This is an open-ended assignment that will allow you to develop an original argument. Of course, you get to choose the film, as well as the aspects that pique your interest; but, if you are so inclined, I recommend either Fight Club, Black Swan or The World’s End. Rated R for profanity and disturbing imagery, Fight Club and Black Swan are indeed challenging and controversial. Please choose to write about either film. You can choose your own topic. Please note: This essay is more challenging than you might think. This is not a film “book report.” Assume that your reader has already seen the film and understands the narrative; in fact, imagine that your reader is a friend who watched the movie with you, but he or she is puzzled about the film’s final message, if any. Here is where you step in: your job is to make an argument about that deeper meaning–an argument that will go beyond the obvious. As always, the royal road to a story’s deeper meaning is paved by a focused analysis of characterization, symbolism, and theme. Consider the following elements: Protagonist and Antagonist: Analyze the conflict between the protagonist and antagonist. Yes, there is indeed a conflict on literal level (all stories have a conflict)–but could the conflict perhaps be symbolic of a larger issue? Furthermore, how are the major and secondary characters depicted on screen? Do their physical characteristics represent something about them? 2. Symbolism and Theme: As you know should know, an image can have a meaning beyond its literal existence. As you watch your movie, take notes on any possible universal or contextual symbols being depicted. Also consider whether the film has a consistent unifying symbol. Quite often, the film’s deeper meaning or message (i.e., its theme) is revealed through its use of symbolism. In some ways, a story’s theme is similar to an implicit thesis statement. By the end of the story, you get a sense of its deeper meaning, even if that meaning was not spelled out explicitly. Examples of a story’s theme could be as follows: “the dangers of self-deception,” “the tragedy of hubris,” or “the triumph of the human spirit.”
