Final Film Critique of Unforgiven

 For the first paper (1500 to 1800 words), you will analyze the entire movie Unforgiven by Clint Eastwood. 

You are encouraged to incorporate writing from my Week Three assignment  and blog entries at jmmiller29.wordpress.com (Revise the relevant parts of the essays accordingly).

You will be analyzing The film Unforgiven by Clint Eastwood. The paper should be 1500 to 1800 words in length. You should analyze the film through the lens of one of the broad theories (auteur theory, genre theory, formalist theory). Your analysis must address four main areas (contextual information, story/plot, aesthetic choices, and social/personal impact) and how these areas work together to develop the theme of the movie. As you construct the analysis, assume that your reader is not familiar with this film. Use your analysis to explain to your reader why they should watch this film. In addition to the film you are analyzing, you must use three scholarly sources to support your arguments. Cite your sources (including the feature-length film) within the text of your paper and on the reference page. Cite your sources according to APA style.

Your analysis must address the following components (noted in bold below):

• Contextual Information – In this area, you will provide some of the basic identifying information of the film. This includes:
  • Title
  • Director, cinematographer, major actors/actresses. Be sure to describe their roles in the overall design process.
  • Year of release
  • Type of film (blockbuster, indie, documentary, etc.)
  • Genre
• Story/Plot – In this area, you should offer a brief summary of the film, and then show how it was deployed in the narrative structure of the film. Explain the difference between the film’s story and its plot. This area can be addressed as a separate paragraph, or can be threaded throughout your analysis of the film.
• Aesthetic Choices – In this area, you will assess the efficacy of specific techniques and design elements employed in the film as they apply to the overarching narrative and theme of the film. These elements include:
  • Mise en scène (e.g., lighting, sound, composition of frame, costuming, etc.) 
  • Editing (e.g., cuts and transitions, shots used, angles, etc.)
  • Technology (i.e., analyze the impact of any notable technological effects: film stock, targeted release venue, special effects, etc.)
• Social/Personal Impact – In this area, you will critically address the following questions:
  • What impact did this film have on society (i.e., politically or culturally, positive or negative)? The impact can be as major as inspiring political or social changes or as minor as inspiring the production of toys or lunchboxes.
  • How did society affect this film (i.e., what currents in society led to the creation of the film)?
  • If you are unable to find any information about the social impact of the film, explain the personal impact it has had on you.