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in the formal analysis, you are expected to demonstrate your familiarity with and understanding of the terms
and concepts introduced in the textbook, and explained in the powerpoint “lectures”, and to use these
concepts to formally analyze a scene(s) from the assigned film.
Your analysis must include relevant
quotations from the reading(s) and details from the scene in question using the proper film vocabulary to
describe and analyze the film. (as examples of formal analyses, see the “film in focus” sections of your textbook,
especially the ones on mise-en-scène in do the right thing [pp.100-1], editing in bonnie and clyde [pp. 186-7], narration
in gone girl [pp. 262-263], and nonfiction and non-narrative in stories we tell [pp. 284-5].)
The formal analyses are to be written in essay form, and should be 750-1,000 words (double-spaced, times new
roman, 12-point font). a specific scene will be indicated by time codes from the film that you are to analyze at the end
of the lecture slides. the analyses are due by 11:59 pm on the following friday (one week after the “lectures” are
uploaded), so make sure you get your questions that will help you analyze the film answered in class. it is important to
have seen the entire film, as you are expected to analyze the scene in relation to the larger thematic and formal context.
a specific question, or a thesis statement, to guide your analysis will be posted with the timestamps for each clip.
you must answer the question precisely in the introduction of your paper—this is your thesis. if the thesis
is already given, then you must focus on supporting that thesis with analysis. the rest of the paper will
provide evidence from the film and textbook to support your precise answer (at least three direct quotes). you will
see that in order to do the former, i.e., answer the question clearly, you must have already done the latter, i.e .,
analyzed the film with the use of the concepts from the textbook. always answer the central question of your
papers after you have conducted all of your research (i.e., film analysis an d finding quotes from the reading to unpack), and always provide that precise answer in your introduction so your reader knows immediately what you
intend to argue. (all university papers should observe this method no matter the discipline.) do not attempt to
answer the question by telling your reader that you will “explore” or “analyze” the topic. you must provide a
specific claim that will be defended by your analysis of the film and literature, for example (here, the textbook or my lecture
slides).
The analysis is not a movie review; it is not simply an evaluation; but an informed critical description and a discussion
of the form and content of the scene. you will be graded on the quality of your answer to the question, the
specificity and relevance of your film description and analysis, the accuracy of your use of film vocabulary, and the
demonstrated comprehension of how the formal elements contribute to the larger themes/strategies of the film.
(see the rubric for this assignment in the “general course information” module.) references in analyses are to be limited to material from the course. do not cite other sources. include a
“works cited” page at the end. the textbook is cited correctly in the syllabus.
Essential
assignment guidelines: 1. a clear answer to the question posed in the prompt stated in the intro (your thesis), or
the thesis given in the prompt set up and stated in the intro; 2. at least three properly integrated quotes (no
paraphrasing) from the textbook/lecture (introduced and explained to the reader); 3. more than 50% of the text
should provide details from the scene in question using proper filmic vocabulary from the textbook/lecture—
general claims about the film must be supported by detailed description and analysis—vague language or an
overreliance on generalities are unacceptable in a film analysis; and 4. proper citations.
The formal analysis will be written on the film: Persepolis (marjane Satrap & vincent paronnaud, 2007.
Detailed instructions: you will provide a
detailed description of all of the cinematic techniques mimicked
by the animation of this scene from 27:40-30:09 in persepolis. In
addition to noting the relevant terms and concepts in the
“animation and experimental media” chapter, make use of the
textbook’s explanation of the relevant cinematic techniques in
the chapters on mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, sound,
and narrative. your research questions for this formal analysis
are: what theme is developed in this sequence of persepolis that
is most relevant to the larger autobiographical documentary
narrative? and how do the cinematic techniques help to
advance that theme in this scene?
• don’t just write a vague, generalized answer to this question
to serve as your thesis. (always) identify the specific techniques
that contribute to the development of the theme and include
them in your answer.
Sources: The Film Experience, 6th Edition
Persepolis (marjane Satrap & vincent paronnaud, 2007.
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