Class Meeting Time
Saturdays 6pm-8pm
Instructor: Christopher Gibson
Week 1. (5/25) Screening of Film
Amadeus (1984) - (non-Director’s Cut version)
The film was nominated for 53 awards and received 40, including eight Academy Awards (including
Best Picture), four BAFTA Awards, four Golden Globes, and a Directors Guild of America (DGA) award. In 1998, the American Film Institute ranked Amadeus 53rd on its 100 Years... 100 Movies list.
Director: Milos Forman
Writers: Peter Shaffer (original stage play 1979), Peter Shaffer (original screenplay)
Stars: F. Murray Abraham (Salieri), Tom Hulce (Mozart), Elizabeth Berridge (Constanze)
Homework:
Gut Reaction Paper: Forget all formal constraints of writing. It can be fiction (prose, poetry, dialogue), non-fiction, analysis- as you please and write a reaction to the film
Amadeus you just saw. 3 pages double spaced A4.
Week 2. (6/1) Act Out Amadeus Opening & Discuss Gut Reaction a) ACT Out Opening: Salieri and the priest
INT. OLD SALIERI'S HOSPITAL ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
(page 5-11) b) READ your own writing to class. DISCUSS gut reactions c) Class chooses one scene- describe why description is effective. Start on homework.
Homework:
1. Practice acting out the opening
2. Pick and analyze a section in Amadeus where the descriptive language is effective. Describe why it is effective. (2 page essay- to be presented in class)
3. Write a short scene (related to Amadeus in some way) to be acted out next session by other students
Week 3. (6/8) Writing Descriptively: The Art of the Playwright a) ACT OUT Opening (version 2) b) Discuss chosen sections- PRESENT why it is effective.
c) REHEARSE and ACT your written scene!
Homework: a) Practice acting for next session.
b) Write Midterm Essay Outline (topics on next page). Be ready to present in class.

Write an argumentative essay (5 pages) on one of the following topics. Your essay should have an interesting, unique title, and your analysis should dive deep into the film.
1. In the Opening, Salieri says “Show some mercy! I beg you…” as if he has actually murdered Mozart. In your view, did Salieri "murder" Mozart? Why or why not? In your argument, define "murder.”
2. Who is the protagonist (main character) of the play? Salieri, Mozart, or
Mozart's music? (Or someone else?) Why do you think so? Give reasons and examples from the film and/or script. Defend your choice.
3. What do you think Salieri feels as he leafs through the pages of Mozart’s manuscript (“All Originals”)? Describe what he feels with all the detail you can.
Bad Examples of titles:
My Analysis of Salieri
Salieri the Madman
Salieri is Evil
Avoid titles and themes that are too one-sided or lack depth.
Good Examples of titles:
Salieri: A Villain of Purity
Salieri: the Phantom Murderer
Try mixing words you usually wouldn’t mix. Don’t just say “evil murder” or “wonderful genius”. Try to appeal to a wide variety of people with different views of the film.
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Note on Writing Assignments (also with Syllabus) a) Double-spaced on A4 paper (use Format/ 書式  function on computer) b) Keep copies of all prior writing assignments! You never know when it may be handy, and the final essay is based on one of them. c) Size 12 Times New Roman Font d) Email Microsoft Word “.doc” file (not docx) and PDF (if possible) to chrisgib@gmail.com
and printed prior to class. Hand in a stapled paper copy as well. e) Always include Introduction, Body paragraphs (at least 3) and conclusion. a) Introduction and Conclusion should clearly state the thesis (main argument) b) Body paragraphs should add relevant details while keeping the thesis in mind. c) Counterarguments should be included where appropriate.

Note on References for Amadeus:
For the film, give references by time, for script give references by page.
Week 4. (6/15) Salieri Discovers Mozart a) ACT OUT Wind Serenade Scene (p.13-19) b) ACT OUT Shall we call Mozart? (p.19-21) c) Present Midterm Essay outlines to class. Receive oral feedback.
Homework:
1. Practice next week’s drama section.
2. Write Midterm Essay
MIDTERM ESSAY OUTLINES DUE
Week 5. (6/22) Genius Discovered?
a) ACT OUT “Too Many Notes” (p.34-37) b) ACT OUT “All Originals” (p.48-52)
Salieri leafing through Mozart's manuscript while Constanze waits
Soundtrack
Concerto in C for flute
Symphony No. 29 in A K.201
Qui Tollis from the Mass in C Minor K427 (3:58-4:30)
MIDTERM ESSAYS DUE

Week 6. (6/29) The Requiem Scene a) Midterm essays returned & Feedback given to class b) ACT OUT: Requiem Scene (p.135-146) c) READ Peter Shaffer: Preface
Homework:
Final Essay Assignment- Your Version of the Ending
No Class on 7/6 (Exam Recess)
Week 7. (7/13)   Revising "Amadeus": did Shaffer make the right choice?
a) ACT OUT Requiem Scene again b) PRESENTATIONS on “Your Version of the Ending” (read your new script, and argue your defense) c) PICK the best ones to be acted next session
FINAL ASSIGNMENTS DUE
Week 8. (7/20) Final Performances a) ACT OUT student versions of the Confrontation b) ACT Requiem Scene c) Feedback given on final essays.
d) Final comments and discussion.
FINAL ASSIGNMENTS RETURNED

Your Version of the Ending
Read Peter Shaffer's Preface. Imagine you have a chance to direct a second version of the film Amadeus and have an unlimited budget and same actors at your disposal.
Should there be a more direct confrontation between Salieri and Mozart than in the current film? Why or why not? What effect does either have on the architecture and flow of the film?
Your Final Assignment should have two parts:
Part A) Write a script of a new version of the confrontation (your version!) that makes sense when replaced by the current Requiem scene. (Minimum of 2 pages)
Part B) Defend your new version in a 5-page essay. Imagine you are explaining to
Peter Shaffer why your version is better. Use examples and reasons you come up with, and also refer to the film.
IF, in your opinion, there is no better way to end the film than the current version, write a 7-page essay explaining why there is absolutely no better way.
Note on Writing Assignments (also with Syllabus) f) Double-spaced on A4 paper (use Format/ 書式  function on computer) g) Keep copies of all prior writing assignments! You never know when it may be handy, and the final essay is based on one of them. h) Size 12 Times New Roman Font i) Email Microsoft Word “.doc” file (not docx) and PDF (if possible) to chrisgib@gmail.com
and printed prior to class. Hand in a stapled paper copy as well. j) Always include Introduction, Body paragraphs (at least 3) and conclusion. a) Introduction and Conclusion should clearly state the thesis (main argument) b) Body paragraphs should add relevant details while keeping the thesis in mind. c) Counterarguments should be included where appropriate.
Note on References for Amadeus:
For the film, give references by time, for script give references by page.