Describe what was the most or least enjoyable aspects of the film. Describe the aspects that worked and/or did not work.

The Film Critic
Unit 4 Assignment
OVERVIEW:​ ​This is a critical analysis essay and study on an influential film.

RATIONAL:​Film Critics play an integral role in the entertainment industry. Critics provide a forum for thought and discussion amongst its readers. Critics also inform the industry on its shortcomings–so that they can better develop content for their audiences.

REQUIREMENTS: (all requirements must be followed exactly)

●300 minimum word count-total (body)

○Do not exceed 500 words

○See word count requirements below

●MLA/APA style

●Minimum 1 outside resource

○Works Cited page. To avoid plagiarism, no more than 20% of essay can be outside
resource. Cite all sources used and do not forget in-text citations.

●Minimum 2 “Selfies”

○I must see both you and the movie screen in the same pic.

■1 selfie to be at the title screen.

■1 selfie to be during the middle of the movie—with one of the leading characters
in the background.

■copy/paste the selfies at the end of the works cited page.

●Submitted as a .pdf or .doc file

Writing Prompt: ​Write a film review based on the structure below and the list of films on the next page.

I. (50 words max.) Overall impression of the film. Was it good or bad?

II. (100 words max.) Who directed and starred in the film? What is the film basically about? Has it received any awards or acknowledgements then or now?

III. (100 words min.)

Review:

Describe what was the most or least enjoyable aspects of the film. Describe the aspects that worked and/or did not work.

A. Provide examples from the movie that illustrate your arguments.

IV. (50 words max.) Conclusion.

Provide a rating (4 of 5, Thumbs up/down, etc.)

Notes: DO NOT COMPARE THIS TO CONTEMPORARY MOVIES. ​Pretend that the movie is newly released and you are the first to see it (time machine scenario).

What should I evaluate?: ​Think about plot holes, good/bad action sequences, good/bad performances (do not compare to today), good/bad story elements, consistency, pacing, and–most importantly–does the film accomplish what it is meant to do?

What should I do while watching?​: Write only a few notes (so you won’t forget), enjoy the film, watch with buddies, eats lots of popcorn.

*Watch one of the movies below and write a film review*

Film Noir Monster Classics
Maltese Falcon (1941)

Dracula (1931)
Double Indemnity (1944)

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
The Big Sleep (1946)

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
OUt of the Past (1947)

The Mummy (1932)
Touch of Evil (1958)

The Wolf Man (1941)
Epics-longer films SciFi/Fantasy
Doctor Zhivago (1965)

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) Forbidden Planet (1956)
the bridge over the river kwai (1957)
Seven Samurai (1954) Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Cleopatra (1963) The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
Drama Ground Breakers
Citizen Kane (1941) Metropolis (1927)
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) The Seventh Seal (1957)
On the Waterfront (1954) The Great Dictator (1940)
12 Angry Men (1957) The Birth of a Nation (1915)
The Great Escape (1963) The Battleship Potemkin (1925)

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
●Critically Analyze (react) to source material as it applies to film criticism.
●Develop ideas in a coherent, logical, and persuasive manner.
●Further develop writing and communication skills

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