5 Minute Film Analysis Bringing together all of the film analysis skills you have so far

The Task By the next time we meet as a class, you need to create a 5 minute presentation that analyzes the film; North by Northwest. By the next time we meet as a class, you need to create a 5 minute presentation that analyzes the film; North by Northwest.

The Task This is NOT a film review (“I liked it.” or “It is good.”). It is a thoughtful analysis of a film USING FILM LANGUGE AND SPECIFIC FILM CONTENT. This is NOT a film review (“I liked it.” or “It is good.”). It is a thoughtful analysis of a film USING FILM LANGUGE AND SPECIFIC FILM CONTENT.

The Task The film analysis should be comprehensive, covering the entire film in a coherent way. The film analysis should be comprehensive, covering the entire film in a coherent way. One scene in particular should be emphasized to illustrate a key point you are trying to make in your presentation. One scene in particular should be emphasized to illustrate a key point you are trying to make in your presentation. You cannot present everything about the film! Be selective and original in your analysis. You cannot present everything about the film! Be selective and original in your analysis.

The Task Your presentation must have a visual component! (Powerpoint or film clips preferred). Your presentation must have a visual component! (Powerpoint or film clips preferred). It will be timed! So, reaching a 5 minute minimum (Without going over time by more than 30 seconds) is critical. It will be timed! So, reaching a 5 minute minimum (Without going over time by more than 30 seconds) is critical. No simple plot summary. Some brief plot description may be necessary, but it should be brief and only to make a point. No simple plot summary. Some brief plot description may be necessary, but it should be brief and only to make a point.

The Task As with your IB Presentations and Independent Study projects, you should do some research (When was the film made, who were important contributers, what did critics have to say, etc.). This will be one of the grading criteria as well. As with your IB Presentations and Independent Study projects, you should do some research (When was the film made, who were important contributers, what did critics have to say, etc.). This will be one of the grading criteria as well.

The Task Several electronic sources such as IMDB.com or AMC Filmsite are good starting points, but may lack depth of analysis. Several electronic sources such as IMDB.com or AMC Filmsite are good starting points, but may lack depth of analysis. Do not use questionable or reference- oriented sites such as Rotten Tomatoes or Wikipedia. Starting points: Maybe. Primary sources: Never! Do not use questionable or reference- oriented sites such as Rotten Tomatoes or Wikipedia. Starting points: Maybe. Primary sources: Never!

Possible Topics Genre Genre Theme Theme Direction Direction Use of sound Use of sound Editing Editing Lighting Lighting

Possible Topics Social / Historical context of film Social / Historical context of film Film Theories that might best apply to this film Film Theories that might best apply to this film Industry standards and influences on the film Industry standards and influences on the film Acting Acting

Possible Topics Hitchcock related notes including: Hitchcock related notes including:   Voyeuristic roles of both the audience and the actor   Innocent people caught up in complex, often uncontrollable situations   Montages and German Expressionist influences in his editing and camera work   Symbolic value in objects   Women (typically blonde) who are trapped / imprisoned and who act as victims or unpredictably

Possible Topics Auteur Theory Auteur Theory Suspense Suspense McGuffins McGuffins The Wrong Man archetype The Wrong Man archetype

Academic Honesty AS ALWAYS, you are expected to do your own work! AS ALWAYS, you are expected to do your own work! 1) Not doing so violates the IB Organizations expectations of academic honesty. 1) Not doing so violates the IB Organizations expectations of academic honesty. 2) By not doing your own work, you learn nothing and miss a chance to prepare for the more high-stakes presentation that will follow. 2) By not doing your own work, you learn nothing and miss a chance to prepare for the more high-stakes presentation that will follow. This is good practice! Show your ability and your knowledge! This is good practice! Show your ability and your knowledge!

How This Ties In to Your IB Assessment… IB expects the following regarding film analysis: IB expects the following regarding film analysis: “There is a coherent, incisive, insightful and detailed evaluative interpretation of the extract, displaying an excellent understanding of how meaning is constructed through the use of film language, with an excellent awareness of the extract’s relationship to the film as a whole. There is a persuasive explanation for the selection of the extract. The critique shows an excellent awareness of the film’s genre and/or its place in a broader sociocultural context. There is an insightful analysis of the director’s intention. Simple description is negligible and analysis is clear and thorough.” “There is a coherent, incisive, insightful and detailed evaluative interpretation of the extract, displaying an excellent understanding of how meaning is constructed through the use of film language, with an excellent awareness of the extract’s relationship to the film as a whole. There is a persuasive explanation for the selection of the extract. The critique shows an excellent awareness of the film’s genre and/or its place in a broader sociocultural context. There is an insightful analysis of the director’s intention. Simple description is negligible and analysis is clear and thorough.”