100 Films

100 Films....100 Choices!

A Film Critique Exercise For 9-12 grade

Lights! Camera! Action!

The objective of this project is to:
- further your abilities to analyze and critique films.
- analyze films' effects on society by determining the popularity of certain films
- determine the standards that qualify a film as a classic
You will work in groups of three or four. This activity should take one week. You will receive three different grades for this learning web.

THE PROBLEM:

- The American Film Institute has created a series of Top 100 Films Lists.

-When choosing these films, they discuss the aesthetic qualities and the popularity of the films. (How well the film was received; is it still considered a classic; do people still watch the film?)

-These lists are categorized by genre, for example 100 Years…100 Cheers or 100 Years…100 Thrills.

-Each list has a #1 film. But which of these #1 films is the best cinematic production?

-Using what we have learned about the aesthetics of a quality film, which of these #1 films do you think is the best overall?

Activity #1:

-Use the internet to research the American Film Institute's website and find the #1 film on each of the four genre lists. (Note: The four genre lists are Thrills, Cheers, Laughs and Passions!)

-Then search for critiques on each of these films. Here are some suggested websites for film critiques and information.

(Comprehension, application, and analysis)

-Using excel create a spreadsheet that compares the four different films. The spreadsheet should include:

- the title

-year released

-at least three aesthetic factors (costumes, set design, lighting, sound, special effects, cinematography, etc.)

-themes (love, war, greed, honor, hate, money, power, fame, etc.)

-and popularity. (awards won, nominations, popularity today, etc.)

( Application, analysis, and synthesis)

Click on the link below for a sample spreadsheet.

(You can use this sample or create your own as long as it contains the above elements!)

Grade #1: Click the following link for a grading rubric for this assignment:

Activity #2:

-Using the information from activity #1, decide which film is the best cinematic production. Using Microsoft Word, write a 1-2 page film report that analyzes and critiques the film you chose.

(Comprehension, application, analysis and evaluation)

Grade #2: For Grading refer to your Film Report Guidelines and Grading Breakdown handed out earlier in the year. Also see the scaffolding link above for a refresher on writing a film report!

Activity #3:

-Create a PowerPoint presentation about the film you chose. This should explain to the class why you believe this film is the best cinematic production. The presentation should include:

-At Least 6 slides

-Title, release date, director, major actors and a publicity shot

-Aesthetic qualities of the film

-Themes

-Popularity

(Application and synthesis)

Grade #3: Grading for this assignment will use the same rubric as the spreadsheet.

(See Above!)

Congratulations you have finished this learning web!

Turn in your spreadsheet and film report and be prepared to present your PowerPoint presentation!