Film and Literature
In this course, students will learn how the art of filmmaking is used as a narrative vehicle. Much of the course content will focus on films that have been based on literary works. Media activities, reading, research, writing and speaking opportunities will be made available. Students should be aware of the vital importance of attendance, as in-class film viewing and lectures are a one-chance opportunity and may not be available outside the classroom. (This is not an approved course for NCAA Division I eligibility.)
CALENDAR November 28
Introduction of Holocaust unit. We will work in the library computer lab researching topics for an expository essay you will write. Topics will be chosen from one of three sites (click to reach site) and must be approved by Mr. Crow: 1. Holocaust Education & Archive Research Team 2. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum 3. Facing History and Ourselves ***Permission slip for Schindler's List ***Writing assignment criteria sheet November 21 The Truman Show: Writing assignment (choose two of three prompts) November 18 The Truman Show worksheet -- Social issues in the film and in the world Symbolism and allegory November 14 - 16 Screening The Truman Show November 10 Finish Something the Lord Made Read Hamilton Naki's obituary Write a comparative analysis paper: Hamilton Naki and Vivien Thomas November 8 Watch part one of Something the Lord Made November 3 Final Exam over CMIYC November 1 Review for final: Catch Me If You Can. October 25 Finish Film Shawshank film analysis sheet Screening Shawshank Redemption October 12 Chapters 4 and 5 quiz Make-up quizzes October 10 Read Chapters 4 and 5 Finish film Watch behind the scenes, including set design, cinematography, costumes, casting, and musical scoring. October 6 Film Clip Chapter 3 Quiz October 4 Quiz over chapter 2 Discuss chapters 2 and 3 Silent reading time Clip from film View the gifts the author, Frank Abagnale, sent our class. September 30 Quiz over chapter 1 Discuss chapters 1 and 2 Watch clip from film Chapter 2 quiz next class September 28 We will check out the memoir Catch Me If You Can (CMIYC). There will be a quiz over Chapter 1 on Friday, September 30. September 26 In the first part of class, we will look at two clips from The Departed (Martin Scorsese) and leam how he uses shot composition (clip one) and color, lighting, and editing (clip two) to create a desired effect. Students will then have time in class to write on their film reviews, which will be due at the beginning of class on Wednesday. September 22 Students will watch Act Three (final act) of the film. We will then discuss the way the filmmaker structured her plot and how she used manipulative storytelling techniques to get the audience thinking one thing while the reality was another. Finally, I will introduce the writing assignment (film review) for this film. September 20 Students will watch Act one and Act two of the French film A La Folie, Pas Du Tout (He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not.) September 16 Students will storyboard a scene from Jaws and justify their shot composition. HANDOUT Jaws Screenplay Excerpt September 14 Today, we will pick up where we left off last class and carry the idea of shot composition into storyboarding. Students will storyboard a scene from the film Kill Bill that is an excerpt from a screenplay and must justify their composition choices. Then, we will watch the scene to see how the director (Tarantino) decided to compose the scene. September 12 We will watch Martin Scorsese's brief discussion on visual literacy, then analyze the importance of the decisions that go into shot composition. The central question will be: why did the director choose to show this moment this way? After studying the tools at the director's disposal (vocab list), we will analyze clips from films directed by Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, and Quentin Tarantino. HANDOUT: Film vocabulary list September 8 To begin the semester, we will look at the beginning of the technology of the motion picture and photographer Eadweard Muybridge's "Sallie Gardner at a Gallop." We will study the illusion of the motion picture as well as other illusions in storytelling and in life. We will examine this concept through the study of Descartes's Meditations on First Philosophy (1641) essay as well as viewing the French film A La Folie, Pas du Tout. |
DUE DATESNovember 28
Writing assignment for The Truman Show November 18 Social Issues worksheet November 10 Comparative analysis paper: Hamilton Naki and Vivien Thomas November 3 Final: Catch Me If You Can. October 25 Shawshank film analysis sheet October 12 Chapters 4 and 5 quiz Make-up quizzes October 10 Chapters 4 and 5 assigned, due October 12 October 6 Chapter 3 Quiz October 4 Chapter 2 quiz September 30 Chapter 1 quiz (CMIYC) September 28 Film review for He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not September 16 Storyboards for Jaws screenplay excerpt. September 14 Storyboards for Kill Bill scene. September 12 Summarize Martin Scorsese's comments about visual Literacy. |
USEFUL LINKSI will list some useful links here. You should also check the lesson plan and due date columns for certain documents.
REVIEW WEBSITE for FINAL EXAM Terms for FINAL EXAM REVIEW Course Syllabus Rotten Tomatoes A great website to check out reviews of films. Visual Literacy In this clip, Martin Scorsese explains the importance of visual literacy. Ident This short claymation film by Richard Goleszowski explores the nature of self identity. We will study this film to explore mise-en-scene, symbolism, and metaphor. Jaws pier scene |