English 101 Semiotic Analysis of a Movie (100 points possible)
Final Draft Due: March 19
Format: 3-5 pages, 12pt font, Times New Roman, Double Spaced, and one inch margins with a proper Works Cited page.
Assignment: Choose a movie to analyze. Within such critiques there is a focus on the larger narrative but also certain archetypes as well. Take for instance, our discussion on the adaptation of the Joker in the Batman movies. All of these concepts are equally useful in interpreting the signs of American Film. Movies function largely as metaphors and are directly reflective of our society. Here are a few suggestions (although you are not limited to these):
1. Discuss the differences between Batman and Superman. How do they change since the 1940s? What do each of them represent now?
2. Some people criticize a movie like The Hunger Games because they believe it is an allegorical representations of American Capitalism and the damage it seems to cause. Respond to this criticism. Cite specific scenes to support your argument. Pull specific scenes in your analysis.
3. Write your own analysis of the numerous adaptations of the Joker. From Nicholson, Ledger, and Leto, this villain seems to change along society’s fears. Does the Joker represent the modern day terrorist? Pull specific scenes in your analysis.
4. Analyze ONE film that utilizes the “magical negro” character. What does this say about “Post-Racial America?” Pull specific scenes in your analysis. Utilize parts of Spike Lee’s argument to support your own argument.
5. Watch a Twilight film and challenge Eddo-Lodge’s interpretation of Bella Swan’s character. Is she a weak female character? Why or Why not? What does her character reinforce about gender codes? What does it challenge? Pull specific scenes in your analysis.
6. Watch a Hunger Games film and challenge Pollitt’s interpretation of Katniss Everdeen’s character. Is she a weak female character? Why or Why not? What does her character reinforce about gender codes? What does it challenge? Pull specific scenes in your analysis.
7. Write an essay that analyzes the relationship between Western civilization and indigenous populations by using the film Avatar. Who are the Sky people? Who are the Na’vi? What comment is being made about colonialism? Pull specific scenes in your analysis.
Source information: You must use credible sources in your analysis. Wikis should be avoided. Yes, this means Wikipedia is NOT a credible source-- neither are Shmoop, Cliff Notes, and Spark Notes. If you have questions as to what is deemed as a credible source—ASK. You must utilize four outside sources and no more than six. Thus, an MLA Works Cited page is required. Make sure you properly cite in-text and correctly format the WC page. Failure to do so will result in a 20% deduction in overall grade for the paper.