The task which I am trying to achieve is to make you see. (D.W. Griffith)
The cinema is a ribbon of dreams. (Orson Welles)
Film is a fascinating way to discover the world and to develop an understanding of its politics, its psychology, its structure, and its language. (James Monaco)
That's the great thing about the movies. You're giving people little, tiny pieces of time that they never forget. (Jimmy Stewart)
The cinema is an eye wide open on life, an eye more powerful than our own and which sees things we cannot see. (Germaine Dulac) So many movies, so little time. (April Kilinski and Chuck Maland)
Introduction and Overview:
This course is designed to introduce you to the critical study of film. Through study of selected films and readings, lectures, class discussion, and written assignments, you will learn to recognize and analyze film language (editing, cinematography, sound, special effects, etc.) and will be introduce to some major concepts in film studies. By the end of the course you will have an understanding of the many ways films produce meaning and should be able to demonstrate your command of these basic skills to critically interpret those meanings through deep analysis.
You will notice things in films you never noticed before. Indeed, many students in film claim it becomes difficult to "watch a movie" like they did before learning about film techniques. On the other hand, this class should provide you with a vocabulary and a grammar of film that will enable you to read what the actors, writers, designers, directors, and producers are saying. My personal goal is to help you prepare for advanced courses in film and to provide you with the wherewithal to say more about film than "I liked it!"
Since this is an introductory course and since I am well aware that certain types of movies are extremely popular, I assume that you have seen plenty of movies but that you lack a conceptual understanding of cinema. In other words, I assume that your awareness of films far exceeds your vocabulary for describing them. Hence, I hope that you will regard this course as (1) an opportunity to experience a broader range of movies than you are, perhaps, used to seeing, and (2) as an occasion to learn and practice a more analytical--precise and elaborated--language for talking and writing about film.
Although we shall attend to historical problems associated with cinema, this course is not organized as a history of the movies. Neither is it a production course a guide to filmmaking. For although we will not shy away from the technical aspects of film production or resist situating movies in their historical context, our ultimate goal is to learn something about the construction of movies and the role cinema--and, especially, narrative film--plays in relating individuals to the values and assumptions of their culture.
Some of the films will contain graphic and controversial materials. If you find representations of sexuality, violence, politics, race, and/or other potentially controversial subjects objectionable, you may either drop the class NOW or see me and we can try to come to some compromise. Understand that you will not be excused from class work but will receive an alternative viewing.
Parent Permission slip required for this course because we will be viewing R-rated movies (see attachment).
Film Viewing: No talking will be permitted when a film is being shown. This does not include gasps of terror or laughter if the material calls for such reactions. Excessive noise will be warned. If it persists, the student or students will be asked to leave the class and adjustments will be made in his/her schedule. No food, drink, or gum chewing will be permitted and detentions will be administered on every offense. All students are required to stay in a desk while films are shown. Any student found asleep during a film will be warned. On the second offense, they will be asked to leave the class. The instructor takes these regulations very seriously and they will be enforced.
Below are some suggestions for viewing films in this class:
Take notes during the entire film. Do not sit passively; these are not “popcorn” viewings.
Keep your notes in your notebook, and bring this notebook to every class meeting.
Review the guiding questions below before each viewing, and write down responses and relevant details as you watch the film, after you’ve thought about it for awhile, and before the next class.
Preview any questions given in class before the film begins.
Write down all significant characters’ names & a brief character analysis.
Write down the significant plot events, in case you might not remember the next week or after viewing more films.
Write down memorable, significant, or interesting quotes.
Write down an analysis of the title.
What are the various journeys in the film: the external (geographical, physical) movement? the internal (mental, emotional, psychological, intellectual, spiritual) movement?
Where do these journeys begin, both externally and internally?
What causes the journey to begin?
Where do these trips end, or do they? What changes have occurred in the character(s)?
Is this journey linear (straight from A to Z), or are there significant stops and/or tangents along the way? What is the function or role of these stops or tangents?
Connect the specific path of this film to archetypal or commonly known journeys.
Connect the film to previous films & themes.
Instructional Methods and/or Strategies:
Direct instruction consists of lecture, discussion, and interactive media.
Films are viewed in class and at home. Class attendance and participation are required. Active viewing is required. Taking notes is required.
Formal papers and essays must be typed.
Memorization is necessary for vocabulary and film terms.
Small and large-group discussion is a vital part of the learning process. Critical thinking skills are developed through class discussions.
Students will make individual and group presentations in class.
Students will submit journal entries in which they apply course materials and concepts to films of their choosing.
Grades:
90% and above A
80% and above B
70% and above C
60% and above D
Remember this course is a UC approved course and your grade in this class does matter if you’re planning on attending any college.
Assessment Methods and/or Tools:
The student performance in this course will be assessed in the following ways:
Writing: The course requires a writing portfolio that will contain journals, film analyses, screening reports, film reviews, essays, and research papers demonstrating an understanding of filmmaking techniques and conventions.
Projects: Small projects demonstrating an understanding of design composition, storyboarding, screenwriting, advertising posters, etc.
Internet Exercises: Interactive websites with questions and activities to help students grasp concepts and enrich their understanding.
Oral Presentations: An analysis of a film to be presented to the class. Students complete research and a comprehensive analysis and present their thesis, evidence, and examples to the class. Outstanding instances of film technique are noted and key scenes are analyzed. Students use several strategies and media to communicate information to the class.
Film Production: Short student films, produced on video, demonstrating an understanding of concepts discussed in class such as lighting, sound, framing, and editing techniques.
Objective Tests: Tests and quizzes, at least one per unit of instruction, demonstrating a working knowledge of industry terms and film history. Midterm and Final Exams each semester.
Essay Tests: To demonstrate knowledge, mastery, and application of significant elements and concepts covered in each unit.
Final Project: A short production, typically a video presentation designed by the student that shows his ability to synthesize ideas from two or more units of the course.
Extra Credit: Many opportunities will be given for students to earn extra points outside of class by going above and beyond the requirements to allow students to delve deeper into the areas they enjoy.
Here is a list of controversial or R-rated films that might be screened and/or discussed in the classroom (See website for additional titles):
Gladiator A Very Long Engagement Road to Perdition The Godfather L.A. Confidential Sin City Alien Apocalypse Now Redux Saving Private Ryan Schindler's List Taxi Driver Pulp Fiction Reservoir Dogs Kill Bill: Vol. 1 Memento A Clockwork Orange The Shawshank Redemption The Usual Suspects Goodfellas The Silence of the Lambs American Beauty The Pianist Se7en Requiem for a Dream Crash American History X Raging Bull Amadeus Braveheart Donnie Darko Fargo Blade Runner Full Metal Jacket Fast Times at Ridgemont High A Fish Called Wanda Easy Rider Psycho The Matrix Adaptation Terminator 2: Judgment Day Once Upon a Time in America The Elephant Man Unforgiven The Deer Hunter Glory Platoon Die Hard The Conversation Short Cuts Brazil In America The Exorcist 21 Grams Shakespeare in Love Miller's Crossing Akira The Shining Chinatown A Fish Called Wanda
The MPAA film rating system is a system used in the United States and instituted by the Motion Picture Association of America to rate a movie based on its content. It is one of various motion picture rating systems used to help patrons decide which movies may be appropriate for children. The current MPAA movie ratings consist of:
Rated G – GENERAL AUDIENCES: All ages admitted.
Rated PG – PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED: Some material may not be suitable for children.
Rated PG-13 – PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED: Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Rated R – RESTRICTED: Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. (Some jurisdictions or theater companies may have a higher age.)
Rated NC-17 – No one 17 and under admitted. (Some jurisdictions or theater companies may have a higher age.)
If a film was never submitted for a rating, the label "NR" (Not Rated) is often used; however, "NR" is not an official MPAA classification. Films that have not yet received MPAA classification, but are expected to, are often advertised with the notice, "This film is not yet rated".
___________________________________________________________________________________ CUT ALONG LINE AND RETURN SIGNED PERMISSION SLIP TO YOUR TEACHER
I have read the course requirements and I give _______________________________________________(Student’s name) permission to watch R-rated films to meet the requirements for this class. Signed: _______________________________________(Parent/Guardian’s signature)