PICK A MOVIE FROM THIS LIST BELOW.
Glory
Gettysburg
Dances with Wolves
Amistad
1492
Santa Fe Trail
Black Robe
Cabeza de Vaca
Jeremiah Johnson
Gone with the Wind
The Last of the Mohicans
Lincoln
The Gangs of New York
Cold Mountain
Harriet
12 Years a Slave
Outlaw Josey Wales
One of the six volumes of the Roots series from the 1970s
One episode of the HBO series John Adams
Ride with the Devil
The Alamo (either version)
Johnny Tremain
The Pathfinder
The Buccaneer
The Red Badge of Courage
Free State of Jones
Your paper should be structured in the following manner:
Introduction – 1 paragraphs
A good lead
The title of the film
A brief description of the film
Summary of the film – 1-2 paragraphs
Main characters, setting, basic plot
Analysis of the film 3 paragraphs
See below for details
This should include a detailed deconstruction of at least one key scene
Conclusion – 1 paragraphs
Restating main points of your analysis in a succinct manner
Justification of your analysis
The analysis must address four main areas:
1. The history
-Is it accurate, or was it “Hollywood” to make more money?
-Are events presented realistically and chronologically?
2. Setting, details, design and behavior
-Are locations, costumes, and sets accurately portrayed?
-Has the filmmaker included details that enhance the historical atmosphere and viewing experience?
-Do the characters speak and act as people in their time, situation and class did?
-Are gender relationships accurately rendered?
3. ****THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT AND DIFFICULT PART OF THE ESSAY**** Agenda and Values
-What does the filmmaker do to influence feelings and emotions?
-What sort of heroic and villainous icons are presented and supported in the film?
(Who’s the good guy and who’s the bad guy and why do you think that way about them?)
-What messages did the filmmakers wish to convey?
4. Effects
-Does the film succeed in producing the desired effect?
-How does it change your understanding of history?