Appendix A- Film Analysis
For this project students should choose three films. They should fit within the three categories we discussed in class: editorial, allegorical, and entertainment. The films should also be those about which you have a particular fondness. If you cannot seem to identify one for all three please ask your parents for direction. For instance they may remember films from earlier years in your life that you cannot. If all seems lost please talk to me about your progress. Once you have identified the appropriate films you will fill in the following:
- Title of the film and other bibliographic information (studio, director, writer, producer, and year of production.
- Identify the main characters.
- Synopsis of the Plot- Students should simply describe what happens in the film. Here is an example:
- Political Analysis- Students should then speculate about the political trappings in each film. To make sure there is some continuity to this piece I ask students to complete the following objectives:
- What political points are being made? How do they relate to modern or historical political moments? Why might the filmmakers choose this topic? Do they seem to have some special interest?
- If there is a commentary track available, please listen and note if there is greater insight provided into perhaps political motivations in the film.
- Also, students should find and read at least one review of the film in a popular publication. This might be in a newspaper, magazine, or online review.
- The last part of the project involves your opinions. What impact did this film have on you? Do you agree with the films' political bend? Did you previously notice the films political implications? Do you think this film has played a part in shaping your own political views? Why or why not?
In Happy Feet the main character is a young penguin that is outcast from the greater community of penguins because of his inability to sing like the others. His own talents and his ambition to show his worth lead him on a trek of self-discovery and bravery that leads to his capture by human beings. This also, ironically, reveals the cause of problems the penguins have experienced in their ecosystem. Primarily fisherman have depleted the waters and left the penguins with little sustenance. In the end, his persistence and success in communicating with humans results in the triumphant return of the young penguin, his being accepted by his peers, and his stopping the damaging activities of men.
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