6 pages

FILM 1401 (2014-5) Prof. S. Young

Fall #4: Sept.29, 2014

Sequence Analysis: questions and instructions

Total: 100 marks, weighted at 15% of the Final Course Grade (5 – 6 double-spaced pages in Times 12 font, with 1” margins on all sides;

please paginate in header or footer at ½” top or bottom margin)

 >  Due  date  and  time:  Monday,  Oct.27,  2:30pm  <   Please deliver to your T.A. at the start of class, before lecture begins

_________________________________ Opening sequence (10m) from: SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (1998, dir. Steven Spielberg)

and from FULL METAL JACKET (1987, dir. Stanley Kubrick)

1. Summarize the story that each clip tells. (10 marks; ½ page)

a. Note: we are not asking you for the story that each film tells, just the story that each clip – screened in class today -- tells.

2. Convincingly identify a common theme that is shared by the two clips (5 marks; ½ page), but also describe and explain a major difference in how you feel after watching each clip (10 marks; 1 page).

3. Choose three elements in the plot of each sequence and analyze how each element may pre-dispose – or at least invite -- your emotional response to the film so far. (60 marks; 3 to 4 pages)

a. For this first assignment in the course, study only the following plot elements, even though there are many other plot elements discussed in your textbook: plot order, setting, camera distance, narrator, narration, sound. Please note that all 6 elements must be selected (divided between the 2 clips).

b. Thoughtfully select three elements for each clip because you can see – retroactively, and analytically as a student in Film 1401 – how each element influences your response to the film so far.

4. Cite properly: from the textbook, from lectures, from tutorials. (5 marks)

5. Please proofread your work to submit a short essay that answers the assignment questions, expresses ideas in logical progression, and uses proper grammar, word-choice, and spelling. (5 marks)

6. Punctuality: Please deliver to your T.A. at the start of class on Monday, Oct.27, at 2:30 before lecture begins. (5 marks)