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The Caine Mutiny. Edward Dmytryk. Background. Based on 1951 Pulitzer Prize winning novel Herman Wouk Personal experiences on destroyer-minesweeper in Pacific during WW II Deals with moral and ethical decision of ship captains at sea. What is a “Mutiny?”. noun
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The Caine Mutiny Edward Dmytryk
Background • Based on 1951 Pulitzer Prize winning novel • Herman Wouk • Personal experiences on destroyer-minesweeper in Pacific during WW II • Deals with moral and ethical decision of ship captains at sea
What is a “Mutiny?” noun 1. revolt or rebellion against constituted authority, especially by sailors against their officers. 2. rebellion against any authority. Used in the legal sense in the book/film
Film • USS Caine— obsolete WWI warship converted into a mine sweeper • Located in Pearl Harbor • Told through the story of “Willie”—why? What lens does he offer that other don’t? • Our job as audience to question authority and rationality of captains and crew—who is in the right? • Typhoon December, 1944
FVD #1—Things to Notice • Tone of music in opening credits and throughout—what feeling is being developed? • Dissolve from girl (May) at graduation to clarinet player • How can you tell May’s conflicted interest in Willie during the bar scene? • What can you imply happened to Willie’s father based on interaction with mother at dock scene? • Use of low angle to show mast—why?
FVD #1—Post-Viewing QuestionsAnswer three in at least three complete sentences. Be sure to use details from the film! • What tone is developed by way of the music. Why is this tone important? • How can you tell May’s conflicted interest in Willie during the bar scene? • What can you imply happened to Willie’s father based on interaction with mother at dock scene? • Use of low angle to show mast—why? • What is the attitude of the captain? What do you think about him as a leader?
FVD #2—Things to Notice • The irony of the shirttails issue versus the towline cable • How is the character of Captain Queed developed? • Use of the telegram scrolled across the screen—effect? • How is tension built during the attack scene? • Positioning of Marek when he defends Capt. Queed. What is the mise-en-scene? What details are important to the scene and what he’s doing?
FVD #2—Post-Viewing QuestionsAnswer three in at least three complete sentences. Be sure to use details from the film! • Describe the new captain. How does he compare with the former captain? What does the crew think of him? How do you know? • Which of the characters do you think will mutiny? Which ones—if any, do you think will defend the captain, and why? • What evidence do you have that tension is rising? • Describe the positioning of Marek when he defends Capt. Queed. What is the mise-en-scene? What details are important to the scene and what he’s doing?
FVD #3—Things to Notice • Use of Marek’s journal entry with flashbacks—how is this effective? • Ariel shot of activity on aircraft carrier • Change of music with the typhoon • Use of model boat in storm scene • How does Queeg feel during the storm? How do you know? • Juxtaposition of the line “We’re not in any trouble” and the next scene.
FVD #3—Post-Viewing QuestionsAnswer three in at least three complete sentences. Be sure to use details from the film! • Use of Marek’s journal entry with flashbacks—how is this effective? What other ways could this have been shown (consider time here)? Why do you think Dmytryk chose to use flashbacks? • Describe Marek’s initial difficulty in turning Queeg in. What changed his mind? • What is your opinion of Queeg as a captain? Do you think he is fit to lead the Caine?
FVD #3—Things to Notice • Close-ups on Queeg’s hands and face during trial scene. When does the face close-up happen? Why then? • Scene directly after trial—what can you guess the outcome was based on tone of scene? • Why does the lawyer (Mr. Greenwald) feel guilty? What does he do to show this guilt? • Willie’s interactions with former captain when he returns. • Mise-en-scene of the Caine as it sails out of port during final shot.
FVD #4—Post-Viewing QuestionsAnswer three in at least three complete sentences. Be sure to use details from the film! • Describe the camera work during the trial scene. (Be specific!!) • Why does the lawyer (Mr. Greenwald) feel guilty? What does he do to show this guilt? Do you agree with his reasoning? Why? • Explain how Willie has grown as a Navy Officer, especially as it relates to his interactions with former captain. • Describe the mise-en-scene of the Caine as it sails out of port during final shot.