FILM: For Instructors: Sample Assignment Ideas

Sample Assignment Ideas

In his introductory film course, Lawrence Budner of Rhode Island College asks his students to write several analysis papers, offering them the following guidelines:

How To Write the Analysis Papers

In these papers, select one scene of three to five minutes in length. Do not use a scene that has been shown and discussed in class. Then:

1. Write a brief description of the scene. (Be sure you know what a scene is. Do not pick several scenes that run together.) In this brief description, discuss the film's theme and discourse.

2. Briefly describe the shots in the scene, using shot numbers. Be sure to include the total number of shots, their approximate length, and their content. (Use the VCR time indicator to clock the shots.) Not every shot has to be fully described: select the most important shots for detailed description.

3. What is so important about these shots? Analyze (don't just describe) the shots' mise en scene, cinematography, editing, direction, acting, and sound. How is time and space used? Foreground? Background?

4. Discuss how the shots work together and separately: What sense does the scene as a whole make? How is meaning created and imparted to the viewer? How do the shots convey information and characterization? Why might these particular shots have been used? What gives them impact? How is meaning built up in the scene?

5. Describe how the scene connects with the rest of the film and its narrative. What is the importance of the scene and its relation to other scenes? Does the scene support the film's theme?

6. What is the rhythm and tempo of the scene (the pacing)?

7. Suggest an alternate stylistic way of filming this action that would not change the script, or the meaning and significance of the scene and movie. You must include this in your paper.

Do not:
1. compare to another film in more than five percent of your paper;
2. use quotations from written sources, or use more than six lines of dialogue from the film;
3. discuss the plot in detail;
4. just list and describe the shots;
5. just repeat yourself.

Be sure to:
1. use correct spelling, grammar, and syntax;
2. describe and analyze the scene in detail;
3. build analysis through use of detail;
4. read some of the sample student papers in the text;
5. use terms from the textbook so as to show you understand them;
6. use a title page and number each additional page;
7. use the present tense, and use characters' (not actors') names in your paper;
8. proofread.

Length:
Each paper should be at least five pages.

(You can submit drafts of your papers, at least three classes before the due date, for my advice. Finished papers will be accepted earlier than the due date. You may wish to use the services of the Writing Center in _______, x____.)

Remember: analyzing films includes using details that build a convincing perspective on how films create meaning for the viewer. You cannot just rely on stating that incident A definitely means B and this explains the entire movie. You have to prove your point by citing many instances that support your point of view. Also, keep in mind that the TV screen cuts off at least 20 percent of the film's image unless it is shown letterboxed.