Film REVIEW ASSIGNMENT (10%):
Students are required to write a short film review of Nasser’s Republic (February 3rd). Students can select the film they would like to review and must submit the review one week after the screening date listed on the syllabus, by noon. (See Assignment Description Guide for further details).
A film review is not just an opportunity for you to spouse your own opinions or beliefs about the film or whether or not you liked it. Instead, it is an opportunity to offer a critical assessment of the film. The review is also not a summary of the plot, it goes deeper into analysis and reaction. While your readers may be interested in your opinion, they are, first and foremost, interested in learning about the film through a critical analysis.
Academic film reviews have a standard formula and structure. You may veer off a bit, but your review should include a version of the following sections:
Introduction (2 point): Provide basic information about the movie (title, director, year, genre…), and a sense of what your review will be about. Include a general description of the topic and/or issue addressed by the film (in your own words, what you think the film is about). Think, if possible, of a hook to draw your readers in.
Summary (3 points): Your review should, as concisely as possible, summarize the films main theme. What is the plot, who are the main characters, what is the setting, and are there any technical details you think are important to note?
Analysis (4points): This is the most important section and should be the longest (at least two paragraphs). Offer your analysis and critique the movie (critique doesn’t have to be negative). You can offer your opinion about the film here, but be sure that you explain and support your claims with examples. Some questions you might want to consider:
· How did the director achieve his or her purpose?
· What are the strengths and weaknesses of the film?
· What is your overall response to the movie? Did you find it interesting, moving, Why or why not?
Conclusion (1 point): End your review with a concluding statement summarizing your opinion of the film. You should also explicitly identify a range of audiences whom you think would appreciate seeing or otherwise benefit from the film.
Total grade is 10 points!
