fantasia

Theater Arts 7A Film Analysis Assignment Fall 2021
Instructions:
1. Rent and view one of the films from the list below. You should view the film at
least twice. Take notes as you go and pause and replay scenes that you
dont understand or that you find particularly interesting.
2. Write a paper which answers the questions below.
a. For minimum credit answer all the questions below. Be sure to
number your answers, if you are doing a short answer paper. MLA
style essays that respond to the call of the questions usually get the
highest scores.
b. More complete answers will receive higher scores.
3. Papers must be type written and double-spaced. Please submit papers to the
turnitin folder on the Assignments page. Maximum length: 4-7 pages.
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 of the separate elements of the film relate to and contribute
to the theme, central purpose, or total effect?
Film Elements:
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 and why are they used?
b. Acting the qualities of the performances. 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 you
thought was particularly interesting
e. Art Direction and Design Locations, sets, effects, props,
costumes and make-up.
3. What scenes in the film show the directors 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: She Done Him Wrong (1933) The Thin Man (1934)
The Thirty-Nine Steps (1935) My Man Godfrey (1936)
Wuthering Heights (1939) Fantasia (1940)
The Grapes of Wrath (1940) Double Indemnity (1944)
High Noon (1952) The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

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