Your essay should go somewhere. That is it should prove something.
Enlighten me. No plot outlines. I have absolutely no interest in a cursory retelling of the story. Assume that I have seen the film numerous times. Work will be graded down for poor grammar and spelling errors. Your writing should be clear, concise and to the point. It should have impact and punch. It should carefully explore and prove your thesis.
In evaluating your work, stress will be placed on:
a) The coherence of your argument.
b) The range and detail of the examples you cite.
c) Originality and depth of thought.¨
d) Supporting evidence from the text and films viewed in class if appropriate.
Answer one of the following essay questions. Write no more than two typed pages, double spaced and remember the essays must be typed.
Concentrate on one clearly defined thesis.
* State your thesis clearly in the first paragraph.
* Prove your thesis in the body of the paper.
* Sum up in the final paragraph.
* Cite concrete examples from specific scenes to prove your thesis. *
Your thesis should express one central idea.
* Concentrate on one underlying theme in the film.
1. Compare and contrast the underlying themes in a film required for the class by the midterm with a non-required film of your choice.
2. Analyze any film seen outside of class made between 1950 and 1967.
Include the effects of censorship beyond the obvious ban on graphic sex and violence as well as major sociological, political and economic
trends that helped shape the theme of the film.
3. See another film by Elia Kazan, Stanley Kubrick, Billy Wilder or Alfred Hitchcock and compare that film with the film seen in class in
light of the "auteur" theory. In essence, analyze the two films comparing and contrasting re-occurring themes and motifs.
4. Carefully analyze a film seen at the Pacific Film Archive or a film festival this semester.* Include a synopsis of what the director was trying to say, an analysis of whether or not they were successful and why, etc. Use concrete examples from the film and be specific. Pay
particularly attention to underlying themes.
* Extra credit will also be given to a film seen at any film festival or the Pacific Film Archive. You must submit the essay to the extra credit dropbox as well to receive additional credit.