This week we'll be writing the film critical review. With this kind of essay, you'll want to keep your emphasis more on the word critical, as in think critically, and less on review or recommendation (though you're welcome to conclude your review with a recommendation to watch the film or not). You'll be analyzing the film just as you would an essay, picking something out of it that can be developed as a thesis.
If you look again at the critical review from last week you'll notice that the first 9 of the 12 paragraphs of the essay all begin with topic sentences on deception. Lindsay is developing the thesis that he presented in the introduction paragraph. He doesn't attempt to analyze everything, just the motif of deception. It's a focused critical review. (But don't try to model the overall structure. You do NOT need 12 paragraphs. 3 to 5 body paragraphs will more likely be your structure.)
Here's your assignment:
Using the film that you watched last week, analyze a single element within it. This is literary analysis and you've been doing it all along with printed stories. This one is just on film.
Hints, guiding principles, requirements...
1. Most of your writing needs to be analysis, but a paragraph or two of plot summary at the beginning is ok. You should keep this minimal.
2. The same elements of analysis that you've used with the written literature is available for this essay too: character development, theme and motif, style, etc. But you've also got the uniquely film elements such as direction, editing, casting, and cinematography. Just make sure you're focusing on ONE element.
3. Take notes on the film. If you're working with an element involving character, you'll need to get the names right and to quote it accurately. If you're working with something like choreography (for a musical of course), you may need a list and the order of the dance numbers. Yes, you may need to watch the film again this week, and if you're not sure if you should take notes on something, take notes on it.
4. 800-word minimum, 1000 maximum. That's a tight window. Stick to it, please.
Final drafts (the only drafts) are due Friday night. You will NOT have an opportunity to revise this essay (it's your final exam!); however, if you want my input you're welcome to send me your thesis statement, an outline, or just a description of what you're planning. Don't send me an entire draft.
Again, this is your final exam. I'll be assessing your work for such basics as organization, economy (no fluff or unnecessary repetition of ideas), and close proofing of grammar, usage, and mechanics (Yes, I'm grading this for proofing just like I would a final draft because it is a final draft). And avoid first and second person pronouns; You're analyzing not reflecting.
Have a great week!
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