Watch two films from the same theme of film titles (below) and write a comparative essay discussing how each develop a similar theme. Focus both on which film tools/techniques they employ similarly.

Question

 

1. Identify the film’s theme.
2. A summary and brief discussion of the movie’s plot and major characters. ALSO INCLUDE FILMAKING TECHNIQUES LIKE WIDE SHOT, CLOSEup, DOLLYSHOT ETC.
3. A discussion and analysis of key devices used to develop the theme.
4. A viewing and analysis of approximately 5 minutes of film footage (from one scene).
5. Group presentations will be pre-recorded and shared with the class. Be prepared to further dialogue with Bowen during and/or after the film on additional elements of the film and its analysis

 

Theme: Underdog

 

Simon Birch

Far and Away

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

The Graduate

Stand by Me

A Beautiful Mind

Good Will Hunting

Quiz Show

Seabiscuit

The Last Samurai

Cold Mountain

Million Dollar Baby

Billy Elliot

Garden State

Pursuit of Happyness

Little Miss Sunshine

Virgin Suicides

Cinderella Man

Almost Famous

Juno

Slumdog Millionaire

12 Years a Slave

Captain Phillips

Southpaw

Gone Girl

Birdman

Dallas Byers Club

Parasite

A Star is Born

A Quiet Place

First Man

If Beale Street Could Talk

Uncut Gems

Ad Astra 

The Revenant

Hacksaw Ridge

The Martian

Theme: Rebellion

 

American Beauty

Braveheart

Brazil

Catch Me If You Can

Children of Men

District 9

Dr. Strangelove

Enemy of the State

Fight Club

Full Metal Jacket

Girl, Interrupted

Gladiator

Glory

Hanna

The Informant

The Ides of March

Inglourious Basterds

John Q

LA Confidential

Legends of the Fall

Michael Clayton

Pelican Brief

Philadelphia

Road to Perdition

Schindler’s List

Shawshank Redemption

Taxi Driver

The Boondock Saints

The Departed

The Majestic

The Usual Suspects

Unforgiven

Django Unchained

The Green Book

 Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood

Answer 1

This is an amazing assignment! Quick tip. "UNDERDOG" and "REBELLION" are TOPICS. To make them into themes, create a sentence with them that conveys a universal message.

For example: Underdog/Pursuit of Happiness

Theme sentence: Even when you feel that you are about to throw in the towel, remember that your next attempt may be your breakthrough.

Hope this helps in some way.