Remember The Titans Opening Scene Analysis

In the opening scene of Remember the Titans a riot breaks out over the death of a black student. During this scene there are a number of cinematic techniques used to set the scene for ‘chaos’. These techniques include the medium close shot, characterisation, camera movement and sound that combine to create a sense of impending doom. Medium close shots were used effectively, to allow the audience to see the facial expressions of the black and white crowd and the size of the crowd. Characterisation can be seen through the actions and speech of the white and black crowd. Words like “murder” were used the black crowd and signs quoting “where is the justice”. The white crowd shouts in anger towards the black group demonstrating their strong hatred towards black people. Camera movements such as panning, both left and right were used with great effect, to highlight the deterioration in the

relationship between the two groups. Music is used to set the scene of chaos as initially the music is fast, upbeat and loud, while the demonstrators are breaking windows, yelling and creating chaos. In conclusion through cinematic techniques such as medium close shot, characterisation, camera movement and sound Remember the theme of chaos is set.

In the film Remember the Titans friendship is a significant theme.

The theme of friendship is seen through characters such as Coach Boone and Coach Yoast, Nicky and Sheryl, Julius and Gerry. However, in my opinion, the most significant pair is Julius and Gerry. At the beginning of the film Julius and Gerry did not get along, this was because at the beginning Gerry showed extreme discrimination towards the African Americans. However, during their time at training camp Gerry and Julius were forced to learn about each other, this didn’t change how they felt towards each other. Gerry confronts Julius about his work ethic, Gerry learns that he been fulfilling he’s duty as the team captain. Gerry and Julius were seen as role models for their two races, so when Gerry and Julius became friends this influenced other player to form relationships between players of an opposite race. In conclusion friendship is a significant theme in Remember the Titans because through the friendship of Julius and Gerry not only did they bring a team together they also brought the entire city came

together.

In the film Remember the Titans many lessons were taught by both Coach Boone and Coach Yoast. These lessons include racial equality, team work, mate ship and determination. An example of racial equality is a Coach Boone, “I don’t care if you’re black, white green, blue or orange I want all defensive players on this bus and all offensive players on this bus”. This quote illustrates how Coach Boone doesn't care about what colour a person’s skin is he only cares about how they play football. Team work is another lesson taught in the film Remember the Titans by Coach Boone, for example “This is where they fought the Battle of Gettysburg. Fifty thousand men died right here on this field, fighting' the same fight that we're still fighting' amongst ourselves today”…”If we don't come together right now on this hallowed ground, we too will be destroyed, just like they were”. Gerry and Julius highlights the importance of mate ship, through quotes such as “was afraid of you Julius. I don’t understand what I was afraid of, but I was. I know I was only hating my brother”. In conclusion a number of lessons that can apply to a modern audience. These lessons include racial equality, teamwork and mate ship and these issues are as important now as they were in the film.