When Adrian (Robin Williams) is teaching the Vietnamese adult students
about "flip them the bird" and "p*** me off" "full of s***",the people in the classroom are very believable.
In particular, the man who repeats the sentences a little later than the rest of the class.
Does anyone know, was this just really good acting/directing or was this improvisation?
Comments?
I've just watched the extras on the DVD and they showed how it was pretty much a normal lesson, they would start off the lesson, then Robin would just carry it on, with the cameras rolling.
The softball scene in particular was complete improv, they didn't explain how to play and that's why it's so chaotic.
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I found the scenes hard to believe. Adrian was talking so fast, using so many words and expressions. I have trouble believing ESL students would be able to understand more than 10% of what he was saying.
shareThats ok, I don't think the scenes implied that they did understand most of it. Most people know a punchline in any language and can laugh etc on cue. But look at their eyes - there's a certain look that indicates understanding, and another which indicates complete bafflement. The second of these is the nightmare of ESL teachers everywhere "I don't get it, but I'm not going to be the one to shame myself by saying so! This teacher is crazy!"
shareThere's that one older fellow in the class who's a riot! Everything about him felt very natural. He's also the guy who won't take the ball at the end of the movie. He's a total goof...He was the best thing in this film!
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