FIL 2000 Florida Atlantic University The Shawshank Redemption Discussion

Conduct a five (5)-page, apprimately1500 word analysis of a specific portion of a film, and
explain how it produces significant meaning. The portion of a film may be a single shot, or a short sequence of shots. It is
highly recommended that you focus on a portion that is as small as possible. The “meaning” that
you choose to write about should make key contributions to one’s understanding of the shot or the
film as a whole.

Keep in mind that a suitable choice isn’t necessarily kinetic, or “has a lot going on.” A slow-paced
film with long shots and few camera movements often make for a great subject if those creative
choices serve a purpose that allows you to write an interesting and convincing paper.

IF your essay discusses editing (i.e. more than one frame or one shot): Where a shot analysis involves describing
a “picture,” remember that for a montage analysis, it is more important to highlight the
relationships between shots. What is important about the shots and how do those qualities relate in
their juxtaposition? How are they alike, different, patterned, or in a progression?

Good papers have well-defined (1) THESIS STATEMENTS that serve to (2) ORGANIZE
your (3) DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS and (4) SUPPORT INTERPRETATIONS. They also
display clear and persuasive evidence for your interpretation.

Remember that a thesis statement is vital. Papers must make an overall point. For example, some
of the sequences highlighted in class can be summarized by the following thesis statements:
Interracial argument in Do the Right Thing: “Shot scale and angle highlight the claustrophobic
and nervous state of mind of a character, while the costuming choices serve to highlight
political and cultural divisions.
FBI raid in The Silence of the Lambs: “The norms and expectations around parallel editing are
used to produce suspense, and a shocking moment.”
Finale of The Godfather: “The sequence’s cross-cutting juxtaposes different spaces, rituals,
and actions; the baptism and executions highlight Michael’s contradictions, and signify the
perpetuation of violence in his family.”
Opening sequence of Ali: “The montage of culturally, politically, socially, and personally
significant moments in Ali’s memory, conspire to tell us that his words and actions are
influenced by that history.”

COMMON MISTAKES
A. Taking on too much. It will be to your advantage to keep the object of your analysis
“small,” and thus specific. Entire books are written about single films, so don’t try to say
everything in 5 pages. Remember the content and objectives of this class when you make
your choice. It should contain enough formal elements to make it easy to display your
skills in identifying and interpreting film form.
B. Vague descriptions and insufficient details. Describe all relevant details. The “Pause”
and “Rewind” buttons are your friends.
C. Irrelevant plot summaries and impressionistic adjectives. See above.

DO NOT DO THIS ASSIGNMENT ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING FILMS:

Winter’s Bone, Citizen Kane, Paisan, Moonlight, Double indemnity, La Haine, Out of Sight, Un Chien Andalou, Meshes of the Afternoon, The Edge of Seventeen, Breathless, Dunkirk, Nothing a little soap and water can’t fix, Fargo & True Grit.