Film Analysis Paper

Kingsborough Community College Department of Communications and Performing Arts

MCF 40 FILM: THE CREATIVE MEDIUM

Film Analysis Paper Prof. Bryan Powers

Due date: BY FRI, DEC 11TH BEFORE 11:59PM - Digital copy submitted to Turnitin via Blackboard What is this Paper about? You will choose one film – that you have NOT yet seen - to watch and analyze (each student must pick a different film – you will do this via a Blackboard discussion board). After you watch the film, you will write a paper (submitted via Turnitin on Blackboard) in which you formally analyze the film. While watching your chosen film, make notes concerning what elements of form stand out to you as being important in not only telling the story, but also in creating meaning by how they are used. Refer to the previous analysis assignment as a template for how to structure this paper. The main difference between the two assignments is that here you are writing a paper and you are discussing an entire film, not just one scene; although, in your discussion of the elements of cinematic form that you choose to analyze, you will be discussing specific scenes in detail to illustrate how the form (technique) is used and how it creates meaning. Your analysis should include the following in the structure of your paper (refer to posted rubric):

• Briefly SUMMARIZE the film (without spoiling the ending). o One intro paragraph is enough for a summary and should not take up more than ½ to ¾ of a page.

• Introduce THESIS – how elements of form are used (successfully or not) to create meaning, and support theme. o Discuss a theme of the film and the TWO categories of elements (narrative structure, cinematography,

mise-en-scène, editing, sound) you will analyze to explain how well they do/do not support the theme o This should be your second paragraph. Make sure you have a thesis statement.

• ANALYZE the movie’s form. What works well? What doesn’t? How is it used to create meaning? o I recommend at least 2-3 paragraphs for each category of form, but you have freedom. Just be sure you

1) discuss at least two elements/techniques within your two chosen categories and 2) properly explain the element/technique, how it is used, and how it creates meaning. To do this, you will need to give specific examples of scenes where it is used.

• Include a CONCLUDING paragraph where you restate your thesis and whether you can RECOMMEND watching the film (because of its good use of form or despite the bad form).

Format This is a 1500-2000 word (3-5 pages) film analysis. Follow the posted rubric for specifics on how it will be graded. Make sure you are meeting all requirements of the rubric. PLEASE DO NOT LOOK TO OUTSIDE SOURCES FOR INSPIRATION. THIS PAPER SHOULD BE YOUR THOUGHTS ONLY. Turnitin will catch any plagiarism and you will be given an F for the assignment and be reported to the college, which may result to further disciplinary actions. You may use your textbook. If you quote the textbook, you will need a Works Cited page. Follow MLA formatting (see OWL at Purdue website for citation assistance). All work presented must be your own with appropriate citation used when utilizing others’ thoughts. Choosing your film: (Remember, it must be a film you have NOT previously seen) Submit the film title to the Discussion Board forum by NOV 17TH, first reviewing the threads to make sure no one has already chosen that film. Simply write the title of the film in the subject line of your thread. If no one else has already submitted that title, and I approve of it as a suitable choice, it’s yours to analyze! -See posted PDF list of suggested films.