In small groups you will analyze a scene from the week’s film and share a simple presentation with the class. What should you do?

• Watch the film – together or on your own
• Get together (yes, in person) to talk about the film – as a work of cinema and as a historical source. Choose one important scene that deserves a close look and some discussion. It should be a scene that is memorable and revealing.
• Prepare a brief introduction to the scene – and a brief explanation of why it is important. Prepare a brief analysis of the scene. This should include explanation of the elements of film – the cinematography, the editing, the sound, etc. – and your interpretation. You can divide this up any way you like, but everyone should take a piece that they can explain to the class.
• Come to class with the scene you’d like me to show – just note the minute and second marker where you’d like to begin and end – and with your observations. Limit your clip to no more than 3-4 minutes – and your entire presentation to no more than 8-10 minutes.

In class:

• You will introduce the scene (briefly)
• I will show it
• You will present your analysis. You can ask me to stop the scene as you discuss – or wait until the scene is done to explain.
• Please make sure that everyone in the group has a chance to present a piece of your analysis

Have fun with this assignment. The stakes are not high. But use this as an opportunity to break down a scene in detail together with your classmates.