Appendix D
Motion Picture Analysis
The Motion Picture Analysis Worksheet helps students analyze the historical evidence of motion image materials. It is designed to focus students' attention as they analyze the auditory and visual information contained in motion picture film, videotape, newsreels, and animated features.
Motion Picture Analysis Worksheet
Step 1: Pre-viewing
A. Title of film: ______________________________________________
B. What do you think you will see in this motion picture? List three concepts or ideas that you think you might expect to see based on the title of the film. List some of the people you might expect to see based on the title of the film.
Concepts/Ideas
- ___________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
People
- ___________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
Step 2: Viewing
Type of motion picture (Check where applicable)
__ Animated cartoon
__ Documentary film
__ Newsreel
__ Propaganda film
__ Theatrical short subject
__ Training film
__ Combat film
__ Other
Physical qualities of the motion picture (check where applicable)
__ Music
__ Narration
__ Special Effects
__ Color
__ Live action
__ Background noise
__ Animation
__ Dramatization
Note how camera angels, lighting, music, narration, and/or editing contribute to creating an atmosphere in this film. What is the mood or tone of the film? ___________________________________________________________________
Step 3: Post-Viewing (or repeated viewing)
Circle the things that you listed in the previewing activity that were validated by your viewing of this scene.
What is the central message(s) of this scene?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Consider the effectiveness of this scene in communicating its message. As a tool of communication, what are its strengths and weaknesses?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
How do you think the filmmakers wanted the audience to respond?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Does this scene appeal more to the viewers' reason or emotion? Explain.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
List two things that your specific element as related to this scene tells you about the culture of the work?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Write a question to the filmmaker that is left unanswered by the scene.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What information is there about this scene as conveyed by your group's element that would not be conveyed by a written source? Be specific.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Designed and developed by the staff of the Education Branch, Office of Public programs, National Archives, Washington, DC 20408.
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