The Little Girl in Red: Based on a True Story

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Assignment: Write a short analysis of your favorite film. 500-750 words in length. First read the article "The Little Girl in Red," an article about a very profound, if not unforgettable, scene in Chider's List, Steven Spielberg's film on the holocost.The article explains the scene and its importance to the film. The article may serve as an example for your own essay.

As you write your analysis keep this thought in mind: Film is illusion, especially today with computer generated graphics and special effects. It seems that almost any thing is possible. In film our perception is determined by the film makers. What we see and understand of time and space in film really depends on how we are shown, our understanding and pleasure depend on the film makers' interpretation, and what they want us to see and feel. If the audience does see and feel and even believe, then the film maker has been successful.Use the class hand-out

Include these elements to introduce the film:

• Title of film; year of release
• If it is an adaptation of a book, name book and author
• Director
• Main actors
• Setting (time and place)
• Genre (comedy, history, mystery, thriller, ect)
• Provide a very brief summary of the film's plot

For your analysis you will discuss the effectiveness of one of these elements of film, keeping in mind how well your element meets the believability requirement and how effective the illusion was. In your conclusion answer the question: Did the element that you chose write about help make the illusion believable? Or Not.

• Acting as it relates to character development. You may discuss one character or the main characters as a whole (review the qualities of characterization from your notes on short story characterization)
• Plot: Include the development of the story and the conflict, the over all message
• Music: some of our most memorable music comes from film. Discuss what makes the music memorable and what it adds to the film (or does not add)
• Cinematography: much of a film's success depends on the camera. Discuss how effective the camera was used to create the illusion. See handout for correct jargon.
• Special Effects and /or animation
• Film's impact on Society (or you as the viewer)
• Sound Effects
• Choose a moment or a scene in your film that has had a lasting and profound effect on you and perhaps on others, such as the girl in red.

Conclude your essay by assessing how effective the illusion in the film was based on the single element that you discussed.