Historical Film Review Essay
Professor J. BejaranoMany people learn about historical events through film and television. Historical Dramas are popular in most of the world. Writing, as an analytical tool, is vital to the college student and to your success. This assignment combines these two into a single, mostly enjoyable, experience. Film, itself, acts like a preservation tool. It not only freezes knowledge about the past but it also conserves the interpretation of it. For example, research changes and views change. Film can be used to examine those changes as researches record data on film. The same is true of Historical television and film. Even historical dramas, which seem highly romanticized, have kernels of truth.
Assignment: Analyze a historical film and construct a 3-5 page essay which answers the required questions. The purpose is to examine issues the film addresses, the film’s importance, your reaction to the film and its content, and mainly, to make critical and analytical connections between class content, outside research and the film.
Requirements: Address these, in detail, using at least 5 outside sources for support. 3-5 pages, 12pt Times New Roman, Double Spaced, Chicago Style Footnotes, Cover Page and Works Cited.
Describe the film. What historical subjects does it try to illustrate? What is the setting? What is the plot? What is the purpose of the film?
Describe the major theme, or themes, of the film. Major themes include things like “Individuality vs Society” or “Triumphing over Adversity”. You may find this article helpful.
Evaluate the film itself. How was the script? The acting? The cinematography? The production quality? Did you notice any obvious symbolism, foreshadowing or storytelling techniques? What types of people would this film appeal to?
Summarize the film’s strengths and weaknesses. List at least 3 strengths and explain how they help the film. Also, list 3 weaknesses and how they might impact the viewers of the film.
Relate the material and analyze. Make those important connections between course content (lectures, textbook, readings, websites, discussions, primary sources reviews, etc.) and the film. Is it realistic? It is accurate? How does it add to or harm the historical knowledge on the topic?
You might find these resources helpful:Prof. B. Historical Essay Videohistorymikelib.berkeley.eduhistoryprofessor.org
