Homework: Cinema Film Analysis
I. 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.
II. Write a paper which answers the questions below.
Review Questions:
I. 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?
II. 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 and formal? 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.
III. What scenes in the film show the director's style and how do they show it?
IV. What were your personal reactions to the film? What are your personal reasons for liking or disliking the film?
Film List:
Guillermo del Toro Films: Chronos (1993), The Devil's Backbone (2001), Crimson Peak (2015), The Shape of Water (2017)
Jane Campion Films: An Angel at My Table (1990), The Piano (1993), In the Cut (2003), The Power of the Dog (2021)
Meryl Streep Films: Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Postcards From the Edge (1990), Adaptation (2002), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), The Iron
Lady (2011), The Post (2017)
Tom Hanks Films: A League of Their Own (1992), Philadelphia (1993), Forrest Gump (1994), Road to Perdition (2002), Captain Phillips (2013)
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
1. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.