Mid Term

• Comedy
• Melodrama
• Western

Choose and discuss a film that fits into one of the genres above that you would recommend for others to see. Describe the film, and what is interesting to you about it. Why would you recommend it?

The following are some questions you might want to use to format your response, but the question is above.

Describe the genre. What is its history? What is it about within and also underneath the literal storyline? Genres, by definition, are recurring. The same storyline or theme reappears a bit differently over and over again. Has the genre you have chosen to write about endured? Why or why not? Has it changed over time?

Then:

What is the film you have chosen, and how is it able to exemplify the genre? Summarize the film’s plot, assuming the reader has not seen it but is familiar with the genre.

Does it exemplify the genre well or fail to meet the expectations of the audience for the genre? Does it go beyond the genre, creating new ways in which films within the genre might be made in the future?

Do you have a history of watching the chosen genre? Is this film a favorite, or not? What is your personal reaction to the film? How does understanding the genre enhance the watching of the film?

(Please note that it is all right to use a film of your choice as long as it fits into one of the genres we’ve discussed.)

Expected length: minimum 4-5 pages

Sources: At least two citations, minimum. You can use your text for these or you can use other references. List sources at end.