General Instructions For Each Of The Two Papers You Will Be

General Instructions For Each Of The Two Papers You Will Be Respons

For each of the two papers, you will be responsible for watching a film and writing a 3 to 5 page essay (double spaced, Calibri 11 font, 1" margins) in which you respond to prompts provided for each paper. These are reaction papers, not plot summaries or research papers. The focus is on your personal interpretation and critique of the film, supported by references to weekly course content.

In this 300-level course, you are expected to explain why you think the way you do about the film and justify your opinions with relevant references. You will need to incorporate concepts and terminology learned in class, compare the film to others you have seen, and relate it to course themes. Be sure to watch the assigned films thoroughly, leave enough time for viewing, thinking, drafting, and revising, and submit your assignments on time in the proper LEO folder.

Some films may be streamed via Netflix or other platforms, available at your local library, or require rental. Remember to spell names correctly, especially those of directors, actors, and screenwriters, as errors may affect your grade. Only mention names found in the credits of the film. Grading criteria include engagement with the material, use of course concepts, thoughtful opinions supported by explanations, comparisons to other films, and proper college-level writing (grammar, punctuation, spelling).

Paper For Above instruction

In this assignment, you are tasked with developing a comprehensive and analytical response to a film viewed as part of a college-level course. The objective is to articulate your personal critique, supported by academic references, course content, and film vocabulary, ensuring a deep understanding and thoughtful engagement with the cinematic work.

First, choose the designated film and view it attentively, ideally on a large, high-resolution screen to capture details and nuances. After viewing, reflect on the film's themes, stylistic choices, narrative techniques, and emotional impact. As this is a reaction paper, focus on what the film means to you personally and analyze why it affects you in a particular way, supported by theoretical or technical concepts discussed in class (e.g., mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, narrative structure, genre conventions).

The paper should begin with an introduction that briefly summarizes your initial impressions and states your thesis—a clear position or argument about the film. The body paragraphs should develop your analysis, providing specific examples from the film to support your claims. Use appropriate terminology learned in the course, such as "diegesis," "montage," "sound design," or "verisimilitude," to describe your observations and deepen your critical discussion.

Throughout the paper, make explicit connections between your reactions and course themes, readings, or other films you have studied. If applicable, compare this film to others, highlighting similarities or differences in thematic exploration, style, or cinematic techniques. Be sure to justify your opinions with well-reasoned explanations, avoiding vague language or unsupported assertions.

Conclude by summarizing your main insights and reflecting on how the film contributes to your understanding of cinema as an art form. End with a final thought or question that encourages further reflection, demonstrating your engagement beyond surface-level viewing.

Throughout your writing, maintain clarity, coherence, and academic tone. Proofread carefully for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. Include a separate page with your "My Criteria for Quality in Film" to outline your personal standards for evaluating filmmaking, which should align with your analysis.

References

• Bailey, D. (2014). Understanding film theory. Routledge.
• Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. (2010). Film art: An introduction (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
• Test, C. (2002). Film theory: An introduction. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Cook, P., & Staiger, J. (2007). The studio system. Film Studies, 69(2), 204-218.
• Mulvey, L. (1975). Visual pleasure and narrative cinema. Screen, 16(3), 6-18.
• Monaco, J. (2010). How to read a film: The art, technology, language, history, and theory of filmmaking. Oxford University Press.
• Chion, M. (1994). Audio-vision: Sound on screen. Columbia University Press.
• Naremore, J. (1998). Acting in the cinema. University of California Press.
• Ellis, J., & McLane, B. (Eds.). (2005). Visual and media literacy: A reader. Sage Publications.
• Corrigan, T. (2011). The film experience. Bedford/St. Martin's.