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 Questions Answer 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 Questions Answer three in at least three complete sentences. Be sure to use details from the film! 1.Describe the new captain. How does he compare with the former captain? What does the crew think of him? How do you know? 2.Which of the characters do you think will mutiny? Which ones—if any, do you think will defend the captain, and why? 3.What evidence do you have that tension is rising? 4.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 Questions Answer 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 Questions Answer 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.