Introduction to
Museum Studies
MSTD A-503/MSTD A-403
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Elizabeth Kryder-Reid &
Larry J. Zimmerman
A Night at the Museum
Video Guide
Runtime: 108 minutes Distributor: Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation For other details: IMDB listing
Director: Shawn Levy Writers: Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon Official Movie Web Site for A Night at the Museum
Summary: from IMDB
When an unemployed divorced loser father Larry Daley is hired as night watchman at the Museum of Natural History, he soon discovers that an ancient curse brings all the exhibits to life after the sun sets. Suddenly, Larry finds himself face-to-face with a frisky T. rex skeleton, tiny armies of Romans and cowboys and a mischievous monkey who taunts him to the breaking point. But with the big help of President Teddy Roosevelt, Larry may just figure out a way to control the chaos and become a hero in his son's eyes. Then when the three other evil night watchmen steal the tablet Larry must restore order to the museum before all the historic characters turn to dust! Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com}
Discussion Questions:
1. What are some of the very obvious stereotypes about museums in the film?
2. What staff members are evident in the film, and what is their role in the Museum?
3. What inaccuracies do you notice (examples: things in the wrong time or place)
4. Where are issues of gender and race evident in the film?
5. Though it changes by the end, what is the nature of this museum in its relationship to community?
6. People seem to have fantasies about staying overnight in a museum (think Lisa Simpson and others as well as this film). Why?
7. What other observations would you make about the film?
8. Does this film help or harm museums? Why?
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