Film Editing & Design Name______

Points Possible: 50 pts

Acting, Directing, and Screenwriting Film Analysis

Whiplash (2014) Acting Analysis

1.  At the core of this film is a question of whether it’s more important to be great or be a decent human being. What do you think and why?

2.  Fletcher said “Good job” was harmful. Do you agree or disagree?

3.  Do you think Andrew would have become as good if Fletcher had encouraged and praised him?

4.  Was Fletcher right all along, or did Andrew simply overcome hardship and gain revenge?

5.  Analyze J.K. Simmons’ portrayal of Fletcher and Miles Teller’s portrayal of Andrew: What made their performances impactful? What was it about their acting methods that you found effective?

Tarantino Appreciation and Film Analysis Worksheet

1.  List at least THREE films directed by Quentin Tarantino:

2.  Based on the clips viewed in class, what kinds of tactics, writing techniques, or directorial style make Tarantino’s work significant?

3.  List at least ONE Tarantino Fun Fact that you found particularly interesting (or look some up online):

4.  In the movie Django: Unchained, how does Tarantino’s film present a different – certainly less told – version of American slavery?

5.  What is the conflict that is driving the protagonist to act?

6.  Choose ONE scene from Django: Unchained that made the biggest impression upon you. Describe the scene in detail including setting, music, actions, character names, and any pertinent dialogue. Why was this scene powerful or especially well made?

7.  Filmmakers use a variety of tools to communicate their message. Delve deeply into the tactics used in this film. Give two specific examples of how elements of the cinematic art, such as lighting, shot framing, camera angles, camera movement, color, editing choice, or length of take, audio effects or music were used by the filmmakers to get their point across.

8.  Young filmmakers often learn best by borrowing the tactics used by experienced masters of the art. Choose one or two things that stood out about this film that you would like to be able to mimic in your own films, or describe something that you would like to learn how to do as a result of seeing this film. (Examples: method acting, cinematography, special effects, music/audio scoring, directing, specific film tactics). NOTE: You should try to pick things that you feel you are capable of applying to your own movies and that you can learn with research and practice – not with a major Hollywood budget.

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