Talking movies. Video listening course.
Teacher V. Sinitsyna
Did You Hear About the Morgans?
Did you hear about the Morgans is a 2009 American romantic comedy thriller film.
Introduction: A successful Manhattan couple, lawyer Paul Morgan and estate agent Meryl Morgan are separated. They are born and bred New Yorkers and are very attached to their city. After dinner one night, Meryl and Paul witness the murder of one of Meryl's real estate clients. As a result, they risk becoming targets of contract killer and address the police for help. Is there any chance to escape the danger and save their lives?
Ex.1. Answer the questions below.
What do you expect to see in this film?
Why do you think are many films set in New York City?
Comment on the quote “It is ridiculous to set a detective story in New York City. New York City is itself a detective story.” Agatha Christie
Comment on the quote “A crime is like a sound. It does not exist if there is no one there to hear it.” Ferdinand Mount
How do you think the witnesses to the crime (murder) can be protected by the police?
Have you heard about Witness Protection Program? What is it about?
Ex. 2 Work on the words you may find unknown.
the FBI (the Federal Bureau of Investigation) - ФБР федеральное бюро расследования
arm dealer – торговец оружием
to convict – предъявить обвинение
to capture – схватить
star witnesses – главные свидетели
to murder – убить
separated – в разводе
handle – помочь
by any chance – случайно
rough – жесткий
in good hands – в надежных руках
intercom – домофон
put on hold – поставить в режим ожидания
security camera – камера наблюдения
vest – жилет
to run the company/business – управлять компаний/вести дела
temporary spot – временное место
permanent site – постоянное место
that’s nuts – это безумие
out of options – нет выбора
bagel – бейгл (булка)
Ex.3 (A) Watch the 1st extract, fill the gaps below.
1. A man who was murdered tonight was_______ (1) arm dealer. The FBI was moving into convict him. So Rabelais was working with us _______ (2) this man – Anton Forenski. If we find a murderer, maybe he'll lead us to Forenski. And you gonna be our _______ _______ (3). I'm gonna give you ________ (4) protection in your apartment anyway. I know it's been a _______ (5) night, so get some rest.
2. He must be exhausted can you hold on just a sec...? My ______ (6) is ringing. Ok, I'm just get...I'm gonna put you on ______ (7).
3. We checked the building ________ (8), but he was pretty careful about keeping his head down.
He was wearing his _____ (9). I recommend you both _______ (10) the Witness Relocation Program.
Let's just stay ______ (11) and examine all the parameters, if that's possible.
We both have companies to run, so that's…. That's ______ (12)!
In the meantime we'll put you on a _________(13) until we can find the more permanent site.
If you don't catch this guy then the official site becomes the _____________(14)?
4. If you wanna live, you are out of ________ (15). I'm sorry, I don't need to drive our _______ (16) problems into this, but at this exact moment, I can't commit spending the rest of my life with my husband.
(B) Watch again and get ready to discuss the questions below.
- Who was murdered and why?
- What safety measures have the police taken that night?
- How did the killer find out the place of residence?
- Has anyone suffered after killer’s attack?
- Describe the couple. What do we learn about them in the first extract?
- Have the Morgans agreed to enter the Witness Relocation Program? Why yes/no?
- Comment on the quote “Patience is the best remedy for every trouble.” Plautus
Ex.4. Watch the 2nd extract and fill in the gaps with prepositions. Get ready to discuss.
Wyoming – Штат Вайоминг на западе США
seclusion – изоляция
to encounter – неожиданно встретить, столкнуться
to pull one’s leg – обдурить, обмануть
to follow – (зд.) понимать ход мыслей
Jeez – Иисус! (Боже мой!)
barn – сарай
bargain – выгодная покупка
- Now, that we are _____ (1) the jet can you tell us to where we are going?
- Here your temporary IDs. You'll be _____ (2) seclusion, just in case you run ____ (3) anybody, we don't want you using your real identities. You'll be _____ (4) the care of Marshal Clay Wheeler. You haven't seen him _____ (5) five years.
- Shouldn't we writing this ______ (6)? Don't worry, they are all ______(7) the town.
- Are you cold? I just packed a ton _____ (8) underwear and a strapless gown. Temperature really drops _______ (9) here at night.
- Surely, there is a "Bargain Barn". I’ve gotta swing _____ (10) there anyway.
- We don't have them in New York. What's that got to do ____ (11) anything?
(B) Answer the questions below.
- Where are Meryl and Paul taken to?
- Who is going to take care of the couple there?
- How do the Morgans feel about this relocation?
- Describe the airport? What was their first impression of the place?
- Describe Marshal Clay Wheeler?
- What do you think the future holds for Meryl and Paul?
Ex.5 Check your comprehension. Tell if the facts are True, False or Not Stated.
The Morgans were allowed to take their cell phones on condition they kept them switched off.
The witnesses were accompanied by their private security guards as far as the temporary location.
Meryl and Paul called their family members to say good bye.
As soon as they reached their destination, both Meryl and Paul felt relief!
Marshal Clay Wheeler told the Morgans that they were in a safe place!
Marshal Clay Wheeler reported to the FBI that he met the Morgans.
Meryl and Paul had all the necessary things in their luggage.
The Morgans were very hungry and thirsty.
Meryl couldn’t get used to the new ID.
Bargain Barn is a local fast food restaurant where they want to eat out.
Ex. 6 Consider the quotes, explain the ideas behind them. Do you agree with these words?
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it. Lou Holtz
At his best, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice he is the worst. Aristotle
The safety of the people shall be the highest law. Marcus Tullius Cicero
Real heroes don't wear capes. Real superheroes wear uniforms and badges and stethoscopes! Real superheroes are members of our military, law enforcement, and first responders. Dean Cain
Justice delayed is justice denied. William E. Gladstone
Ex.7 Choose the adjectives to describe Meryl and Paul. Feel free to add your qualities.
silly, humorous, disagreeable, cute, considerate, nervous, cheerful, good-natured, inattentive, attentive,
reserved, absent-minded, moody, hesitating, tolerant, emotional, sensible, boring, careful, polite, funny,
light-hearted, well-off, spoilt, extravert, introvert, patient, impatient, talkative, witty, stylish, happy,
snobbish, down to earth, easy going, successful, angry, calm
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