Paper Requirement
Using MLA formatting (12 pt., Times New Roman font, 1” margins, double-spacing) this paper will include
analysis of the social and political context of the film, and a clear connection to the ways in which that
intersects with two key elements of film (cinematography, lighting). The paper will include—in this order:
1. Title page containing all the names of the writers, and the chosen film to analyze.
2. Complete essay of all contributing writers, edited to seamlessly move from one voice to another.
3. Works cited page. (not the annotated bibliography)
4. Each individual contribution included as an appendix at the end of the paper, with identifying author,
contribution, and works cited.
Things to consider as you research and analyze:
1. Stay away from too much summary; a brief description of the plot and action is appropriate, but should
be fairly short.
2. Remember from and content work together to create meaning.
3. Remember to utilize and incorporate the discourse of the class.
4. Nothing included in the film is by chance or accident.
5. Stay away from prescriptive comments, or approaches, but rather focus on the choices in the film—those
were made on purpose.
6. These will be submitted through Turnitin; please make sure to draw your own conclusions and express
your own ideas.
7. Don’t use “I” as there are multiple people writing the paper.
8. Film titles should always be italicized.
9. Avoid saying “In the movie…” We all know it’s a movie.
Questions to incorporate into your essay:
1. What does this film have to say both explicitly and implicitly?
2. In what places and through which elements are those messages expressed?
3. What are some of the movie’s most interesting, outstanding, or innovative formal techniques that stood
out?
4. Who do you contend is the target audience? And why does this matter?
5. Did this film make some kind of social or political impact, or is it part of a particular genre, cycle, or
trend?