Film Review

Over the course of the next two weeks we will be watching Pleasantville and Remember the Titans (Possibly American History X).  Choose the movie that presents the issues you’d most like to write about and write a two page film review of that film.

Your paper should do the following:

1.      Offer a brief (VERY BRIEF) synopsis of the film.

2.      Offer a discussion of several central points or issues, such as:

·        How are the characters portrayed?  What is the significance of their roles in the film?

·        What groups or attitudes are represented by the various characters?   What does the film achieve by this?

·        What would you argue are some of the central themes or messages the film is trying to convey?  Here, you would want to back up your claim with evidence, so show a certain scene or interactions between characters that represents the theme you discussed.

·        Was there anything in the film that raised questions for you in terms of historical accuracy, or just general questions?

·        Were there any stereotypes in the movie?  Were they intentional?

·        How did you like the film?  What do you feel was strong about the film?  What needed improvement?

3.      Write a conclusion that outlines the main points in your review.  This is where you sum up your arguments.

Note: You can select other issues, or raise other questions, as long as they are substantive in nature.  Do NOT write a paper that simply lists a bunch of answers to the above questions.  A review should follow general essay organizational form.  Show me you have thought about the film and made connections between the film and what you’ve learned in class.

Enjoy!