How the technological, aesthetic and economic features of this new style differ from the classical Hollywood style
Description:
The essay assignment provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the relevant historical and theoretical literature on Hollywood film, to develop your research skills and practice your critical analysis skills by engaging with scholarly literature related to the essay question you are answering. The task is intended to orient you toward understanding the broader themes of the course by focusing on specific events or occurrences. You will thus be expected to demonstrate understanding of the relevant historical, social and political contexts of the research topic. The essay enables you to develop the historical, analytical and critical skills necessary for independent research in the future.
Assessment Criteria:
o Capacity to develop a clear and original argument that is well supported by scholarly references and examples from films.
o Demonstration of close viewing of relevant films through a detailed analysis and interpretation of film sequences, paying close attention to film as a specific medium.
o Evidence of a creative, clear, and thoughtful engagement with the issues, ideas, and material offered by the course.
o Ability to identify and effectively apply relevant concepts and themes.
o Demonstration of knowledge of a substantial amount of critical scholarship related to the topic.
o Presentation of the assignment in a coherent and intelligible manner.
o Consistent and accurate use of scholarly referencing of sources.
Question:
Filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Arthur Penn and Sidney Lumet amongst others have been associated with the Hollywood Renaissance and a “post classical’ style”. Through an analysis of Taxi Driver (Martin Scorsese, 1976) discuss how the technological, aesthetic and economic features of this new style differ from the classical Hollywood style. In developing your analysis you might want to include discussion of other films (at least two)from the Hollywood Renaissance.