Exploring film and faith in the Primary Phase
Approach religious material allegorically: Creation, the Creator and the Created
The Snowman (Note) - The Boy creates the Snowman
(start at beginning and end at 3 minutes - the completion of the Snowman)
In exploring the content of this clip it is important to appreciate the cinematic techniques used and to encourage pupils to consider these when they discuss their responses to the film.
 Cinematic Points to consider:
- This clip is dialogue free - how does the music convey mood / emotion?
- How do the different camera angles help to express the developing relationship between the boy and the Snowman?
Points for the Teacher to consider:
There are parallels between this clip and the Judaeo-Christian creation story: first there was nothing, from the materials available God forms a man, the man is created in God's own image. The creator personally forms and then cares for the creation. The creation has free will.
Key Questions that may be useful to explore in unpacking this clip:
The boy initially made a snowball that hit the house - was this a good way to use the snow - how do we know?
Does the boy take care when he is making the snowman?
How is it dressed - where did these clothes come from?
When the snowman is finished is the boy happy: does he like his creation?
What do you think will happen next?
Outline the Snowman coming to life: When the snowman comes alive will he like the boy?
Many people believe that God created the world and all the people in it. Is God like the boy or is He/She different?
If you were able to create someone what would they be like - what powers would they have? How would you treat them? (You could give pupils a 'recipe' page here for them to list the 'ingredients / personality / powers' of their creation.)
The Snowman tells us that a creator can create, love and play with his creation but it also tells us that the creation is free. The boy does not control the Snowman - it sometimes does things that the boy does not like. In the end the boy has to accept that his creation will melt away and 'die'.
If you could ask / or say something to God about the world what would it be?
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