When watching a film or video interpretation of any event, consider using the following (PIPER) model of analysis,
P - Point of View?
I - Inferences?
P - Persuasive Techniques?
E - Evidence?
R - Relevant Information?
Use this work sheet to help you analyze historical films you watch?
1. Name of film:
2. Main point of the film:
3. P What is the point of view of the film? Was it overly favorable or critical of a particular group or individual?
4. I What inferences were made in the film? Were there parts of the film that filmmakers must have made up because they couldn't have known this from the available evidence?
5. P What Techniques are used in the film to persuade the audience to the film makers point of view? Note music, camera angle, character portrayal, etc.
6. E What evidence is included to support the point of view put forth in the film? What is the source of that evidence? How strong is it?
7. R What relevant information do I know? Does it contradict or support the story presented in the film?
8. Overall, how strong are the historical arguments in this film? Is it historically accurate?