prepare a film critique

COMM/HUMA 3330 – Research assignment

Students enrolled in COMM 3330/HUMA 3330 will be expected to prepare a film critique during the course of the semester based on a film selected by Dr. Potter and viewed during class. The critique should have the following primary parts that include:

· The history/background of the film (how the story or idea or book became a film). This should have its own heading. Print out the web sites you use for this and include in folder.

· Three professional critiques of the film each with its own heading. Print out the web sites you use for this and include in your folder.

· A personal critique of the film (we will cover evaluation criteria throughout the semester).

· A comparison of the film with a book written by C.S. Lewis (the book is the student’s choice).

The film for this semester is Shadowlands to be shownin October (date yet to be determined).You will read at least one book by C.S. Lewis that must be incorporated into this paper. You are required to turn in a synopsis (summary) of the book you are reading this semester. This synopsis is due by October 8, 2012. Include the works cited (that is for the book itself) in MLA style. You should include in this synopsis why you choose this book, and what the book is about. Again, you should footnote or endnote in MLA style.

All papers must be size 12 typefont, double-spaced. The final paper should be a minimum of five pages in length, however, it is difficult to do what is required for this paper in only five pages, plus the works cited page.Do not do a cover page.

You must footnote or endnote all references and attach a Works Cited page in MLA style. You should have at least seven references. Seven references would cover history and background of the film (Shadowlands was a TV movie and a play before it became the film we see in class), 3 professional critiques, the film itself should be documented, and the book you are reading for this assignment.Print out and include in your folder copies of on-line sources. I am asking that you high light content on the print outs that you used in your paper. Each print out should be stapled or paper clipped as an individual set.

The purpose of this exercise is to provide the student an opportunity to view a film as a work of art and not just a venue for entertainment. Each film is to be analyzed as a work of the auteur (director – don’t forget to name the director) just as one would approach the work of a painter, sculptor, or writer. Therefore, it is important for the student to view the film with a critical eye and ear by breaking the final product into its various components. These components typically include such things as dialogue, costumes, musical score, cinematography, lighting, and special effects. By virtue of this assignment, the student should begin to have an appreciation for the many artistic elements that must be successfully amalgamated by the director before a film becomes a cinematic reality and perhaps even a film classic.

The grading of the critique will add a dimension to the overall assessment process of the student that exams alone will not provide. The critique gives the student an opportunity to express a carefully considered criticism of the aesthetics of film and film production. Hopefully, students who successfully complete this class will have a better understanding of and appreciation for the medium of motion pictures.