Sociology 40 Foothill
Film Analysis
Extra Credit: Film Analysis: Due Monday June 21st in Class.
Instructions: View one of the films listed below and write a one
page sociological analysis. Do NOT write just a film review of
the plot synopsis, instead analysis the film as a sociologist.
Paper should be about 1 page single spaced, 12 point font. This
assignment is worth up to 20 points. Use the sociological
perspective, your sociological imagination and concepts from the
textbook to analysis and evaluate the film. Don't just say it was
good or bad, write something critical. Below are some questions
to think about when writing your paper.
1. Watch the film closely, take notes. Then write a synopsis of
the film. Give specific details about the narrative structure of
the film (look on the back of this handout for more on media
literacy).
2. Then answer a few questions about the film:
a. Throughout the course you have been reading about the
field of sociology, how does the film you watched explore the
different topics we have covered in the course?
b. What evidence do you see in the film that represents
core issues we have explored in the class (the sociological
perspective, sociological research methods, the sociological
imagination, race, class, gender, sex, religion, marriage,
wedding, raising children, parenting, motherhood, fatherhood,
divorce, violence, remarriage) give specific connections to the
course readings.
3. Finally add a short response to the film, rate it in terms of
it’s usefulness to discuss and explore sociological topics
covered this term—sociology of the family, the sociological
imagination, race, class, gender, sex, and social change.
Film Choices: The film can one from below or you can choose
another film, but you must have the instructors permission, this
means you must ask if the film is appropriate.
1. “Defending Our Lives” (1994) Directed by Margaret Lazarus and
Renner Wunderlich.
2. “The Pill" (1999) Directed by Erna Buffie and Elise Swerhone.
3. "Big Mama" (2000) Produced by California Newsreel.
4. "Maid in America" (2004) Produced by Kevin Leadingham.
5. “For the Bible Tells Me So” (2007) Directed by Daniel
Karslake.
6. “Treeless Mountain" (2008) Directed Soyong Kim.
Sociology 40 Foothill
Film Analysis
Everything you see in a film (or any form of media) represents an
intentional choice by the director, editor or cinematographer.
Since we get most of our information about the world from media,
it’s important to understand how to make sense of media images.
Use these questions to help you make sense of these images.
1. What are the physical qualities of the motion picture (check
where applicable):
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Music
Narration
Special effects
Color
Live action
Background noise
Animation
Dramatizations
“Talking Heads”
Historic Footage
Subject Interviews
Newspaper Headlines
2. Note how camera angles, lighting, music, narration, and/or
editing contribute to creating an atmosphere in this film. What
is the mood or tone of the film?
3. Does this film appeal to the viewer's reason or emotion? Does
it intend to make you think or feel? How does it make you feel?
4. Consider the effectiveness of the film in communicating its
message. As a tool of communication, what are its strengths and
weaknesses?
5. How do you think the filmmakers wanted the audience to
respond?
6. What information do you gain about this event that would not
be conveyed by a written source? Be specific.