Film as Text
Film Noir/Neo Noir Essay Questions (50 points)
Directions: Choose one of the following options and write a well constructed essay to
answer the question. Your essay should be 2-3 pages, typed double spaced using 12
point font. Create a thesis statement (that answers the question) and organize your
main ideas into paragraphs. All statements that support your main ideas should be
supported by specific details from the movies.
1. How do films reflect the ideology of the society/culture in which they originated?
Analyze the social and cultural issues that surround The Maltese Falcon and
Memento. You may choose to research background information about the
various time periods in order to critically analyze scenes/ideas presented in the
film.
2. What archetypes exist in film noir/neo noir, and why is this archetype central to
humanity? Remember that an archetype is a pattern or image that is used
repeatedly in film or literature and is universal (transcends time and place).
Compare the use of one archetype in both The Maltese Falcon and Memento
(e.g. compare the “Femme Fatale” characters in each movie)
Rubric:
Content – 70% (35 points)
 Thesis answers the essay question
 Main ideas are present to support the thesis
 Specific details from the film (notice of camera angles, plot development,
character traits) are use to support the main ideas
 Research is given to support background information (question 1 only)
Style – 30% (15 points)
 Ideas are organized into Introduction, Body, and Conclusion
 Attention was given to grammar and mechanics
Turn your paper in to turnitin and print a hard copy to be turned in by:
_____________________________________.