American Cinema- Paper

Here are the directions for your final paper (4-5 pgs, double-spaced)

I will post a lecture fleshing out these instructions (ignore the dates in this lecture).

Representation in independent cinema

Choose one independent film made in or after 1996 that focuses on a group of people who are underrepresented in non-independent cinema.
Write an essay that answers the following questions:

1. Who is represented? Why do you feel that this group is underrepresented in contemporary cinema? I encourage you to justify your choice by discussing other films which misrepresent this group.

2. How does the film challenge stereotypes (if it does)? Discuss mise-en-scene and any of the following to support your answer: genre, character, plot, story. You must discuss mise-en-scene.

3. How does the film reinforce stereotypes (if it does)? Discuss at least one of the following to support your answer: genre, character, plot, story, mise-en-scene.

4. What social issues are tackled in the film?

5. Does the film challenge genre conventions? How does it do so?

6. Is there a return to the status quo in the end of the film?

7. How does the main character's character arc contribute to the meaning of the film?

8. Is the main character a member of the group you are discussing? If not, how are they linked to that group in the film?