Socratic Seminar #1: FILM film

“As for me, all I know is that I know nothing.”

-Socrates

The culminating verbal assessment for this unit on American Film and

films about film is our first Socratic Seminar. As always with a Socratic

Seminar, questions are as valid a contribution to discussion as answers. In

Socratic seminars, value of inquiry presides- the process of asking questions

and posing responses that lead to deeper questions and further

consideration of the topic is the goal.

Primary Sources: Billy Wilder’s Sunset BLVD

Tim Burton’s Ed Wood

Tom Dicillo’s Living in Oblivion

Secondary Sources:

*Independent Web Research (Google key word searches, Wikipedia, imdb.com, Rotten Tomatoes)

*Reference to earlier films such as Rear Window and The Godfather, Part I.

Essential Concepts, Terms, Figures: Direction, Cinematography (Photo Direction), lighting, Scene, Angle (extreme close-up, close-up, medium shot, long shot, extreme long shot, eye-level shot, low-angle shot, high-angle shot, bird’s eye shot, dutch tilt or canted angle), Shot, mise-en-scéne, Acting, Casting, Contrast, Juxtaposition, Symbol, Dialogue, etc.

As preparation for this Socratic seminar, consider which of the three films has the strongest and/or most intricate and/or most interesting theme, which has the best script, which has the best casting, which has the most distinct style, use of color, camerawork, which reveals the most about what film is, which you enjoyed most and why, which you liked least and why.

GUIDING QUESTIONS:

*What primary function should film serve? Is it more important for a film to entertain, to provoke, to educate, to inspire, or must it do all these things?

*Is film a medium worthy of study?

*How does film differ from other artistic media or from other literary genres?

GRADES:

On the day of your Socratic seminar have notes reflecting your research and reflection regarding the three films and filmmaking ready for reference (and to turn in); include three or more questions prepared to further the discussion (at least three of these should be “level 3” questions), and impressions from your experience interacting with the films. Socratic oral contributions earning the highest grades will show a deep familiarity with the primary sources and reference criticism (Internet research, Gale). Socratic written components earning the highest grades will comprise of typed notes that include appropriate questions, significant quotes from critical perspectives (including source citation), annotated articles, and any other notes you compile in preparation; secondarily, these students will provide specific and apt details on the Socratic observation form.


*This assignment will constitute two grades: one related to your verbal contribution on your inner circle day, and one related to your observations while in the outer circle and your typed notes and questions.