Educational activity based on the short film Unsatisfying
Take part meaningfully in a discussion.
Speak in order to be heard and understood.

Unsatisfying © Parallel Studio
TitleUnsatisfying
ThemeDissatisfaction
Genre & keywordsComic, frustration, spoon, domino, ball
Age (for the film)6-11 years old
Duration01 min 16 s
DirectorParallel Studio
MusicSamuel Barber
ProductionParallel Studio (France, 2016)
Discuss with the class and understand the concept of frustration.
Frustration is a more complex concept than it seems at first glance. The Larousse dictionary defines frustration as “the state of someone who is frustrated, prevented from achieving a goal or fulfilling a desire”. To frustrate someone corresponds to “depriving them of a good, of an advantage which they thought they could have, which they thought they possessed. » But how would students define this feeling? How do they experience it?
After watching the film, students will explain what is “wrong” in each scene; then, why this creates a feeling of frustration, of dissatisfaction (see “Questioning the film” activity). Note that the English title “Unsatisfying” means “Unsatisfying” in French.
All students will speak up and compare their views with those of others. Once the reasons for the frustration in the film are understood and formulated, the students, one by one, will describe a situation they experienced and explain why they felt a feeling of frustration or dissatisfaction... Does a house of cards collapse when the last card is placed?
More broadly, propose a debate on frustration. Is it negative? positive? Of course, in general, frustration can feel like an annoyance, or even painful, but what would a birthday party be if we hadn't waited for it for several days, what would sweets taste like if we could eat as much as we wanted, and where would the fun be if we always won at our favourite games?
A paradoxical but essential aspect of frustration: it bothers us but nevertheless allows us to improve; It’s because I didn’t achieve the expected goal that I want to try again. I run slower than others so I continue to train... Of course, frustration must always be interpreted as a means and not a consequence, it must allow us to progress within our limits.
This is why when we are in a competitive situation (sport, music, etc.), the important thing is above all to try to surpass ourselves and not to surpass others. Each person needs to recognize their limits in order to grow calmly within their surroundings.
Activity sheet written by: Olivier Defaye


