Dona Coroquinha

Film commentary: Dona Coroquinha

This short film features an old woman in an epic struggle for survival against the dangers of the city. Crossing a street at a pedestrian crossing becomes an insurmountable obstacle through an avalanche of setbacks.
The film is somewhat retro in style, and it is relentless in its attempt to heap vexations on its character, whose weakness and disconnectedness from the rhythm of the city are highlighted.
The end of the film shows that if the old lady's obstinacy finally gets the better of her antagonists, it is at least as much by pure luck as by the attention of the motorists and at the price of the derailment of the urban mechanics.There isno meeting of the minds between the two worlds.

Doña Coroquinha is perfect for questioning the place we leave for weaker people in the city, the different rhythms that must coexist in the public space that is the street.

Questioning the film: Dona Coroquinha

Understand the story, the theme, express your sensibility and exercise your critical mind.

The character of the old lady immediately provokes empathy, with her doll-like face and her little dog in her bag. Her helplessness in the face of the dangers of the pedestrian crossing will not be foreign to children either, who have experienced them through the recommendations of adults. The interpretive challenge would be rather to generalise realistically from the situation to reflect on everything in the city that is unsuitable for some people. The film does not necessarily invite this, with its slapstick and vengeful ending. It is necessary to grasp what links it to the figures of weakness (old age, dependence) or maladjustment (disability).

In terms of mise en scène, we could study how the confrontation between the character and his environment is very simplified: a fairly typical character facing anonymous masses (cars, crowds, wind and rain), assimilated to forces. The "meteorological" storyline reinforces the idea of an individual facing the natural elements.

On the other hand, we can focus on the references to the silent comedy film (in the design and treatment of the image, the sound treatment, the theme, the principle of the escalation of disasters) mixed with those of the first cartoons (style and rhythm of the character's animation).

1 What feelings does the old woman provoke at the beginning of the film?And afterwards?
She is fun and friendly. Then we are afraid for her, we feel sorry for her, we want to support her.In the end, we admire her perseverance.
2 How are the inhabitants of the town (other than the old lady) described?
We know nothing about them.They are an anonymous crowd.
3 How does the weather accompany the story of the crossing of the pedestrian crossing?
It accentuates the old lady's problems.It contributes to the sequence of her setbacks.
4 Can we say that the old lady is just unlucky?
No, the city rules are harder for her. There isnothing to help her.
5 How is the old lady different from the townspeople?
She is not very different, she is just weaker, slower.
6 Is she just slower?
No. For example she is smaller, not as strong, she cannot see well, she has to look after her little dog...
7 Have you ever seen a situation like this where a person was in difficulty in the street?
Yes, a blind person who could not find the pedestrian crossing.Yes, a person in a wheelchair who couldn't get up a flight of stairs...
8 What elements make you think of a silent film (from the early days of cinema)?
It looks like the picture is damaged.There are titles like in silent films. The animation looks a bit like the old Disney films.

Download PDF of the film's educational activities

Created with the support of the Ministry of Education and the CNC.
Family viewing of the film, educational activities with parents at home and with teachers in class.
Mamie Robot (Mathematics) (Cycle 2 and 3)
Educational activities proposed by Bruno Pellier based on the film Dona Coroquinha.
Rythmes de la rue (Questioning the world) (Cycle 2 and 3)
Educational activities proposed by Bruno Pellier based on the film Dona Coroquinha.

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