Lesson Overview 

Il Postino Movie Questions 

(see my page on Movie Questions).  These questions tie so much of the Unit together and also begin the students last project of the year (which will get continually postponed until it can't anymore).  The questions to be answered immediately (while they are watching) are in plain type - while the questions that are to be answered at home (each one a kind of mini-essay) are in italics.  I also include this sad postscript at the end of the questions: "the leading actor, Massimo Troisi, one of Italy's most beloved comics, died at the age of 41 the day after principal photography was completed. He had delayed a necessary heart transplant in order to finish what had been a pet project long in the making… Working with his lead actor no more than two hours a day, director Michael Radford ( "1984" and "White Mischief" ) had to accommodate Troisi's increasing physical weakness. Many scenes were arranged so that Troisi wouldn't have to stand up or do much more than speak his lines… "

Here are the instructions from the handout (found below):  "Consider the following BIG idea as you watch the film: The idea of what a metaphor, just really is – listen to the poetry and keep your eye on the ball. Questions – To be answered in complete sentences (not typed) and turned in on a separate sheet of paper.  The questions in italics may require more thought and you may not want to finish them while actually watching the film.  But do think about them.  All questions are due this Friday on a separate sheet of paper.  Work on each part as we finish.  

As you watch, keep a couple of things in mind – one of them is –How does what Marji (later Marjane) experiences have to do with the Ancient City of Persepolis (think of our discussions).  The second idea is – how does the media of film (and animation) differ from the graphic novel – just as the graphic novel differs from plain unillustrated text.  Have your opening poems out as well."

Something Beautiful About This Place

 Most of my World Literature Students are seniors - and like most seniors they don't yet have an appreciation for how special our school is - and has been for them.  Just like Mario and his island.  Like Mario, this project asks them to create a short audio recording of their favorite things about our school that makes it special for them.  They then took those recordings and posted them - and we listened to them at the end of the year.  Here are the instructions from the handout (found on the last page of the Movie Questions): 

This assignment is a homage to Il Postino, to our school, and to those things that make our lives bearable and special.  In this assignment you will create a short two - three minute sound recording of those things that you are most fond of and that have contributed to the best parts of your stay at our school.  You should think of sounds that are both dramatic and subtle (that I believe is the key).  Think of Mario and his choices (big and little waves, the church bell [with priest], the sound of the wind through the brush, the cloudless starry night over the island).  He even included the bittersweet sad sound of his father's fishing nets.  Do not listen to earlier audios that students have done – it will only interfere with your own creativity.

It really is a great project to wrap things up - and it has taught me a lot about my students and my school.  I will create a page on this site, just dedicated to this project.

Thoughts on the Lesson 

When I first saw this film - when it first opened - and I was in New York City spending the summer with the most wonderful people in the world, I was completely blown away - and knew that I would be using it in my classroom.  It is not just that it brings together poetry and Dante and Neruda - it also is one of the gentlest, most optimistic movies - in my opinion, ever made.