Movie & Novel Review Instructions
History
429
Payne
& Spaeth
People who make movies have a variety of roles and
motes. Writers, directors,
producers, and actors often want to both make money and make an artistic,
social, or political statement. For
this assignment we want you to write reflective comparative essays on the
movies we are watching and novels we are reading for class keeping in mind =
the
themes of the class.
Every paper should have a strong thesis statement a=
nd
an argument. Please consult D=
r.
Payne’s web page on writing a paper available on his faculty web page=
(http://web.sbu.edu/history/ppayn=
e
with a link from WebCT). You should demonstrate an understa=
nding
of the materials and an attention to detail. You should incorporate at least one
contemporary review (that is, a review written at the time of the movie of
novel’s release) into your papers.&n=
bsp;
You can find these on the New York Times on-line database or through=
a
database available through the Friedsam Library=
. You will find additional informati=
on,
including links, on writing on Dr. Payne web page.
Movie Reviews:
When reviewing the movie be sure to pay close atten=
tion
and take notes during the viewing.
Below you will find questions to help you in writing a critical anal=
ysis
of the movie. We do NOT want a
movie (or novel) summary. The=
se
questions are not prioritized. You
do not have to answer each and every one of these questions, but these are
meant to provide you with guidance as you write. Be sure to incorporate
information and themes from class and the readings, especially the informat=
ion
in the Belton text.
Questions to consider:
Does the movie directly or indirectly address issue=
s of
identity? This can take the f=
orm of
national identity, but it can also be related to class, gender, race, regio=
n,
religion and many other forms.
Is the movie commenting on values and identity or
trying to shape values and identity by depicting reality in a particular wa=
y or
by presenting an alternative to reality?
What was the historical context in which the movie =
was
made? Was the director attemp=
ting
to use history or fiction to critique or praise contemporary society? Was the movie more fact or fiction=
? How has changes in technology, soc=
iety,
and politics influenced the movie?
How does the movie deal with large themes found in
American history and society?
Themes to consider, but not be limited to, include religion, violenc=
e,
democracy, capitalism, gender roles, and race.
Does the movie offer a sweeping vision of events or=
is
it focused on the particular?
What part does the physical environment play in the
film?
Does the movie borrow, pay tribute to, or critique
another movie? Is the movie b=
ased
on another piece of work (a remake of an original movie, a novel, a book,
etc.)?
Comparative Reviews of Movies and Novels=
:
These papers are similar to the movie reviews, but =
you
should consider the similarities and differences between the novel and the
movie. What would be the caus=
e of
these? How would differences =
in
medium (film v. written word), audiences, commercial expectations, and so f=
orth
account for them. To what ext=
ent
does the movie copy the novel or an original artistic creation of the
director?