Describe an important idea in the text. Explain how verbal and/or visual features of the text help you understand

A significant idea in the film Mean Creek directed by Jacob Aaron Estes is revenge. This idea is portrayed through various verbal and visual techniques, including dialogue, silence and lighting effects. Through the use of these techniques, viewers are able to understand the idea of revenge with more clarity. 

The idea of revenge plays a strong role in the film Mean Creek directed by Jason Aaron Estes. Revenge is the action of inflicting emotional or physical pain in turn for the emotional or physical pain they inflicted on you. Revenge is very common and relevant today, particularly within friendships, as it is seen as an effective solution. It is constant in everyday situations, but also big world issues, as it can result in terrorist attacks or war. In stating this, revenge is also seen as resulting in unnecessary harm as there may be a more successful solution. 

The theme revenge is conveyed through the feature of verbal dialogue in the film Mean Creek, directed by Jason Aaron Estes. In the film, Sam says "If we hurt him, we'd be just as bad as him", referring to the character George, after George physically abused Sam. This shows Sam's good nature and portrays the idea revenge by revealing that it may seem like the right solution, but by undertaking revenge, you are descending as low as the person or group who inflicted harm on you. This enables the viewers to gain a greater understanding of the idea 'revenge' because it uncovers the honest definition.

Another verbal technique that Jacob Aaron Estes uses in his film Mean Creek to convey the main theme of revenge is silence. Straight after George's death, silence falls upon the film to create a sense of remorse and melancholy that the characters felt. This is linked to and gives the viewers a clearer understanding of the theme revenge as it portrays the consequences revenge results in. After undertaking the act of revenge, especially if it has lead to a despairing event, the doers may feel guilt and regret. 

The idea of revenge is conveyed through visual lighting effects in the film Mean Creek. After George's death, the lighting in the film is constantly dim and dull. This may be expressing the theme revenge as the word revenge tends to have dark connotations, and the characters in Mean Creek may be feeling remorseful after George's death which is a dark, sad emotion. This enables the viewers to a greater understanding of 'revenge' as it clearly portrays the consequences that revenge may lead to. 

An important idea in Mean Creek is revenge. The director, Jacob Aaron Estes, portrays the theme revenge by utilizing numerous verbal and visual features. This includes dialogue, silence and lighting effects. By using these techniques the viewers are enabled to a greater understanding of the theme revenge.