English 12: Film Studies

Notes for Pleasantville

While watching Pleasantville, you will have two tasks. The first is to record
examples and make notes comparing the 2 main characters, and their actor-
characters. The second is to record any themes that you notice, including the
concept of a utopian society.

In the chart below, write down the similarities and differences between
David, Jennfier, Mary Sue, and Bud, while you watch Pleasantville. Keep in
mind that you will be using these notes to write a synthesis essay, where you
will compare two of these characters. Also, feel free to expand the charts
below as you go, so that all of your notes fit.

Jennifer Mary Sue

- Queen bee - Favorite child

- Sassy - Has a boy crush
- Mean girl - Smart
- Selfish - Conservative
- Cares what others think about - Rule follower
her
- Has a boy crush
- Has bad habits
- Flirty
- “Dumb” blonde
- Rule breaker

David Bud

- Lonely - Academically good

- Socially awkward - Cheerful
- Interested and relates to - Helpful to others
Pleasantville - Works
- Tame - Kind
- “Nerd” - Rule follower
- Wants to have a good
relationship with his mother
- Wants to maintain how
Pleasantville was, order
- Has extensive knowledge on a
lot of things
English 12: Film Studies

Theme Notes (utopia vs dystopia, control, persuasion…):

- Highschool life
- Jumping into a new world
- Conservative life vs modern life
- Perfect life
- Everyone has a role to play
- Pleasantville has no color
- People wants change
- Knowledge it no given