In viewing the films presented in class you are to assume the dual
role of historian and movie critic. You will need to be alert both to
the historical importance of the film and to the ways in which the
director has chosen to depict the historical period, themes, events,
and characters. You will then write a brief 750-1000 word (4 typed
pages) critical response in which you relate the materials and the
film to historical events studied in this course.
Your written critique should include, but need not be limited to,
your responses to the following questions:
l. What historical period, themes, events, and characters are
portrayed?
2. On the basis of your reading and study, how historically accurate
is the portrayal? How does it differ from "historical reality"? Give
examples.
3. What biases or points of view does the film reflect? Who are the
heroes or villains, if any, and what do they represent? What
political, social, or economic views or values, if any, does the film
treat? In what ways are these biases or value judgements
revealed?
4. What cinematic techniques or devices does the director employ to
enhance historical authenticity or to give the viewer a "visual feel"
for the period and events depicted? (For example, the use of black
and white, rather than color, to depict somber themes or emphasize
harsh environment; the use of music to establish mood; frequent close
ups to stress individuals; panoramic shots of the landscape to
emphasize the terrain; or the use of romance or humor to humanize an
historical character.)
5. Does the film seek primarily to inform, persuade, arouse emotions,
entertain, or a combination of these?
6. Is the film's focus on the way individuals shape history or on the
impersonal forces (economic, social, environmental) that sweep
individuals along with them?
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