Film Analysis

Instruction:

Film Analysis Assignment

Please read and follow instructions carefully
To start, you should keep in mind our focus on the historical merits of the film rather than its technique or relationship to film as a distinctive artistic genre. In other words, I am not interested in analysis concerning camera angles, cinematography or the introduction of a particular special effect that revolutionized movie making. If you feel the angles of shots help explain the directors motives for interpreting history, by all means include it in your analysis, but generally for our purposes, the mechanical side of the film is not as important as the content. Therefore, you should structure your paper as follows:

Briefly summarize the content of the film. What is the story being told? Why is it being told? Please do not try to recap the entire film. Just provide the main idea and historical context of the film. You should be able to do this in one paragraph.

At the end of your summary of the film, present your argument about whether you think this film is a good representation of history. Explain briefly in a sentence or two the points you feel compare well to the text or what does not. In other words, you will be previewing the argument and examples you will present in the next section.

Second, discuss the film in relevance to the textbook and discussions. How well did the film represent the material? Keep in mind there are often not direct relationships between the text and the film. For example, if the film is about a specific person, the text may not cover that person’s biography in detail, but I choose the films as much for the way they represent history visually as much as literally. In other words, what goes on in the background of the film can be as important as what is right up front. Visuals of dress, social attitudes, economic conditions, etc. all can be portrayed clearly without it being the main focus of the film. If you have questions about making comparisons, please do not hesitate to ask. Choose two issues in the text that were portrayed with historical accuracy in the film and explain why. Also choose one issue in the text that you feel was portrayed inaccurately in the film. Again, be sure to explain why. You can do more or less, but be sure to compare three specific issues at the least. Outside sources, i.e. internet discussions of the film, should not be used without permission.

Last, discuss the value of the film. Was it helpful to you personally in explaining the time period or event in question? Knowing what you know about the subject of the film, would you recommend the film to others interested in the topic? Explain why or why not. Do not suggest that you would not recommend the film because it is a rom-com or that because the movie was simply not good or too long. The recommendation should be based on whether or not the film helped further your learning about history.

The essay should be one and a half to two pages in length and typed double-spaced. Be specific when discussing particular scenes as evidence. I would also expect citations for references to the textbook. Use a parenthetical citation, for example, (Corbett, Janssen et al, p.124). Also, correctness of grammar, spelling and punctuation along with overall clarity of expression are essential ingredients of writing. Therefore grammar, spelling and style in general will count significantly in the evaluation of your paper. Be especially careful to use complete sentences and avoid random variations of tense. There is a folder on the lessons page with helpful information about organizing an essay.

Textbook link:
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://assets.openstax.org/oscms-prodcms/media/documents/USHistory-WEB.pdf

Film options:

Black Robe (1991) – In 1634 a young French Jesuit missionary is assigned to trek 1,500 miles through the New France wilderness to a mission settled in Huron Indian country. Black Robe chronicles the journey of Father Laforgue (played by Lothaire Blutheau) who portrays a typical lonely Jesuit journey. He travels with a young translator and guide, Daniel (Aden Young), and a number of Algonquin Indians, heading north into Canada with the mission to convert the natives. This film shows the interactions of Christian faith and the spiritual world of the Native Americans.

The Crucible (1996) This film explores the Salem Witch trials, based on Arthur Millers classic 1953 play of the same name. A description from Amazon.com A group of teenage girls meet in the woods at midnight for a secret love-conjuring ceremony. While the other girls attempt to cast love spells, Abigail Williams (Winona Ryder) wishes for the death of her former lover’s (Daniel Day-Lewis) wife. When their ceremony is witnessed by the town minister, the girls suddenly find themselves accused of witchcraft. Soon the entire village is consumed by cries of witchcraft, and as the hysteria grows, blameless victims are torn from their homes, leading to a devastating climax.

The New World (2006) Another Amazon.com description In this romantic epic starring Colin Farrell, Christian Bale and beautiful newcomer Q’orianka Kilcher, acclaimed filmmaker Terrence Malick brings to life the classic true tale of Pocahontas and her relationship with adventurer John Smith set during the turbulent beginnings of America.

You should be able to find any of these films at multiple online rental options, a public library or Kirkwood’s library system.

DO NOT write a review on a film that is not listed above without clearing it with me first. I have not seen all films and if I have not seen it, I cannot grade the paper fairly.

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