The Montage

Introduction: To begin the lesson, I would have students talk about what they know about montages. Depending on the responses, I would work them towards a definition that borders on being a bunch of short shots or clips put together in short amount of time to show a passage of time.

Show Clip: Rocky 

Background of the clip: This montage explicitly shows Rocky's training. Underlying the training going on, some would say that this is demonstrating "the American Dream" of coming from nothing and making it to the top. How does the film show this?

Questions

The clip starts with Rocky standing in a run-down industrial setting, with the a tracking view. The camera is moving along in front of Rocky but then stops and watches him runaway from the setting. What does this switch say to you? (He is leaving that place behind him and going to a better life, etc)

As he is running through the residential area, there is a constant dolly shot with the camera always in front of Rocky. Similar to question one, this shows that he is leaving the life he had to move up. However, is there anything going on in the background to suggest that he will always be apart of this lower class? (People turning to watch him run, the man giving him a piece of fruit, etc)


During the training session in the gym, there are others speaking to him. And although these men are helping Rocky, what are some clues to show that he is doing this for himself and on his own? (He doesn't make eye contact, he doesn't talk, their voices aren't heard, when doing sit-ups {forced  eye to eye contact} he keeps his eyes closed, etc)

When he finally does make eye contact with his trainer, what is it that shows he is in control? (His position on the right, fades to the left then back immediately, etc)

At the end of the clip, how do we know that Rocky is at his pinnacle shape? (He is at the top of the stairs, he is overlooking the city, the camera is angled upwards showing his superiority)