MFL DVD Resource TOPIC: FAMILY/HOME

Entre Les Murs This is a semi-autobiographical account of François Marin’s experiences as a French language and literature teacher in a middle school in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. Excerpt from the film: 01:03:55 > 01:05:35 Rabah talks about being looked down on at a party because he is an Arab.

Entre Les Murs The class is uncomfortable about writing about their home lives for an assignment and try to explain why. Rabah talks about being looked down on at a party because he is an Arab. Do you think the pupils are more ashamed or proud of their backgrounds? Do you think that Rabah feels worse than he is letting on about his experience? Do you think that your home life and the customs of your background should be kept separate from school?

Entre Les Murs What types of topics do you find difficult to talk about? In what ways is the difficulty influenced by who you are talking to/in front of? Why is this the case? Why do you think the teacher might find this conversation difficult to understand? How different is he from his learners? To what extent do you feel that this is a good or bad thing?

Jean de Florette Jean de Florette is a 1986 French historical drama directed by Claude Berri, based on a novel by Marcel Pagnol. Excerpt from the film: 32:40 > 35:05 The Cadoret family move in.

Jean de Florette How are the Cadorets dressed? What are they doing in the house? Jean - ’The Hunchback' wants to live in the countryside. Why? What does he hope to do in this new rural life? Jean uses a word that Ugolin doesn’t understand: which one? What is the meaning of this word and why is it important?

Jean de Florette Jean ‘the Hunchback’ speaks of his plans and dreams, but Ugolin makes a negative comment every time. By working in pairs, carry on the conversation: J : je vais cultiver le jardin U : mais il n’y a pas d’eau J : nous avons une citerne U : mais elle est très petite Continue and present your dialogue.

Jean de Florette Your parents dream of living in the countryside in southern France. Search the Internet for property ads: Select a property you like and translate the description into English. If you don’t have internet, translate the ad below: Avignon - Bastide de Vignoble A 2 minutes d'un joli village, entre les Dentelles de Montmirail et le mont Ventoux, bastide de vignoble remarquablement restaurée et décorée sur un domaine de 8 ha dont 5 de vignes. Habitation de 350m², maison de gardien de 90m² et dépendances aménageables de 140m² €,

La Haine La Haine is a 1995 French black-and-white film written, co-edited, and directed by Mathieu Kassovitz. It is about three teenage friends and their struggle to live in the banlieues (outskirts) of Paris during a time of riots. Excerpt from the film: 07:27 > 12:20 Vinz, Saïd and Hubert.

La Haine Write down as many nouns and adjectives as possible to describe the flat and how it is furnished. How many members of the family do you see? Who are they? Do they seem to get on with one another? You have just returned from a week staying with Vinz’s sister in this flat. Write a report for your school magazine about your experiences, what you liked and what you disliked.

La Haine Vinz is in his home. Describe his apartment. What do you notice about the atmosphere and how they talk to each other? What is the role of the grandmother? Compare the differences/similarities to your home life. What are the most significant ones? Why do you think Vinz behaves like he does in front of the bathroom mirror?

Le Fils de l’Epicier This is the story of the grocer’s son, who reluctantly returns from the city to take his position as the head of his estranged family in a rural village, as his father has had a stroke. Excerpt from the film: 01:36 > 03:03 Home life, family & relationships.

Le Fils de l’Epicier How many members of the family (tante, grand-père, mari etc) can you name in 30 seconds – compete with partners. First 20 seconds of the clip: Where is the scene taking place? How are these people involved? Explain your ideas.

Le Fils de l’Epicier Rest of clip: Brainstorm adjectives to describe each character and their emotions. Recount the scene from the point of view of one of the main characters. Try to include an element of analysis, such as speculating about why you think they may be feeling what they feel, based on their reactions to each other.

Le Fils de l’Epicier This is the story of the grocer’s son, who reluctantly returns from the city to take his position as the head of his estranged family in a rural village, as his father has had a stroke. Excerpt from the film: 03:03 > 04:03 Antoine’s family.

Le Fils de l’Epicier Play ‘Bingo’ with household items – brainstorm a list and see how many are shown in the clip. Watch carefully to see the state of Antoine’s flat. Order these various problems in the right order: Il utilise sa chemise comme torchon. Antoine n’a pas fait la lessive donc il y a des vêtements sales par terre. Il y a des boîtes en carton partout dans l’appartement. La poignée de la porte d’entrée est cassée. L’évier est plein de casseroles (etc), car il n’a pas fait la vaisselle non plus. Il n’a plus de café. Il n’y a pas de chaise pour sa mère.

Le Fils de l’Epicier Why do you think he offers and then insists on a drink to his mother, before admitting he has no coffee? Recount the visit to the flat from the point of view of his mum to a friend. EITHER be honest and negative OR lie and pretend it was luxurious / hospitable etc.