Introduction: As French teachers, we constantly seek engaging and educational resources to bring our lessons to life. One such resource is the film "Les Visiteurs" (The Visitors), a hilariously entertaining time-travel comedy that beautifully blends humor, history, and fantasy. This film not only entertains but also provides profound lessons on cultural clashes, the absurdity of social norms, and the enduring nature of loyalty and friendship. In this blog, we'll explore the film's themes, its educational value, and how you can effectively integrate it into your classroom using the FilmArobics process.
Exploring the Film: "Les Visiteurs," directed by Jean-Marie Poiré and released in 1993, takes viewers on a comical journey with Godefroy de Montmirail, a noble knight from the 12th century, and his servant, Jacquouille la Fripouille, as they find themselves transported to modern-day France due to a magical mishap. The film’s comedic brilliance lies in the characters' struggle to navigate contemporary society while attempting to return to their own time. The film’s sharp wit, memorable characters, and seamless blend of historical and modern elements make it an excellent tool for teaching French language and culture.
Main Themes and Educational Value: The film is rich with themes that are both universal and deeply connected to its unique narrative style:
- Clash of Cultures: The film emphasizes the humorous and insightful elements of cultural clashes, providing a platform for discussing differences and similarities between historical and modern societies.
- Absurdity of Social Norms: The characters' experiences highlight the absurdity of certain social norms, inviting discussions about societal expectations and adaptability.
- Loyalty and Friendship: The enduring bond between Godefroy and Jacquouille underscores the themes of loyalty and friendship, offering a gateway to discussions about personal values and relationships.
Using the FilmArobics Process: The FilmArobics process offers a structured approach to integrating films into language lessons. Here’s how you can use it effectively with "Les Visiteurs":
-
Pre-Viewing Activities:
- Vocabulary Building: Introduce key vocabulary from the film to ensure students can follow the story.
- Context Setting: Provide background information about the 12th century, the concept of time travel, and the cultural significance of comedy in French cinema.
-
Viewing Activities:
- Comprehension Checks: Pause the film at intervals to ask comprehension questions and ensure students are following the plot.
- Discussion Prompts: Encourage students to discuss the characters' motivations, the setting, and the themes as they watch.
-
Post-Viewing Activities:
- Cultural Notes: Explore the cultural and historical elements depicted in the film, such as medieval France and modern societal norms.
- Communicative Tasks: Engage students in role-plays or debates based on scenarios from the film to practice their speaking skills.
- Writing Exercises: Assign essays or creative writing tasks that allow students to express their reflections on the film's themes.
Key Dates for Classroom Integration: To enrich your lessons further, consider aligning your activities with significant dates related to the film:
- July 30: Jean Reno’s Birthday - Celebrate the lead actor’s contribution to cinema.
- June 18: Release Anniversary - Discuss the film's impact and legacy.
- April 23: World Book Day - Explore the film's adaptation elements and its script.
- September 16: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer - Reflect on the environmental changes between the 12th and 20th centuries.
Conclusion: Incorporating "Les Visiteurs" into your French language curriculum offers a unique opportunity to engage students with authentic cultural content. This film not only enhances language skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for themes of humor, cultural clashes, and social adaptability. By utilizing the lesson plan crafted by FilmArobics, you can provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. Encourage your students to explore the rich tapestry of visual storytelling, cultural nuances, and comedic brilliance. Purchase "Les Visiteurs" today and enrich your classroom with this hilariously entertaining time-travel comedy.
