Film Analysis paper

Film Analysis

(3-5 pages long; minimum 1 outside source)

This paper will be a focused film analysis in which you illuminate a theme or multiple themes of

a film through analysis. Films are composed of the same elements as written fiction: character,

setting, perspective, narration, symbolism, imagery, etc. However, film is a visual/aural medium

and, therefore, film provides other elements of analysis specific to that medium: camera angles,

lighting, scenes, spoken dialogue, etc. You may pick any film to write this analysis on as long as

it meets the following criteria:

 Full-length film

 Either fiction or based-on-true-story dramatization (i.e. no documentaries)

I recommend you choose a film that communicates obvious social themes, as it will make the

analysis easier for you. You may need to watch the film multiple times so although you are

welcome to write on a film currently in the theater, it may benefit you to write on a film that you

can watch at home.

Your paper will take one of the two following forms:

1) Thesis sentence will identify multiple themes, and body paragraphs will be organized by

themes. You will still demonstrate how these themes are being communicated by the

film’s elements. (Sample thesis sentence: The film Titanic illustrates the values of its

time period by focusing on the rigid class and gender distinctions as well as the worship

of technology.)

2) Thesis sentence will identify one primary theme and the elements through which that

theme is communicated. The body paragraphs will be organized by elements. (Sample

thesis sentence: The film Titanic argues through character and setting that valuing

people based upon material wealth is wrong.)