essay about film
PROMPT: Choosing one of the films from the list below, discuss your understanding of the work’s meaning from a political perspective, and evaluate the formal choices and filmmaking methods that you think contribute most to conveying that meaning.
Daisies, Vĕra Chytlová, 1966, Czechoslovakia
Born in Flames, Lizzie Borden, 1983, USA
Perfumed Nightmare, Kidlat Tahimik, 1977, Philippines
The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On, Kazuo Hara, 1987, Japan
Lumumba, Death of the Prophet, Raoul Peck, 1990, France/Haiti
Choosing one of the films from the list below, discuss your understanding of the work’s meaning from a political perspective, and evaluate the formal choices and filmmaking methods that you think contribute most to conveying that meaning. Please note that this is a two-part prompt. You are being asked (1) to advance an overall textual interpretation that takes the film as a whole into consideration and (2) to write critically about cinematic form and method. The assignment asks you to pick out aspects of form and method based upon your view of their overall significance to the film’s meaning. The reasoning behind your specific areas of focus should come through in the way you set forth your points. Be sure to state your thesis clearly and build an argument for it using concrete evidence and lucid reasoning. As before, write as though the reader has not seen the film, but focus on what is necessary and relevant when summarizing narrative events. You do not need to conduct outside research, but if you do, please be sure to cite your sources. You may wish to make references to the assigned readings, which should also be cited if used. You do not need to cite content from the course lectures or from the quiz review handouts, but please spell out in detail your own understanding of that material if you refer to it. Film Choices: Daisies, Vĕra Chytlová, 1966, Czechoslovakia Born in Flames, Lizzie Borden, 1983, USA Perfumed Nightmare, Kidlat Tahimik, 1977, Philippines The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On, Kazuo Hara, 1987, Japan Lumumba, Death of the Prophet, Raoul Peck, 1990, France/Haiti Word Count: 450 (maximum 600)
