Vitus

Vitus.  Directed by Fredi M. Murer.  Ocean Films (France), 2006. 100 Minutes.

Genre:  Drama, Family
Rating: PG 

Language:  In Swiss, German, and English with English subtitles

At six Vitus was deemed a “wonderchild” for having an exceptionally high IQ and an ability to play piano concertos flawlessly.  At twelve he attends high school, yet is ostracized by both teachers and classmates because of his age, intelligence, and wit.  Vitus yearns for a life of his own and not the ones his parents have fabricated for him.  Then, an encounter with a world renowned pianist ironically presents Vitus with the opportunity to begin living according to his own plans- which are, shall I say, absolute genious!

Discussion:

·         Vitus has a natural talent for playing the piano, what’s yours?

·         In order to stand up to his mother, Vitus sabotages her plan to make him a pupil of a renowned pianist.  Do you think he could have done something else to express how he felt about being pressured into doing something that he was not ready to do?  What would you have done?

·         Vitus’ only ally is his grandfather, a humble woodworker with a passion for flight, and he understands his grandson like nobody else.  Is there a person in your life who you talk to and always supports you?  Are you that person for somebody else?

If you want to watch a movie about someone who was a true boy prodigy, try Amadeus, about famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 

Amadeus.  Directed by Milos Forman.  Warner Brothers, 1984.  2 hours, 38 minutes.  Rated PG.

Or for a comedy, check out School of Rock. 
School of Rock.  Directed by Richard Linklater.  Paramount, 2003.  108 Minutes.  Rated PG-13.

Also, if you love classical music, there are many albums floating around there, but one of my (Colleen’s!) favorites is an album Rondo alla Turka by William Kanengiser, who plays the work of Mozart and other composers on guitar.

Activity idea:  Doesn’t this film just inspire you to make some noise of your own?  Get your friends together for a movie night and jam session, and be sure to have plenty of Swiss chocolate on hand!  Play Guitar Hero or Rock Band, perform your own music, or compose your own little ditties using computer software.  Need more inspiration?  Head to your well-stocked library to explore their audio collection and books on how to read, write, and create music.

Let your fingers do the talking, and leave a reply below for what you think about Vitus!

Trailer from Youtube

Amadeus art from Rotton Tomatoes

School of Rock art from Internet Movie Database

About a Boy

Please, tell us what you thought of this movie below.

About a Boy.    Directed by Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz.  Universal Pictures, 2002.  101 Minutes. 

Genre:  Comedy, Drama, Romance

Rating:   PG-13

Twelve-year-old Marcus has attached himself to shallow, mid-thirty-year-old Will who, for the moment, eases Marcus’ troubles with bullies, his suicidal mother, and a recently deceased duck.  When Will is unable to see past his own problems to help Marcus the two go their separate ways, until Marcus makes a decision that will be sure to end in his own social suicide.  

About a Boy inspires audiences to believe that you’re never too young to help those you care about and you’re never too old to grow up.

Discussion: 

·         We hear it all the time, “act your age.”  Does that bother you?  What does that really mean?  Is there a difference between age and maturity?

·         Was there ever an adult that you envied?  Why was that?  Was it because of what they had or what they did?

·         Marcus experiences several challenged in the book.  If you could be his friend and talk to him what would you say?  What would you want him to say to you?

About a Boy was based off a book by the same title by Nick Hornby.  It is not considered a Children’s or a Tween book, but if you are interested, give it a whirl!  It’s very funny, well-written, and by the same author who wrote High Fidelity and An Education- other cool books that were made into movies!

Hornby, Nick.  (1999).  About a Boy. New York:  Penguin.  ISBN:  1573227371

And is it just me, or does this story line seem reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? You know, poor boy, indulgent man, learning to trust...no?

Dahl, Roald.  (1964).  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.  ISBN:  0394910117

Actvity idea:  What do you like about yourself and what do you hope will change in the years to come?  Write a letter to your future self, and place the letter in a sealed envelope that is not to be opened for 10, 20, or 30 years.  When you open it it will be like you’re having a conversation with the younger version of you, because you are!  You can e-mail your letter to a friend a vice versa, and agree on a age when you send them back to other eachother to avoid temptation.

About a Boy Trailer from: Youtube

Book cover art link: Powell's Books, http://www.powells.com/biblio/1573227331