Film studies unit A PRELIMINARY NOTE

The end in mind Your summative task at the end of this brief unit (4 films) will be to write an essay that connects ONE of the films studied to the over arching course theme: CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES. As a human being - especially in our relatively free society - we are given choices.  Choices to do or not to do; to think or not to think.  The choices we make have consequences as whatever we do or think affects us as well as others.   Do we make good choices?  What are good choices?  Who gets to define what good choices are and what they are not?  These are questions that you should wrestle with throughout this unit, especially.

EXPECTATIONS Meaningful and lively discussions about the film. In addition to the summative essay assignment, you will be aske to share your responses to the films, the particular genres studied and techniques used within those genres. Anticipate completing a response for each film on topics such as: Character development Interesting plot points Conventions of the genre (action, documentary, drama, etc.) Techniques (sound, visual, narrative, etc.) Meaningful and lively discussions about the film.

NARRATIVE CONVENTIONS (note) NARRATIVE CONVENTIONS: involve character types and plot events Character examples (horror/monster): the monster in horror movies - needs to elicit revulsion and fear. Return of the Living Dead Paramedic Scene The monster can also be human (Psycho, or Hostel). Silence of the Lambs Hannibal The victims of monster films are also consistent.- often respectable members of society (detectives or doctors) attempting to counter the threat of the monster. Night of the Living Dead Cemetery Scene

NARRATIVE CONVENTIONS (NOTE) Plot examples (horror/monster): The first act in a horror film often begins with a central figure journeying into a strange and ultimately threatening setting (Nosferatu, or The Blair Witch Project) The Shining - driving to the hotel

Action genre Let’s do a bit of brainstorming. . . What types of conventions might you expect in an action film? Good guys and bad guys Sinister, upbeat, nerve wracking music What else?!?

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT As we watch the film you must make notes on the following topics: Characters (names, role in film, relationships with other characters) Interesting Plot Points (major scenes in the film; summary) Conventions of the action genre (record evidence of elements discussed in our brainstorming as well as new elements that you notice. E.g. good guy versus bad guy) Connections to course theme: Choices and Consequences You will be expected to share your answers with your peers. Your first assignment associated with the film will be written after the viewing.