You will write a 2-4 page double-spaced paper based on your viewing of a classic film. The cutoff has been set for 1980, so the classic films are all released prior to 1980. You must choose this film from this list of classic films:
· The Great Dictator* (1940)
· Dolemite* (1975)
· The Battle of Algiers* (1966)
· The Seventh Seal* (1957)
· Bicycle Thieves* (1948)
· M* (1931)
· Seven Samurai* (1956)
· Eraserhead* (1977)
· Yojimbo* (1961)
· Andrei Rublev* (1966)
· Wild Strawberries* (1957)
· A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
· Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
· Double Indemnity (1944)
· High Noon (1952)
· Modern Times (1936)
· Singin in the Rain (1952)
· Some Like it Hot (1959)
· Apocalypse Now (1979)
· Blazing Saddles (1974)
· Breakfast at Tiffanys (1961)
· A Clockwork Orange (1971)
· The Deer Hunter (1978)
· Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
· Dr. Strangelove (1964)
· Easy Rider (1969)
· The Graduate (1967)
· Rocky (1976)
The first section should provide a very brief description of the film. You should provide the name of the director, and the leading actors. In addition, you should briefly summarize the story of the film. What was the setting of the film? Who were the principal characters? What was the film about? Be general and avoid focusing on specific plot points. Generally, provide a brief overview of what this film is about.
The second section should provide a detailed analysis of one particular scene or sequence in the film that demonstrates the contributions of various cinematic techniques (i.e., production design, lighting, camera angle and movement, editing, theme music, etc.) to the narrative of the film. In short, you should attempt to explain how these techniques contribute to the telling of the story. You can discuss any of the cinematic techniques mentioned either in the lectures or in the readings. You will find an excellent discussion of how to analyze a film in the final chapter of Film as Social Practice.
Your paper will be judged, in large part, on your ability to identify a scene or sequence in the film that best demonstrates the relationship between style and narrative. Be sure to focus on a scene that is important to the development of the narrative and watch it several times. The more often you view a scene, the more obvious the cinematic techniques employed in that scene will become.
Formatting Notes:
2-4 Pages. Feel free to go over as long as you are staying on task
One inch margins.
Double-spaced
Please proofread!
Times New Roman or equivalent font; 12pt
Keep your name off of the assignment. I will grade all papers anonymously to avoid any bias in my grading.
Basic Rubric:
CategoryPoint Value
Description of Film:
Detailed Analysis of Scene/Sequence:
Connection to Course Materials:
Grammar:
