Media Theory & Criticism Assignment
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPARE CONTRAST PAPER
OVERVIEW
For your final project in this class, you will write a paper (2000 word minimum) in which you will compare and contrast two films from a pre-determined list of film pairs. (Devil Wears Prada and Ready to Wear).
In the paper, you will be required to quote and paraphrase research sources, as detailed in the Outline section below, and use proper MLA citation, as detailed in the Citing Sources section of these instructions. Failure to cite sources properly may result in a charge of plagiarism, which can lead to disciplinary action including failing the class and dismissal from AIS for repeated offenses.
You will structure your paper based on the following Outline:
1. TITLE
Create a two
2. INTRODUCTION
a. Introduce the fact that you will be comparing and contrasting two films.
b. Name the two films, who directed them and the year they were released.
c. Summarize the most basic reason or reasons why you think the two films warrant comparison (for example: "They are both variations on the same story, produced 25 years apart, so they can shed light on social changes between two eras.").
d. List three questions you will be asking as you compare and contrast the films.
e. (Optional) Hint at the conclusions you will make at the end of the paper (for example, "By comparing these two films, we may discover that_________________.").
3. OVERVIEW OF FILM 1 -
a. Brief historical background about the film and its director and/or studio (make sure to cite your sources).
b. Logline (one or two sentence summary of the plot).
c. A direct quotation of 1<3 sentences from a film critic about this film, with proper citation (for example, "In an essay about this film, Roger Ebert writes, "_____________________________" (Ebert)." Additional information about the source of this quote must be included in the Works Cited section at the end of your paper.
d. A paraphrase from another film critic, in which you will translate his or her ideas into your own words. You are not required to mention the author's name in the text, but you must provide proper MLA citation, both in-line and in the Works Cited section of your paper (see the Citing Sources section of these instructions).
e. Summarize your personal feelings about the film. If you have negative feelings, express them professionally and respectfully; do not rant.
4 OVERVIEW OF FILM 2: Apply all of the above items to the second film.
5 PLOT: Compare & contrast the two films in terms of structure (linear vs. non-linear?), storytelling techniques (visual vs. verbal?), complexity, use of sub-plots, resolution (happy ending, sad ending, and open ending?) and any other plot elements that come to mind.
6. PROTAGONIST
a. What essential similarities and differences can you find between the main characters in the two films?
b. What are the protagonist's chief goals in each of the films?
c. How do the protagonists react similarly or differently to situations they encounter?
d. (Optional) How might each character react differently if he or she were suddenly thrust into the plot of the opposite film?
7. ANTAGONIST
Compare contrast the person(s or thing(s against which the Protagonist is fighting.
8. SUPPORTING CHARACTER
Compare contrast at least one supporting character from each film.
9. STYLE
Discuss stylistic similarities differences you notice between the two films, in areas such as cinematography, camera movement, color, sound, music and editing.
10. SCENE COMPARISION:
a. Identify a scene from each film that has a similar or contrasting scene from the other film.
b. Describe each scene, and then show how their similarities and differences reflect or illuminate the basic similarities and differences between the two films.
11. THEME: What universal themes do the two films explore? Does each film deal with different themes, or do they explore the same basic themes in different ways? What big lessons can people learn from these two films?
12. CONCLUSION: Sum up what you have learned by comparing and contrasting the two films.
Attachment:- Assignment File.rar