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Digging Deeper: First Scene Analysis of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty


Now you have learned the language of cinematic technique, and you have practised active viewing with The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
To deepen your understanding of the film further, you will view two short videos that analyze different scenes in the film. These videos focus on key moments in Walter Mitty’s transformation.

You will be prompted to consider several questions for each video. Add your answers to your Walter Mitty Observation Chart to keep all of your notes on this film together.

  View

  • Before you watch the first film analysis video, cue your Secret Life of Walter Mitty DVD to approximately 00:01:46. You should see a shot of Walter looking at his monitor with blinds behind him. Watch the scene for roughly one minute until you see Walter leave his apartment and walk down a long hallway.
  • Next, watch Brad’s first Scene Analysis video. Record your answers to the questions in the Note It section after your Walter Mitty Observation Chart.

  Note It

While you view the first Scene Analysis video, answer the following questions:


  1. What are some cinematic techniques identified in the video that reveal Walter’s character?

  2. What are some elements in the mise-en-scène of Walter’s home that reveal Walter’s character?

  3. What do you know about Walter Mitty, as a character, at the beginning of the film?