TO: Students & Parents/Guardians September 1, 2008
FROM: Ms. Coporale, Ms. Curtis & Mr. Haskell
SUBJECT: Ellis Tech’s Cinema Literacy Elective
We have a brand-new elective at Ellis Tech: Cinema Literacy. The goal is to expose students to classic films, their directors and how movies are made. We will use both whole movies and film clips to compare movies, genres and directorial styles.
The American Film Institute, formed to preserve our movie heritage, received over 400 nominations of the “best American films ever” from the first one hundred years of movies: 1896 to 1996. These were voted on to create a list of the top one hundred films. The top 100 movies and other “top lists” can be viewed at the AFI’s website:
http://www.afi.com/tvevents/100years/movies.aspx and can be found attached to this letter.
Over the course of the year we will not have time to view them all. We have already located 22 of the top 100 movies and ask for you to check your VCR or DVD collection to help us out with a loaner. There are multiple sections of the class taught by three teachers in both cycles.
In the top-ten is The Godfather, which is rated R. I would ask you to review the list and give us permission for viewing these movies. If you have an objection to a specific film(s), please note that on the permission slip.
Also, feel free to contact us through school e-mail or voice mail as found on the school’s webpage: www.cttech.org/ellis
******************** Please sign and return bottom section ASAP*********
I give permission for my son/daughter ____________________ to watch whole movies from the AFI top one-hundred film list. (please print student name)
______________________ ______________________________
(date) (parent signature)
Please check one of the statements below:
(____) I have no objections to the movies from the AFI’s Top 100 list being used.
(____) I would prefer the following movie(s) from the list NOT be used in class: _____________________________
I would loan the following movies from my collection for use in school:
_____________________________________________________________________
Cinema Literacy
The goal is to expose students to classic films, study their directors and to find out how movies are made. We will use both whole movies and film clips to compare movies, genres and directorial styles.
The American Film Institute, formed to preserve our movie heritage, received over 400 nominations of the “best American films ever” from the first one hundred years of movies: 1896 to 1996. These were voted on to create a list of the top one hundred films. The top 100 movies and other “top lists” can be viewed at the AFI's website.
After this course you'll understand a lot of references in The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad and other current shows
TRIMESTER ONE MOVIES:
American Graffiti
Rebel Without a Cause
West Side Story
For each movie viewed, students will be required to keep a log that remains in class. The log will include: Director Name, Producer, Title, Characters, Actors, Problems, Solutions, and your personal opinion. Additionally, students will write a report/critique on the movies using the worksheet listed below. Notebooks will be collected at the end of the semester and graded appropriately.
Cinema Literacy:
The Study of Juvenile Behavior in Movies
DUE OCTOBER 23, 2008
There have been many movies created/produced that deal with the issues that face teenagers on a daily basis. Such issues include: gangs, violence, drug addiction, abuse, and the common pains of growing up. Three films that we have studied that dealt with the aforementioned issues include: “American Graffiti”, “Rebel Without a Cause”, and “West Side Story.” Choose one of the essay topics below to analyze in a well written, one page essay. Be sure to cite specific examples from the movie(s) you are discussing.
Topic #1:
In all three movies, the time in which the events occur is very fast-paced. The events in “American Graffiti” occur in one night while the events in “Rebel Without a Cause” and “West Side Story” take place in 24-48 hours. Discuss how the timeline in each movie adds to or detracts (takes away) from your understanding and appreciation of the film.
Topic #2:
All three movies deal with the concept of gangs. In “American Graffiti”, the Pharaohs take Curt for a ride. The Wheels are a gang in “Rebel Without a Cause” who challenge Jim to a chicken run and then blame him for the death of their leader, Buzz. Two gangs co-exist in “West Side Story”; the Sharks and the Jets. As a result of their dislike for one another the gangs lose their leaders, Bernardo and Riff, as well as the one person who tries to stop the rumble, Tony. Discuss how the gangs portrayed in the films are similar / different to the gangs of today.
Topic #3:
Adolescence is a difficult time for many. The movies portrayed some of the issues that young people face on a daily basis. Such issues that were portrayed include: young love, the lack of understanding by adults, making “adult” decisions, etc. Choose one of these issues, or one of your own, to apply to the three films and discuss.
Topic #4:
Write a compare/contrast essay discussing the three films. You should focus on the movies similarities and differences in characters, content, issues, theme, etc.
“American Graffiti” (1973)
Producer: Francis Ford Coppola and Gary Kurtz
Director: George Lucas
Actor / Character Name Description Problem(s) Solution
Richard Dreyfuss / Curt Henderson
Ron Howard / Steve Bolander
Paul Le Mat / John Milner
Charles Martin Smith / Terry “the Toad” Fields
Cindy Williams / Laurie
Initial / Overall thoughts and reactions:
RESPONSE SHEET FOR MOVIES:
Cinema Literacy Name __________________________
Movie: ________________________________
Answer in Complete Sentences
1. Do you think this was a good movie or not? ____________________
Whether you said "good" or "not good" give three (3) reasons for your statement.
Note: "I didn't like it" is not a reason, tell why you did or didn't like. Be specific and give examples for each reason. "It has a good plot" is not a complete answer!
2B. For the scene or quote in 2A, explain its significance in regards to ONE of the following: the whole movie, understanding that character, or how it relates to your life.
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