International Film Comparison Paper

Watch two films from the list below. Use the knowledge you have learned thus far in class to compare and contrast the two films.

FILMS

Choose TWO (2) of the following:

Ghost in the Shell (1996), directed by Mamoru Oshii (Japan)

Amores Perros (2000), directed by Alejandro Gonzlez Irritu (Mexico)

Moonlight (2016), directed by Barry Jenkins (United States)

Girlhood (2015), directed by Cline Sciamma (France) (May not be available)

The 400 Blows (1960), directed by Francois Truffaut (May not be available)

The Seventh Seal (1957), directed by Ingmar Bergman (May not be available)

Ikiru (1952) directed by Akira Kurasawa (Kanopy through FIU Library or county library)

Tokyo Story (1953) directed by Yasujiro Ozu (Kanopythrough FIU Library or county library)

REQUIREMENTS

Please form an argument that encompasses both films.

You will need to compare and contrast the specific elements of the films, developing a multi-perspective analysis of local, global, international, and communication issues throughout the films. Be sure to analyze the film and anchor your analysis in the specific concepts, terms, and theories set forth in the book chapters.

One other source in addition to the course textbook is required. You cannot cite IMDB or Wikipedia. Research the background of the director. If you have time to watch another of his or her films, you are encouraged to do so.

You will then write a 4-5 double-spaced page paper in APA Style that analyzes and exposes what you learned from the course about the given films.

As your paper will analyze films directed/written by people from different countries, it is crucial to dissect how these filmmakers approach the elements of filmmaking to tell a narrative. The elements you must analyze are, but not limited to:

1. Photography

2. Mise en Scne

3. Movement

4. Editing

5. Sound

6. Acting

7. Dramatization

8. Story

9. Writing

Make sure you explain each component in detail and defend your arguments with sources.

Be sure to write your paper in APA format citing the text when necessary. Include an abstract, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion and reference page. Once you submit the paper in Canvas, it will automatically be reviewed by Turnitin forplagiarism and use of AI.

CRITERIA

Points will be deducted for poor grammar, informality of expression, and failure to comply with APA style. If you dont have a manual, see below.

Dont be informal. Youre writing a paper, not a discussion. Dont offer opinions that sound like social media posts. Writing, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown had incredible performances! is informal and will result in pointdeductions.

Use topic sentences. These are the first sentences of your paragraphs, the organizing ideas. For example: Thanks to its use of deep focus and Walter Murchs sound design, Apocalypse Now recreates the experience of barely surviving a war in Southeast Asia.

You must cite Understanding Movies and any relevant secondary sources. If you have seen movies to which you can compare the films of your choice, also cite them. Your paper will be richer if it demonstrates a familiarity with film as a cross-generational conversation.

ACCESS

Some films may be available free through the FIU library:

Netflix, Amazon, and other streaming services may offer them too.

Several public libraries and our FIU library have these films available for checkout on DVD or Blu-ray.

FORMAT

Your paper is to be written in an APA-Style format (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/1/). This includes the following:

12-point font

Times New Roman font

Double-spaced

1-inch margins

cover page

reference page

in-text citations

For more detailed instructions and information on how to write an APA-style paper, please visit https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/. There is an extensive databank on how to incorporate in-text citations, and properly format your references.

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