COMPARATIVE ESSAY
This is a chance to work on your own, applying what you have learned about global genres to a unit of your choosing by comparing two films that exemplify that genre (warrior hero, wedding, horror, or road movie).
If you would like to compare two films not listed in the syllabus (perhaps selected from the filmographies listed at the end of each unit) you may make a proposal by sending me an email that specifies the unit/genre you would be focusing on, describes the alternative films, and explains why you would like to compare them.For example, you could suggest examining the warrior hero by comparing Sergio Leone’s spaghetti Western, A Fistful of Dollars (Per un pugno di dollari, 1964) with Kurosawa’s Bodyguard (Yojimbo, 1961), the Japanese samurai film that inspired Leone. Or you might compare Guillermo del Toro’s The Devil’s Backbone (El Espinazo del Diablo, 2001) and The Orphanage (El Orfanato, 2007) another Spanish film produced by del Toro.
Your essay should address all of the bullet points below in that order and use a structure that dedicates at least one paragraph to each bullet point. While you don’t have to answer every question for each bullet point, your writing should demonstrate a deep and thoughtful engagement with several of the prompts. While you are welcome to consult outside sources, you are only required to cite the films you are comparing and the course textbook.
GENRE:
Briefly identify the elements of the genre as they appear in these films: such as familiar scenes, stock characters, typical locations, iconic details, stylistic features, and recurring themes. For instance, why do you classify these movies as a Western, a wedding comedy, horror film, road movie, etc.?
CHARACTERS:
Who are the heroes (protagonists) and villains (antagonists) in these films? What conflicts do they face, and how do they confront these challenges?
CULTURE:
What do these filmed stories say about the cultures that produced them? What are the underlying beliefs and attitudes toward life? How might local customs, history, and ideologies influence the way these stories are presented on the screen?
TECHNIQUE:
Comment on the filmmaking itself. For instance, what special uses does the movie make of lighting, color, framing, motion, or sound? What do the acting, costumes, makeup, and set design contribute to the story?
INDUSTRY:
Research the films’ context of production, distribution, and reception. Where was it made and by whom? Where was it shown and who saw it? How did business concerns shape the content?
Be sure to give your essay a proper heading (name, date, instructor, course) and a title (centered). It should be between 4 and 8 double spaced pages and employ proper spelling, grammar, and mechanics. When grading your essay, I will use the following rubric of criteria:
1. Focus: did you cover the five bullet points above with a clear thesis, topic sentences, and conclusion?
2. Argument: did you establish a thesis and build a case using evidence and specific examples?
3. Accuracy: did you demonstrate mastery of the material, cinematic terms, and relevant facts?
4. Expression: did you write in a formal scholarly mode that properly cites sources (APA/MLA)?
