Essay 2—Analysis of Film Structure
Analyze the narrative structure of a film. Your analysis should identify the individual Acts in the film, explain how each Act contributes to the overall narrative, note the major turning points, and describe how the turning points relate to the main characters’ goals. Use David Bordwell’s “Anatomy of the Action Picture” as a model.
You may choose to analyze any film we do not analyze in class (excluding documentaries), but you must get approval of your film choice from me. The film you pick should be one you enjoy, one you know well, and one you have access to on DVD or other media for easy reference.
Your essay should be about 3-4 pages (750-1000 words).
Your paper must have a thesis (an idea you intend to prove or demonstrate), and each paragraph should have a topic sentence. You must support your thesis and your topic sentences with detailed evidence. Find concrete details to support every claim you make.
Your analysis should include both your own direct observations and some library research. The essay must include at least THREE sources (one primary, two secondary) documented in proper MLA format, with in-text, parenthetical references and a list of Works Cited. (Please note: encyclopedias–including on-line encyclopedias like Wikipedia–do not count as sources for this assignment.)
Make your writing clear, concise, specific, and engaging. Don’t waste my time and yours trying to sound impressive. Make every word count.
In evaluating your essay, I will focus on the intelligence and specificity of your ideas, the precision of your analysis, the clarity of your prose, and the originality and persuasiveness of your thesis.
Use proper MLA style for formatting your document. (See https://drmarkwomack.com/mla-style/: “Document Format,” “Anatomy of a Citation,” and “Documenting Sources.”)
Film Selection Approved by: October 25
Bring THREE copies of your essay to class for Peer Critiques.
Draft Due: October 29
Bring THREE copies of your essay to class for Peer Critiques.
Revision Due: November 8
Bring your Revised Draft, your Initial Draft with my comments on it, and all the Peer Critiques you received to class in a folder with your name on the front cover.