Film in Action Journal

Each Film in Action Journal will have the student reflect on four main components of the film viewed for that week. The student will analyze the background, structure/form, theme, and the leadership challenges presented. These components will be used in the final Leadership in Film paper.

Each Film in Action Journal will have the student reflect on the main components of the film viewed for that week. The student will analyze the structure/form, theme, and leadership presented. These components will be used in the final Leadership in Film paper. The following should be addressed in the Film in Action Journal:

BACKGROUND

1. Do you feel there was any viewpoint or focus of the director that created a bias? If so, how was it presented?

STRUCTURE / FORM

1. Why do you suppose the film starts in the way that it does?

2. Are there any (scenes, images, dialogue) that are repeated? What do they introduce or reinforce?

3. What 2-3 sequences are most important in the film? Why?

4. Is sound used in any vivid ways to enhance the film? (i.e. Enhance drama, heighten tension, disorient the viewer, etc.)

5. How does the film use color or light/dark to suggest tone and mood?

6. Are there any striking uses of perspective (camera angle, seeing the situation from the followers’ or outsiders’ point of view, etc.)? How does this contribute to the overall film meaning? Note: I’m not sure what should go here – contribute to the overall leader efficiency? leader position? leader effectiveness?

THEME/ LEADERSHIP

1. As applicable, speak to the following as it related to the film. Give examples as necessary for support: Effective use of human resources

a. Human motivation and behavior patterns

b. Conflict management and resolution

c. Group functioning and process

d. The psychology of decision-making

e. The importance of recognizing, analyzing, and managing change

LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES

1. Who do you identify as the leader or leaders of the film (If Any)?

2. Does the film present a clear point-of-view of leadership? How or how not?

3. How does this film relate to what you have read or experienced about leadership (in class or on your own)?

4. What leadership challenges do you identify in the film? (Use your text for examples if needed and to explore the proper leadership terminology)

5. Did the organization help or hinder with the leadership challenges? Support your answer.

6. What type of leadership style was exhibited throughout the film? Did it change or stay the same?

7. How did the director portray leadership throughout the film? (Camera angles, costume, music, characters, etc.)

8. What part of the film do you consider most powerful? Why?