Study Guide for Speed, Casablanca, Public Enemy, The Untouchables and Modern Times
History / Film / Literature > Ms. McPherson & Mr. Ensdorf
Identification: Be able to match the following terms with their correct definition:
1. Shot
2. Scene
3. Segmentation
4. Motif
5. Classical Hollywood System
6. Convention
7. Openings > Exposition and Enigmas
8. Causality
9. Motivation
10. Goal-oriented protagonist
11. Closure
12. Dual plot line
13. Diegesis
14. Story
1
15. Plot
16. Backstory
17. Ellipsis
18. Character arc
19. Crosscutting
20. Nazis
21. Propaganda
22. 18th Amendment
23. Volstead Act
24. Al Capone
25. Genre Film
26. Gangster Film
27. Gangster-Hero
28. Great Depression
29. Roaring Twenties
30. Black Tuesday
2
31. “Trickle Down” economics
32. Supply vs. Demand
33. Karl Marx
34. Communism
35. McCarthyism
36. J. Edgar Hoover
37. The Production Code
38. United Artists Corporation
39. Mann Act
Short answer / Essay: Be able to answer questions about the following topics.
1. Causes of the Great Depression
2. Elements of a traditional or classic gangster film
3
3. Comparison of the movie The Untouchables to actual historical events
4. Unintended negative effects of Prohibition
5. Evidence of Chaplin’s Communist and/or political beliefs in Modern Times
6. Examples of motifs in Speed, The Untouchable, Casablanca and Public Enemy
7. Difference between film analysis vs. film criticism
8. Diegetic vs. Non-diegetic elements in a film
9. US reasons for becoming involved in World War II
4
10. The political reasons for making Casablanca
Film Basics: For each film that we’ve watched, be able to identify the director, major characters /
actors, key plot events, and setting details.
Speed:
Director:
Major characters / actors:
Setting:
Key plot events:
Casablanca:
Director:
Major characters / actors:
Setting:
Key plot events:
Public Enemy
Director:
Major characters / actors:
Setting:
Key plot events:
The Untouchables:
Director:
Major characters / actors:
Setting:
Key plot events:
Modern Times:
5
Director:
Major characters / actors:
Setting:
Key plot events:
6