Which social, personal, religious or political themes and issues are raised and discussed in these scenes? Are there others in the film ?
Society disapproves of Ben's teaching methods and the way he raises his children, as it is not what most parents do. In the first scene, the "normal" parents show concern for the children as they are not in an american school. Harper exclaims that Ben's teachings are going "to get them killed", highlighting not only her concern but her lack of understanding for a different way of life. From a more personal perspective, Harper and Jack seemed to be close with the mother before she met Ben, so it is only natural for the two to be concerned for the children's safety as they are a direct connection to their mother. Religion wise, it is stated in the movie that Ben and his family are Buddhist, whilst Harper's family is presumably Christian. Buddhism was not a commonly practised religion as of when the film was set, whilst the majority of America are a variation of Christianity. In regards to politics, Ben raised his children to not be involved in politics, but have the knowledge to rival a politican if needed. Harper and Jack's kids however do not even know the official definition of the Bill of Rights. Other points in the film, especially with the grandparents, it is obvious just how isolated and different the children are from the rest of the world.
Are we encouraged through the use of film form ( dialogue, camera shots e.g close ups , and the film's narrative to agree with one side of the discussions and debates more than another ?
Regarding use of dialogue, Ben is much calmer and peace keeping than others in the film. Harper's sharp tone when talking about the children indicates that she is possibly on the "wrong" side of the discussions and debates whilst Ben is on the "right" side. Once again in the Bill of Rights scene, Bens interactions with the children are far more gentle than Harper's. Not once does Ben raise his voice, whilst Harper seems to only lower hers when necessary.
Does our attitude to Ben and Jack (the grandfather ) and their ideologies and beliefs change during the film ? How and why ? Consider use of narrative events , dialogue, performance and other film form elements like use of close up or mid shots with other characters and how we come to view events and characters from different perspectives.
All throughout the film, the audience's attitude to both Ben and Jack switch back and forth from "what he's doing is wrong" to "he's just trying his best". An example of this is how Jack interacts with the children, his intentions seem pure and he appears to only have their best interests at heart- regarding social life and college etc. Yet the way Jack treats Ben throughout the entire film is wrong as it's completely different to how he would treat his daughter and grandchildren. In Ben's case, reacting the way he did when seeing his eldest son's college letters was not the correct response a parent should give their child, but we know that Ben only wants( what he thinks) the best for his children, as they are all he has left.