Assignments task:
Goals of this Assignment:
- To engage with the structure of classical Hollywood cinema.
- To engage with the three-act structure of storytelling.
- To apply course concepts of film form and structure to a film outside of class.
Instructions:
In the first two modules of this course we have focused upon the narrative form and structure of classical Hollywood cinema, along with the expectations that this cinema sets up for its audiences. For this assignment, you will apply your knowledge of narrative form and structure through the analysis of one of the following five films (all are available for rental):
a. Manchester by the Sea (2016, directed by Kenneth Lonergan)
YouTube Video: Manchester by the Sea (2016) Full Movie
Please note that you are required to write on one of these five films.
The assignment consists of a series of questions and prompts that ask you to identify and discuss structural and narrative components of the first act of the film you have chosen. Rather than organizing your assignment as one long essay, please respond to each of the questions and prompts individually using the provided Narrative Analysis Assignment Template. Be as detailed and specific as possible in your responses.
Whichever film you choose, please be aware that you may need to see the film more than once.
The detailed "User's Guide to the Narrative Analysis Assignment" provides additional, detailed information about each section of the assignment. The guide will help you complete the assignment, and it is important that you use it.
Grading Criteria and Rubrics
Carefully review the detailed rubric for the Narrative Analysis Assignment in the "Start Here" section of Contents on the course website.
Format Specifications
Using Microsoft Word, enter your responses to each of the prompts and questions directly into the Narrative Analysis Assignment Template. Use any readable 12-pt font, with single-spaced lines. Include your name at the top of the first page.
2 In the three sections of the template that feature multiple prompts (First Image; Catalyst & Central Question; Protagonists, Antagonist, and Backstory), please respond to each prompt separately.
The completed assignment (including the text of the prompts and questions in the template) should be at least 1500 words in length. (If you were writing a single essay, this length would be equivalent to approximately 4-6 double-spaced pages, but remember that you will be using single spacing here.)