DIRECTIONS
1. BEGIN BY READING CHAPTER 10 from Contemporary Film History, 2nd Edition. ISBN #978
-1-5249-6885-4,Foster. (I can provide the chapter if necessary)
2. View one of the films from the list (you will
need to find the film on your own).
You
should view the film at least twice. Take
notes as you go and pause and replay
scenes that you don’t understand or that
you find particularly interesting.
3. Write a paper which answers the review
questions listed.
A. For minimum credit answer ALL the
questions. Number your answers.
B. More complete and thorough answers
will receive higher scores.
4. Papers must be type written and doublespaced. No papers will be accepted by
email. LENGTH: 4 pages minimum to 7
pages maximum. Keep “Similarity Report”
below 5%.
5. DUE DATE: Check Syllabus and Canvas
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What is the true subject or theme of the
film, and what kind of statement, if any,
does the film make about the subject?
Which elements and which scenes
contribute most to addressing the theme
of the film?
2. How do all the separate elements of the
film relate to and contribute to the theme,
central purpose, or total effect? Film
Elements include:
A. NARRATIVE – The manner in which the
story is told.
What is the plot structure? Is it
chronological or non-linear? Are there
flashbacks or other narrative devices?
Why are they used?
B. ACTING – The qualities of the
performance.
Is the acting realistic or is it
mannered? Are the characters
dynamic (do they change as the film
progresses)? How?
C. CINEMATOGRAPHY – The qualities of
the photography and lighting.
Identify specific scenes and camera
shots that you thought were
particularly interesting.
D. EDITING – The pace and tempo, the
use of transitions and the organization
of the narrative.
Identify any editing technique that you
thought was particularly interesting.
E. ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN –
Locations, sets, effects, props,
consumes and make-up.
3. What scene in the film show the director’s
style and how do they show it?
4. What were your PERSONAL reactions to
the film? What are your PERSONAL
reasons for liking or disliking the film?
FILM LIST
AMY HECKERLING FILMS:
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Clueless (1995)
I Could Never be Your Woman (2007)
STANLEY KUBRICK FILMS:
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Barry Lyndon (1975)
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
MERYL STREEP FILMS:
Sophie’s Choice (1982)
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Julie & Julia (2009)
The Post (2017)
2018 FILMS:
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Blackkklansman (2018)
Shopflifters (2018)
First Reformed (2018)
FILM ANALYSIS
FAQ
BELOW YOU WILL FIND THE ANSWERS TO
MOST OF YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS
ASSIGNMENT.
Q: Do I need a cover page?
A: Yes. Include your name and the film title
that you are writing about.
Q: Can I use size 14 font or bigger?
A: No. Please use a size 12 font.
Q: Can I triple-space my paper?
A: No. Please double-space your paper.
Q: Can I write 3 pages and 2 sentences and
consider that 4 pages?
A: No. Anything less than 4 full pages of
writing will receive minus points as it doesn’t
fulfill the assignment requirement.
Q: Can I write more than 4 pages?
A: Yes, you may. In fact, to do a thorough
analysis it is recommended.
Q: Can I write the paper in standard paper
form?
A: Numbering your answers in the manner
suggested will be fine. I’ve provided you with
an outline for your paper that’s quite
straightforward. But if you would like to write
in standard form, you may.
Q: Do I need to include the questions on the
paper?
A: No, please DO NOT include the questions.
Q: Do I need a works cited page?
A: Only if you end up using other written
sources.
Note: the works cited page will not
count towards your 4-page minimum count.
Q: Is there a limit on the similarity of the paper
to other sources?
A: Yes. Make sure your paper has a 5%
similarity report or less. You can check your
report upon submission and resubmit if
necessary.
Q: What would I have to do to get a 90 or
above on the paper?
A: Answer all the questions in a thorough
manner. Demonstrate that you have
understood the concepts conveyed in the
chapter on film analysis. Details are vital for a
film analysis.
Q: Can I pick a film of my own choosing?
A: No, it has to be from the provided list.
