How do all of the separate elements of the film relate to and contribute to the theme, central purpose, or total effect?

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    1.   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.

    2.   Write a paper which answers the questions below. 

    a.   For minimum credit answer all the questions below. Be sure to 

    number your answers.

    b.   More complete answers will receive higher scores. 7 or more 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:

    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 and why are they used? 

    b.   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?

    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 you 

    thought was particularly interesting

    e.   Art Direction and Design – Locations, sets, effects, props, 

    costumes and make-up.

    3.   What scenes in the film show the director’s style and how do they show 

    it?

    4.   What were your 

    personal

    reactions to the film? What are your 

    personal

    reasons for liking or disliking the film?

    Film List:

    Brad Pitt Films:

    Thelma & Louise (1991), Fight Club (1999), Inglorious 

    Basterds (2009), Moneyball (2011)

    Amy Heckerling Films:

    Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Clueless 

    (1995), Icould Never Be Your Woman (2007)

    Meryl Streep Films: 

    The Deer Hunter (1978), Sophie’s Choice (1982), 

    Out of Africa (1985), Post Cards from the Edge (1990), Adaptation (2002), 

    The Iron Lady (2011)

    Guillermo del Toro Films: 

    Cronos (1993), The Devil’s Backbone (2001), 

    Crimson Peak (2015), The Shape of Water (2017)

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