Remember the Titans
Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports film produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Boaz Yakin, and the film is based on a true story. In 1971, at the desegregated T. C. Williams High School, Black head coach Herman Boone, is hired to lead the school's football team. Boone takes over from the current coach Bill Yoast, and in a show of respect, Boone offers an assistant coordinator coaching position to Yoast. At first he refuses Boone's offer, but is then tempted to join after the White players pledge to boycott the team if he does not participate. Dismayed at the prospect of the students losing their chances at scholarships, Yoast changes his mind and takes up the position of defensive coordinator.
The Black and White athletes of the football team frequently clash in racially motivated conflicts at their football camp; including those between captain Gerry Bertier (Hurst), and Julius Campbell (Harris). But after forceful coaxing and rigorous athletic training by Boone, the team achieves both racial harmony and triumph on the football field.
Remember the TitansClick to view the official film trailer for 'Remember the Titans'.
List some of the key elements of the film that are highlighted in this short trailer. These are the issues, events, and themes that the film makers believe to be most important to the film's success. |
|
Learning Guides, Tasks, and Important Informaiton
|
|
|
Social, Political, and Historical Setting
Below is a range of resources to develop your understanding of the social, political, and historical setting of the film 'Remember the Titans'. American history is strongly connected to the progress made for racial equality, from the early days of the slave trade, the barbaric actions of the Ku Klux Klan, through to the recent appointment of Barack Obama as President. Access links that explore African-American history and view video clips to hear the real Herman Boone discussing the environment of 1971 when the film is set.
Segregated AmericaFollow the link to access a presentation by the Smithsonian Natural History Museum of American History related to 'Segregated America'. The presentation is entitled 'Separate is Not Equal,' which is directly connected to the proposed meaning of segregation - 'Separate but Equal'. Make notes on your findings.
|
African-American History TimelineClick on the link to access an African-American History Timeline from the 1600s to the current day. This is a chronology of black history form the early Slave Trade through to Affirmative Action. Make notes on your findings.
|
The Battle of GettysburgWhen Coach Boone takes the players to the burial site of soldiers who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, the players realise that they are part of something much bigger than an American Football Team. This scene is one of the main turning points that makes everything else possible. Follow the link to find out more about the Battle of Gettysburg and develop your understanding more fully.
|
Meet Coach BooneThe real-life Coach Herman Boone talks about his struggles in 1960s and 1970s America as he attempted to bring two separate ethnic groups together through the football team. This allows you in to the mind of the man that the film 'Remember the Titans' is based on.
|
|
Social ChangeCoach Herman Boone discusses the lessons learned during his time with the Titans and how the film is based on so much more than football - the key theme of RESPECT!
|
|
Photo-Gallery of Racial Discrimination
View the images to see the changing attitudes towards racial equality in America history.
Close Analysis and Video Clips
View the below video clips to revisit the film and closely analyse important features of 'Remember the Titans'. Whether you choose a character, relationship, or theme question, these clips will be invaluable to assisting your studies.
Characterisation - Coach BooneClick to view this video compilation which shows some of the decisions Coach Boone makes in order to help the players to overcome their prejudice and to develop in to one united team...
It is also a good clip to show the relationship development between Gerry and Julius as they change from almost hating each other to seeing each other as a brother. |
|
Relationship Development - Boone and YoastThis short clip shows the introduction of Coach Boone and Coach Yoast. It is clear to see the racial tension in this early scene, and if you compare it to a scene near the end of the film, you will be able to discuss how the coaches' relationship develops throughout the film.
|
|
Characterisation and Relationships Worksheets
Click on the link to access the relevant close analysis worksheet in preparation for your Analytical Essay:
|
Remember the Titans
|
evaluating_tone_in_music_-_original_soundtrack.pdf | |
File Size: | 63 kb |
File Type: |
Theme of SacrificeThis clip shows how hard all of the players and coaches work during pre-season training, and the sacrifice that is required in order to achieve success.
It is also a good demonstration of how Gerry and Julius sacrifice their own selfish needs for the overall good of the team. |
|
Theme of PrejudiceThis clip is good for analysing the theme of prejudice and racism. The officials are making biased decisions against the Titans due to the fact that they are coached by a black man (Coach Boone) and that they have black players.
We see Coach Yoast (the White Coach) take a stand against the prejudiced officials, and this is a key moment in the formation of the two coaches' positive relationship. |
|
Demanding 'Perfection'This clip has some inspirational quotes demonstrating how far the team has come since the start of the film:
'You demanded more from us, you demanded perfection... We have won every single game we have played till now, so this team is perfect' - Julius 'How to trust the soul of a man rather than the look of him' - Yoast 'This is our time now, second half is our time' - Boone 'Put Petey in, he's better' - Alan |
|
Close Analysis of Key Scenes
Complete one of the following 'Key Scenes' in order develop an in-depth understanding of the film, and of the filmakers' techniques:
|
Photo Gallery for 'Remember the Titans'
Famous Speeches in American History
Explore the links below to learn more about two of the most famous speeches in American History: Abraham Lincoln's 'Gettysburg Address' and Marin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream'.
The Gettysburg AddressClick on the link to view Abraham Lincoln's famous speech:
The Gettysburg Address Access the History Channel for more information and video footage discussing Abraham Lincoln and his speech.
|
I Have a Dream...Click on the link to access a transcript of Martin Luther King's famous speech: I Have a Dream...
Follow this link to access YouTube and view a video of Dr King delivering his speech
|