Film Essay Practice:
American Beauty
Before we start...
Let’s remind ourselves of the basic structure for a body
paragraph:
S.E.X.Y
This is a mnemonic for the parts of a good body
paragraph in a film essay.
S: the Statement at the start of the paragraph that says
what point/idea this paragraph is making, focusing on.
Sometimes called a Topic Sentence because it
introduces the topic of the paragraph.
E: the Explanation that explains how this statement is
relevant to the text and/or question. (can be #3)
X: the eXample(s) from the text that support(s) your
statement and develop(s) your point. (can be #2)
Y: explain whY this example/point is relevant to the
question/topic, or why it links to something else.
IDEA+
This structure is helpful when discussing the
evidence/examples which support the point that you are
making in a paragraph
I: Identify or Name the technique you are talking about
D: Describe where it is used in the film.
E: Explain how it is used in the scene. (To introduce/
establish/ develop/ reinforce, etc)
A: Analyse the effect this aspect has on the viewer. (why is
it used?)
+ Add additional supporting evidence (More examples of
this aspect are…OR this links to the idea/character
of...BECAUSE)
Add SEXY + IDEA
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Remember:
Your essay should include an introduction
at least 3 body paragraphs
and a conclusion
If you need additional guidance, don’t forget
the wikipage:
http://mrsmacadam.wikispaces.com/
In the exam...
There are usually questions about:
Theme (ideas)
Character
Setting (place or time)
The effect on the audience’s opinions (of the
characters in the film or of an issue in wider
society)
Examiner’s reports indicate that the
best answers are usually on questions
that discuss character or theme – so
look for these when you open the
paper!
Practice Essay Instructions:
Choose ONE of the questions to answer
In the exam, you are expected to write at least 300 (L2) or
400 (L3) words, however, you really need to write more than
this to make sure you include all of the things necessary to
pass)
You will have this period and your lesson on Tuesday and
Wednesday (3 in total) to plan and produce your essay
You can work on your essay outside of class if you wish,
however, everything you have done must be printed and
handed in at the end of our lesson on Wednesday (Period 5)
– no exceptions!
Questions:
Either
1. Analyse how visual and verbal techniques helped
you understand the inner feelings of a main
character or individual in a visual text you have
studied. (L2)
Or
2. “Successful films present characters who are
both heroic and realistic.” To what extent do you
agree with this view? Respond to this question
with close reference to one or more films you
have studied.
L2 Possible opening para
• From the start to finish of “American Beauty”,
Sam Mendes develops the main character
Lester Burnham and allows us to understand
his inner feelings. Mendes does so with the
use of multiple film techniques through;
dialogue, camera techniques and body
language, which inter-link brilliantly with one
another, letting us get inside Lester’s head.
L3 Mrs Mac’s ideas:
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YES – I agree.
Lester – hero – “tragic hero” – we learn from him
realistic – flawed, humour.
teachniques- characterisation / fantasy seq,
narration
• WHY –does this make the film successful? – we
learn from him – THEME – see beauty, don’t take
life for granted, seeking happiness is what
destroys it.