Discussion Guide for Good Vibrations

1. In this film, is the passivity of the onlookers benign, irresponsible, or a mixture of both?

2. Should the worker bear any responsibility for what’s going on, even if it’s happening behind his back?

3. Should the pedestrians be responsible for more carefully watching where they’re walking?

4. At what point should gawking shift from a spectator sport to a call to action?

5. Does being part of a group change your thought-process as an individual? How?

6. In this case, the group watched the misfortunes of individuals like a TV show. Is there some kind of barrier between reality and reaction?

7. If you were part of the group watching, what would it take to get you involved?

8. What is the significance of the old man’s tremors ceasing when he stands on the rocky paving stone?

9. If acting in your own interests benefits a larger group, are you a hero?

10. By the end of the film, do you think the original first gawker feels more guilt or insightfulness? Why?