Ms. Marootian
Film & Literature
Film & Literature: Ethics in Race Exam
(20 points)
Directions: Choose THREE of the FOUR and respond to them in paragraph form.
1. Why do you think the filmmaker chose to constantly jump backwards and
forwards in time rather than telling his story chronologically? Think
critically about the film and include specific examples to support your
ideas.
2. Slumdog Millionaire presents the concept of the resiliency of the human
spirit in the midst of grinding poverty and the dignity of the human
person. Characters often show their true selves in this film. Moral
decision-making and choices define one’s life and reveal one’s core
values. Discuss two characters that prove to be immoral or moral. Note:
If the character changes, you should mention this.
3. Review the “Gettysburg Scene” from Remember the Titans (2000)
Video Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiqdA1B3_Nc
And Review the Speech Below:
“Anybody know what this place is? This is Gettysburg. This is where they fought the
Battle of Gettysburg. Fifty thousand men died right here on this field, fightin' the
same fight that we're still fightin' amongst ourselves today.
This green field right here was painted red, bubblin' with the blood of young boys,
smoke and hot lead pourin' right through their bodies. Listen to their souls, men:
'I killed my brother with malice in my heart. Hatred destroyed my family.'
You listen. And you take a lesson from the dead. If we don't come together, right
now, on this hallowed ground, we too will be destroyed -- just like they were. I don't
care if you like each other or not. But you will respect each other. And maybe -- I
don't know -- maybe we'll learn to play this game like men.”
Ms. Marootian
Film & Literature
Question: Analyze this scene as a “mini movie” itself. What makes it work so well?
Discuss lighting, camera angles, setting, dialogue and costume.
4. Anthony (rap star Chris "Ludacris" Bridges) and Peter (Larenz Tate) have
a strong narrative at the opening of the movie.
View it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue8XaSWYDaQ
Question: How do you feel about their conversation as they walk the
streets of Westwood, California? What kinds of truths are present in the
conversation? What do you find false about it?
5. Read the following excerpt from a NY Times film review of Crash.
“…Their characters - and the dozen or so others whose lives intersect in
the course of an exceedingly eventful day and a half - may have names,
addresses, families and jobs, but they are, at bottom, ciphers in an
allegorical scheme dreamed up by Paul Haggis, the screenwriter (most
recently of Clint Eastwood's "Million Dollar Baby"), here making his
directorial debut.
As he demonstrated to galvanizing effect in the "Million Dollar Baby"
script, Mr. Haggis is not unduly concerned with subtlety. At a time when
ambitious movies are dominated by knowing cleverness and showy
sensation, he makes a case for blunt, earnest emotion, and shows an
admirable willingness to risk sentimentality and cliché in the pursuit of
genuine feeling. Many of the scenes in "Crash" unfold with great dramatic
power, even when they lack a credible narrative or psychological motive.”
Question: Choose two lines from the review and agree or disagree with
them and then choose, discuss and analyze a scene that “unfolds with
great dramatic power.”