Introduction

In an increasingly interconnected world, popular culture plays a significant role in our lives and has the potential to significantly influence our views and beliefs. By harnessing the power of popular culture, educators can not only engage students but also teach them valuable lessons and spark discussions about important issues. One such opportunity for engaging students is through Rian Johnson’s 2012 film, Looper.

Looper: A Brief Overview

Looper is a science fiction film set in a dystopian future where time travel has been invented but is illegal. The story revolves around Joe (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a “looper” who is contracted to kill people sent from the future by criminal organizations. These victims are sent back in time, where loopers eliminate them and dispose of the bodies, erasing them from the future timeline. The story takes a twist when Joe’s older self (played by Bruce Willis) is sent back for him to kill, launching an intricately woven narrative about fate, choice, and redemption.

Teaching Ideas for the Classroom

1. Exploring Morality and Ethics: Looper provides numerous ethical dilemmas that can be turned into thought-provoking classroom discussions. Teachers can ask students to consider whether the actions of loopers are justified given their circumstances or if they are inherently immoral. Additionally, discussions can delve into the concept of self-preservation versus protecting others.

2. Debating Cause and Effect: The movie’s complex narrative offers an opportunity for teachers to challenge students’ critical thinking skills by encouraging them to examine the concepts of cause and effect within the context of time travel. This topic can spark debates about whether altering one’s past mistakes would lead to a better future and what consequences may arise from attempting to change history.

3. Delving into Character Development: By examining how Joe’s character evolves throughout the movie, students can gain an understanding of how character arcs can support and enrich a storyline. Teachers can encourage students to analyze Joe’s motivations and decisions, as well as the impact of moral and ethical questions on his actions.

4. The Science of Time Travel: Looper can serve as a springboard for discussions and research projects related to the science of time travel. This could involve examining various theories on the feasibility of time travel, the paradoxes that may arise from it, and how different works of fiction have addressed and explained this concept.

5. Analyzing Cinematic Techniques: An exploration of the film’s cinematography, style, and use of visual effects can provide students with a deeper understanding of how filmmakers tell stories and create emotional impact.

Conclusion

Teaching students about Loopers movie offers educators a unique opportunity to captivate their students while exploring thought-provoking themes and utilizing transdisciplinary study. By integrating popular culture into the classroom, teachers can enhance student engagement, spark meaningful discussions, and create memorable learning experiences.