Compelling Conversations: for Advanced students
Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics - An engaging ESL textbook for Advanced ESL students
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TALKING ABOUT MOVIES: THE SEQUEL
“Go see that turkey for yourself, and see for yourself why you shouldn’t see it.”
—Samuel Goldwyn (1879-1974), legendary film producer
Reviewing Movies
Once is not always enough. But can lightning strike a second time? Discuss movie remakes and sequels with your partner.
1. Can you think of any hit movies that led to a sequel?
2. Can you think of any remakes of classic films?
3. What’s the difference between a remake and a sequel?
4. Can you think of a series of movies besides Star Wars and Batman?
5. Are you a fan of the Spiderman series? Planet of the Apes? Why?
6. Why do some films have two different versions?
7. What are some good movies based on good novels?
8. What are some bad movies based on good novels? What went wrong?
9. Do you enjoy movie previews? Why? Are any misleading? Exciting?
10. Do you like reading movie reviews? Why? Have you been misled?
11. Do you have any memories of seeing movies outdoors or at drive-in theatres? Where?
12. Have you ever walked out during previews? During a movie?
13. What are some job titles in the film industry?
14. Would you like to be an actor? Set designer? Extra? Make-up artist? Cinematographer? Stunt person? Costume designer?
15. What are some perks of working the film industry? What are some disadvantages?
16. Do you know any film snobs? What makes them film snobs?
17. What movie “wowed” you with special effects? Why?
18. Can you name some “chick flicks”? What makes a movie a “chick flick”? Do you like them?
19. What’s the most exciting, or thrilling, movie you’ve seen? Why?
20. Can you name a Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton movie?
Vocabulary
Read these words aloud.
sequel | remake | mislead | preview | review | wow
chick flick | thrill | soundtrack | shriek | snob | perk
Write four questions using some of these words.
The Conversation Continues
1. Which silent movies have you seen? What was your take?
2. What are some movies with terrific costumes or set designs?
3. Have you ever cried in a movie? Why?
4. Do you laugh out loud during movies? Do you laugh easily?
5. What movies featured wonderful music or a great soundtrack?
6. What are some of the funniest films you’ve seen?
7. Why do you think scary movies, or horror films, remain popular?
8. Have you seen people hide their face during scary scenes? Jump? Scream? Do you do any of these actions?
9. What’s the most disturbing scene you’ve seen in a movie? Why was it so memorable?
10. Do you watch the Academy Awards show? Why?
11. What’s your partner’s favorite film? Your children’s favorite film?
12. Do you and your relatives have the same taste in movies?
13. What five movies would you take on a desert island?
Quotes from Famous Movies
Pick your favorite. Explain your choice.
1. “Wait a minute, wait a minute. You ain’t heard nothing yet.”
—Al Jolson in The Jazz Singer (1927)
2. “Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
—Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz (1939)
3. “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”
—Clark Gable in Gone With the Wind (1939)
4. “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By.’”
—Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)
5. “You don’t understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I could’ve been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am.”
—Marlon Brando in On the Waterfront (1954)
6. “Gentleman, you can’t fight in here! This is the War Room!”
—Peter Sellers in Dr. Strangelove (1964)
7. “Mrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me. Aren’t you?”
—Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate (1967)
8. “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
—Marlon Brando in The Godfather (1972)
9. “May the force be with you.”
—Alec Guinness in Star Wars (1977)
10. “Listen to me, mister. You’re my knight in shining armor. Don’t you forget it.”
—Katharine Hepburn in On Golden Pond (1981)
11. “Go ahead, make my day.”
—Clint Eastwood in Sudden Impact (1983)
12. “I’ll be back.”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator (1984)
13. “Carpe Diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”
—Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society (1989)
14. “Show me the money!”
—Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire (1996)
15. “I’m king of the world!”
—Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic (1997)
16. “Let’s have some new clichés.”
—Samuel Goldwyn (1879-1974), producer
On Your Own
Prepare to explain to your conversation partner or your class which actor should receive a special Oscar for being the best movie actor of all time. For which role should he win this Oscar? Prepare to explain to your conversation partner or your class which actress should receive a special Oscar for being the best movie actress of all time. For which role should she win this Oscar?