Watch the assigned film (Daughters of the dust)
First, refer to the resources for writing good screening notes which are posted in the Resources folder under Course Materials, including my introduction and tips.
Then, as you watch the assigned film (Daughters of the dust (free on kanopy))
1) ) take thorough screening notes – either in a notebook or typed as you watch, whichever is most comfortable for you.
2) Be sure to write your first reactions and reflections to the film as a whole at the end of these notes, immediately, while the film is still fresh in your mind!
3) Ideally, let these notes sit for a day or two , then re-read them to remind yourself of your viewing experience and the most interesting observations you made about the film.
Select about 1 page that best reflects the heart of your screening notes, the section that contains the most useful parts or the notes reflect or support what you think are the most interesting or important parts of the film.
4) Begin your Screening Journal as a word document and type or copy/paste these selected notes as the first page. Times New Roman, 12 pt., 1 inch margins (preferred).
3) Then, for the rest of your Screening Journal entry, write a summary of your observations of the film, in at least a paragraph for each of the following 4 film analysis categories:
I. CHARACTER, STORY, NARRATIVE
II. VISUAL STYLE (mise-en-scene and cinematography)
III. EDITING, SOUND, MUSIC, SPECIAL EFFECTS
IV. THEMES, SYMBOLS, MESSAGES, SOCIAL CONTEXT
What points can you make from your initial screening of the film for each of these areas?
Your early Screening Journal entries may just express a basic understanding of what you think is happening, but as the semester progresses, you will acquire more “tools” to use in analyzing the films and you will be able to analyze the film elements more deeply.
You might also find that you have a lot to say in one or two of the categories and less for the others, depending on the film, but you should include something for all categories, as they are all important in making a film what it is.
