Students will write ONE 4 – 5 page film analysis paper This paper will analyze the formal and thematic issues of films we screen in class. Students must examine how some formal element (such as lighting, editing, dialogue, plot, mise-en-scene etc.) are utilized within the film and how it impacts and informs the film. It is not necessary to examine every element of the film but rather narrow your focus in order to discuss how a smaller element or set of elements of the film function as a whole. Try to employ a central, clearly defined argument.

Look for an aspect of the film that you respond to and begin your inquiry by asking yourself why you respond that way. Next, analyze how the specific elements are used to illicit that response.

Here is a short but certainly not exhaustive list of things to consider:

DIRECTION, ACTING, DIALOGUE, SOUNDTRACK, SCORE, CAMERA, CAMERA MOVEMENT, LIGHTING, COLOR, EDITING, MONTAGE, NARRATIVE, STORY, STRUCTURE, SYMBOLISM, SUSPENSE, ACTION, PLOT, MOOD, THEME

OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
– Explain the significance of a single scene within a film’s overall design. Consider what this scene contributes to the film’s narrative development and/or theme.
– Illustrate how a character (or a group of characters) undergoes physical and/or emotional changes to attain a goal.
– Discuss how a film consistently employs a particular stylistic device to develop its story and themes.

It is absolutely acceptable to interject your own voice and subjectivity into the analysis as long as it is logically organized and supported within your paper.

REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING: The analysis should present a clear argument in an organized fashion, proper length, font/size and correct punctuation and grammar.

All sources (including films) must be cited according to The Chicago Manual of Style or MLA Citation Standards.

When citing a film, credit the distribution or production companies and year it was released.