The Savages

GENERAL

What did you think? How did it make you feel? 

Do you think the film was trying to make any sort of statement? If you could some up the message of the film in one sentence, what would it be? (talk about each sentence)

How would you describe this film to someone who has never seen it?

Has anyone had any experiences similar to what's in the film? 

SCENES

What were you favorite scenes?  

What do you think the most important scene of the film was? What made it so powerful? Describe why you think it was important? 

What did you think of how the story ended?

What do you think the final shot of the film is meant to express about the themes of the film? 

CHARACTERS

How did you feel about the characters? Who did you like? Who didn't you like? Why?

If you could have coffee with one of the characters, who would it be and why? What would you ask them?

Which character did you relate to the most?

What do each of the characters need? Did they get it? 
 

THEMES

Elderly

How do we care for the elderly in our society? How does it reflect what we value?

Talk about other cultures respecting and taking care of their elderly. How does that differ than our culture?

Death/Image

“Our society has a serious denial problem about death.” (review)  Agree or Disagree?

“It is only by working their way through the challenges of an ailing and failing father that they find the ability to make their lives complete.” (review)  Agree or Disagree?

Is John right that the few ‘higher end’ nursing facilities are that way, not for the residents’ sake but instead to serve the interests of those who visit?

How much do you worry about image? How much of that is affected by worrying about what others think of you?

Why is death covered up in our society? (we are always trying to reverse aging). What does this say about our beliefs or fears? 
 

Family

Why are the personal issues of Jon and Wendy's childhood never directly addressed? Why would the filmmakers insinuate that Lenny was a horrible father?

Would it have been easier for John and Wendy to abandon their father in his old age just as they felt abandoned by their parents? What factors seem to compel them to care for their father in his

state of vulnerability? Whose needs and interests were focal in these decisions?

Why does Jon cry when his girlfriend cooks him eggs?

Why did Wendy lie to Jon about her grant?