Major Scene Analysis Project
You are to select a three to five minute scene from a film of your choice (please be sure to avoid violence, language, and mature images!) and offer a THOUROUGH analysis of it, using the terminology learned in class. You are to discuss all elements of the scene. Consider the scene’s importance: why is it important to the overall theme of the film? What is the director attempting to achieve with this particular scene? What techniques does he or she use to achieve the artistic unity of this scene?
Your presentation must be no less than 10 minutes; preparation for this presentation is an absolute must!
What your presentation should look like:
1. Offer some context for your scene; your presentation should begin with some general information about the movie selected, including: director, year filmed, social context, why you selected the film.
2. Next, provide character names and relevant plot information.
3. Show the entire scene to the class.
4. Thoroughly discuss the scene, and include three of the following: camera angles, mise-en-scene, character development, relevant themes, sound effects/music, etc.
5. You must also apply ONE critical theory to your scene and explain how it is developed or presented. Choose from the following: reader response theory, gender perspective/feminist theory, post-colonial theory OR social class/Marxist theory. Explain how your scene shows/develops the elements of the selected theory.
6. Provide a typed summary of the important points of your scene analysis on a detailed and comprehensive handout for the teacher.
Feel free to use the pause button to freeze frame on a particular image to discuss mise-en-scene, or the frame’s relevance.
You are allowed your own notes for your presentation; try to use cue cards and be as organized as possible.
You may create a power point or keynote presentation, but it is not required.
DUE DATE: Presentations begin ______
*Every film may be used only once per class, so sign up early!