Bicycle Thieves

Please choose at least two features of neorealism that DeSica presents in the film that effectively convey the overall meaning of the film. Choose one five minute scene and analyze the scene through genre theory, using at least one quote from the articles I have given you. Utilize the Chandler article on genre theory that I have given you as well.

Rome Open City

Feminist film theory is based in general feminist theory and looks at the way women are treated in film in terms of character, lighting, composition, etc. Laura Mulvey's essay is a seminal work in this field.

Using this essay as a lens, look at Rome Open City and discuss the role of women in the film. How are they treated cinematically? Use specific examples from the film and be sure to back up everything you say.

Your essay should be 3 paragraphs. One paragraph should discuss Mulvey's essay and if you agree or disagree with it. One paragraph should discuss Rome Open City. Your last paragraph  should be a short cinematic discussion of a film of your choice through the feminist lens.

Write in cinematic language--this is not an English paper.

Grand Illusion

Focusing only on the film's mise en scene (lighting, shot composition, set design, costume design), discuss this quote from the Robin Wood essay I gave you:

"How to belong, how to meet"--another way of putting it is to say that Renoir's perennial concern is with the boundaries; that keep people apart and the possibility of transcending them. The four-part structure enables him to develop this theme through a network of shifting, interlocking relationships presented consistently in terms of difference and the overcoming of difference.

Your response should be 2 paragraphs long and should include a correctly cited quote from one of the essays I gave you.

Bringing Up Baby

Think about the film's mise-en-scene. Choose one scene in the film and discuss all aspects of the mise-en-scene (costumes, set, lighting, props, framing) and its relation to the scene and the film as a whole. Use at least 2 hearty paragraphs for your discussion. Your discussion should include insights into the intent of the filmmaker as well as copious evidence from within the frame.

And please post your favorite line from the film.