Write a paper on Movie Critique.
Overview: History is a craft and writing is the craft of the historian. It is the medium that
any historian must use to disseminate interpretations of the past to the public and fellow
historians. In many ways the historian is much like a detective; gathering and evaluating
evidence, forming hypothesis and drawing conclusions in order to find out who done it.
-History is not memorizing facts, dates and people; it is how the historian analyzes and
interprets information. Film is history, it is a primary source that can be analyzed and
interpreted, and the film does not have to be about an historical event. For example who
knew that Independence Day could be about illegal immigration or V for Vendetta about
Margaret Thatcher’s England. Your task is to view a film that has political themes and to
write an analysis of that film connecting it to issues discussed in class.
Descriiption: A film analysis is not a review or summary of the plot, it should go deeper
into analysis and reaction. It should discuss the issues raised by the film, address the
film’s importance and purpose, state reactions to the content and quality of the film, and
connect it to ideas and material presented in class. It should be a minimum of z pages
and include the following (in any order you choose).
Procedure:
• Describe the film in general terms. What subjects does it cover?
Describe the plot and setting. What issues does it raise? What do you see
as the main purpose of the film?
• What are the major theme(s) of the film?
• Evaluate the film for quality and interest. Comment on the screenplay,
acting, direction, production values and music. Are any literary techniques
such as symbolism, character development and foreshadowing used?
Would a young person be interested in this film?
• Relate the film to class discussions, readings, notes or knowledge. Is
the film historically (or factually) accurate and realistic? Does it contradict
or support anything you have learned?
• Summarize briefly emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of the
film.
Requirements:
• All papers must be typed, double spaced with a 12 pt. font.
• All pages must have appropriately sized margins.
• All papers must contain information detailed in the procedure section of
these guidelines.
• All papers must be stapled together
Films for 1301
1492
Christopher Columbus the Discovery
The other Conquest
Man for all Seasons (Reformation)
Luther
Pocahontas and Pocahontas 2 (must do both)
The Mission
Two Sovereigns for Sister Sara (Salem)
The Crucible
Last of the Mohicans
Master and Commander
Drums along the Mohawk
Madness of King George
The Patriot
Jefferson in Paris
1776 (musical)
Spirit of 76
John Adams (miniseries)
Johnny Tremaine
Amistad
Little Women
Sacagawea
Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West
The Crossing
Northwest Passage
Alamo (either version)
One More Mountain
Cold Mountain
Gettysburg
Gangs of New York
Glory
The Conspirator
Lincoln
12 years a Slave
Free State of Jones
Birth of a Nation (2016 not 1915 version)
Women called Moses
Red Badge of Courage
Gods and Generals
North and South (miniseries)
Blue and Grey (miniseries)
