Analyzing Historical Films
When watching a film or video interpretation of any event, consider using the following (PIPER) model of analysis,
P Point of View?
I Inferences?
P Persuasive Techniques?
E Evidence?
R Relevant Information?
Use this work sheet to help you analyze historical films you watch?
1. Main point of the film:
2. P What is the point of view of the film ?explain
2b Was it overly favorable or critical or biased of a particular group or individual? explain
3. I What inferences were made in the film?
3b Were there parts of the film that filmmakers must have made up because they couldn’t have known this from the available evidence? explain
4. P What Techniques are used in the film(explain) to persuade the audience to the filmmakers point of view? Note music, camera angle, character portray, oral testimony, etc.
5. E (a)What evidence is included to support the point of view put forth in the film?(b) What is the source of that evidence? (c)How strong is it?
NOTE – Do not write very strong
6. Overall, how strong are the historical arguments in this film? Is it historically accurate?
(Weighing the strength)
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· 1983, 1990 Midwest Publications * Critical Thinking Press & Software
