easy

target, it makes Julien look popular when the others laugh.

- Link to theme - Julien chose to be popular at the expenses of others,

   chase to bully Auggie to seem popular.

-  Important because it shows choosing popular has negative outcomes. 

   Julien eventually loses his friends, leaves school and is unhappy

   however Jack, who chose kind has lots of friends, is happy and doesn't

   get kicked out for bullying. 

Quotes - 

"When given the choice between being right or being kind. Choose Kind"

  - Summer

"Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities

that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness".

"Shall we make a new rule in life... to always be 

Wonder Film Study

Wonder Film Notes : Inside & Out Hurumanu 8

Intro - Close-up, spaceman jumps into the shot, 
          slow-motion shot give us a feeling we are in space. 
       -  intro symbol o the astronaut helmet, covers his face, represents
          the barrier august  (main character) puts between himself & the world. 
      -  Intro music - dreamy, dreadful, Soft, gets energetic and upbeat towards
         end of intro and can hear people talking through radio and intro music
        can draw our attention, tempo and dynamics increases to build energy 
        in the scene. 
   
Scenes:
     - Next is a tracking shot as we move away from the figure. It is now
       a boy in a helmet jumping on the bed. 
    -  Close-Up shows us Auggies "reality" or view-of the world but as we pull
       back we see the real world. 
     - Then we get our first voice over and first narrator which is Auggie, 
        he is introducing us and why he wears his helmet and how he isn't a                 ordinary kid,
    -  Then there is a point of view shot (auggie), nearly two minutes into the 
       movie and still hasn't showed his face, curiosity, and leading to asking               questions. (building suspense as we still haven't seen the boys face)
       we don't know what's wrong but hints it's bad - hospital scene, helmet,
       tags, school conversation, auggie's dialogue in the voice over. 
    - Dad/Nate= "It's like leading a lamb to the slaughter" 
   -  Auggie is something out of this world, Auggie feels not so happy and 
      excited about starting school, and it's going to be his first time attending 
     school. 
   -  Zoom in shot when auggie turns around to see the other students.
  -   Close-up shot on students which describes facial expression and emotions
      of characters.
 -   Over the shoulder shot - student showing auggie class
  -  Julian doesn't seem nice at all, noticed his body language and how he               walked, and how he's not wanting to interact and ask Auggie questions,
     also how he speaks to the Auggie and other students. 
  -  High angle shot opening next scene into the Science lab and Julian 
     starting to blabbering how science is hard.
   - Body Language - Auggie makes himself small and low when the students 
     were arguing, then starts to walk towards them and shoulders back and
     starts to talk. 
 -  Significant moment= Auggie walking into school on his first day
  -  Via (sister) body language is feeling small and left out
 -   Close Up - and eye level shot when Dad and Auggie are talking before
     he enters school, and over the shoulder (dad's shoulder) when auggie 
     is talking to dad. 
-   Point of View - Auggie- looking down while walking into school
 -  Not a lot of music but sound such as chalk on the board and footsteps                (walking)
 -  Auggie's  body language when he has to stand up to introduce himself.
 -  Next symbol that is going to be in throughout the film is Star Wars
    because Auggie is really into Star Wars. - Also because it's space - related, 
    and in Star Wars everyone is different. - a symbol of Auggie wanting people
    to treat him normally - a safe place in the Star Wars universe there are lots
    of weir looking people so no one started at them 
  -  References to characters- Auggie's Star Wars favorite characters. - Boba feit
 -  Seen - Auggie Introduction, Panda-won braid,
-    Structure of the film lead to narrators
-  Quote Summer - "When the give the choice between being right and
    being kind, Choose Kind" 
 -  Long  Distance shot showing mum and what she's doing
 -  High angle shot, showing us that Auggie feels sad and lonely
   - Then Bird's Eye shot showing us a high view of classroom and how 
     no one wants to sit beside Auggie
   - Tracking shot of Auggie in his own world, then in real word
   - Significant: We see auggie lose faith in the idea of friendship -If Jack can 
     be that mean behind his back how can he trust others. Links to the Theme-
     Popularity and acceptance we see this through jack as he says what he 
     knows Julien wants to hear so he doesn't want to become the person
     that gets picked on. 
Jacks Fight Scene :1.06
 - Starts a eye level - mid/medium shot makes us feel a part of the convo!
  - Sounds are diagetic
  -  low angle shot as boys hit ground, this makes the fight seem 
      more dangerous.
  -  moves to a close up of the struggle.
  -  Dutch tilt and low angle makes Jack look more powerful & aggressive.
  -  Music - minor (sad), quiet dynamic - creates focus intense,
      short tempo.
  -  Shot in slow-mo so we see the event more clearly.
  -  In this case Jack made a better decision, such as standing up for Auggie
     and not listening to Julien, even though it got him suspended and nearly lost
     his scholarship, this scene also links in well with the quote Summer read out
     "When being given the choice between being right and being kind,
       Choose Kind". (Jack has also learnt from his mistake) 
   -  Shows the theme of popularity/acceptance.
  *The Nature Reserve Fight Scene* :1.29 - 1.32
     -  During Fight shots used to make Auggie and friends bigger more 
        powerful and the bullies weak and vulnerable. 
    -  Music has fast tempo to build intensity.
    Significant - Auggie has grown as a character, he is now wiling to stand
     up for himself.
 -  Friendship - Auggie finally feels accepted when the other boys - 
     doesn't have to hide behind a mask anymore.

   



1st Narrator: Auggie
2nd Narrator:Via
3rd Narrator:Jack
4th Narrator:Miranda
Last Narrator: Auggie