Doing Things For Ourselves In School
Doing Things For Ourselves In School
Another treasure for those dependent on cultural irony. Yeah, this is amusing in a kitschy way, being that it has not aged well at all, but it is truly signifigant in that it stresses the necessity of independence, and from such an early developmental age. Perhaps some background will help. This film follows a day in the life of adorable Steve (ne Stevie), a charmingly mature first grader living in an anonymous suburb. As the day progresses we learn that Steve enjoys doing things on his own, and if he doesn't know how to do something he opts for the joy of figuring it out himself. That's right, Steve's not your ordinary elementary cookie-cutout. Whether it be at home or in school, Steve is utterly independent. Oh, and one more thing, for one reason or another there are titles on the bottom of the screen relaying what the narrator is saying verbatim. Why? Beats this kid. Some shots within: MS and CU of Steve sitting on his bed and tying his shoes. MS of Steve feeding Chipper, his Dalmatian; MS of Chipper feasting. MS of Steve's mom giving him lunch money, CU of the three bits in her hand. MS's of Steve cautiously walking to school, looking every which way as he crosses intersections. MS of Steve and two classmates standing curbside, waiting for a policeman to signal for them to cross the street. MS of Steve entering the classroom, going into the closet to take off his shoes; CU's of him struggling with the boots, but "feeling good about doing things himself". MS of kids taking their seats, pulling textbooks out. MS's and CU's of kids reading; ECU of text, Steve's finger pointing to the word, "plant". ECU of a torn page; ECU of the torn page being "fixed", Scotch tape being applied. CU of Steve working in a math workbook, the point of his pencil breaking. MS's and CU's of Steve emptying the manual pencil sharpener, cleaning the floor of shavings, sharpening his pencil with little difficulty. MS's of lil Steve serving himself in the school lunch line, paying for his meal. MS's of kids joyously entering the classroom again, donning smocks... it's art time! Great MS's of Steve and his dopey buddy trying to open a jar of paint, but can't; Joan offers to help by running the lid under warm water, then opening it (yeah, Joan! Girl Power!). MS's of kids painting, having fun, being independent. LS'sof kids leaving the school, paintings in hand.