5 Minute Film Analysis

Bringing together all of the film

analysis skills you have so far
 The Task
By the next time we meet as a class, you
need to create a 5 minute presentation
that analyzes the film; North by
Northwest.
 The Task
This is NOT a film review (I liked it. or
It is good.). It is a thoughtful analysis of
a film USING FILM LANGUGE AND
SPECIFIC FILM CONTENT.
 The Task
The film analysis should be
comprehensive, covering the entire film in
a coherent way.
One scene in particular should be
emphasized to illustrate a key point you
are trying to make in your presentation.
You cannot present everything about the
film! Be selective and original in your
analysis.
 The Task
Your presentation must have a visual
component! (Powerpoint or film clips
preferred).
It will be timed! So, reaching a 5 minute
minimum (Without going over time by
more than 30 seconds) is critical.
No simple plot summary. Some brief plot
description may be necessary, but it
should be brief and only to make a point.
 The Task
As with your IB Presentations and
Independent Study projects, you should
do some research (When was the film
made, who were important contributers,
what did critics have to say, etc.). This will
be one of the grading criteria as well.
 The Task
Several electronic sources such as
IMDB.com or AMC Filmsite are good
starting points, but may lack depth of
analysis.
Do not use questionable or reference-
oriented sites such as Rotten Tomatoes or
Wikipedia. Starting points: Maybe. Primary
sources: Never!
 Possible Topics
Genre
Theme
Direction
Use of sound
Editing
Lighting
 Possible Topics
Social / Historical context of film
Film Theories that might best apply to this
film
Industry standards and influences on the
film
Acting
 Possible Topics
Hitchcock related notes including:
Voyeuristic roles of both the audience and the actor
Innocent people caught up in complex, often uncontrollable
situations
Montages and German Expressionist influences in his
editing and camera work
Symbolic value in objects
Women (typically blonde) who are trapped / imprisoned and
who act as victims or unpredictably
 Possible Topics
Auteur Theory
Suspense
McGuffins
The Wrong Man archetype
 Academic Honesty
AS ALWAYS, you are expected to do your
own work!
1) Not doing so violates the IB Organizations
expectations of academic honesty.
2) By not doing your own work, you learn
nothing and miss a chance to prepare for the
more high-stakes presentation that will follow.
This is good practice! Show your ability
and your knowledge!
 How This Ties In to Your IB
Assessment
IB expects the following regarding film analysis:
There is a coherent, incisive, insightful and detailed evaluative
interpretation of the extract, displaying an excellent
understanding of how meaning is constructed through the use of
film language, with an excellent awareness of the extracts
relationship to the film as a whole. There is a persuasive
explanation for the selection of the extract. The critique shows
an excellent awareness of the films genre and/or its place in a
broader sociocultural context. There is an insightful analysis of
the directors intention. Simple description is negligible and
analysis is clear and thorough.