Film Analysis on the movie The Pianist
Mid-Term Movie Essay:
For your Mid-Term essay, you are tasked to write a film analysis. At first, this project may seem haunting, especially in view of the challenges of tackling one of the most challenging topics–the Holocaust. Yet, the good news is that you are neither writing a strictly formal movie review (such as the New York Times 1993 review of Schindler’s list) nor are you writing a much more scholarly movie analysis; rather, you are composing a creative reflection on piece that is more of an informal personal essay on your selected movie. This task is no more daunting than a simple conversation with a friend after you watched the movie. Here, I would like you to take notes on your selected movie: for example, why you selected that specific movie? What scene moved you? How did your perspective on the Holocaust change? Etc. Yet, do not approach this essay as a listing of answers for these questions. Your starting point is going to consist of a simple outline—more of a blue print to guide you. Maybe, you want to focus on the most shocking scene first before you go over why you selected the movie, what it’s about, and what was your final reaction? The framework you select should govern this essay as you develop one single idea. To give you an example, if I am writing on the Pianist, I might focus on the role of music, not just in the movie, but also during the Holocaust, and of course if I use sources, I should credit them and compile a Works Cited page. If, on the other hand, I do not want to do any research, I might use the transitions of the worsening conditions in light of what I already know about the Holocaust; for example, loss of rights, loss of property, loss of dignity, and then loss of life. The movie seems to have covered these same steps that victims in general had gone through. I can even creatively, select a movie that focuses on the Jewish refugees and compare their plight to current events today, but the focus would be more on the events in the movie. Here in this mid-term essay, you are composing a strong structured reflection on the movie as it relates to the events of the Holocaust. Be creative and do not feel intimidated by this project. Based on your great weekly discussions and journals, you have some very strong insights and ideas, so just weave them into one essay as you focus on one movie of your choice to compose this essay.
General Guidelines:
MLA: For this essay, you are not required to use sources, but if you do use one or more, then you need to include proper MLA citation credits and a Works Cited page. If you decide not to use sources, then you still need to follow other MLA essay guidelines, including where you write your name, header, title, etc. Check the posted MLA sample for guidance on these guidelines.
Word Count: 650 words or more (4 paragraphs or more)
Language and Grammar Correctness: Feel free to use the Smarthinking online tool to get more detailed feedback on your draft. Revise, edit, and proofread your essay before you upload as you only have one chance to upload your final copy.
Holocaust Movies: You may check out one of the Holocaust videos available in our East campus library (attached here is a list of available DVDs
) although you would need to select a film for this assignment, not a documentary. You may also access movies listed in the public domain, or you may use Netflix if you already have a subscription plan.
