Cinema Paradiso Assignment

This touching film captures the relationship between Alfredo, a film projectionist, and Toto, a boy whose father is killed in the war. The cinema nurtures Toto, providing him and the Sicilian village with life and hope amidst the bleak despair of World War II.

Here are some ideas to consider:

Write about one or more aspects of sentimentality, humor, nostalgia, and pragmatism that the film blends together. Does it reflect the richness of life? Do you think it is effective? How does the director develop character? Does it seem natural? How does he use camera, lighting, voice, and body language to do this? Discuss the blending of old films shown in the theater with the film itself. What do you learn about Italian history and society during the film? Does the film reflect changes in society? What are some themes the film presents? How does the director develop them? Discuss the relationship between Alfredo and Toto. Morocone is one of the most famous film composers, writing the scores for Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Westerns, particularly the "Dollar" series starring Clint Eastwood. Does the music capture the tone of the film? How is it used in the scenes for emotional effect or to underscore thematic ideas? How do Alfredo and the cinema nurture Toto? Why?

How does the cinema serve as a focal point for village life? How does that compare to the function of the Catholic Church in the village? How does the cinema serve as a metaphor for Toto's imagination? Are there scenes that could be either Toto's fantasy or reality? Is it sometimes difficult to tell the difference? Why? What are your thoughts about the ending?