View a film related to the history we are studying, and write an essay on the film based on the instructions below. Tell me the title of the film before you view the film.
For your assignment you are to view a film and to analyze it historically in a three to five page double spaced paper written in Google Docs. It is your responsibility to find the film to view, and you should email the title to the instructor before viewing the film. Do Not View Documentaries.

Below is a brief list of films I recommend, please go to wikipedia or to www.imdb.com (Links to an external site.) for summaries of the films. Please tell me your choice before writing your essay, and if you have a film that is not on the list by all means share it with me. Please do not write about any documentaries, nor should you write about the film National Treasure.

If you already visited your site, please submit the assignment based on your visit.

Let me know if you have any questions about the change.

Glory
Gettysburg
Dances with Wolves
Amistad
1492
Santa Fe Trail
Black Robe
Cabeza de Vaca
Jeremiah Johnson
Gone with the Wind
The Last of the Mohicans
Lincoln
The Gangs of New York

Cold Mountain

Harriet

12 Years a Slave

Outlaw Josey Wales

One of the six volumes of the Roots series from the 1970s

One episode of the HBO series John Adams

Ride with the Devil

The Alamo (either version)

Johnny Tremain

The Pathfinder

The Buccaneer

The Red Badge of Courage

Free State of Jones

Your paper should be structured in the following manner:

Introduction – 1-2 paragraphs

A good lead

The title of the film
A brief description of the film
Summary of the film – 1-2 paragraphs

Main characters, setting, basic plot

Analysis of the film – 3-5 paragraphs

See below for details

This should include a detailed deconstruction of at least one key scene

Conclusion – 1-2 paragraphs

Restating main points of your analysis in a succinct manner

Justification of your analysis

The analysis must address four main areas:

1. The history

-Is it accurate, or was it “Hollywood” to make more money?

-Are events presented realistically and chronologically?

2. Setting, details, design and behavior

-Are locations, costumes, and sets accurately portrayed?

-Has the filmmaker included details that enhance the historical atmosphere and viewing experience?

-Do the characters speak and act as people in their time, situation and class did?

-Are gender relationships accurately rendered?

3. ****THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT AND DIFFICULT PART OF THE ESSAY**** Agenda and Values

-What does the filmmaker do to influence feelings and emotions?

-What sort of heroic and villainous icons are presented and supported in the film?

(Who’s the good guy and who’s the bad guy and why do you think that way about them?)

-What messages did the filmmakers wish to convey?

4. Effects

-Does the film succeed in producing the desired effect?

-How does it change your understanding of history?