The Classic Film Research Essay

The Classic Film Research Essay Assignment 

• Classic Films are often distinguished or unique works of cinema that have transcended time and trends with indefinable quality. They contain a timeless message for the audience!
  
• Classic films are often universal favorites that hold up after repeated rescreening.
  
• In other words, classics are renowned films of first rank, reference points in film mythology or films that have become a part of American cultural folklore.

I. Essay Topic: Classic Film

1. Select a classic film to view from the list below. If you cannot find your film online, at a video store or at your local library, go to this website – you may be able to locate your film here: http://web.archive.org .
2. After viewing and researching your film, develop a tentative thesis and submit it to the Research Essay Thesis Forum for peer review by two of your classmates and then your professor.
3. The focus of the thesis will be what you believe to be the film maker’s message – the LESSON LEARNED you have taken away from the classic film you have selected and viewed. It will be a three-part thesis which covers the following areas for support of this focus: film techniques (i.e. music, sound effects, setting, cinematography, or editing), character(s) and theme.
4. Once your thesis is peer reviewed by your classmates and approved by your professor, compose a eight paragraph, minimum 1,200 word, research essay with a minimum 1,200 word rough draft which will be first submitted in to the Turnitin Drop Box.
5. Include at least three credible research sources within your essay as well as a Works Cited section using correctly formatted MLA documentation: PLEASE NOTE: At least one source must come from the SPC Library Online Database.

1. 1. Paragraph 1 – Introductory Paragraph: Offer your overall impression of the film while providing the movie’s title, director and key actors. Then, provide a thesis where you state what you believe to be the film maker’s message – the Lesson Learned – you have taken away from this classic film. Remember, this will be a three-part thesis where you preview the following: the specific film technique(s), the character(s) & the theme.
   2. Paragraph 2 – Plot Summary: Provide a brief plot summary of the major events of this film (100-150 words).
   3. Paragraphs 3 & 4 – Characters/Characterization: Who were TWO of the central characters and how did the actors portray these key character roles? Provide specific examples/scenes from the film as you develop this portion of the essay.
   4. Paragraphs 5 & 6 – Film techniques: What TWO particular film techniques were used in key scenes? How did these particular film techniques enhance the film maker’s message (i.e. music, setting, editing, camera angles, lighting, etc.) ? Provide specific examples/scenes from the film as you develop this portion of the essay.
   5. Paragraph 7 – Theme: What was the message about life the film maker was attempting to convey within this Classic Film? (NOTE: You may choose to put this paragraph earlier.  Think about and where it might best fit.)
   6. Paragraph 8 – Concluding Paragraph: This is your opportunity to sum up what you have learned from this film and to recommend this film to your audience.

III. Classic Film List: Select one as the basis for your Essay