Theory Paper for Intro to Film

Students are required to write a formal paper that critically evaluates an approved film (one not seen by the student prior to taking this course) using one of the theories outlined in class. No use of movie reviews or outside sources discussing the movie you have chosen should be used. You may only use research for learning about the theory, not the film. The film is your interpretation. You may use IMDB.com to find director/actor and year of production information only.

 

  1. Proper APA or MLA style will be required - approx. 5 to 8 pages in length. (double-spaced)
  2. The paper should discuss a current film theory in relationship to a specific film being critiqued - these are given in class.
  3. Each paper should include specific examples from the film and analysis of specific film conventions (such as trick shots, flashbacks, camera movement, and lighting).
  4. A student may develop his/her own thesis related to these issues provided the necessary evidence is given to support it.
  5. Films used for this project must be from the 100 greatest films list from the American Film Institute. If you have any doubts about choosing a film, contact the professor.
  6. Make sure to mention the films director, principal actors, and year of release (IMDB.com).
  7. Give a brief summary of the plot after your introduction of the paper; only one short paragraph for this!
  8. Your introduction should be written with two purposes in mind - build interest for your paper and state your thesis.
  9. After discussing the plot, state the theory you will be applying and give us some explanation of the theory and how it applies in the case of the film you have chosen to analyze.  This discussion of the theory itself should be about a half a page.  You may use at least 3 outside sources to help explain the theory.  One of them can be your textbook.
  10. Spend the remainder of the paper on demonstrating how the theory explains the film. Give examples of scenes, dialogue, and images that demonstrate the theory or how the theory helps us understand these examples.  You may also discuss, before the conclusion, where the theory doesn't work as well for this film, however, this should be minor. If you have major problems using a theory with a film, it may be the wrong theory or the wrong film for your analysis.   PLEASE EMAIL DR. PACE WITH YOUR MOVIE AND THEORY COMBO TO GET A HEADS UP ON THIS.
  11. In the conclusion, restate your thesis and tell us what other films might be good subjects for analysis using this theory.
  12. Make sure to check for typos and other errors - they will count against you on the evaluation. Make sure any sources are cited properly. Include a bibliography.
  13. Upload the document to the Canvas dropbox by the deadline. No late papers on this assignment!   Also, copy paste your paper into the discussion board on Canvas.
  14. You will be required to comment on two other papers submitted to Canvas by the class. Details of this will be discussed in class.

 

Please note - this is a paper where you apply your understanding of the film and the theory. You are trying to explain the film through the use of the theory. Make sure you understand the theory you are applying before you watch the film. Feel free to find additional writings that explain these theories (not that explain the film - that's your job) - note any of these sources in your bibliography.

 

Checklist:

_____ Choose a film from one of the AFI top 100 lists to use for the paper and watch it at least once, if not a couple times.

_____ Choose a film theory that will help illuminate or explain the film.

_____ Send Dr. Pace an email claiming your film and theory.  Make sure the combination hasn't already been claimed on Canvas.

_____ Get some outside information about the theory to use in the paper - at least three sources properly cited with bibliogrraphy.

_____ Avoid reading other reviews about the movie as this will taint your own understanding.

_____ Read the instructions above before writing the paper.

_____ Write the paper and check for grammar and spelling.  Make sure the writing style is in the 3rd person.

_____ Upload to the dropbox by the deadline - late papers are not accepted.

_____ Copy/paste to the discussion board as a new posting.

_____ Read two other postings from other students and give comments.