A young deformed boy lives as a side-show freak. When his father asks him to make a birthday wish, he starts to imagine…
It's a metaphor for the expectations some parents place on their children, without recognising that they have their own ambitions and dreams.
Teaching Ideas
- Discuss the poster at the beginning. What is it advertising? What do we know about 'freakshows' at fairs?
- Discuss and describe the setting – the caravan and how the weather mimics the mood.
- Pause on the still life at the beginning of the film. What does it tell us about the characters? Consider the collars, clothing, and objects.
- Discuss why the filmmaker has chosen to use black and white. How does it affect the tone and message?
- What does the boy wish for? Are these wishes realistic or achievable?
- What do we think of his father and his treatment of the boy?
- What do we think of the people who attend the show and call the boy names?
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