FILM ANALYSIS

DIRECTIONS

1. BEGIN BY READING CHAPTER 11.
2. View one of the films from the list. 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 listed.
   A. For minimum credit answer ALL the
   questions. Be sure to number your
   answers.
   B. More complete and thorough answers
   will receive higher scores.
4. Papers must be type written and doublespaced. No papers will be accepted by
   email. LENGTH: 4-7 pages.
5. DUE DATE: Monday, May 13, 2019
   (Monday Class) and Saturday, May 18,
   2019 (Saturday Class)
   REVIEW QUESTIONS
6. 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?
7. How do all the separate elements of the
   film relate to and contribute to the theme,
   central purpose, or total effect? Film
   Elements include:
   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?
   Why are they used?
   B. ACTING – The qualities of the
   performance.
   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 that you
   thought was particularly interesting.
   E. ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN –
   Locations, sets, effects, props,
   consumes and make-up.
8. What scene in the film show the director’s
   style and how do they show it?
9. What were your PERSONAL reactions to
   the film? What are your PERSONAL
   reasons for liking or disliking the film?
   FILM LIST
   HOWARD HAWKS FILMS:
   Scarface (1932)
   Barbary Coast (1935)
   Bringing Up Baby (1938)
   Only Angels Have Wings (1939)
   The Big Sleep (1946)
   Red River (1948)
   FILM NOIRS:
   The Maltese Falcon (1941)
   Scarlet Street (1945)
   D.O.A. (1949)
   Ace in the Hole (1951)
   The Big Heat (1953)
   COMEDIES:
   Steamboat Bill Jr. (1928)
   Sons of the Desert (1933)
   The Thin Man (1934)
   Holiday (1938)
   All About Eve (1950)
   ADVENTURE FILMS:
   Captain Blood (1935)
   Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)
   Beau Geste (1939)
   The Flame and the Arrow (1950)