SAULT COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY

WESTERNS: A STUDY IN THE FILM GENRE

Spring 2021

Mr Chad Beharriell, MA Email: [email protected]

FILM REVIEW ASSIGNMENT #2

30% – Due date: Tuesday, August 3rd (by 11:59pm) (End of Week 12)

ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES – Students are to choose one Western film from the provided list and use the following three-part structure to organize their first Film Review. The review is to be 750-1000 words (3-4 pages) in length. In addition to these three segments, a fourth component to be evaluated is that of Writing &

Style. Each of the four components is weighted equally (25% each).

Within the assignment header/title page, ensure that:

A.) The selected film (with year of release) is named. B.) The director(s) is (are) named. C.) Citation style used is named.

THEN

Compose & structure the review with these three components & sub-headings:

ACTING PERFORMANCE – Examine one actor’s performance within one selected scene in the film that you found interesting (liked) and/or problematic (did not like) – explain why. Components for analysis include how the actor physically

portrayed the character (e.g. body language, voice, facial expressions) & how the actor attempted to make the role “believable” in the selected scene. >Give the start & end time for selected scene (see time-stamp info on page 2).

SCENE COMPOSITION – Examine the overall arrangement of one scene in the film by the director(s) that you found interesting (liked) and/or problematic (did not

like) – explain why. Components for analysis include camera angles, camera edits, close-ups & use of music. >Give the start & end time for selected scene.

FILM ARGUMENT & CONCLUSION – First: Name at least one political, economic and/or societal argument made by the

film (e.g. societal arguments could relate to race relations). Then: A.) Describe what the argument is B.) Classify it in terms of the three above types

& C.) Demonstrate how the argument(s) is portrayed in 1-2 selected scenes. >Give the start & end time for selected scene.

Second: Conclude the assignment with a separate section (5-6 sentences) that provides your overall assessment/opinion of the film. For example, would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?

FILM CHOICES (Select One):

True Grit (2010)

The Hateful Eight (2015)

Hostiles (2017)

Hell or High Water (2016)

Woman Walks Ahead (2018)

Note: It may be necessary to view more than one film to choose the best Western for your approach – note: the review analyzes one film. Students are responsible for locating & viewing a copy of their selected film. Trailers for each film are

available to view under the Trailers – Film Review#2 menu option on Blackboard.

Style & Submission Requirements • While the use of subheadings is permitted, the Film Review is a formal

assignment – point-form is not to be used. The review must be written in sentence and paragraph format. Line spacing of 1.5 is adequate.

• NOTE: Film Reviews 25% longer than the designated length (1000 words of content) will receive deductions on the Writing & Style component.

• Students may use Chicago Style, MLA or APA to cite sources. Provide a bibliography/works cited section at end of review. Any use of secondary sources must be cited and also noted within the bibliography.

• Time-Stamps: When discussing the duration of specific film scenes, the required time-stamps can be placed within written content. Time-stamps

are written as (Hour: Minute: Second) > e.g. (1:32:45 – 1:35:15).

• Provide a proper bibliographic notation for the chosen film in the bibliography (see Citation Guide on Blackboard site (under Assignments

(Submit) option) for examples). Students must indicate the chosen Citation style within the Assignment header (where name, student

number, assignment title is provided) – indicate the style within brackets.

Method of Submission – Film Reviews are submitted via the Assignments section of the Blackboard course website (not via email). Microsoft Word (docx) is preferred format – if unable to provide that format, copy/compose the assignment into the provided Blackboard “Write Submission” box.

• Film Reviews received after the due date of 11:59 pm on Tuesday, August 3rd (end of Week 12) are deemed late. Film Reviews submitted

late will be deducted 1 assignment mark per working day (i.e. Monday to Friday). Film Reviews will not be accepted after the final day of the term –

no later than Tuesday, August 17th at 11:59 pm.

Please feel free to consult with the Instructor to evaluate the

development of your second Film Review.