Establishing Theme - The Godfather

Week 3 - Assignment

Establishing Theme

Please click here to view the Week Three Assignment Video transcript. NOTE: the transcript is attached as a separate document.

Select a movie from AFI’s 10 Top 10 ( http://www.afi.com/10top10/ lists) and explain how three cinematic techniques and/or design elements have helped establish a major theme in that film. Note: While you are allowed to choose a film that does not come from the AFI lists, you are strongly encouraged to email your professor to receive approval before doing so.

NOTE: The movie selected is The Godfather

In 800 words

· Describe a major theme of the movie you have selected using evidence from the movie itself as well as course resources and other scholarly sources to support your position.

· Identify at least three techniques (cinematography, lighting, acting style, or direction) and/or design elements (set design, costuming, or hair and makeup), and explain how these techniques and/or design elements contribute to the establishment of the theme. Reference particular scenes or sequences in your explanations.

· State your opinion regarding the mise en scène, including

· How the elements work together.

· How congruent the design elements are with the theme of the movie.

· Whether or not other techniques would be as effective (Explain your reasoning).

Note: Remember that a theme is an overarching idea that recurs throughout the plot of a film. It is the distilled essence of what the film is about, the main design which the specific scenes and actions lead a viewer to understand.

Your paper should be organized around a thesis statement that focuses on how the elements of your chosen feature-length film both establish and maintain one of its major themes. Review the Week Three sample paper, which provides an example of a well-developed analysis as well as insight on composition.

The paper must be 800 words in length and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. NOTE: the style guide is attached as a separate document

You must use at least two scholarly sources other than the textbook to support your claims. Cite your sources (including the feature-length film) within the text of your paper and on the reference page.