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Unit 2 - Theatre History
Module 3: Relating the Arts
Lesson 1 - Film Review


Introduction:
Film and Stage are very different mediums. These activities focus on the difference and similarities and the job of the actor for each.

Objectives:
- to use improvisation to explore characters and situations
- to understand the relationship of script to performance
- to use a process in oral and written responses to dramatic presentations

Resources:
(pdf) Viewing Films; NFB film resource, local library, video store rentals, (pdf) Film Review Evaluation

CELs:
C, TL, IL

Components:
Critical/Responsive

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.

Students are to select a film to view and then complete a review and critique of the film. They should read the evaluation rubric before beginning the assignment. (watching film twice, 4 hours, writing review, 55 min.)

Writing Your Film Critique:

Refer to "Viewing Films" (pdf) for a guide to follow in preparing a critique. The handout leads students through questions to consider as they watch the film and comments on things to note.

Include:
a) Title, date, director, main cast list
b) Summary of the plot
c) Information from viewing notes
d) Personal rating of the film (explained)

Assignment Two - Interview

"Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down"

Students should stage their own TV shows with guest movie reviewers. They should bring on the special guests (groups of 4 or 5), and let them discuss the movies watched. The goal of the guest is to make the strongest argument. The audience can vote to determine the person with the most convincing argument (40 min).

Talking Circle:
Conduct a talking circle with your students to cover the following topics (10-15 min):

• What is the difference between a stage actor and a film actor?
• What is the difference in the relationship they have with the audience?

Stage Actor:

* a strong voice, capable of projecting to the audience

* an energetic, driven stance with exaggerated physical movements

* an excellent capacity to memorize lines and cues


Film Actor:

* an attention to subtlety and detail

* ability to play characters very naturally

* familiarity with the whole story, so you can shoot scenes out of sequence

 

Instructional Strategies: Guiding questions, discussion, role play

Evaluation: Written critique evaluation (pdf), and participation in improvisational TV show marked out of 10-20 per individual.

Alternative On-Line Activity: Students should submit the written critique as an attachment and e-mail it to the teacher. The interview could be converted to a threaded discussion, as could the talking circle.

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