Classic Movie Analysis Research PaperYou are going to choose a classic film from the list below to analyze. These films are considered classics for different reasons and are the films that helped define the decade in which they were created or were ground-breaking in some way. You are going to answer the question using your analysis and outside research: Why is the film good/a classic/unique? Much of this will be your analysis of the film after watching it. Why do you think it is good based on your opinion after viewing the film. You will then look at what the “experts” say about your film and use that research to prove your thesis. Your paper should contain numerous examples from the film to prove your points.

You are going to need to watch the film (and for research purposes, it would probably be best to watch it more than once). Pay attention to details like dialogue, colors used, character portrayal, etc. Make notes because you will need to use examples from the film in creating the argument about why the film is good. Remember, the film is your primary source, and the research is what you use to prove your argument. I want an argument based on analysis, NOT a list of facts about the film. Do not rely on memory to write the research paper. Watch the film! You should also make sure to list the film on your works cited page because it is your primary source. DO NOT USE ACTING OR THE PLOT OF THE FILM AS A REASON! All good films have these qualities, so you need to find something unique about yours. There is an information pathfinder on the media center website (SHS main page, media center, information pathfinders, English, Classic Movie…) which will have some databases to help you in your research. That is the place to start. You can also use any search tool you wish (including Google, but I highly recommend using Google Scholar). Remember, I do not want reviews written when the movie was released; I want research and reflection about the film and how it has impacted society, or serious discussion about why this film is a classic. If there is a thorough review that has information beyond whether the film was good or not, you may use that. Try searching your movie title with “impact on society,” “impact,” “cultural influence,” “influence,” “retrospective,” “innovative,” “classic,” or something simple like “what is good about (name of film).” Remember, good/thorough research takes time. Don’t be frustrated if you don’t find articles right away. Keep toying with what terms you are using in the search engine.

Some of these films might be rated R; if you choose one of these, you must have permission from your parents to use the film. Also, I want you to look at the list, go home tonight, and see if you can find the film or are willing to purchase it. That should play into your decision as well.

Requirements:The paper must be four pages in length MINIMUM and follow all the MLA formatting rules. . You must use three (3) secondary sources and one (1) primary source (the film) in your analysis. Even though most of you will not quote from your film, it must still appear on the Works Cited Page. You are NOT to use any block quotes in the paper (quotes that are longer than four typed lines). YOU ITALICIZE THE NAME OF A FILM WHEN TYPING.

List of Films:Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs—1937 (cartoon/animation)Gone with the Wind—1939 (historical drama)The Wizard of Oz--1939Citizen Kane—1941 (drama)The Bicycle Thief—1947 (Italian neorealist)Vertigo—1958 (Hitchcock/suspense)Pscyho—1960 (horror)2001: A space Odyssey—1968 (adventure/myster/sci-fi)The Godfather—1972 (drama)One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest—1975 (drama)

Jaws—1975 (drama/horror)Rocky—1976 (drama/boxing)Star Wars—1977 (sci fi)Apocalypse Now—1979 (war—Vietnam)Raging Bull—1980 (sports/boxing)The Breakfast ClubGood Fellas—1990 (crime/mafia/drama)Toy Story—1995 (animation)Saving Private Ryan—1998 (war)The Blair Witch Project—1999 (horror)Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon—2001 (Chinese film)Pan’s Labyrinth—2006 (Mexico—fantasy)Persepolis—2007 (foreign film)

Lab Dates: Point Values and Due Dates:

• Due ________--1st 4 Analysis of Information Sheets with articles due (quiz)• Due ________--2nd 4 Analysis of Information Sheets with articles due (quiz)• Due ________--Preliminary Thesis• Due _______ --Outline (quiz)• Due _______--Final Draft – two (2) test grades

**The paper must be turned in to turnitin.com as well as turned in as a hard copy. I will not grade the essay until you turn it in to turnitin.com.

NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. THERE ARE NO EXCUSES FOR A PAPER BEING LATE. IF YOU MUST BE ABSENT ON THE DUE DATE, YOU MUST HAVE SOMEONE TURN IN THE PAPER NO LATER THAN 3:30 P.M. ON THAT DATE. I WILL NOT ACCEPT AN EMAIL COPY OR A TURNITIN.COM COPY; YOU MUST HAVE A PRINTED COPY TO ME THAT DAY. IF YOU ARE RELYING ON THE SCHOOL’S PRINTERS, PRINT IT OUT THE DAY BEFORE TO AVOID ANY PROBLEMS.

Your signature below indicates that you have read and understand the requirements for the 10th grade research paper. Your signature also indicates you understand the film must be viewed at home, and if the student chose a rated R movie, he/she has your permission to use the film for the research paper.

____________________ __________ ________________________________Student signature Date Name of Film for Research Paper

____________________ __________Parent Signature Date