What filmmaking techniques does Invictus use?

CineCode breaks down 5 techniques in Invictus (2009): Recited Poetry as Theme, Redefined Victory, Landmark Climax Location, Personal Awakening Arc and Earned Catharsis.

Who directed Invictus?

Clint Eastwood directed Invictus, released in 2009. CineCode also covers Unforgiven (1992), Mystic River (2003), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Gran Torino (2008), Changeling (2008), American Sniper (2014).

What films are similar to Invictus?

Films that share techniques with Invictus include Rocky (1976), The Verdict (1982), The Color Purple (1985), Bright Star (2009).

Drama · History · Sport

Invictus

Clint Eastwood, 2009

After 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela becomes president of South Africa and bets that the 1995 Rugby World Cup can unite a country split by apartheid. He teams up with Springboks captain Francois Pienaar. It is worth watching for how a sports movie becomes a movie about forgiveness.

3 Narrative 1 Cinematography 1 Psychology

At a glance

Invictus is a 2009 drama, history and sport film directed by Clint Eastwood. This breakdown covers 5 techniques (3 narrative, 1 cinematography and 1 psychology), each with the scene where you can see it. If you like how it is made, Rocky uses several of the same techniques.

Narrative

Recited Poetry as Theme

Having a character read or recite real verse so the poem says what the characters cannot. The words become the emotional center of the film.

How this film uses it

Mandela gives Pienaar the poem Invictus, which kept him strong in prison, and the poem gives the film its title. The verse says in a few lines what the two men are trying to do. It turns a rugby team into a symbol of a nation's will.

Where to see it

Poem: Mandela meets Pienaar, implies victory in the World Cup could unite the nation and recites William Ernest Henley's poem Invictus, which inspired him in prison.

Narrative

Redefined Victory

Changing what counts as winning partway through the story, so the hero chases a smaller, personal goal. The ending can then feel like a triumph even when the hero loses.

How this film uses it

The goal changes from winning a rugby tournament to uniting a country. Mandela does not care about the trophy for its own sake. The final is a win for the country as a whole.

Where to see it

Mandela's plan: Mandela persuades the new Sports Committee to support the Springboks, even though many black South Africans see the team as a symbol of apartheid.

Cinematography

Landmark Climax Location

Staging the climax at a famous real place, so the danger plays out against something you already recognize. The location gives the scene scale and stakes.

How this film uses it

The final was filmed on location at Ellis Park Stadium, the actual venue for the 1995 final. A jumbo jet flies low over the packed stadium with a message of good luck. The real place gives the scene its scale.

Where to see it

Final at Ellis Park: a crowd of all races gathers for the final with Mandela in a replica Springboks jersey. A South African Airways 747 flies low over the stadium showing the message Good Luck, Bokke.

Psychology

Personal Awakening Arc

Showing a character coming to recognize their own worth or voice, often through contact with someone who contrasts with them. The change is internal before it is visible.

How this film uses it

Pienaar changes by being near Mandela. He visits the island cell where Mandela served time and finds his own idea of self-mastery. He starts the film as a team captain and finishes it as a leader.

Where to see it

Robben Island: during the tournament the Springboks visit Robben Island, where Mandela had served time. Seeing the cell inspires Pienaar to adopt Mandela's idea of self-mastery.

Narrative

Earned Catharsis

Building up to a big emotional release slowly, by investing in the characters and giving small bits of hope. When the release comes, it feels deserved after all the suffering.

How this film uses it

The film spends a long time on doubt, security fears and bitter history before the final. When the drop goal goes over and Mandela hands over the Webb Ellis Cup, the joy feels hard-won. The streets of South Africa fill with celebration.

Where to see it

Victory: fly-half Joel Stransky kicks a drop goal in extra time. Mandela hands Pienaar the Webb Ellis Cup and sees people celebrating together in the streets.

Questions

Invictus: quick answers

What filmmaking techniques does Invictus use?: CineCode breaks down 5 techniques in Invictus (2009): Recited Poetry as Theme, Redefined Victory, Landmark Climax Location, Personal Awakening Arc and Earned Catharsis.
Who directed Invictus?: Clint Eastwood directed Invictus, released in 2009. CineCode also covers Unforgiven (1992), Mystic River (2003), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Gran Torino (2008), Changeling (2008), American Sniper (2014).
What films are similar to Invictus?: Films that share techniques with Invictus include Rocky (1976), The Verdict (1982), The Color Purple (1985), Bright Star (2009).

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