Literary Analysis of Film
Monday-Friday
Periods 5 and 8
Purpose: This course will allow students to learn how to perceive film and how it affects them as individuals. It will help them develop criteria for aesthetic awareness so that they may evaluate film. The relationship between film and literature is complex. Most films have character and plot development, theme, setting, a point of view, and other familiar literary devices. This course will reinforce students’ abilities to understand these devices in a visual medium. Furthermore, the students will learn about the complex technology necessary to create popular films. They will become more aware of the business side of the film, and the discipline and hard work of film professionals. This course will help students learn how a film communicates its message. Students will learn how to perceive film better, how to understand film language and aesthetic relationships, and how to better appreciate and enjoy film. Lastly, this course will consist of a general historical overview of film and its evolution. Attendance is critical and make-ups must be done on your own time (we can’t rewind the movie for you!).
Week in ReviewMonday May 6-Spirited Away
Tuesday May 7-animation test Wednesday May 8-presentation of them in film (in-class writing) Thursday May 9-Wednesday May 15-Pan's Labyrinth Thursday May 16-Friday May 17-short paper on the thematic presentation of Pan's Labyrinth Tuesday May 28-Friday May 31-Choose genre film Monday June 3-Thursday May 6-comedy in film Friday June 7-in-class final review Monday June 10-Thursday June 13-Pulp Fiction viewing for the final |
Assignment Due DatesTuesday May 7-test "Animation"
Wednesday May 8-Theme writing (in class) Thursday May 16-Friday May 17-short paper on the thematic presentation of Pan's Labyrinth Friday May 31-Genre project due Friday June 7-comedy guide due; in-class review due FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE Tuesday June 18-5th period Thursday June 20-8th period Film Review due dates MP4 4/12 (make-ups not accepted after 5/1) 4/26 (make-ups not accepted after 5/3) 5/10 5/24 6/7 (In-class review) |
The Language of Film
AFI Top 100 Classics Project
A Primer for Film
The film industry has been an incredible part of the American business, entertainment and cultural landscape for over 100 years. Our first unit focuses on the basics of the film industry and the major players in the formation of a motion picture. What is a director? A producer? What is the basic unit of a film? These and other questions are answered in this introductory unit. Most importantly students will begin the process of becoming an "active" participant in the films they view. Observe the image to understand how and why the director and his/her team chose to present the film in a certain manner or style. Lastly, students will understand how motion pictures are captured testaments of a generation's heritage.
Content of a FilmThe Script
-Story (plot, conflict, etc.) -Characters -Theme(s) |
Structure of a Film-Use of the Camera
-Scene Composition (mis-en-scene) -Editing -Sound |
American Film Iinstitute
Top 10 American Films
1. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. The Godfather (1972)
3. Casablanca (1942)
4. Raging Bull (1980)
5. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
6. Gone with the Wind (1939)
7. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
8. Schindler’s List (1993)
9. Vertigo (1958)
10. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Top 10 American Films
1. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. The Godfather (1972)
3. Casablanca (1942)
4. Raging Bull (1980)
5. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
6. Gone with the Wind (1939)
7. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
8. Schindler’s List (1993)
9. Vertigo (1958)
10. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
| afi_top_100_list.docx |
Important Film Analysis Documents and Assignments
| filmcoursesheet.docx |
| filmreviews.docx |
USEFUL FILM LINKS
Internet Movie Database (IMDb) Provides all of the information about nearly every movie, television series, documentaries, etc. Extremely useful and important in acquiring information about films. Absolutely recommended.
All Movie Film and video reviews, credits, cross-referenced by actor, director, genre
Cinema Sites Comprehensive listing of links to hundreds of cinema sites
American Film Insitute Industry news, films events and festivals, educational seminars and Top 100 lists
Filmsite.org Great site for historical analysis, detailed film synopses, Oscar and great film information
Roger Ebert Roger Ebert’s great page of reviews, analyses, and film history that is a part of the Chicago Sun-Times main site
AMC (American Movie Channel) Movie Reviews, lists and general information about films as part of the station's web-site
All Movie Film and video reviews, credits, cross-referenced by actor, director, genre
Cinema Sites Comprehensive listing of links to hundreds of cinema sites
American Film Insitute Industry news, films events and festivals, educational seminars and Top 100 lists
Filmsite.org Great site for historical analysis, detailed film synopses, Oscar and great film information
Roger Ebert Roger Ebert’s great page of reviews, analyses, and film history that is a part of the Chicago Sun-Times main site
AMC (American Movie Channel) Movie Reviews, lists and general information about films as part of the station's web-site
