Film Students Required Viewing

Consider this as an assignment to watch the trilogy. That is, the original Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983). But at the very least watch this one and grade yourself with a C. Data shows that this is the favorite, and possibly the most popular and successful film of the 1980s decade. Compare this one to the others in the trilogy. Write why you agree or disagree on it's superiority. Do not write your opinion from memory. Actually sit down and re-watch this film and it's 2 sister films. Then form your opinion in writing. Extra Credit for watching making of and behind the scenes documentaries for this film, and it's siblings as the trilogy.

Required Assignment for Writers. Study the works of Philip K. Dick. Extra credit for doing a book review on any of his works. Extra credit for watching any other documentary on him, there are many.

Extra Credit for non-writers.

Required Assignment for Writers. Study the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Watch this documentary and then write 500 - 700 words on his life, and his style, and the implications of his work. Play psychologist, and dissect the man with a focus on film making and writing.

Extra credit for reading any other story by Lovecraft.

Extra credit for reading any chapter of Bulfinch's Mythology First published: 1867.

Required viewing. Write 500 to 1000 words on the parallels between the tonality of this film and the works of John Hughes. Also compare to Chris Colombus' other works. Draw a comparison between the pace of this film and other movies. Is it similar in your opinion to Back to the Future at all? It tone? or in pace?

Extra Credit. Required for Directors, Producers. Note how this film is similar or dissimilar to the works of Chris Colombus and John Hughes. Is there any other movies with a similiar tone in your opinion? Do not google search similar movies. Use your own memory and opinion.

Required for all. Don't waste time watching the sequels as there is no extra credit for this.

Note that this is a hybrid of the works of John Hughes and Chris Colombus. Write 300 words on this movie and your thoughts on it. Do not write a synopsis. WRITE YOUR THOUGHTS. Anything and everything that you thought and felt during, or after viewing.

Required for Directors and SFX artists.

Write 500 words on how special effects today can benefit from the knowledge and art of Ray H.

Required for all.

Note the perfection of script, direction, production, acting, casting, comedic timing, sets, soundtrack, and tone.

This is your teacher's favorite film. If you don't watch this film and pay attention to it you get an automatic fail.

View this as an insider and an outsider. Will be shown to class during thanksgiving.

Required for all.

Study John Hughes brilliance. Will discuss in class. Be prepared with actual knowledge of having watched it.

Required for all.

This is 1/3 required films to watch by Director John Hughes.
Notice the "low stakes" mastery of entertainment without playing it "too pg" or "too R".

Estimate the budget, write your thoughts on the acting, and script.

Write about how John Hughes excels at.....fill in your own opinion.

Required for all.

Study the FORETHOUGHT put into a movie like this. The pre-production, pre-planning, and logical timelines that had to be drawn up before even finishing the script or starting to film on day one.

Required for all.

Study the FORETHOUGHT again. This director has mastered the ability to use logic and grounding the fantastical in a complex story that balances itself out. The snake eats it's own tail. Will discuss in class. Turn in 500 words on Tenet and Inception. How they are similar and the pros and cons if any in your opinion. What would you do differently and why.

Required for all. Take this as a given that you should watch the whole trilogy.

Study everything about this film.

Follow along with the script and study the script as well.

Required for SFX artists and Directors. Everyone else gets extra credit.

Note the practical effects and what you can do with that.

Explain your impression of this movie and it's symbolism in 500 words or less. Comment on the tone and if you feel it is appropriate for the movie.

Required for SFX artists, Writers, and Directors.

Note the practical effects and what you can do with that.

Read In the mountains of madness by HP Lovecraft.

500 words or less on your opinions of this film. Production quality, acting, direction, focus most of your comments on what works and the FX.

Required for all.

Note that this is the perfect summer action blockbuster movie.
For the year it came out (1991) it was ahead of it's time and blew minds. People could not stop talking about it.

Some have called it the perfect action movie. Watch it as a viewer then watch it again as an insider. Take notes on the production and what works. Write 500 words or more on how you think films in the future can benefit from aspects of this formula. What about this movie was done so right?