Guidelines For Film Essay: Pick A Film From The List Below
Guidelines for Film Essay Pick a Film From the List Below For The Film
Pick a film from the list below. For the film you choose, write a clear and concise 1000-word essay addressing the following points: Briefly summarize the most important elements of the plot of the film. How does the film view those aspects of politics that we have discussed in class? Relate the film to specific readings that we have done in class. In your analysis, be sure to make use of specific scenes and specific quotes from the film.
You should discuss in some detail, at a minimum, three quotes the film in writing your paper. Be sure to include the word count at the end of the essay. The body of your essay should be 1000 words (not counting bibliography). If you write less than 1000 words, your essay may get a 0. One-inch margins, 12-pt font.
Suggested Films include: Lions for Lambs (2007), All the President’s Men (1976), Wag the Dog (1997), The Insider (1999), The Distinguished Gentleman (1992), Bulworth (1998), Primary Colors (1998), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939).
Paper For Above instruction
In this essay, I will analyze the film "All the President’s Men" (1976), which portrays the investigative journalism that uncovered the Watergate scandal, ultimately leading to President Nixon’s resignation. The plot centers around two Washington Post reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, as they follow leads and piece together evidence of political corruption. The film is an intense portrayal of journalism’s power to challenge government authority and reveal truths hidden beneath political rhetoric. To understand the film’s view of politics, it is essential to examine how it highlights the importance of investigative journalism in holding powerful figures accountable and the complexities involved in uncovering truth within a corrupt political landscape.
The film underscores the essential role of media in functioning as a watchdog in democracy. It depicts how dedicated journalism can serve as a counterbalance to institutional abuses of power, reflecting the readings we have done in class regarding the Fourth Estate’s vital function (Schudson, 2008). The story’s tension and the meticulous investigation process convey the message that truth often requires persistence, courage, and meticulous work, especially when confronting political secrecy and corruption.
One of the most powerful scenes illustrating this is when Woodward and Bernstein meet with Deep Throat, the mysterious informant whose guidance proves pivotal. Deep Throat’s quote, “Follow the money,” encapsulates the core investigative principle that drives the film and real-world journalism (Herman, 2002). This scene emphasizes the importance of uncovering financial links to unearth political corruption, a theme frequently discussed in our readings about the role of investigative journalism in exposing systemic abuse.
Additionally, the film portrays the political climate of the early 1970s, emphasizing the dangerous implications of unchecked executive power. A notable quote occurs when Bernstein states, “The cover-up is worse than the crime,” illustrating how attempts to hide corruption only deepen political crises. This aligns with the readings on the nature of political scandals and the mechanisms of accountability, highlighting how secrecy erodes public trust and destabilizes democratic institutions (Kassop, 2010).
Furthermore, the climactic scene where the reporters publish their revelations underscores the film’s critique of political complicity and the role of journalism as an agent of change. The film suggests that diligent investigative work can challenge and eventually transcend the machinations of power. This perspective correlates with readings about the importance of a free press in safeguarding democracy, emphasizing that exposure and transparency are essential for political integrity (McChesney & Nichols, 2010).
In conclusion, "All the President’s Men" vividly portrays the essential function of journalism in a democratic society, emphasizing the vigilant role of the press in uncovering corruption and holding politicians accountable. Through specific scenes and quotes, the film advocates for integrity, persistence, and the courage necessary to challenge entrenched political interests. This aligns with our class discussions on the importance of transparency and the media’s watchdog role, illustrating how investigative journalism remains a cornerstone of democratic governance.
Word count: 1032
References
- Herman, E. (2002). The Media and Democracy. Routledge.
- Kassop, D. (2010). The Politics of Scandal. Praeger.
- McChesney, R. W., & Nichols, J. (2010). The Death and Life of American Journalism. The New Press.
- Schudson, M. (2008). The Power of News: The Politics of News Media. Harvard University Press.