CI NE 7A Film Analysis Assignment Instructions There are two films in this module, My Man Godfrey and Sunset Blvd. Select one of them.
Prompt
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.
Then, in a seven page paper analyze and respond to these three concepts: Narrative, Historical Context and Reaction. I strongly suggest you use “Narrative”, Historical Context” and “Reaction” as headers in your paper. This may help you be sure to to include all elements for a successful paper. For minimum credit respond to each header. More developed responses will receive higher scores.
You will submit this paper on the assignment page found in this module. It will open on April 17th and closes on April 24th.
NARRATIVE
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?
In what ways is My Man Godfrey a screwball comedy? What are the tropes that help define it in this genre. Describe a scene that you feel best represents the genre for this film.
How do all of the separate elements of the film relate to and contribute to the theme, central purpose, or total effect?
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?
Characters: Does the protagonist’s character arc as the film progresses. What events contribute to this change? What elements does the director use to illustrate the character of the protagonist?
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Historical context refers to the moods, attitudes, and conditions that existed in a certain time. Context is the “setting” for an event that occurs, and it will have an impact on the relevance of the event. How does this film fit into the history of it’s era. Are there any references that tie in with the time – give specific examples from the film.
What are the values are evident in the movie? Class is an important element in the movie. How is class portrayed in My Man Godfrey? How did the concept of class tie into the period we studied this semester.
REACTION
What were your personal reactions to the film? What are your personal reasons for liking or disliking the film?