FILM & PERFORMANCE
 

ANALYSIS PAPER #4   "IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT"

The following questions will focus on these characters:

BILL GILLESPIE

VIRGIL TIBBS

Read Chapter 15 in the text and continue to develop your grasp of the concept of spine and main character.

1. What is the spine of Bill Gillespie? Name 2 emotional facts about Gillespie that would help develop his character's spine. You may quote dialogue from the film.

2. What is the spine of Virgil Tibbs? Name 2 emotional facts about Tibbs that would help develop his character's spine. You may quote dialogue from the film.

3. Does Tibbs have any type of addiction, as described in the chapter? Gillespie?

4. What is the spine of the Tibbs/Gillespie relationship? What obstacles must they overcome in achieving their goals?

5. Name 3 similarities that Tibbs/Gillespie share. Name 3 differences.

6. Although both characters occupy roughly the same amount of screen time, which of the two characters is really the dominant character in the scenario. Who is the story in this film really about? Why?  Who is the most theatrical of the two characters?