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LESSON 3
MOVIE CRITIQUE
Reading Assignment: Dodge’s “Gathering for Gladys” (page 202) and “Rockport’s Guru of Granite” (page 191)
Writing Assignments:
1. Write a paragraph summarizing each Dodge article
2. Write a four paragraph Movie Critique (see below).
One part of this lesson is to learn how to write a Movie Critique. A Movie Critique is a form of writing in which a personal opinion is expressed about a movie. Review the enclosed outline and sample of a Movie Critique. When this material has been reviewed, go to a film rental store and rent one of the following movies: TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, AFRICAN QUEEN, MODERN TIMES, HAROLD AND MAUD, TOPSY TURBY, BEING JOHN MALKOVICH, STRICTLY BALLROOM, CITIZEN KANE, CASABLANCA, CHINATOWN or O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? After watching the movie, please submit a four-paragraph critique based on the movie watched. As always, be sure to check the COMPOSITION WRITING AIDS before writing this paper.
KEYS TO WRITING THE MOVIE CRITIQUE
OVERALL DESIGN
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INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH: Open with issue and the Subject followed by Who, What, When, Where, and Why followed by the Thesis w/Main Points |
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BODY PARAGRAPH: Full discussion of lst Main Point w/Specific Example at least 3 sentences long |
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BODY PARAGRAPH: Full discussion of 2nd Main Point w/specific Example at least 3 sentences long |
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CONCLUSION: Final summary and related-opinions |
THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH:
The introductory paragraph for the Movie Critique has 4 major elements:
1. always open with subject of the paper followed by the issue
2. add 5Ws (who, what, when, where, and why) of the subject
3. follow with thesis statement which is the writer’s opinion of the subject
4. conclude with at least 2 main points as to why the opinion is valid
The most important element in writing a Movie Critique is a workable thesis statement. Below are 2 sample thesis statements:
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SUBJECT: The plot of the WIZARD OF OZ OPINION: is a remarkable MAIN POINTS: because it is political sub-text and memorable message. |
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SUBJECT: The theme of GONE WITH THE WIND OPINION: is a poor MAIN POINTS: because it does not begin to convey the message of Margaret Mitchell's huge novel and the central thesis of the novel is lost. |
THE FIRST BODY PARAGRAPH:
The first body paragraph of a Movie Critique has 2 elements: a full discussion of the lst main point so that the reader understands the issue followed by a 3 sentences long SPECIFIC example/illustration which illuminates the 1st main point.
THE SECOND BODY PARAGRAPH:
The second body paragraph of a Movie Critique has 2 elements: a full discussion of the 2nd main point so that the reader understands the issue followed by a 3 sentences long SPECIFIC example/illustration which illuminates the 2nd main point.
THE CONCLUSION:
The concluding paragraph of a Movie Critique should briefly summarize all the issues under discussions. Any additional opinions on the subject would be appropriate at this time as well as any final conclusions.
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I. M. Smart Movie Critique February 10, 201? English Western Queen
ROOSTER COGBURN, a quirky 1975 Western with a convoluted plot, is one of John Wayne's last movies. Richly filmed along southwestern Oregon's Rogue River, the scenery alone is enough to make the movie memorable, but this quintessential Western is much more than it appears to be. Softer and more traditionally "Hollywood" than the hard-edged and European feeling TRUE GRIT in which the Cogburn character was introduced, COGBURN would have been an appropriate vehicle for Wayne's "swan-song," and yet this was hardly the intention of Director Stuart Millar. In fact, the movie was not intended as a John Wayne picture at all. Director Millar and Screenplay Writer Martin Julin's real intention was to create a parody of John Huston's classic 1951 movie THE AFRICAN QUEEN. Perfectly disguised under the typical Western facade, the plot of ROOSTER COGBURN is excellent because it is both a campy AFRICAN QUEEN and a classic Western. THE AFRICAN QUEEN is a campy example of the American film industry's finest works. The story line of COGBURN is essentially the same as QUEEN . When QUEEN came out, it captured on film the trademark personas of Humphrey Bogart (Charlie) and Katherine Hepburn (Rosie). Huston told C.S. Forester's story of lowbrow Charlie saving high-church Rosie through a harrowing escape down a treacherous African river. Against all odds, the couple not only survives the river but find love of the "lace and linen" Victorian-style. For example, one may assume that if Bogart had still been alive in 1975, he might have played the Cogburn character. Since he was not, another Hollywood icon would have to fill the bill. Who better than John Wayne? ROOSTER COGBURN , despite its pedigree, is also a classic American western. Stars John Wayne (Cogburn) and Katherine Hepburn (Eula) play the quarrelling couple found in so many westerns. However on the river, a la Huck Finn, all things are possible including an improbable love-interest between these two burnout refugees. For example, the Rogue River in Oregon was used by Millar to represent all American rivers. This river is a good choice as a microcosm of America. It is also a perfect metaphor for the freedom of the American West. In the end, COGBURN is both parody and praise. The parody of QUEEN is loving and subtle, while its praise is broad and loud. Martin Julin obviously worships THE AFRICAN QUEEN and wanted to memorialize it in a special way. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then this parody is surely a form of praise. Even if a viewer knows nothing about THE AFRICAN QUEEN , COGBURN is still a fine movie in its own right. Knowing the connection between the movies just gives the viewer a greater appreciation of its depth.
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