Theater Arts 7B Film Analysis Assignment – Spring 2020 Begin by reading Chapter 9

Theater Arts 7B Film Analysis Assignment – Spring 2020 Begin by reading Chapter 9

Theater Arts 7B Film Analysis Assignment – Spring 2020

1. Begin by reading Chapter 9
2. 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 don’t understand or that you find particularly interesting.
3. Write a paper which answers the questions below.
   1. For minimum credit answer all the questions below. Be sure to number your answers.
   2. More complete answers will receive higher scores.
   3. MLA style essays usually earn the highest scores compared to short answer essays.
4. Papers must be type written and double-spaced. No papers will be accepted by e-mail. Maximum length: five to seven 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:

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. Cinematography – The qualities of the photography and lighting. Identify specific scenes and camera shots that you thought were particularly interesting.
4. Editing – The pace and tempo, the use of transitions and the organization of the narrative. Identify any editing technique you thought was particularly interesting
5. Art Direction and Design – Locations, sets, effects, props, costumes and make-up.
6. What scenes in the film show the director’s style and how do they show it?
7. What were your personal reactions to the film? What are your personal reasons for liking or disliking the film?

Film List:

Science Fiction – Silent Running (1972), Dark Star (1974), Outland (1981), Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)

Independent Cinema – Requiem for a Dream (2000), Jackie Brown (1997), Blue Velvet (1986), Se7en (1995)

European Cinema – La Dolce Vita (1960), The Passenger (1975), Leon; The Professional (1994), Delicatessen (1991)

Martin Scorsese – Raging Bull (1981), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), Casino (1997)

Due Date:  Monday Classes: May 4

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