Film Analysis

Choose a film or pair of films we've screened and write a short analysis. The form of the paper is argument:
make a specific point and back it up with evidence/examples from the film(s). Keep the focus clear, and be sure
use both cinematic and thematic examples.
Cinematic examples means that you must discuss mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing and/or sound
Thematic examples means that you must discuss larger issues in the film, outside cinematic aspects
The best topics are the ones in which you are interested; choose and aspect of the course so far and do some
critical thinking about it. Look at the film handouts and film notes for ideas; you can use one of those questions
as a starting point or take something from the discussion board that you'd like to examine further.
An example of this might be: In the introduction to one of our texts, Weinstock notes that "The vampire…is a
sort of ready-made metaphoric vehicle waiting for its tenor. Its potency, however, derives from its intrinsic
connections to sex, science, and social constructions of difference." Consider this quotation and how it relates
to any of the films we have thus far screened. (Hint: you can use this for your paper, if you like.)
Film:
Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922)
Dracula (1931)
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)-2
Specific details on the paper: 2-3 pages in length (double-spaced, 12 pt font, 1" margins and MLA format
overall); no outside sources needed but if you choose to do this, make sure they are properly cited by MLA
conventions; please pay attention to grammar, mechanics, and style, as well as content.
Some tips on writing about film:
Films are texts. Always underline or italicize film titles
Follow the same writing process you’ve been following in your writing career: pre-write, draft, re-write, edit.
Revision is the key to any paper, just as editing is the key to any film.
Don’t feel the need to re-tell the entire story. We’ve all seen the films, so only summarize or detail what you
need to make your points. YOUR points, analysis, and use of examples are the important aspects.
Speak the language of cinema studies. Consider our class discussions as guidelines, and refer to the handouts
for specific terminology.