Viewing Guide – Footloose (1984)

Purpose for viewing: To examine plot structure and typical character development.

Movie length: ______1:43______

Movie math: Each stage should be about how many minutes long? ______

Stage 1: ______Set-Up______

  • Meet characters
  • Traits are established
  • Set up the double goal

Ren – Kevin Bacon

1)The first time we meet him, how does he act? Therefore, what should we assume about him as a character?

Ariel – Lori Singer

2)The first time we meet her, how does she act? Therefore, what should we assume about her as a character?

Rev. Shaw Moore – John Lithgow

3)The first time we meet him, how does he act? Therefore, what should we assume about him as a character?

4)What is Ren’s original goal in this plot? What / who becomes his “double goal”?

Stage 2: ______Complicating Action______TIME STARTS: ______

  • Action goes in new direction
  • New situations to deal with

5)What new situations (make a short list) come up for the protagonist (Ren – Kevin Bacon) to deal with?

Stage 3: ______Development______TIME STARTS: ______

  • Goals are all in place
  • Incidents that delay the accomplishment of BOTH major goals

6)What is THE goal of the film, now?

7)Reminder, what is the double goal in this film?

Stage 4: ______Climax and Epilogue______TIME STARTS: ______

  • Progress toward resolution
  • Building toward high point of action
  • Will protagonist’s goal be achieved or not?
  • Nothing new is introduced

8)Does Ren achieve his primary goal? Scene that shows this?

9)Does Ren achieve his double goal? Scene that shows this?

Conclusion

10)Who serves as a static character in this film?

11)Name two sets of foil pairs. Which pair’s evolution (change) helps add to theme?

12)Ariel is a dynamic character. We HAVE to see the event(s) that causes her change. What events do we see that influence her to “grow” as a character?

13) Rev. Moore is also a dynamiccharacter. We HAVE to see the event(s) that causes his change. What events do we see that influence him to “grow” as a character?

Extra

This film fits the genre (pattern) of a musical. In fact, it was revolutionary in that it broke from the traditional musical because it was not the typical “stage musical” just put to film AND that it used more modern music. Additionally, it was innovative in that its soundtrack sold well as a stand-alone album.