Visual Language Feature Questions – Hunt for the Wilderpeople

The use of wide shots in the New Zealand bush helps us understand Ricky and Hec’s relationship with nature by:

• showing their isolation and connection to the vast wilderness

• focusing only on their facial expressions

• emphasizing urban environments over natural ones

• ignoring the surrounding landscape

Ricky’s costumes (like his hoodie and camo gear) visually suggest that he sees himself as:

• a tough, adventurous, and independent person, which changes as he becomes more comfortable with himself over the film

• a shy and timid person who avoids attention, and this never changes

• someone who wants to blend in and not stand out, remaining the same throughout the film

• a follower who always copies others' styles, which becomes more obvious over time

The film often uses slow motion during chase scenes. This technique creates a heightened, almost dreamlike tone, reflecting Ricky’s unique and imaginative view of the world.

• It creates a heightened, almost dreamlike tone, reflecting Ricky’s unique and imaginative view of the world.

• It makes the scenes more confusing and chaotic, showing Ricky’s lack of control.

• It adds a comedic effect, making the chase scenes less serious.

• It emphasizes the violence and danger of the chase scenes, making them more intense.

The director uses colour and lighting in scenes with Aunt Bella compared to scenes with Paula to show what about their roles in Ricky’s life?

• Aunt Bella’s scenes are warmer and softer, showing her nurturing role, while Paula’s scenes are colder and harsher, reflecting her authority.

• Both Aunt Bella and Paula’s scenes use the same lighting to show they have equal roles in Ricky’s life.

• Paula’s scenes are warmer and softer, showing her nurturing role, while Aunt Bella’s scenes are colder and harsher, reflecting her authority.

• The director uses only black and white lighting for both characters to show neutrality.

The visual style (camera angles, music, editing) in the scene where Ricky imagines himself as a “gangsta” in the bush helps create humour and show his inner world by:

• Using exaggerated camera angles, upbeat music, and quick editing to reflect Ricky’s playful imagination and highlight his unique perspective.

• Using dark lighting, slow music, and minimal editing to create a serious tone.

• Focusing only on dialogue without any special camera or music effects.

• Showing only the natural environment without any changes in style.

How does the use of handheld camera movement during emotional moments in the film help the audience connect with Ricky’s experiences?

• It makes the scenes appear staged and distant, reducing emotional impact.

• It creates a sense of intimacy and realism, making the audience feel closer to Ricky’s emotions.

• It distracts from the story by focusing on the background instead of the characters.

• It is only used to show action scenes, not emotional moments.

What effect does the director achieve by contrasting fast-paced editing in action scenes with slower editing in quiet moments?

• It makes all scenes feel rushed and confusing, regardless of their tone.

• It ensures that every scene has the same emotional impact.

• It removes any sense of tension or excitement from the film.

• It highlights the difference between excitement and calm in Ricky’s journey, emphasizing changes in mood.

How do sound effects and music contribute to the comedic tone during Ricky and Hec’s misadventures in the bush?

• They avoid using any music or sound effects during these scenes.

• They use playful and exaggerated sounds to enhance the humour and lighten the mood.

• They use only silence to make the scenes more serious.

• They rely on dramatic music to create suspense instead of comedy.

How does the use of close-up shots during Ricky’s moments of vulnerability help the audience understand his character?

• They are only used in action scenes, not emotional ones.

• They make the scenes feel less personal and more distant.

• They focus on the background, distracting from Ricky’s feelings.

• They allow viewers to see Ricky’s emotions more clearly, making his struggles and growth more relatable.

What is the effect of using upbeat music during scenes where Ricky and Hec face challenges in the bush?

• It adds a sense of fun and optimism, showing their resilience and the film’s lighthearted tone.

• It is used to signal danger and suspense only.

• It makes the scenes feel more serious and tense.

• It confuses the audience about the mood of the film.