Part 2 These Film Cluster Genres Can Turn Reluctant EFL Learners into Language Learning Stars

On the Use of Film Clustersseries of films, the "Jason Bourne" trilogy of films head
As we noted in part one of this three-installment articleup examples of this genre which strives, from one
series, not only are clusters of movies, films, videosscene to the next, to keep you breathless on the edge
and documentary clips stimulating, interesting andof your seat for as much of the film as possible.
enjoyable for your English as a foreign languageSpecial effects are the order of the day here too. Say,
learners, but the broad selection of available genresdo you know what a stunt man is? Do your EFL
and types offers a substantial range of Englishlearners?o Historical - This genre features the lives and
language teaching and learning didactic aids. Webiographical stories of famous people. Through this
previously identified a film cluster as simply a group orgenre we can get a glimpse into what makes a
series of related movies, clips or videos. Here in partperson develop into a notable or historic figure and
two, we'll continue to get a brief over view of thewhat their life at one point might have truly been like
genres in which most films are classified.based on historical documents, interviews and other
More Popular Film Genresfactual data. The films "Frida" about the life of Mexican
Let's look at a few more of the commonly availableartist Frida Kahlo and , "The Motorcycle Diaries" which
film genres, what they are and exactly how we mightchronicles the cross South American travels of
use them in our English as a foreign languageErnesto "Che" Guevara, the gut-wrenching "Schindler's
classroom settings.List" and Mel Gibson's "Brave Heart" are only a few of
Here are some additional listings of the most widelythe many excellent examples of this genre.
known movie and film genres or types:o DocumentaryThese are additional genres into which most films are
- Informative, realistic and notoriously difficult to film, thisclassified. Film clusters feature a character or story
genre is, and should be, a popular one with not onlyseries, usually of the same genre, like the Star Wars
teachers, but with parents and learners alike. A goodsaga, the Matrix sequels, the Indiana Jones series of
recent example is the film, "March of the Penguins".adventures, James Bond, Harry Potter, the Die Hard
What are some of your other recent or classicseries of films, King Kong remakes, Tarzan, Batman,
favorites?o Police / Detective / Crime - Oh man, thisSpiderman and numerous others also have sequels,
one is one of my personal favorites too. The ole "copstrilogies or multiple parts. So, for the improvement of
and robbers" theme has been around since the daysmultiple English language skills and competencies such
of old time radio and very likely is here to stay foras listening comprehension, vocabulary acquisition,
years to come. "Dirty Harry" starring Clint Eastwoodin-context use of idioms and expressions or applied
and the "Bad Boys" series with Will Smith and Malcolmuse of connected speech elements in English language
Lawrence the vigilante series of films with Charleslearners, such film and video clusters or related series
Bronson are examples you probably already knowcan be invaluable.
and love.o Thrillers / Suspense - "Fargo", the "Alien"What are some of your favorites?