1. Home
2. Courses
3. Film and New York City
4. Film and New York City, Film Research and Analysis

Prompt

Write a Film Research and Analysis essay about a New York City film, released after 1920, that is listed in my “Film and NYC” list on Letterboxd.

Your analysis should address both of the following:

1. the style of the film using the formal elements we studied and are listed in Writing About Movies, on pages 39–50:
   • narrative
   • mise-en-scène
   • acting
   • cinematography
   • editing
   • sound

2. the cultural meaning of the film, according to at least one of the following cultural dimensions, as described in chapter four of Writing About Movies:

   • representation of socioeconomic status
   • representation of gender
   • representation of race, ethnicity, national origin
   • representation of sexual orientation
   • genre conventions
   • aesthetic history
   • auteurism
   • social history

Use the writing exercises we’ve done throughout the semester to determine how you will analyze the film.

Essay

Write an essay, of at least 1,500 words, that analyzes the formal and cultural elements of the film you selected.

Your essay should include the following:

• an introduction
• a brief summary of the film
• a brief description of your evaluation of the film
• a one-paragraph description of your methodology for analyzing the film
• an analysis of three sequences from the film, focusing on:
  • formal elements
  • cultural dimensions
• incorporate at least three historical sources into your analysis of a sequence, including
  • at least one secondary source
  • at least one primary source
• a conclusion

Format your document according to the following specifications:

• use the Word document attached to the Microsoft Teams assignment
• double space your text
• select a typeface that is tasteful and reflects your personality
• include page numbers
• cite your research according to either MLA or Chicago Manual of Style
• title your essay that foreshadows the subject of your essay
• quote properly
• include a Works Cited section in the same document as your essay; do not make a separate document

Submit your Essay on Microsoft Teams under the assignment titled “Film Research and Analysis, Essay.” The deadline is listed on the course website.