By anyone's standards, the Hoover family consists of some decidedly odd characters. Do they represent a standard family unit? Why? Why not?
They are determined to get their daughter into the finals of a beauty contest and to do that they cross the country in a trip that will mean a trip into their own thoughts as well. They pursue their dreams but in this chase they will find lots of problems, internal and external fights.
There´s an insistence on the idea that life is divided between winners and losers and being on a the winner´s side becomes the obsession of the father of the family who tries to involve his whole family into his philosophy.
After watching and analysing the film in class, it´s your turn to show your opinion and to show what you have liked and disliked the most.
Many different topics appear in the film. Choose one of them and talk about how this idea has been presented in the film and how the director develops it throughout the film:
1. "Beauty is only skin deep". Do you think this expression applies to Little Miss Sunshine? in what sense? What do you think about beauty contests and how are these shows presented in the film?
2. How do the relationships among members of the Hoover family change from the beginning to the end of the movie. Talk about it. Why is the trip important in their lives?
3. What do you think of the philosophy winner /losers Mr. Hoover has? Talk about it and about this man´s efforts to put it into practice. Do you think he is a loser himself
4. Dwayne says that life is just one beauty contest after another,“you know, school, then college, then work”, they are all just kinds of beauty contests. What do you think? Analyze this character, his changes and how little by little we know more about his personality, dreams and problems.
5. Analyze the grandfather´s philosopphy of life. In many ways it is the opposite one to Richard´s. He says you have to be crazy when you are young and do everything you want to. Do you agree? Talk about the importance of this character in the film.
6. Frank (Sheryl´s brother) has a great evolution throghout the film. Analyse how his mood changes in the film and why.
