Student:
Transcript: 11th Grade Assignment - Film Analysis
https://study.com/academy/lesson/11th-grade-assignment-film-analysis.html
In this assignment, students will analyze the plot, themes, setting, pacing, and other elements of a film of their own
choosing. This particular assignment is suitable for 11th grade students.
Assignment Explanation with Topic Overview
Although it can be fun to just watch a movie for the enjoyment factor alone, conducting a
can make films even more emotionally satisfying. Film analysis can help you
appreciate all of the different aspects of filmmaking and give you a deeper understanding of the
story and the messages that are being conveyed.
The assignment is designed to help you spot hidden meanings and understand a film on a deeper
level. If you would like a refresher on these skills, check out the Finding Meaning in Visual Media:
Strategies & Examples lesson, and the Messaging in Television & Films: Themes & Examples lesson.
Let's begin this assignment on film analysis for 11th graders!
Key Terms
words which are symbolic or imply something
words that stand for specifically what has been written
the process of scrutinizing the components of a movie
feelings in a character's head that cause mixed emotions
forces that act on a character's psyche from the environment
this can be flat or replete with contrast, and can be natural or artificial
Mise-en-scène
how the props, performers, and setting are arranged to be filmed
the series of events that comprise the storyline of a film
the tendency of a movie to remind the viewers they are actually watching
various objects that represent abstract ideas and concepts
uniting concepts that are at the center of a film
the setup, the complications, and the resolution
Materials
A film of your choosing (with no higher than a PG-13 rating)
Internet access
Paper to write on
Writing utensils
Time/Length
Three hours to review concepts in this assignment / one month to complete the film analysis project
Assignment Instructions for Students
This assignment should be a thorough analysis of a
of your choosing.
Step One
Watch the film at least twice. You may find it helpful to view the film even more times.
Identify the genre of film that you chose (action, documentary, fantasy, romance, science fiction, etc.)
Reflect on the plot, intriguing themes, characters, settings, and the overall structure of the movie.
Consider the purpose of media literacy as it relates to film, especially documentaries and similar POV films.
Step Two
Think about the ways in which your film is a collaborative art, a cultural document, and a language to its
viewers. Consider how the film communicates movement and expresses itself.
Identify implicit and explicit messages that exist in the film.
Identify subliminal and supraliminal messages.
Step Three
Look for the
in your film. Is this tension
or
?
Identify any
that contain both
and
meanings. These symbols
may include various colors, objects, and other representations. For instance, what do the cloak, stone, and
wand represent in the Harry Potter movies?
Step Four
Evaluate the credibility of various online sources as they relate to film analysis. Which ones do you find
credible, and which ones do you believe are dubious?
Reflect on the thesis and meaning of performance art and art form comparison. For example, how do you
compare the Hamilton film versus the Hamilton Broadway show?
Interpret the meaning of artistic choices related to characters, settings, pacing, plot, themes, and lighting.
Identify how these factors influence the interpretation of the viewer. For instance, how do you compare and
contrast the dark, fiery fight between Anakin and Obiwan in Star Wars versus the light, thrilling chase scene
through the Endor forests?
Optional Step
Write a one-page paper outlining five changes you would have made to the film you watched if you
were the director or producer.
Deliverable
After you have completely viewed the entire film at least twice and scrutinized the aforementioned
aspects, you should design an analysis to be delivered via one of the following methodologies:
aim for a discourse that is approximately 10 to 15 minutes in duration. You
can deliver this as a speech or as a recorded podcast.
create a visual presentation for an audience. You can utilize either a
storyboard, slideshow, or posterboard.
Write a response to the film that is roughly 1,000 to 1,500 words.
Extra Credit
Write a new ''fan fiction'' ending to the last 20 minutes of your film, and allow fellow students or your
instructor to review the results.
Assessment Rubric
Requirement
0-3 points
Define the above twelve key terms about films
Ascertain the plot and the themes of your film
Juxtapose your film to other forms of performance art
Discover any subliminal and supraliminal messages in your film
Explain the role of media literacy
Evaluate explicit and implicit messages
Describe artistic choices such as pacing and setting
Deliverable is presented and critiqued by teacher or parent