Coraline (Themes and ideas)

THEMES AND IDEAS - continuous idea/ subject that links throughout the film/text.

LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING - "Don't judge a book by its cover" Don't judge by appearance

EXAMPLE 1 - Character of wybie - When the character is introduced he seems dark and scary (Mask + Motorbike) The scene of which he is introduced is shot as a high angle to make him look bigger and more of a predator, Add the loud music creates tension. But in reality, he is just a weird neighbor.

This example shows the theme because like the other characters, our first impressions of the character are based on their appearance, tone, and visual techniques yet they aren't always correct.

 This is important because it helps the audience understand with Coraline that just because something looks good doesn't mean it is. She should choose the real world over the other world.

EXAMPLE 2 - Character of the "Other Mother" -  In the beginning, the other mother seems normal and friendly but by the end of the film she transforms into a would devouring spider demon.

This shows the theme because the other mother isn't the friendly person she appears to be at the beginning of the film, so we shouldn't judge by their first impressions.

This is again important because Coraline realizes that having something that looks perfect isn't always a good thing.


S-  Statement 
In Coraline, the theme 'Looks Can be deceiving' is used effectively to engage the audience.
E- Evidence 
For instance, the character of the "Other Mother" shows us that she looks can be deceiving by starting off as a friendly, kind mother figure but by the end, she has gradually transformed into a soul-devouring spider demon.
X- Explanation 
This makes the audience understand that we shouldn't judge a character by appearances and first impressions, as they can often be incorrect.
X- Explanation 
The director did this to enhance the plot and storyline and help Coraline decide between the real world and the fake world. If the other mother was perfect it would have changed corallines' decision in going back to the real world.
X- Explanation
Combined with this is the use of color and lighting. The "Other mother" first appears in a vibrantly bright room that makes us feel welcomed, warm, and safe. However, by the end, it has become dark and green which makes the audience feel scared and shows that her first look was deceiving.
Y- Your link
This can be just apposed to the character of wybie who we think at first ks evil and scary but is actually kind, Proving that looks can be deciving.