FILM 2130 Scene Analysis Assignment Due Date: 9/5

Choose one of the three scenes listed below. As you watch, note where cuts separate individual shots. Use the grid provided to note your observations about EACH shot in the categories of mise-en- scène, composition, camera movement, editing, and sound (one shot per row). These notes may be legibly handwritten or typed - you may want to use the Excel version available on the ELC site. Additional grids can be photocopied or printed from ELC. Submit the grid(s) along with the written portion of the assignment, in a hard copy.

Based on your observations, write a paper of 3-4 double-spaced pages. Your paper must:

1) Describe how the scene’s stylistic strategies make meaning by creating a tone or mood or by inviting particular reactions from the spectator. Focus on two or three techniques (particular uses of mise-en-scène, composition, camera movement, editing, and sound) you see as most important.

2) Comment on the role of race or stereotyping in the scene (based only on the information you have) - Does the narrative situation shown relate to stereotypes about a particular group? - Do you believe the impression created by the scene (in terms of tone, mood, and possible viewer reactions) reinforces or disputes stereotypes? Why or why not? - Does the scene humanize characters by creating empathy, or not? What specific techniques affect this?

You might also consider: are actors treated differently or similarly in terms of how they are lit, where they are usually positioned in the frame, and who the camera follows?

Work to persuade the reader of your point of view about the scene by using concrete evidence, making reference to specific techniques and explaining why they have particular effects. Multiple interpretations of the clips are possible - you will be evaluated on how well you support your points.

Citations: In a film analysis paper, you do not need a separate works cited section. Cite the film by providing the name, year, and director in parentheses the first time you mention its title. Provide credit to the actors by including their names in parentheses the first time you mention a character.

Imitation of Life, dir. Douglas Sirk, 1959 DVD timecode: 7:23 - 9:25 Struggling actress Lora (Lana Turner) meets Annie (Juanita Moore) at the beach when Annie finds her missing daughter Susie (Terry Burnham). After learning that Annie and her daughter Sarah Jane (Karin Dicker) have nowhere to live, she invites them into her home.

Bush Mama, dir. Haile Gerima, 1975 DVD timecode: 1:41 – 5:40 Following the film’s credits and a series of images showing its setting, South Central Los Angeles, the viewer is introduced to the protagonist Dorothy (Barbara O. Jones), a woman who is struggling financially and is on her way to apply for government assistance for her family.

Sin Nombre, dir. Cary Joji Fukunaga, 2009 DVD timecode: 58:39-1:00:26

Sayra (Paulina Gaitán), a girl from Honduras who is immigrating to the United States with her father and uncle, and Willy (Edgar M. Flores), a Mexican gang member on the run from his former associates, travel on the top of a freight train through Mexico. Grading Rubric

Excellent Good Needs Needs Improvement Significant Improvement Your paper addresses how style creates meaning in the scene, as well as the role of race and stereotyping Your paper provides compelling, specific evidence (discussion of film techniques) to support your interpretation and point of view Film analysis vocabulary is used correctly and precisely to describe the scene Clear language is used, as well as correct grammar, spelling and citations

General grading guidelines: A paper in the “A” range will score “excellent” in all or most of the areas listed. A paper in the “B range will score “good” in all or most of the areas listed. A paper in the “C” range will score “needs improvement” on two or more areas A paper in the “D” range will score “needs significant improvement” in two or more areas. An “F” paper is a paper never submitted or one that does not meet the requirements of the assignment.

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