Review Assignment #1:

DUE March 2nd: Choose an “issue-oriented” film to review on DVD/video that you have not previously seen . While writing the review, keep in mind the thoughts/ideas brought up in the readings thus far (as well as what we are reading as you are writing and going through the draft process). 

Focusing primarily on the “issue” that the film deals with (as it is the primary focus of this paper), make sure you also note its aesthetics and structure and how these things attempt (or fail) to further illuminate, inform, reflect the “issue” the film is presenting. 

In terms of structure (use of space and people, length of film, flow of narrative and/or music – when it fades in or out - cinematography, editing, etc.) reflect that issue or theme. You may approach this review in any way you chose, utilizing a more personal, subjective tone, a more analytical, scholarly tone, or a combination of both. 

* Keep in mind the basic elements and components of a review: summary, analysis, argument (your opinion and why), erudition or ‘outside' knowledge, (your) tone and voice. 

** The following are some questions that will help you approach the writing of your review. I suggest you look over these and your notes from class discussions BEFORE you watch the film, so that you can keep some of these questions in mind as you watch. There are many more questions/answers, thoughts, and perceptions that you can and should add. These are just some guided questions that will help you get started.

• What was the main issue being highlighted in the film? What is the film saying about this issue and how?

• How did the performance use aesthetics (colors, voice, props, costumes, lighting, etc.) to further enhance or give power to the issue it addresses. Was the film successful in utilizing the above aesthetics in reflecting or illuminating its issue? Why or why not?

• Were you struck by any one particular scene within the film? Why? (you may focus your review primarily on one scene, but you must then compare/contrast it with the film in its entirety).

• How did the structure of the performance (or piece that you focus on) reflect narrative issues? Think about structure in all its forms (e.g. narrative structure, the arrangement or positioning of the dancers, the ways in which dancers and/or props interact and are placed, what image/movement the dance began or ended with, transitions made, use of space, etc.).

• Tell a brief personal story that connects your feelings, thoughts, and/or reactions to the performance (e.g. what did this remind you of? What were you doing on your way to the review that made the theme of the performance particularly apropos; or what issues have you been thinking of or dealing with that tie into the theme of this performance?).

• Be creative! Use metaphors, analogies, adjectives, adverbs, and feel free to experiment with your style of writing. Feel free to use either past or present tense (as if you are sitting in the audience at the moment watching the performance, for example) – just be consistent with whatever tense you choose.

• What, if any, was your emotional reaction to this performance? Why? And how does your emotional reaction potentially speak to the effectiveness of the performance (or lack thereof)?

• What did you think about the performance? Did it accurately reflect the issue? How did the performance use aesthetics (colors, voice, props, costumes, lighting, etc.) to further enhance or give power to the issue it addresses? (or in what ways did it not do those things?)

** Always, always back up your thoughts with some example, quote, or explanation.