Introduction:
Film and Stage are very different mediums. These activities focus on the difference between them. By the end of the lesson, the elements of a good film are clear.

Resources:
(pdf) Viewing Films, Viewing Film Evaluation (pdf)

Activities:

Assignment One - Written Review

There are many films which relate in some way to Theatre History. Recently, Shakespeare especially has been brought to the big screen in popular form - some in modern language, other adaptations use modern settings with the original script.

Early films assumed the eye of an audience member watching a play, it rarely moved and was placed 30 feet from the actors. D. W. Griffith changed that by using a variety of shots, including the close up and the zoom. He was also aware of light and shade compositions, and film editing. Film versions of an original stage play offers the director many more choices. Be aware of the differences you are seeing on film as opposed to a stage production.

Select a film to view (or possibly as a class) and then complete a review and critique of the film. Go to your local library, video store or check the National Film Board catalogue for video rental.