Category: Drama and Theatre

PLEASE POST YOUR ANSWERS TO THE FIVE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS BELOW OVER THE FILM, EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE.
1. Who is the movie’s protagonist? What factors and needs motivate or complicate that character’s action?
2. Are the plot events presented in chronological order? What is the significance of the order of plot events in the movie?
3. Keep track of the major and minor events in the movie’s plots. Are any of the minor events unnecessary to the movie overall? If these events were not included, would the movie be better? Why?
4. Do any scenes use real time or a stretch relationship between story duration and screen duration? If so, what is the significance of these scenes to the overall narrative?
5. How do the setting and the scope of the narrative complement the other elements?

After reading the script, write a 4 – 5 page paper that illustrates how the script works as a reflection of the society for which it was originally written. You will need to use Aristotle’s six elements of drama as a guide for the elements of the script to discuss. In other words, focus on character, plot, theme, dialogue/language, music & spectacle (if applicable); pointing out how each of these elements reflected specific aspects of society. Finally, your paper should conclude by discussing ways in which this script is or is not relevant for today’s society. Use examples from the script to support any points you make.
Script Link Here: https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/macbeth/read/

In your introductory paragraph,
Identify your selected film, including writer, director, year of release, and genre.
Example: Oppenheimer, a biographical, historical drama, was written and directed by Christopher Nolan, and released in July, 2023.
Summarize the film in which you apply your knowledge of the difference between the film’s story and its plot.
Tip: review your Week 1 Discussion post and think about everything you now know about story and plot.
Describe one of the broad theories you have learned about in class (auteur theory, genre theory, formalist theory) that you will use to analyze your film in this paper.
Tip: review Film: From Watching to Seeing for a refresher on film theory.
Example: Auteur theory is the systematic approach to understanding the complex role of the director in some, but not all, films. According to Goodykoontz, et. al (2022), “When applied to film directing, auteur theory posits that the director is indeed the author of the film, imprinting it with his or her personal vision.”
Develop a thesis statement that describes how the specific elements of your chosen film work together to communicate themes relating to a particular social issue.
Tip: visit the Writing a Thesis StatementLinks to an external site. resource from the UAGC Writing Center.
Example: Nope (2022) is the third film from auteur director Jordan Peele, and breaks the mold of the UFO horror trope by using a predominantly black cast, which draws further attention to ideas of self and other, while foregrounding the black experience in an otherwise classic cinematic spectacle.
In the body of your paper,
Analyze your selected film using one of the broad theories you have learned about in class (auteur theory, genre theory, formalist theory).
Tip: use at least one paragraph to give an overview of how your chosen theoretical lens serves an analysis of your chosen film. In subsequent paragraphs continue to draw connections between your close analysis and the theory.
Evaluate the use of three specific techniques and design elements employed in the film as they contribute to the overarching narrative, theme, and social commentary of your chosen film. This can include elements of mise-en-scène (e.g., lighting, sound, composition of frame, costuming, etc.) and editing (e.g., cuts and transitions, shots used, angles, etc.).
Tip: here’s where you can bring in pieces from your Week 2 and Week 3 Assignments.
Tip: dive deeper into a scene or scenes, describing what happens and how. Focus on the techniques used and describe how and why they contribute to specific themes so you can draw detailed and direct connections between visual/thematic elements and your chosen film theory.
Describe the ways in which your chosen film has impacted society or how it has called attention to a particular social issue (i.e., politically or culturally, positive or negative).
Tip: this is a key point of your paper and you’ve likely already begun to address it in Week 2 and Week 3 Assignments. Think about what your chosen film tells us about society—class, race, gender, violence, climate—and whether it is effective in making its argument. Explain why this cause is important for people to know, to think about, and to choose whether or not to take a stand. Does it serve as a call to action?
In the conclusion of your paper,
Draw connections between each element of your chosen film and how they contribute to the film’s overall stance on a particular social issue, if it is effective in doing so, and why addressing this issue is necessary to society.
Tip: your conclusion should restate your thesis and remind the reader which specific examples demonstrate how your chosen serves as an exemplar of your chosen film theory and remind us why a film’s social resonance is an important part of cultural engagement.
Final Film Critique: Film and Social Resonance Analysis final paper
Must be five to six double-spaced pages (1500 to 1800 words) in length (not including title page and references) and formatted according to APA StyleLinks to an external site. as outlined in the Writing Center’s APA Formatting for Microsoft WordLinks to an external site.
Must include a separate title page with the following:
Title of paper in bold font
Space should appear between the title and the rest of the information on the title page.
Student’s name
Name of institution (The University of Arizona Global Campus)
Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Due date
Must utilize academic voice. See the Academic VoiceLinks to an external site. resource for additional guidance.
Must include an introduction and conclusion paragraph. Your introduction paragraph needs to end with a clear thesis statement that indicates the purpose of your paper.
For assistance on writing Introductions & ConclusionsLinks to an external site. and Writing a Thesis StatementLinks to an external site., refer to the Writing Center resources.
Must use at least three scholarly sources in addition to the course text.
The Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed, and Other Credible SourcesLinks to an external site. table offers additional guidance on appropriate source types. If you have questions about whether a specific source is appropriate for this assignment, please contact your instructor. Your instructor has the final say about the appropriateness of a specific source.
To assist you in completing the research required for this assignment, view the Quick and Easy Library ResearchLinks to an external site. tutorial, which introduces the University of Arizona Global Campus Library and the research process, and provides some library search tips.
Must document any information used from sources in APA Style as outlined in the Writing Center’s APA: Citing Within Your Paper guide.Links to an external site.
Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA Style as outlined in the Writing Center. See the APA: Formatting Your References ListLinks to an external site. resource in the Writing Center for specifications.

As you answer the question about costume in the film, be sure to read the PowerPoint slides first so that you are able to describe the costumes using proper historic costume terms. These are your class notes.  I will be looking for information from the notes when I grade the assignments.  You can also do some outside research in the Library and/or on the Internet for additional information. 
In other words, your descriptions must be more than just your observations about the costumes and accessories from viewing the films.  Your answer requires research as well as observations. You should also be able to compare the costumes in the films to those shown in costume history references to assess whether or not the costumes in the films were historically accurate or whether they were more the creative imagination of the costume designer with a bit of history thrown in. Be sure to include details about the costume that identifies it as part of a certain historical costume era.  For example, men have been wearing suits with jackets, pants, and shirts for about 170 years.  What details of construction, style, fabric, colors, make a “suit” from 1850 distinguishable from a suit worn by men in the current year?
Also, the summary of the story in the film is more than a brief overview of the plot. It is a detailed act-by-act summary of the storyline in the film, not the Wiki overview.  You can take notes while you view the film or you can use one of the many complete summaries that can be found on-line.
Select the film that you wish to view in its entirety. These are not short film clips or trailers for films. Appropriate films will be listed each week. The list is not exhaustive and you can also search for films to use for each assignment. Films do not have to be Hollywood blockbuster films. They can be documentaries or films from the History Channel or National Geographic. Some are foreign films and may have subtitles. You can use films from YouTube, NetFlix, Hulu, rented films or films that you already own. AVOID animated films (cartoons) and comedies because these do not illustrate authentic historic costumes. The intent is to find a film that accurately depicts the historic costume of the era. The more recent films are usually more historically accurate as far as the costume designs are concerned. Be sure to check with me if you are not certain about the appropriateness of the film you are considering for each assignment.
Before you view the film, read the Power Point slides that pertain to each historical era. These are your notes for this class.  I will be looking for information from the slides such as the use of proper historic costume terms in your Film Journals and Modern Design assignments. Refer to other references from the library, Internet, books, or other films for additional information about the historic era and clothing. By reading about the historic costume first, you will know what to look for in the film.
The following is a list of suggested films for the assignment about the the Directoire/Empire Period.  It is not a complete list and you may include documentaries as well as films.  If you discover other appropriate films, please forward them to me so that they can be added to this list. Remember to avoid animated, fantasy, or comedy films because the costumes are not accurate.  It is up to you to find the source of the film that you choose. 
A Quiet Passion (Empire era into Romantic era) The story of the poet, Emily Dickinson.
Pride and Prejudice (2003 or 1995 BBC series or other versions)
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Vanity Fair (2004)
Becoming Jane (2007)
Persuasion (1995, 2007)
Mansfield Park (1999)
Emma (1996, 2009)
Miss Austen Regrets
Lost in Austen (modern and Empire)
Wuthering Heights (Netflix) (first part takes place in Rococo Era and ends in Empire Era)
Northanger Abbey (2007)
Mayerling
The Red Violin (first part of film only)
The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982)
War and Peace (2007)
Amazing Grace ((2006) *elements of Early Empire (1797) and Late Rococo (1782)
Bright Star (2009)
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) 
Lady Caroline Lamb (1972)
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
Death Comes to Pemberley
Hazard of Hearts
Bridgerton series (costumes have been “modernized” mostly in color and embellishment)
Sanditon (takes place in 1805 – Jane Austen’s unfinished novel) Costumes look to be historically accurate
Include the following in your journal report:
FILM JOURNAL
Information about the film (film credits): (5 points)
The title of the film/appropriate for the era
The year the film was produced
The historic costume era in which the film took place
The name of the director
The names of the main actors and the characters they played.
Write a detailed 1 page summary (2 – 3 paragraphs) of the story from the film. This is a detailed summary of the storyline from the film.  It is NOT a brief Wikipedia overview of the plot of the film.  YES, you can use the summaries of the storyline in films found on Wiki or film reviews. I would rather that you took notes re: the clothing and accessories while you view the film rather than making notes about the story. (15 points)
Clothing and Accessories (hats, scarves, shawls, jewelry, shoes, canes, fans, watches, etc.)
Examples of research topics: 
Select one head-to-toe outfit of a man, woman, or child from the film that you viewed. Describe the elements of the ensemble including the clothing and accessories using historic costume terms. Be sure to identify the details that make this costume different than modern costumes.  See the PP slides for the specific details of the costume for the historic costume era. Use historic costume terms to describe the ensemble.  If all of the elements of one outfit are not shown in the film (hats, shoes, etc.), add them by doing outside research from the PP slides and/or the Internet or textbooks.
OR, select one article of clothing or one accessory such as men’s/women’s hats for the historic costume era.  Describe hats from the film. Research ALL hats from this era – see PP slides, the Internet, historic costume books, etc. for additional information. In this option you are adding to observations from the film.
OR, Select accessories such as jewelry, hairstyles, headpieces, shoes, etc. Describe accessories from the film. Research VARIOUS accessories from this era. See PP slides, the Internet, historic costume books, etc. for additional information.
OR, research the costume designer for the film. What is his/her background?  Where did he/she get training in costume design? What are some of the designer’s accomplishments/awards/other movies in which they designed the costumes. Some considerations: what challenges did the designer encounter in producing costumes for this film and how were they overcome?; were the costumes historically accurate or were they “modernized”?; were the costumes borrowed or made specifically for this film?;  describe and illustrate an example of one of the costumes; Other?
OR, select a topic of your choice that concerns historic costume such as military attire, religious attire, sportswear, textiles used in the clothing, embellishments used on the clothing, etc. *Check to make sure your topic is appropriate. (40 points)
Use appropriate historic costume terms – see PP slides and other sources of information. (10 points)
Download a picture(s) to illustrate your topic.  (10 points)
Include your references in a bibliography at the end of your report. You should always include the film and the PP slides in your references. (5 points)
The total report should be approximately 1 -2 pages in length.
Film Journal Points:
A.  Title, Year, Director, Era, Actors                5
B.  Summary of the story                              15  
C.  Clothing/Topic Summary                         40
D.  Historic Costume Terms                          10
D.  Illustration(s)                                              10
E.  References (film and PP slides)                5
TOTAL:                                                          85

ANSWER THE THREE DISCUSSION BOARD QUESTIONS BELOW OVER THE FILM, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968.)
1. Can this film be linked with a specific genre and, if so, to what extent does it or does it not fulfill your expectations of that genre.
2. Be aware that many movies borrow or blend elements of multiple genres. Look for familiar formal, narrative, and thematic genre elements, and ask yourself how and why this film uses them.
3. Would you consider this film an experimental film? Does it fit the criteria for experimental cinema? Which of the listed characteristics does the movie seem to fit, and which of them does it diverge from?

Find one example of a modern design that draws its inspiration from this historical era.  Include a picture of a modern design as well as a picture of the historical equivalent.  Describe the features of the modern design that are similar or the same as the historic design.
The purpose of the Modern Design Assignment is designed so that you recognize how often contemporary designers are inspired by historic fashions or certain features of garments.  You should become more proficient in identifying details of historic costumes while viewing modern films.
For each of the eras in which you viewed a film and wrote a report in a Film Journal, you are to find one example of a modern design that draws its inspiration from the historical era that you studied.  Include a picture of a modern design as well as a picture of the historical equivalent.  Describe the features of the modern design that are similar or the same as the historic design. 

personal critique of Wicked available on Amazon Prime video. include what you liked and didn’t. Be specific about the things that you like and tell me what you learned from the experience. Make sure that your paper is at least 500 words in length.
-A critique should be roughly one-third informative and
two-thirds evaluative. In other words, don’t spend the majority of your paper
stating WHAT you saw–tell me what you THOUGHT about it. Evaluate it.
-Remember that play titles should be italicized. Song titles
within musicals are in quotations.
-Double-spacing and using 12pt font are good standards.

1. Do I have do work in a group? – No, you can work on your own.
2. If I work independently, do I have to do all the parts? – No, pick one.
3. Do we perform the play? – No, you pretend like you will perform the play and discuss your role in making a play.
4. Do I submit a PowerPoint? – No, you have to present a narrated presentation. This can be a video, PowerPoint with recorded audio, or any other digital tool you want. I have to hear you speak. I suggest loading it on youtube or Google Drive and sharing the link rather than trying to upload the entire video or presentation. Make sure the link is public.
Guidelines for Final Project
Group Play:
Your group will work together to plan the production of a play. The play you choose is up to
you, but it should be one that we have not talked about in class. This will represent the
accumulation of everything you have learned in the class.
 The group chooses a play or movie they want to make into a play.
 The group must submit one copy of the script with the assignment. A link to the script is
fine.
 The group will turn in one presentation in which they present their play.
 The members of the group are encouraged to assume roles as outlined by the text in which
they play the part of someone involved in putting on the play. The presentation will present
a role for each person in the group.
 Choose your role from the list below.
 Choose a local stage that you would perform the play in. Feel free to email me to visit the
Duncan Theater.
 The presentation can take the form of narrated presentation. You may choose to either
create a narrated powerpoints or film small videos uploaded to www.youtube.com by each
member of the group and put together in a channel. Your presentation should take between
3 – 5 minutes per person in the group, and must include visual displays in the form of props
or pictures.
1. Actor:
Pick a character from the play. In character, relate to the audience who your character is.
 Character background
 What has his or her life been like up to this point?
 Where is he or she from?
 Where does he or she live now?
 What does he or she do for a living? (Explain if character is in school, or does not have a
job.)
 Character description
 What is his or her physical appearance?
 What is his or her personality like?
 What are his or her interests?
 What are his or her goals in life?
2. Costume Designer:
 Create color costume design sketches for at least 3 characters in your group’s play.
 Each design must include fabric swatches attached to the side.
 Costumes must be drawn on a complete body, including a head with hair.
 Each design should include the name of the play or movie and the name of the character.
 Designs should be neat, clean and professional looking as possible.
 You can show the designs and narrate over the designs.
 The designer should explain how they have expressed the individual personalities of the
characters in combination with the overall design concept in each of their costume designs.
3. Scene Designer:
 Color rendering of the set for your scene as you would ideally imagine it
 Pencil ground plan of the same set
 Designs should be neat, clean and professional looking as possible.
 Ground plans should include measurements to indicate the size of the stage and the
various scenic elements in the design.
 Use a ruler and other line guide tools like a compass to achieve straight, smooth lines.
 You can show the designs and narrate over the designs.
4. Producer and Director
 Decide what style your play will take.
 What audience is your play designed for?
 Talk about how you will get funding for the play.
 Explain what type of advertising you will conduct for the play.
 What changes will you make to the script?
 What suggestions will you make to the actors, Scene Designers, and Costume Designers?
 What is your role in the production and how can you work well with all the other people INVOLVED

Students will compile a collection of at least five narrated production stills (500 words each) that follow the spirit and tradition of the Third Cinema genre. Third Cinema directors operated in real life settings with real life people. Rather than use photography or videography, students will observe local, real life scenarios of everyday life that might be fitting for a film of the Third Cinema genre. They will describe the scene, then analyze its relevance to course concepts. Through this exercise, students will practice description and analysis.
Third Cinema is a Latin American film movement during the Cold War that decries neocolonialism and the capitalist system. It is meant to challenge the colonial hegemony of dominant Hollywood by serving the needs of colonized people in the Third World. It is a form of decolonizing through cinematography. 
Will attach sources needed

If you were acting in a role, what technique do you think you would use? Do you think it is more authentic to use the Method and work from the inside? Or do you believe it is more authentic to create the character using your senses, movement and imagination? Tell me why.