Sisters

Film commentary: Sisters

A funny cartoon about the excessive use of the telephone and its impact on the relationship between two sisters. To laugh with children about real-life situations but also to make grown-ups think about the omnipresence of new means of communication and the nuisance caused by excessive use of the telephone.

A "Saturnian" bath. A very nice metaphor for the sadness of the little girl whose tears flood the flat.

Questioning the film: Sisters

Understanding the story, the theme, expressing one's sensitivity and exercising one's critical mind.

The film poses no problem of interpretation or contextualisation, once the English title has been explained.
The main part of the discussion should be able to revolve around the particular staging of the frustration, in particular the role of the scenography (notion of huis-clos), the circulation of the characters in the space, their expressions, the role of rhythm and music. The exploration can be extended with references to silent burlesque cinema (indoor chase scenes in Buster Keaton or Chaplin).

Another point to be explored is the significance of the flood/drowning metaphor, both narratively (climax) and symbolically (themes of dissolution, melancholy). The film will also be a starting point for a reflection on the capturing power of technical objects in our daily lives.

1 Under what circumstances do the two characters meet again?
The little sister has come to visit her older sister and has brought a present for the occasion.
2 How do the expressions on the faces of the two characters change?
For the little sister: joy, surprise, disappointment, hope, disappointment, weariness, sadness, feeling of abandonment, comfort.
For the older sister: surprise, joy, attention, surprise, amusement, listening and concentrating (on someone else), care (for the younger sister), surprise.
3 What efforts does the character make to attract the attention of her older sister?
She moves several times on her way while presenting her gift, runs after her in the flat.
4 Where does the story take place? is it a complex place, with obstacles?
It isa rather small flat, with just a sofa and a table in the centre.
5 What does the moment of the flood remind us of?Why doesn't the big sister drown?
It's as if the little sister is abandoned and is going to drown (in her tears).This is only what the little sister feels, the big sister does not perceive it.
6 At what precise moment do we know that the two characters meet again?
When the big sister takes the little girl's hand.
7 Why, at the end, does the little girl throw herself into her sister's arms?Why does this surprise the older sister?
She is reassured to be able to communicate with her sister at last.The emotion of being alone with her was so strong that she shows her relief strongly. The big sister is surprised because she had not noticed that the little girl was so touched.
8 What objects other than the telephone could also produce this kind of situation?
Television, computer, tablet and other interactive games that produce signals to attract attention.

Download PDF of the film's educational activities

Created with the support of the Ministry of Education and the CNC.
Family viewing, educational activities with parents at home and with teachers in class.
Frustration (EMC) (Cycle 2 and 3)
Educational activities proposed by Bruno Pellier based on the film Sisters.
Smartphone (Questioning the world) (Cycle 2 and 3)
Educational activities proposed by Bruno Pellier based on the film Sisters.
Réseau Canopé course (Ecology in solidarity)
Thematic course created by Marie-Jo Lantam Ninsao based on 4 films including Sisters.

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