INTRODUCTION TO FILM HISTORY & ANALYSIS

FST 201

 

INTRODUCTION TO FILM HISTORY & ANALYSIS

 

ADVANCE PAPER ASSIGNMENT

 

 

Introduction

 

For two of the films we view in this course during the semester, you will prepare a brief paper whose purpose will be to introduce the film to the other members of the class.  During the class period following the viewing of the film, you will lead a discussion of the film, working from questions you prepare following the viewing.

 

Content & Organization

 

The paper should contain the following sections:

 

1. Notable cast and crew list, to include the producer, director, screenwriter,

cinematographer/director of photography, and actors playing the major speaking roles.

 

2. For five of these individuals (including at least one cast member and one crew member)

a single paragraph about the creative career of each.

 

3. Information about the origins of the screenplay – was the story original with the

screenwriter, or was it adapted from another work (e.g., a novel or play)?  If so,

provide a brief description of that source work, including its author, and indicate major

ways in which the film adaptation departed from the original.

 

4. A brief synopsis of the film, to include major plot and subplots as appropriate. The scope

of this synopsis should be similar that of a published popular review to avoid “giving

away” endings or plot twists or otherwise ruining the enjoyment of the film for others.

(We’ll take care of that in the discussion.)

 

5. Information about the history of the film’s production – its “backstory.”  Include

difficulties in financing and casting, production and editing, censorship and exhibition.

 

6. Place the film in the context of the time period in which it was released.  Are there plot or

narrative devices the filmmaker(s) used that are significant to the handling of the subject

matter?  How was it regarded by audiences and critics at the time?

 

7. Place the film in a more recent context. How do film scholars and fans regard it in

retrospect?

 

8. Notwithstanding anything said in #6 or #7, a simple, one-sentence statement that begins,

“This film is significant to the history of film because…”

 

Sources

 

This paper is intended as a research work.  You should consult a minimum of five non-internet

sources, including books on film or media/culture, reviews or preview articles from such

sources as The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Variety, Entertainment Weekly, and Newsweek.  Internet-only sources (those not connected to a conventionally-edited source such as newspaper or magazine) are not acceptable.

 

You should provide a bibliography of these and cite them as appropriate in your paper.

 

Discussion Questions

 

Separate from this paper, you should prepare a list of at least ten distinct questions or points you will use in leading the post-film discussion.  These will be judged based upon their usefulness in generating productive and relevant discussion.