A few things to contemplate as we watch scenes from The Handmaid's Tale

As we watch scenes from the 1990 film version of The Handmaid's Tale, I'd like you to take a few notes in your notebook. Note anything that really strikes you, but a few things in particular to consider:

• In what ways is this movie of its time period, based on what you know of the late 1980's?
• Does the film have any striking resonance with our time period that it might not have had when it came out in 1990?
• What elements of the book do the filmmakers seem to particularly highlight? Thoughts on these choices?
• What elements do the filmmakers leave out that you notice? Any ideas about why?
• What do you notice about the costuming and other ways that the world of Gilead is portrayed?