Choose one of these legendary films; pick one you have not seen before. Please have a good attitudewatching these black and white films! No complaining in homework about B/W films.
· Raging Bull 1980 Dir: Martin Scorsese
· Casablanca 1942 Dir: Michael Curtiz
· Pleasantville 1998 Dir: Gary Ross
FORMAT SHALL CONTAIN 2 PARAGRAPHS OF PLOT SUMMARY AND ALSO FILM ANALYSIS 2-3 PARAGRAPHS (or more!)
Briefly describe the story or narrative of this film in a paragraph or two. How did the narrative resolve? Did you find the resolution effective or not? Explain. What is the overall message of these films? Is the message a personal one or a message about society? How did you find the overall pacing? (Just because they are black and white does not mean they will be slower in editing pacing!) Pick out a scene that features exciting editing.
What types of shots(type, angle movement) are used? How are the cuts used (to establish rhythm, shift between characters, transition between spaces, mark passage of time, think storytime, and/or integral time)? Does editing comment on the relationships between characters and/or narrative concerns? Explain any other elements, such as sound design, sound effects, interesting shots, etc., that were used in the scene. How were they edited into the scene? Please make a note in your essay scene location by stating the time of the scene or placement in the film. Are there any ideological concepts you get from this film? REMEMBER TO DISCUSS THE MEANING OR MESSAGE OF THIS FILM! (There might be more than one!)
Note: Pleasantville utilizes color footage and B/W in this film. Discuss the symbolism of this technique. How does color and B/W reinforce the message of the film? Do you think it would not have been as effective if only shot in one medium? How does the film show/attack the idyllic 50s ideology? How does this film discuss parenting, the need for structure, and the nuclear family? How does this film discuss creativity, self-worth, love, the maturing process, and the individual in society?