Love and Laughs

The Romantic Comedy has a strong appeal.  We LOVE watching a (usually completely unrealistic) love story play out--even though we can predict much of the action from the first scene.  The ending will (usually) be completely happy and satisfying, no tension, no frustration.  The tropes that a Rom Com is based on are like blocks that could let anyone build his own.  Pay attention to them and you can both laugh at and enjoy the movie even more.  For your Romantic Comedy assignment you will write an analysis of how one of the films we've watched uses the tropes.  You'll LOVE it.

What a Thrill!

The suspense thriller has long been a favorite of movie-goers. Who doesn't enjoy the visceral experience of fear, anticipation, tension? The Bourne Identity, Wait Until Dark, and Memento are examples of how the elements of film can be used to present the classic thriller. While these films do not offer any profound insights into life as their chief goal, they are certainly engaging--forcing viewers to pay attention to details in order to make sense of the story--and sometimes thought-provoking. Let's get tense!

Free Speech and Film

Much has been made about the connection between various kinds of entertainment and social problems. Movies are often the center of such debates. Does violence in movies lead to violent actions in real life? Should filmmakers be allowed to include sexually-charged content and nudity in their movies? Are there limits to freedom of expression? In The United States, one way we have addressed these issues is through a rating system. The Motion Picture Association of America assigns a rating to each film, which defines its appropriateness, especially for children. Is this a fair and workable system? Does it make sense?

For our first movie, we will watch a documentary that addresses these questions. But first, write a one-page paper, arguing for or against our rating system. Include your own personal experiences and thoughts, as well as those of your parents/guardians (if you know them) and others.