Levi-Strauss's theory on Cool Runnings

This is the light hearted Disney classic Cool Runnings, based on a true story it is about when one Jamaican  man's dreams of running are broken and he ends up looking for another sport, Bob-sleighing. The story is of him and his team trying to make it big in the wonderful new world (for them) of winter Olympic sport.


1. What is the genre of the film? How are the genre signifiers introduced?


The film is a light hearted drama with a lot of comedy implements. There are many genre signifiers in this opening sequence. Straight away the title sequence begins with an upbeat happy reggae/techno 80's song, indicating light heartedness. This also fits in with the titles themselves which are colourful, informal and have a Jamaican feel about them. The introduction of the sprinter is also light hearted and in the tilt up from his prepared to sprint hands to a close up on his face where he smiles to the sound of children's play and laughter. Believe it or not the children are revealed in an extreme long shot at the end of the make shift running track in the field jumping and laughing. The children end his race with toilet paper which shows fun imagination. 


The runner celebrates and continues running in many long shots where he greats people on his way through the Jamaican countryside. We get a good idea that where he is is a Caribbean island from the scenes of the sea and the tropical environment. He passes to ladies carrying fruit on their heads in a medium long shot. This women help to bring across a genre with there sarcastic and funny comments 'faster boy faster', 'come on child you have an Olympics to get to' and 'handsome as a lion that one, I could watch that backside all day!' followed by laughter.       


Colour is also a give away of genre, there is an incredible amount of colour in the opening sequence, all bright and vibrant, helping to give off that light hearted vibe (especially at the beginning of the 'box car race). The conversation in the opening sequence is so happy and pleasant between characters also helping to promote the genre to the audience. Also the amount off children in the opening sequence gives about a sense of fun and innocence. The element of slapstick comedy during the push car race also promote the genre and Sanka's  upbeat funny character.  


A sense of drama is brought about after the push car race, when Derice (the runner) is talking to his with. In the background there is emotional music and the speech he makes is very dramatic and inspirational. Also there is a lot of emotion when Star looses the race when he falls and the music and use of slow motion emphasise that.     

2. Who are the main characters and how are they opposed?


The main characters are Derice, Sanka, Junior, Yul and their trainer Irving who are the heroes who aim to beat all thier bob sleighing opponents, especially thier new sworn enemies 'The Swiss' who the fall out with further along the line. In this opening sequence Derice and Sanka are introduced to the audience as heroes, both racing for their dreams (however Sanka is quite unorthodox in his methods). Junior is introduced as a friendly pollute character but a little clumsy, tripping the runners so that Yul and Derice lose the race. The dark horse is Yul is is brought across, at the beginning of the race, as a little mad and violent but he is seen more as a pleasant character further on in the film.  

3.What are the main themes of the film and how are they introduced?


The main themes that are introduced in this opening sequence are the sports theme, the Jamaican vibe and the theme of friendship and they run throughout the film. The theme of friendship is brought about through the pleasant communication between characters and the visualisation of friends and family all together to watch the races take place. The Jamaican vibe is a major theme and from the opening credits to the closing credits is predominant. It is introduced with the music and talk of Jamaica ('I love Jamaica and Jamaica loves me' Sanka) and through the scenery for example the long shots of the Jamaican countryside and the big billboard behind the runners at the beginning of the 100m race which reads 'support our country, unity is strength yes, Jamaica together we can' which is purposefully put in the long shot of the runners lining up. The theme of sport is introduced with Derice's run the two races that take place after this which are all consecutive in the space of less than 9 minuets. 

4.  How is the narrative organised to show conflict?



The narrative shows conflict of the Jamaican Bob sled team and thier Swiss rivals as well as the conflict between thier coach (who was dismissed from the Olympics for cheating) and the Olympic body. This is shown through fights, arguments and confrontations as well as the passing of a few bitter looks and comments and actions that risk the dismissal of the Jamaican team.