M (1931) Directed by Fritz Lang
View the full film by using link to the left. Then complete the following questions:
1. Consider the various shots which Lang uses throughout the film. Locate an example for each of the following with a partner; what impact do the following shots have?
a) high shot - looking down upon a figure or group of people
b) low shot - looking up toward a person or group of people
c) bird’s eye shot - looking down from a bit of a distance
2. Consider a single scene / shot which you have seen mimicked elsewhere. What is the meaning of the scene in M? How was it presented in the newer film?
3. How is music effectively used to signal the audience about the murderer?
4. How does Lang play with our expectations of the police, criminals in M?
1. Consider the various shots which Lang uses throughout the film. Locate an example for each of the following with a partner; what impact do the following shots have?
a) high shot - looking down upon a figure or group of people
b) low shot - looking up toward a person or group of people
c) bird’s eye shot - looking down from a bit of a distance
2. Consider a single scene / shot which you have seen mimicked elsewhere. What is the meaning of the scene in M? How was it presented in the newer film?
3. How is music effectively used to signal the audience about the murderer?
4. How does Lang play with our expectations of the police, criminals in M?
On the Waterfront (1954) Directed by Elia Kazan
I coulda been a contender....
1. One of the key ideas in the film is the choice between Terry betraying his friends and colleagues in order to protect his own neck versus doing the right / moral thing. In the past it has been clear that people have been more than willing to betray their friends, like during the McCarthy witch hunts of the 1950s [something Kazan alluded to through the film].
How would you feel if you were betrayed by a friend or family member over money, a job, or even another loved one? What would you be willing to do to protect your own loved ones? What might cause YOU to betray your friends or loved ones?
2. The film's depictions of character, speech, and situations were seen as very realistic and powerful. Much of the speech relies on slang or dialect. Prepare a 2-page script between at least two characters who use a clear dialect. Be sure this is reflected through word choice, spellings, and the description of the characters you've used.
How would you feel if you were betrayed by a friend or family member over money, a job, or even another loved one? What would you be willing to do to protect your own loved ones? What might cause YOU to betray your friends or loved ones?
2. The film's depictions of character, speech, and situations were seen as very realistic and powerful. Much of the speech relies on slang or dialect. Prepare a 2-page script between at least two characters who use a clear dialect. Be sure this is reflected through word choice, spellings, and the description of the characters you've used.
The Sting (1973) Directed by George Roy Hill
World's Easiest 5 grand!
Paul Newman and Robert Redford re-team with George Roy Hill after the success of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Set in Depression-era 1936 U.S., Redford is a small-time grifter who seeks payback after a close friend is killed.
Create a movie poster to advertise the film to a modern audience. Consider layout, use of colour, and titling in your poster. Include actor's names and at least a short catch-phrase to help sell the movie.
Create a movie poster to advertise the film to a modern audience. Consider layout, use of colour, and titling in your poster. Include actor's names and at least a short catch-phrase to help sell the movie.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Directed by Frank Darabont
1. Locate 3 key themes from the CRIME unit that are evident in the film; provide at least two examples for each theme.
2. Indicate three symbols from the film you feel are most effective. Explain what they represent in the film.
3. Explain 3 ways in which the film’s screenplay is both similar and different compared to Stephen King’s original novella, “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”. Click on the poster to the right to open a pdf version of the novella.
2. Indicate three symbols from the film you feel are most effective. Explain what they represent in the film.
3. Explain 3 ways in which the film’s screenplay is both similar and different compared to Stephen King’s original novella, “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”. Click on the poster to the right to open a pdf version of the novella.