As you “decode” the films, be specific: for example, discuss shot size, camera moves, editing, storytelling. Use concepts like syntagmatic analysis; metaphor and metonymy in discussing the work and how meaning is created.

This week we watched three powerful films: two overtly wartime pieces — the Nazi screed Triumph of the Will and the
US response in Why We Fight, as well as the great fiction film, Casablanca. How is meaning created in these films?
Make sure you use what you are learning from the “drive through film theory” website and the Umberto Eco article on
Casablanca.

Your essays must demonstrate you have read the assigned articles/ essays about the work, era, director.
I encourage you to find other information about the works from valid sources. Valid academic sources include academic journal articles, trade publication etc.
You should credit the source of your content, either through footnotes or attribution.

For example, you would say, “I read an article entitled The Lumiere Brothers and Cinema in Bright Lights Film Journal
which discussed the expressionist qualities in the work of director Fritz Lang.” Or whatever you found out.

Great essays include references to other academic level sources and YOUR PERSPECTIVE

Include your informed opinion/perspective on the subject. The essay will then be reflective of not only the facts you
have learned but also your point-of-view on the matter/s, a perspective that extends out and comments upon what you have learned

Full credit includes essays that include references and/or discussion related to the reading and lecture material; make
connections among the lectures, readings, and films, references other readings, introducing new ideas and questions in the process, includes your own perspective, and thoroughly addresses the prompt.

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