Research and preparation for the writing task
Choose one of the songs from the film (see list below). Read through the lyrics on azlyrics.com and watch the scene again.
The Riddle of the Model (scene: 29:13-31:05)
Up (scene: 36:30-39:05)
A Beautiful Sea (scene: 48:05-49:33)
Drive It Like You Stole It (scene: 1:06:26-1:10:20)
Girls (scene: 1:20:45-1:23:07)
To Find You (scene: 1:23:30-1:26:45)
Brown Shoes (scene: 1:26:53-1:30:45)
Writing task
Write a text with the following three-part structure:
Part 1: CONTEXT
Explain where in the film this particular song is taken from. Why do you think that the main character, Conor, wrote this song at this point in his life? Does this song represent a turning point in the film?
Part 2: QUOTATIONS and FEATURES
Write three separate paragraphs about three different features of your chosen song. Here are some suggestions of what you can write about:
- comment on the use of literary devices such as rhyme, repetition, metaphors or symbols
- describe the use of language i.e. colloquial vocabulary or grammatical features
- assess the combination of music and lyrics
- critique a feature, such as something being cliché or too exaggerated
When writing each paragraph, remember to: 1. Make it very clear which feature you are writing about. 2. Find at least one direct quotation in the song to help the reader understand your point. 3. Comment on the effect or consequence of a feature i.e. how it affects your overall impression of the song.
Part 3: MAIN MESSAGE and PERSONAL OPINION
What do you think is the main message of the song? And what is your personal opinion of the song?