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Cinema 7B Film Analysis Assignment #2

Begin by reading Chapter 10

1.   Rent and view one of the films from the list below. You should view the film at 

least twice. Take notes as you go and pause and replay scenes that you 

don’t understand or that you find particularly interesting.

2.   Write a paper which answers the questions below. 

a.   For minimum credit answer all the questions below. Be sure to 

number your answers.

b.   More complete answers will receive higher scores.

3.   Papers must be type written and double-spaced. No papers will be accepted 

by e-mail. Length: Five to Seven pages.

Review Questions:

1.   What is the true subject or theme of the film, and what kind of 

statement, if any, does the film make about the subject? Which 

elements and which scenes contribute most to addressing the theme of 

the film?

2.   How do all of the separate elements of the film relate to and contribute 

to the theme, central purpose, or total effect?

Film Elements:

a.   Narrative – The manner in which the story is told. What is the 

plot structure? Is it chronological or non-linear? Are there 

flashbacks or other narrative devices and why are they used? 

b.   Acting – the qualities of the performances. Is the acting realistic 

or is it mannered and formal? Are the characters dynamic (do 

they change as the film progresses)? How?

c.   Cinematography – The qualities of the photography and lighting. 

Identify specific scenes and camera shots that you thought were 

particularly interesting.

d.   Editing – The pace and tempo, the use of transitions and the 

organization of the narrative. Identify any editing technique you 

thought was particularly interesting

e.   Art Direction and Design – Locations, sets, effects, props, 

costumes and make-up.

3.   What scenes in the film show the director’s style and how do they show 

it?

4.   What were your 

personal

reactions to the film? What are your 

personal

reasons for liking or disliking the film?

Film List:

Brad Pitt Films:

Thelma & Louise (1991), Fight Club (1999), Inglorious 

Basterds (2009), Moneyball (2011)

Amy Heckerling Films:

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Clueless 

(1995), Icould Never Be Your Woman (2007)

Meryl Streep Films: 

The Deer Hunter (1978), Sophie’s Choice (1982), 

Out of Africa (1985), Post Cards from the Edge (1990), Adaptation (2002), 

The Iron Lady (2011)

Guillermo del Toro Films: 

Cronos (1993), The Devil’s Backbone (2001), 

Crimson Peak (2015), The Shape of Water (2017)

Due Date:  Wednesday Class – October 30

Thursday Class – November 7