Foreign FilmCritical Paper Guidelines

Mr. Brady/ Ms. Allen

Objectives

Based on viewing and discussion, develop an informed critical analysis of a film.

Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of film genres and techniques to move from being a passive viewer to an engaged interpreter of film.

Develop the ability to respond to a variety of foreign film movements and to articulate that response in a critical paper.

Understand the elements that define German Expressionism.

Critical Paper Guideline

Write a critical paper based on one of the Topic Questions provided for each film unit.

2-3 typed double spaced pages -12 pt. font (Times New Roman)

Plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Remember, your hope is to enlarge the reader’s understanding of the film!

Paper Outline:

First Paragraph Introduce topic to be discussed. Generalize about the specific film genre

and director’s work. Explain the nature of certain elements,

and how they relate to the film’s message, leading up to a thesis statement.

Thesis-last sentence(s) of introduction (point you are going to make in your paper). Expand on the topic question you have chosen.

Paragraphs 2-5

Present evidence which supports thesis

Techniques Characterization Setting(s) Symbolism Conflict

Conclusion

Summarize points already made

Draw final conclusions

Reword thesis statement

Falling in love againNever wanted toWhat am I to do?Can't help it

Love's always been my gamePlay it as I mayI was born that wayCan't help it

Men flock around meLike moths around a flameAnd if their wings burnI know I'm not to blame

~Lola Lola

German ExpressionismM (1933)Fritz Lang

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) Robert Wiene

The Blue Angel (1930) Josef von Sternberg

The sets were constructed at crazy, unsettling angles, some of them featuring bizarre shadows that were actually painted on.

There's nothing quite like an immense, black shadow; the sinister silhouette of child molester and murderer (Peter Lorre )looms over his targeted victim , while partially obscuring the killer's own "Wanted" poster behind her.

Themes of alienation, futility and despair…

Doppelganger is a German word literally meaning: "doublewalker," a reference to the fact that a shadow-self, duplicate, counterpart or double (spiritual, ghostly, or real) accompanies every individual

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

The Blue Angel

M