Ancient World in Film
Description
2,000 word essay
Choose ONE essay topic from the following TWO types of essay question:
Option 1. Compare and Contrast
In this essay compare an aspect of antiquity, figure or event that appears in two or more of the films under consideration. Your essay should contain a detailed description of the aspect, figure or event in each film as well as an analysis of the differences between the depictions. Consideration should also be given to what accounts for these differences.
Topics:
• The role of race and slavery in Spartacus and Gladiator.
• The presentation of spectacle (triumph, gladiatorial combat) in Gladiator, Spartacus, Cleopatra or HBO’s Rome.
• Sexuality and/or gender identity in Cleopatra, Spartacus, 300, HBO’s Rome or Alexander.
• The set (buildings) of antiquity in Troy, Alexander or Cleopatra.
• The role of religion or the gods in Troy and Odyssey.
Option 2. Historical Analysis
Imagine that you are a historical consultant. A director gives you a copy of one of the films below as a rough cut. Based on your knowledge of the ancient sources, what advice would you give for making changes to the film?
Topics:
• Troy (sources including the Iliad, Odyssey and Aeneid)
• Alexander (sources including Plutarch, Curtius Rufus and Arrian)
• Cleopatra (sources including Plutarch’s Lives of Antony and Julius Caesar, Horace, Suetonius’ Julius Caesar and Augustus)
• Gladiator (Historia Augusta – Marcus Aurelius and Commodus, Dio, Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations).
Assessment Criteria
• Familiarity with and understanding of the films and relevant primary texts and engagement with the principal secondary texts listed on Wattle;
• Structure, relevance of material, depth of treatment;
• Quality of argument and critical analysis;
• Writing style, paragraphing, grammar and spelling;
• Quality of research, use of sources and referencing.
Please contact me after choosing a topic to make sure you have the right version of those films
