Describe how the beginning and end of Mean Creek are connected (for example: ideas, images, sounds or any other features).

In Mean Creek, directed by Jacob Aaron Estes, the beginning and ending sequences are connected by various techniques and repetitive ideas. George's misunderstood actions are first expressed in the beginning of the film and later explained in the end. Lighting effects at the start and end differ to further emphasize emotions of the characters, and the music, which is played during the film, also changes to stress the tone and atmosphere of the film.

 In Mean Creek, the beginning and ending of the film are partially linked by George’s actions. At the beginning, George physically abuses Sam after Sam picks up George's camera. This may be seen as   an over-reaction and George is then viewed as misunderstood to the other characters because his actions are unjust and they cannot relate to him. Later, during the end of the film and after George's death, his camera, which he uses throughout the film, is found by the police, and they play a clip where George describes why he acts the way he does.  He explains that no one would be able to understand him unless they are 'inside his brain' and can hear and feel his thoughts. These two scenes are connected because they both emphasize main ideas portrayed in the movie, bullying and George's misunderstood actions.

 Throughout the film Mean Creek, directed by Jacob Aaron Estes, lighting effects are used to put emphasis on certain themes and highlight the tone. During the beginning of Mean Creek, the lighting is bright with an almost golden glow, further displaying the happiness the characters feel and the valued company they are in. However, in the end of Mean Creek, after Georges death, the lighting is very dim, dull and dark, to convey the characters feelings of dolefulness and remorse. The beginning and ending of the film are linked with lighting effects because the lighting portrays the emotions of the characters.

 Jacob Aaron Estes, the director of Mean Creek, incorporates music into the film, which connects the beginning and end sequences. In the start of the film, before George’s death, specifically when Rocky, Sam and the remainder of the group invite George on the fishing trip, the music is playful, youthful, carefree and light-hearted. This conveys the atmosphere and underlines the tone. Drawing near to the end of the film, after George’s death, when Sam, Rocky, Milly and Clyde are in Sam and Rocky’s bedroom, the music is sombre and tense. This portrays the ambience and mood of the film. Music links the beginning and ending of the film because it conveys the tone and atmosphere in both the beginning and end.

 Mean Creek, directed by Jacob Aaron Estes, uses numerous features to connect the beginning and ending sequences together. This includes George’s misconceived self, which is shown in the beginning and explained at the end. Lighting effects incorporated into the start and end of the film and are linked because in both sequences they are used to show the emotions of the characters, and finally, music, which is involved in the beginning and end to portray the ambience and tone of the film.