Viewing, Thinking, and Writing

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People who work in the humanities (such as Religious Studies) explore how culture "explains itself to itself" through books, art, music, magazines, etc.  In this course one of the cultural expressions that we will "read" and critique is film.  As we progress through the course we will move towards thinking about movies as scholars.  This shift in perspective may be challenging as movies have become so accessible through video rental and such a part of our lives that we seldom consider their artistic complexities.

The videos that you are required to view are:

• Dr. Strangelove
• The Seventh Sign
• Twelve Monkeys
• The Rapture

There are many ways to critique a film.  You may follow the examples presented here or simply use this sheet as a starting point to develop your own ideas.  The important step is to critique the videos from within the context of this course.  When you write about films, remind yourself that you are writing for a general academic audience--readers who are familiar with the given movie--but who have not thought through some of the issues as carefully as you have.

*One scene approach.  Examine in detail one scene, perhaps choosing a scene that elicits a strong reaction in you, the viewer.  A good critique will offer a scholarly analysis of the scene's artistic details.  Remember, you are writing for readers familiar with the film, but do not have the same brilliant thoughts as you.  In other words, avoid plot summary.  Consider these questions:

• How does the camera position the viewer?
• What do we see/not see?
• How do the set, costumes, music, etc. contribute to the scene?
• What do the characters' mannerisms, gestures, and voices reveal?
• How does this scene communicate the movie's general concerns?

*Thematic approach:  Explore how the film as a whole represents, reproduces, or inverts biblical or cultural millennial images.  Where, in your opinion, does this film fit in with the other films you have viewed for this course?  Are there particular cinematic techniques that distinguish this film from others?  Look again at the "Evaluating Millennialist Themes in Popular Culture" worksheet and respond to some of the questions of authorial intent, sources, assumptions, and viewer response.  Consider these questions:

• Do you see any innovations in this film's use of dramatic space, for example, shots and angles, camera movement, lighting, color, or does it follow similar conventions of other "millennial" films?
• Can you discern elements of a millennial genre?
• Does this film call into question any theoretical positions we have read?
• Is there a theoretical position that we have discussed, for example, a feminist critique, that would help you to interpret the film's significance?