1. ELG 30605 Tan Yincy
Written Assignment 01 Compare-Contrast Essay 0318355
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
THE DESIGN SCHOOL
FOUNDATION IN NATURAL BUILD ENVIRONMENT
ENGLISH 2 (ELG 30605)
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 1: COMPARE – CONTRAST ESSAY
1
NAME: TAN YINCY
STUDENT ID NO: 0318355
FILMS SELECTED: THE SOUND OF MUSIC & LES MISÉRABLES (MUSICAL-BASED FILMS)
WORD COUNT: 840 WORDS
LECTURER: CASSANDRA WIJESURIA
SUBMISSION DATE: 19TH SEPTEMBER 2014
2. ELG 30605 Tan Yincy
Written Assignment 01 Compare-Contrast Essay 0318355
Genres refer to the method based on resemblance in the chronological elements from
which films are constructed according to the film theory. Most theories of film genre are adopted
from literary genre criticism. Besides the fundamental distinction in genre s between fiction and
documentary, film genres could also be categorized in several ways. (Stam & Raengo, 2004)
They often branch out into subgenres and sometimes could be combined to form hybrid genres
such as a dramedy or musical-based films. For this assignment, the differences of the setting, the
theme or topic, the mood, the format and the targeted audience between the two chosen musical-based
films, The Sound of Music and Les Misérables would be compared.
Both the musical, ‘The Sound of Music’ (written and composed by Rodgers and
Hammerstein), and ‘Les Misérables’ (based on the novel written by a French poet and
playwright Victor Hugo) were an enormous success on Broadway and was later produced as a
film of the same name. The setting for the film ‘The Sound of Music’ was set in the 1930’s
Austria, where the country would soon be under the control of the Nazis. The film revolves
around the Von Trapp family that hired a governess to handle the seven mischievous child of the
family and in the process the family found love and happiness. Whereas for the film ‘Les
Misérables’, it was set in the era of the early 19th century France, about Jean Valjean who was
sentenced to prison for 19 years because he stole bread for his starving relatives. The setting
showed how poor and unfair of how the people of that era were treated.
2
3. ELG 30605 Tan Yincy
Written Assignment 01 Compare-Contrast Essay 0318355
Besides that, throughout ‘The Sound of Music’, the theme or topic portrayed was the
issue of an ill- fated man, Georg Von Trapp who could not trust anyone and declined all sorts of
happiness for himself and his seven children after the death of his wife. He treated his children as
soldiers with disciplinary actions. Music, laughter and all sorts of activity that could infuse
happiness were not allowed in the house. He soon fell in love with his new hired governess that
is so full of joy, kindness, and understanding that changed him. Whereas for ‘Les Misérables’,
the film describes the deteriorating living conditions of the poor in the increasingly industrial and
dirty Paris and the path to redemption and social justice of the main protagonist. The theme for
these two films greatly differs and depicts absolutely different issues in every level. Sound of
Music focuses on family issues with a pinch of political issue while Les Misérables focuses more
on social injustice of the poor and the 1789 revolution of France.
For the mood of the film, ‘The Sound of Music’ portrayed a really cheerful vibe for about
half of the film with outstanding songs that were catchy and joyful. The soundtracks were all
easy to sing-along with amazing chords and tunes. As for ‘Les Misérables’, it portrayed a darker,
sadder vibe with the setting set before the 1789 revolution that involve social injustice. Besides
of the setting, the music also contributes to the sad mood that was presented in the film. With the
main protagonist finding ways to redeem himself and helping Fantine, the worker working under
3
4. ELG 30605 Tan Yincy
Written Assignment 01 Compare-Contrast Essay 0318355
his factory that got fired unfairly, the songs relate back to the scene to magnify their impact
towards the film thus producing a gloomier vibe.
In addition, ‘The Sound of Music’ targeted audience from all age group. It is a film that
was produced and made during the 1965 which is around the time that the world is undergoing
its stages of post-world war two recoveries. It was made for an audience that would enjoy the
theme of the movie which is centered on a happy and joyful setting and incorporates peace.
Whilst for ‘Les Misérables’, it is not suitable for all age group as it is a really deep and emotional
film, that showed historical events of France during the revolution era. It was deemed more
suitable for teenagers, young adults and all the age groups after that. But still, not all will enjoy
and appreciate this film. Some may not enjoy it as much as others do.
To wrap it up, we can conclude from the two films that by instilling and manipulating
different elements of the film, different effects can be achieved even by using the same medium,
and especially by utilizing the theatrical effect in musical-based film genre, it gives more
emotion and mood, allowing the director to communicate and reach out to the audience more
intimately and literally in both films. The films could be portrayed in two completely different
styles in terms of settings, theme or topic, mood as well as the targeted audience, giving each
film its unique individuality. It certainly has been an interesting discussion, to have the chance to
analyze this interesting hybrid genre. Hopefully more musical-based films will emerge and
4
5. ELG 30605 Tan Yincy
Written Assignment 01 Compare-Contrast Essay 0318355
conquer the big screen, continue to relive the great legacy of ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Les
5
Misérables’.
6. ELG 30605 Tan Yincy
Written Assignment 01 Compare-Contrast Essay 0318355
6
REFERENCES
1) Stam & Raengo. 2004. Retrieved from http://as.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-
0631230548.html
