Film in Focus: Close (2022) by Lukas Dhont
How to start a conversation about film that leads to analysis and an understanding of cultural context.
How to start a conversation about film
Close (2022) by Belgian Lukas Dhont, delves into the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and the impacts of bullying, through the lens of two 13-year-old boys, Leo and Remi. Its careful portrayal offers a powerful medium for discussing sensitive topics within our classrooms. Close stands out not only for its cinematic excellence but also for its authentic exploration of grief, identity, and the challenges faced by young people today. The film's ability to engage with these themes in a respectful, thoughtful manner makes it a valuable tool in promoting understanding and empathy.
The opening sequence captures the innocent friendship of Leo and Remi in a serene, summer setting. However, 12 minutes into the film, as they are navigating high school, a classmate's public and invasive question, "Are you two a couple?" fractures their world. Leo defensively likens their bond to brotherhood, while a silent Remi looks on. This probing question and the ensuing conversation have a devastating effect on their relationship as Leo, fearing stigma, distances himself from Remi, leading to tragic consequences.
Classroom Discussion - Understanding Film Through Emotional Engagement
An exercise to take into the classroom.
This sequence serves as an excellent entry point for interpreting film within a clear, relatable cultural context.
Establish Rules of Engagement - Begin by inviting students to collaboratively create a set of Rules of Engagement for the upcoming discussion on "Close". Emphasize the importance of inclusive language and a supportive environment. Encourage the collective sharing of guidelines on respectful communication and empathy to ensure a productive and sensitive dialogue.
View the Film - Watch the opening sequence up to 00:13:50, focusing on the scene where a classmate inquires if Leo and Remi are a couple. This moment serves as a critical point for discussion.
Guide the Discussion - Split students into small groups to discuss the impact of the classmate's question on Leo and Remi. Encourage them to share personal experiences with misunderstandings or pressure from others. Introduce questions that prompt critical thinking about societal norms and personal identity.
Ask Critical Questions - Propose several questions to guide the discussion:
What types of questions are appropriate to inquire about others? Compile a list.
Analyze how the public nature of the question, "Are you two a couple?", impacts Leo and Remi.
Discuss alternatives Leo and Remi’s classmates could have pursued.
Explore ways to foster a more careful and inclusive environment in our own lives.
Explore Film Elements - Encourage students to explore the visual storytelling techniques used in "Close." They should analyze the use of camera framing, focus, proxemics, and depth of field, along with character blocking and sound.
These elements serve as visual cues to the emotional tension in a scene. By examining how these techniques convey emotions and themes, students can gain a deeper understanding of film storytelling and how directors use visual language to engage the audience and evoke responses.
Filmmaking Exercise - The Untold Story
Students are invited to write and film a short script from Remi's perspective, exploring his emotional world. For this creative exercise, students are encouraged to delve into Remi's perspective, a character from "Close," focusing on his feelings of exclusion. This exercise aims to deepen empathy and understanding through creative expression, while also reinforcing an analysis of film text through practice.
Imagine Remi's untold experience in "Close."
Write a one-page script that captures Remi's emotional response to being distanced from Leo and his peers.
Create a 60-90-second short film based on this script, visually narrating Remi's emotional journey.
The depiction of overt violence is not permitted, ensuring the focus remains on emotional depth and character exploration.
This project not only aims to foster empathy and understanding through creative expression but also allows students to practice film analysis by translating text into visual storytelling.