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Assignment - 3 Themes in Film Assignment

This document provides instructions for a film analysis assignment on the movie American History X. Students are asked to analyze the film's primary focus (e.g. plot, character, ideas), identify the main theme, and explain how one formal element reinforced the theme. The goal is for students to demonstrate their understanding of themes in film and provide a structured critique of the movie's content.

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Zoe Dagher
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109 views3 pages

Assignment - 3 Themes in Film Assignment

This document provides instructions for a film analysis assignment on the movie American History X. Students are asked to analyze the film's primary focus (e.g. plot, character, ideas), identify the main theme, and explain how one formal element reinforced the theme. The goal is for students to demonstrate their understanding of themes in film and provide a structured critique of the movie's content.

Uploaded by

Zoe Dagher
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lebanese American University

Thematic Elements Assignment


Film: American History X

Assignment Objectives: Content in Film

 The goal of the assignment is to assess your understanding of the


assigned chapter on themes in film. Also, to provide a structured
approach to studying and critiquing film Content.
 The below set of questions are to be answered in reference to the
assigned film: American History X.
 This assignment is to be done after having re-read the power point
presentation on themes in film.
 I look forward to our next session and to hearing your input.

I. Theme

What is the film’s primary focus: plot, emotional effect or mood, character, style or
texture or structure, or ideas? On the basis of your decision, answer one of these
questions:

1.If the film’s primary concern is plot, summarize the action abstractly in a
single sentence or a short paragraph.

2.If the film is structured around a mood or emotional effect, describe the
mood or feeling that it attempts to convey.

3.If the film’s focus is on a single unique character, describe the unusual
aspects of his or her personality.

4.If the film seems to be built upon a unique style or texture or structure,
describe the qualities that contribute to the special look or feel of the film.

5.If the film’s primary focus is an idea, answer these questions:


a. What is the true subject of the film? b. What comment or statement does
the film make about the subject? Formulate a sentence that accurately
summarizes the idea dramatized by the film.

II. On Identifying the Theme

1.Although a director may attempt to do several things with a film, one goal
usually stands out as most important. Decide which of the following was the
director’s primary aim, and give reasons for your choice: ( Only pick One out
of the below)

a. Providing pure entertainment—that is, temporary escape from the


real world
b. Developing a pervasive mood or creating a single, specialized
emotional effect
c. Providing a character sketch of a unique, fascinating personality
d. Creating a consistent, unique feel or texture by weaving all of the
complex elements of film together into a one-of-a-kind film
experience
e. Criticizing society and social institutions and increasing the viewer’s
awareness of a social problem and the need for reform
f. Providing insights into human nature (demonstrating what
human beings in general are like)
g. Creating a moral or philosophical riddle for the viewer to ponder
h. Making a moral implication to influence the viewer’s values or
behavior
i. Dramatizing one or more characters’ struggle for human
dignity against tremendous odds
j. Exploring the complex problems and pleasures of human
relationships
k. Providing insight into a growth experience, the special kinds of
situations or conflicts that cause important changes in the character or
characters involved

III. In one to two sentences and taking into account your answers to the
above two sections, articulate in a thesis statement what you think the main
theme of the film is?

IV. Provide one example related to the film’s “Form” which was used in the
service of and reinforced your stated theme.

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