Assessment Task 1: Film Analysis
Weight: 30%
Task: Using theories/concepts from the subject readings and ONE of the set films from weeks 2-4, demonstrate how a particular country/region/culture is represented cinematically. You must focus on cinematic elements such as the mise-en-scene, sound/music and performance.
Length: 1000 words
Due: Week 5 (Saturday 22nd December by 11:59pm)
Extra Information:
• This task is designed to see how well you understand the ways in which a filmmaker uses cinematic devices to represent a country/region/culture and convey ideas and themes. You need to show an engagement with your chosen film (indicated by a close reading of the film).
• You need to focus on the cinematic elements – do not focus on your chosen film’s narrative.
• Mise-en-scene refers to all the elements placed in front of the camera to be filmed such as the set and props, costumes, position of performers (blocking), lighting. You need to consider how these elements are used to convey the ideas. If you are unsure of the correct terminology to use, please consult the glossary.
• Sound can refer to the sound design as well as the music (diegetic and non-diegetic).
• You need to ensure that you include examples to illustrate your points – be specific!
• Use the set readings to inform/support your analysis but also feel free to include additional sources as long as they are scholarly and relevant.
Drafting, Editing and Formatting:
• Write in formal academic English. Please draft your work and check for spelling and grammar errors. If you need help with your grammar, try the online programGrammarly, which is available via the library website.
• Use the UTS Harvard system of referencing – please consult the library referencing guide if you are unsure.
• Present your work in a 12pt font and 1.5 spacing.
• Read the attached rubric and check whether you have addressed the criteria.
Common Problems
Here is a list of things to avoid when writing your assignment:
• Analysis too general
• Connections not made between the cinematic devices used and the representation created as a result (the ‘how’ and the ‘why’).
• Use of sweeping claims (i.e. suggesting that the film represents everyone from that particular culture etc.).
• Lack of specific examples from the film to illustrate points.
• Over-reliance on examples from the film used by the authors of the set readings (we want you to come up with your own examples/ideas/interpretations!).
• Not enough research to support claims.
• Over-reliance on quotes to make points (rather than using quotes to support points being made).
• No reference to the set readings.
• Use of non-scholarly sources (such as blogs or Wikipedia).
• Incorrect referencing (not using UTS Harvard style).
• Lack of drafting/proof reading (detail is important!).
