Runner, The (El Corredor) — J.L. Montesinos, 2016
WARNING: Please note that this film contains strong language.
A man goes running for the first time. He meets an ex-employee of his who he does not recognise. The two men become involved in a conversation which is initially tense until the runner, once the boss, shares his story after having to close his business. The ex-employee responds by recounting his story of success. However, things are not quite as they are made to appear by the younger man as he offers his old boss a helping hand.
Classroom Activities
Print All- Critical
- Cultural
- Creative
- Clip Details
Critical
- Watch the opening 30 seconds of the film. What is the dominant sound on the soundtrack? Why has the director chosen to make this the dominant sound and what does it tell us about the main character?
- What is the relationship between the runner and the man in the suit? Is the relationship a friendly one? How do we know? Think about tone of voice, facial expressions, body language and dialogue used.
- Watch the film from 01:56 – 03:50. What type of camera shots and camera angles are used here during the runner’s speech? What is the effect of these camera shots and angles in relation to what the runner is saying?
- The man in the suit tells a contrasting story of his success since he lost his job in the runner’s company. Watch the sequence from 03:59 – 05:20. What have he and his friend done? How do we know the business is successful and becoming even more successful?
- Watch the film from 05:30 – 06:08. The man in the suit says he is going to Ibiza for the day with his family. What camera shots are used during this part of his story to give the viewer and the runner the impression that he is telling the truth? What do the shots show which suggest his story is true?
- From 08:02 music is introduced into the film’s soundtrack. What effect does the music have on the film’s action from this point to the end of the film? How does the music change as the story reaches its conclusion?
- Watch the film from 09:11 – 10:14. A tracking shot is used throughout this section. What is the effect of the use of the tracking shot which follows the runner? What other types of shot can you identify in this section of the film. What effect do they have on the ‘race’?
- Think about the ending of the film. Is it a positive or negative ending? Do you think the ex-employee helped his old boss, the runner?
Cultural
- Is setting essential to this story? Why/Why not? Is it a universal story?
- Unemployment and the failure of a business is main theme of story? Has this affected anyone you know, or has it had an impact on the area you live in?
- The film suggests the importance of exercise and sport on health, both physical and mental. What do you do to keep yourself healthy? What do your family members do? Do you believe that sport and exercise is important to mental and physical health?
Creative
WRITE
- Write the next part of the runner’s story. What happens to him after he takes the telephone number from the advert?
- Write the younger man’s story as he explains the day’s events to a friend that evening. How would he explain it and what would be his reasons for doing what he did to his old boss?
- Imagine your own future life. Write about what a successful life would be for you. What would an unsuccessful life be like? Are our ideas of what is success always the same or are they different for each person?
DRAW
- Design a poster advertising the chauffeur company ‘Bullit’.
- Design a movie poster promoting the film ‘The Runner’.
DRAMA
- Imagine the two men meet again in the future. Role-play the conversation that might take place between them.
SOCIAL STUDIES
- Many businesses are not finally successful. Research the reasons why businesses are successful or unsuccessful.
- Research the impact unemployment can have on individuals, communities and towns.
RESEARCH
- Choose a successful business which is a household name. Research its origins, history and how it became successful.
Clip Details
| Year of Production | 2016 |
|---|---|
| Genre | Drama |
| Curriculum Areas | Health and Wellbeing, Modern Languages, Literacy and English |
| Director | J.L. Montesinos |
| Country of Origin | Spain |
| Medium / Content | Live Action, Fiction, Colour, Sound, Subtitles |
| Themes | Feelings, Relationships, Work / Ambition |
| Clip Length | 12:36 |
| Clip Length | 12:36 |
| Age Group | S4-S6 |
