Road to Perdition
He shouldn’t have been there. But in the moment Michael Sullivan’s son witnessed a brutal slaying, the lives of this 12-year-old and his gangster father are shattered irrevocably. Now, targeted by the mob he’s devoted his life to, Sullivan and his son find themselves with nowhere to turn and a sadistic killer in relentless pursuit. It’s here – in a fierce and primal struggle to stay alive and protect his boy – that this lifelong gangster will discover honour and redemption. Riveting, powerful and visually stunning, Road to Perdition ranks among the classic gangster movies of all time. Tom Hanks, Paul Newman and Jude Law are unforgettable as desperate men with everything at stake. Academy Award winning director Sam Mendes (American Beauty, 1999) brings his haunting vision to a hard-edged story of lost innocence, conflicted loyalty and ambition.
Road to Perdition - Official TrailerView the official trailer to Sam Mendes' film to get an overview of the central themes, key scenes, and important characters from the text.
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Road to Perdition - Production Notes
Click to view the production notes and develop your understanding of the decisions made by the director, cinematographer, actors, and special effects department in the making of Road to Perdition.
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Identifying Film Techniques
As you watch the following clips from Road to Perdition, complete the table to start your anaysis of the film by identifying film techniques in use:
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Winter of 1931 - Opening ScenePlay this clip to view the opening scene of the film. Here we are introduced to Michael Sullivan Junior, the setting of 1930s America, and the theme of father and son relationships - all of which are developed more fully in the rest of the film.
(N.B. The opening scene is only about 3 minutes long) |
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The Winter of 1931
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the_winter_of_1931_storyboard.pdf | |
File Size: | 561 kb |
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Rain - Shootout SceneThis is a pivotal moment in the film. A powerful, emotional and haunting scene well worth analysing. Mendes' use of sound makes this a memorable and strangely beautiful scene.
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Rain Storyboard
After viewing the above clip, use the attachment to complete the technical information and produce a storyboard of the pivotal 'Rain' scene:
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The Lakehouse - End Scene of FilmThis clip is an extension of the end scene of the film. Special effects and camera-work are important features of the director's craft.
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The Lakehouse
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the_lakehouse_images_-_create_your_storyboard.pdf | |
File Size: | 555 kb |
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Road to Perdition Revision Guide
Click on the link below to download a revision guide for the end of year exams. The guide contains notes and information and essay material from NZQA on Level 2 and Level 3 exam.
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