FMS 100mg – Introduction to Film
Paper #2 Assignment Guidelines
You will write a 4-page paper on the following topic:
Analyze Three KingsORRaging Bull in terms of genre. What genre or genres does the film belong to? Be sure to identify several features and conventions of the genre or genres to which the film belongs and illustrate them with examples from the film. Finally, make a case for the social function of your film’s genre and how the film embodies the social function or functions (this part should be no more than 1/3 of your paper).
Though you may of course use the lectures and PowerPoints as resources, please do NOT quote them in your paper. You do not need to use sources in this paper, and your writing should be original, i.e. your own words and ideas.
Format Guidelines
- Due to Professor Green as an e-mail attachment by the specified date. No late papers accepted without permission from instructor or a university approved excuse. Late papers will result in 10% deduction for each day late after class begins on the due date.
- Save the file as: LastnameFirstname – CR1.doc, NOT docx.) (e.g., GreenMichael-CR1.doc)
- In the title of your e-mail, type Critical Review 1
- Paper must be no less than three pages and no more than four. Shorter or longer papers will result in a 10% deduction.
- Your paper must be titled. Feel free to be creative as long as your title is relevant to your topic.
- Your paper must be word processed in 12 pt, Times New Roman, double-spaced between lines but not between paragraphs. 1” margins all around. Failure to comply with these specifications will result in a 10% deduction.
Paper Guidelines
- Avoid evaluative/opinionated language. This is a critical analysis, not a movie review. If you aren’t sure of the difference, be sure to review the Critical Film Writing PowerPoint linked to the course. You should look at that anyway.
- Your paper must include a SHORT introduction that concludes with a strong thesis statement that clearly asserts what you are going to argue or analyze in your paper. Especially because this is a short paper, this must be specific! Failure to include a strong, clear thesis and introduction will result in the loss of 10% of your paper grade.
Example #1: Despite the fact that Casino Royale demonstrates many traditional gender stereotypes, the movie is actually somewhat progressive in representing women. It accomplishes this through the depiction, via mise-en-scene, of its main female character, Vesper Lynd. In this paper, I will argue that Casino Royale challenges traditional gender representations through the composition, lighting, costume and make-up of Vesper Lynd.
Example #2: The Bourne Supremacy uses editing techniques to advances its narrative. Specifically, The Bourne Supremacy conveys a sense of urgency in the character of Jason Bourne, as well as a sense of the danger that he is in, through its use of rapid cutting, crosscutting and rhythmic editing.
Notice how each example proposes a purpose for the film techniques.
- You must back up your argument with evidence and examples.
- Do NOT become bogged down in plot summaries, definitions, long explanations of concepts, or anything else that takes away valuable space for analysis and individual thought. While it is necessary to set context, you need no more than a few sentences to do this.
- Make sure that you add a short conclusion that summarizes your overall argument.
- Watch your writing. Excessively poor spelling and grammar will result in a loss of 10%. This means take the time to rewrite and revise.
Grading Rubric
- Strong thesis/introduction – 10%
- Quality of content –
- Critical/analytical thinking – 25 %
- Use of evidence/examples to support your points – 15%
- Argument is strongly woven throughout paper – 15%
- Organization/clarity – 15%
- Organized into clear paragraphs and subtopics
- Sticks closely to stated topic/argument
- Writing is lucid, economical and clear
- Adequate length – 10%
- Grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting – 10%