Shakespeare and Film

Spring 2004

Instructions for Film Analysis Essay:

Themes of Play and Film

Because Shakespeare’s plays are complex, multi-dimensional “mirrors” of nature, they point readers/viewers in many different directions of thought and experience. Since no single play or film can capture all the interpretations potentially suggested by the text, a good production will narrow the field by focusing on a vision or theme and promote that interpretation through acting, staging, editing, music, mise-en-scène, etc. Choose a film we studied which impressed you and write an essay in which you identify the theme or vision which you feel dominates the film. Support your view with specific observations from the film and text. Is the film’s vision of Shakespeare’s play supported by the play’s text? Are important aspects of the play violated, ignored, etc.? How are cinematic techniques used to promote the filmmaker’s reading of the play? Do the images of the film reflect the words of the play, or is new imagery found to create our cinematic experience?

In-Depth Analysis of One Film Sequence

In your essay, include an analysis of camerawork and editing in a brief (5-7 minute) sequence from the film you have selected. Chart the sequence using the attached table and staple it to the end of the paper. (A rough, hand-written copy with cross-outs, scribbling, etc., is good because it shows your evolving thought.) Questions you may consider: How does the sequence function within the film as a whole? How does the camerawork and editing here compare to larger strategies in the film? Is the sequence representative of the film as a whole or does it represent a dramatic break stylistically? If the latter, explain why the director might have chosen a different style for this sequence. If the former, explain why the director chose to use these techniques for this film. What does the camerawork and editing contribute to the emotional impact of this sequence? To our sense of narrative causality? To character psychology? To audience identification or reaction? To symbolism or theme?

Emphasize your knowledge of specific dramatic and cinematic concepts by boldfacing terms. Your task is to demonstrate your powers of observation and interpretation as well as your understanding of cinematic narratives.

In-Depth Analysis of Corresponding Passage in Play

Read the scene from which the film sequence was taken several times until you are thoroughly familiar with the language. What was omitted from the play? What was added? How does the different emphasis of the two media (mise-en-page vs. mise-en- scène) control our experience of character, plot, and theme? Be sure you quote several times from the play in this part of your essay.

Format:

5 full, typed pages, minimum. Double-spacing.

Times New Roman, size 12, with 1-inch margins all around

Follow MLA throughout.

Please use a spell check and/or have someone proofread your paper.

Do not subdivide the paper with headings.

Do not skip lines between paragraphs.

Content:

Fulfill the assignment. Carefully read and follow instructions.

Do not just describe or summarize the film. Be selective and explain the significance of every aspect of the film you decide to include.

Keep your writing clear and simple. Make sentences and paragraphs follow one another logically with clear transitions.

Grading:

Doing the bare assignment in a satisfactory way will earn a C.

Doing the assignment well, with interesting things to say and with good organizations and clean writing style, will earn a B.

Doing the assignment well, as above, but with original ideas and more penetrating analysis, while tying in concepts from class discussions/lectures will earn an A.

Strong essays will articulate a clear, purposeful thesis; organize key points into separate paragraphs, each with its own claim and set of supporting evidence; make considerable, accurate use of the course vocabulary; demonstrate a keen understanding of the general concept, the particular film, and specific scenes.

You will not be judged on your opinions, but on your arguments. Begin with insights and support those with detailed observations. Take a stand, challenge yourself and your readers toward new ideas. A string of observations does not constitute an academic paper.

If you need help:

Feel free to call (598-7194) and schedule an appointment to discuss an outline or go over a draft.