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Feature Film Scene Analysis (Due Aug 15)

Watch one of the scenes listed below and take notes describing the Cinematography, Mise en Scene, Editing and Audio(Effects, Music and Writing). You may have to watch the scene several times in order to focus on each one individually. This will be your research for your analysis essay.

(Example of an observation: The fact that the shower scene in Psycho has 78 cuts in 45 seconds creates an illusion of violent stabbing without the use of prosthetics commonly seen in contemporary horror films.) --Just describe and elaborate on what you see.

Write a paper: 3-5 pages describing how these different elements relate to the story and/or theme of the film.

Do not attempt to summarize the entire film, just describe the elements of the scene.

Please do not include any evaluative information like: “This is a great film.” “This is the best movie of all time.” “I like this film, but Get Him to the Greek is way better.” Etc.

Write in the third person, objective voice and in present tense only. (See example sentence above) Do not shift back and forth between past and present tense.

Even though you are being asked to describe so many different elements, it is important that your paper is organized with a clear thesis in the opening paragraph. The rest of your analysis should support that thesis in some way.

Other Opening Scene Suggestions:

Sunset Blvd
Memento
Raging Bull
Apocalypse Now
Three Kings
Citizen Kane
Do the Right Thing
Clueless
Up in the Air
The Hangover
The Breakfast Club
Friday Night Lights
The Hurt Locker
No Country for Old Men
Opening Scene of MadMen
American Beauty
Gladiator
Blue Velvet