- SITE to choose a movie - http://www.flickchart.com/charts?genre=Dystopian+Film
- SITE for movie information - http://www.imdb.com/
- SITE with a sample film critique - http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9C0DE2DD1739F93AA15755C0A9679C8B63
Dystopian Film Assignment
Massive dehumanization, totalitarian government, rampant disease, post-apocalyptic terrains, cyber-genetic technologies, societal chaos and widespread urban violence are some of the common themes in dystopian films which bravely examine the ominous shadow cast by future.
A dystopia is a fictional society that is the complete opposite of a utopia: an ideal world with a perfect social, political and technological infrastructure; a world without chaos, strife or hunger; a world where the individual potential and freedom is celebrated.
In contrast, the dystopian world is undesirable with poverty and unequal domination by specific individuals over others. Dystopian films often construct a fictional universe and set it in a background which features scenarios such as dehumanizing technological advancements, man-made disasters or class-based revolutions. Dystopian society is often one in which the conditions of life are deliberately made miserable, characterized by poverty, oppression, violence, disease, and/or pollution for the benefit of a select minority or some unnatural goal.
Many of the listed works below are generally considered as being dystopian because their story emphasizes one or more detrimental societal characteristics that would be considered unusual if practiced by a utopia. For this break, you will rent or borrow one of the following movies from library.
· I am Legend (2007)—PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence
Years after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City
· Wall-E (2008)—G
In the distant future, a small waste collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.
· Pleasantville (1998)—PG-13 for some thematic elements emphasizing sexuality, and for language
Two 1990's teenagers (Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire) find themselves in a 1950's sitcom where their influence begins to profoundly change that complacent world.
· Artificial Intelligence: A.I. (2001)—Rated PG-13 for some sexual content and violent images
A highly advanced robotic boy longs to become "real" so that he can regain the love of his human mother.
· I, Robot (2004)—Rated PG-13 for intense stylized action, and some brief partial nudity
In the year 2035 a techno-phobic cop investigates a crime that may have been perpetrated by a robot, which leads to a larger threat to humanity.
· War of the Worlds (2005)—Rated PG-13 for frightening sequences of sci-fi violence and disturbing
images
As Earth is invaded by alien tripod fighting machines, one family fights for survival.
· Waterworld (1995)—Rated PG-13 for some intense scenes of action violence, brief nudity and
language.
In a future where the polar ice caps have melted and most of Earth is underwater, a mutated mariner fights starvation and outlaw "smokers," and reluctantly helps a woman and a young girl try to find dry land.
· Minority Report (2002)—Rated PG-13 for violence, brief language, some sexuality and drug content
In the future, criminals are caught before the crimes they commit, but one of the officers in the special unit is accused of one such crime and sets out to prove his innocence
· If you would like to watch a “Rated R” Dystopian Film, you must get your parents approval and have them sign below. Then, you must e-mail me to approve your choice.
Title:________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:__________________________________________________________
DIRECTIONS: Once you’ve selected the film you will be studying, please write full 2-3 page analysis
examining the following aspects of the film—
· Script
· Acting/Actors
· Casting (Comment on the actors that the directors chose for the parts.)
· Setting, costumes, & makeup
· Entertainment value (Did you find it enjoyable? Entertaining?)
· Learning value (Anything educational?)
· Artistic value (Was it creative?)
· Was the storyline able to suspend your logic and make you believe in this alternate reality? How?
NOTE: You can elaborate on three choices more thoroughly or attempt more if
you’d like.
5. HERE'S THE RUBRIC:
CONTENT | COMMENTS | |
MLA Format | _____ Proper MLA Heading _____ The paper is given a fitting title that is both original and creative. It captures the central purpose of the piece. _____ Paper is double-spaced throughout _____ Title of text is appropriately formatted _____ 12 pt. font (Times New Roman or Arial) | |
Introduction | _____ The lead/hook is appropriate for the assignment (in both length & tone). _____ The segue from the hook to the discussion of the text is natural and seamless. _____ The claim (thesis) is properly constructed: narrow, manageable, and focused. _____ The title, genre, and author are listed somewhere in the introduction. | |
Body Paragraphs | _____ Ideas/opinions are organized to properly develop or explain all parts of your thesis. _____ The writer transitions effectively and smoothly from one idea to the next (within and between paragraphs). _____ The writer has used sufficient and relevant evidence from the text to support his/her ideas. The details are relevant and quality pieces of information that go BEYOND the obvious and predictable and also support the thesis. The writer demonstrates sophisticated thinking. _____ Quotations are correctly embedded in the text with proper citations: Transition Insert Cite Expound _____ The writer has selected NOTEWORTHY quotes and has discussed only that which is SIGNIFICANT to the thesis statement. _____ The writer exhibits sound understanding, interpretation and analysis of text. _____ Paragraphing is sound; it reinforces the organizational structure. | |
Conclusion | _____ There is a clear conclusion that sums up or concludes the discussion. _____ The conclusion does not address a new idea that is not developed in the essay. | |
Language & Voice | _____ The writer reveals an understanding of audience and purpose through effective use of diction and syntax. The words are specific, accurately, and appropriately used. Word choices are appropriate and convey the correct tone. _____ The tone of the writing adds interest to the message. It is appropriate for the purpose and the audience, enabling the reader to feel a strong interaction with the writer. _____ The sentences are purposefully varied in length as well as structure, adding originality and energy to the piece. _____ The writer avoids being verbose (wordy). The writing is clear and succinct. _____ The writer writes about literature in the present tense. _____ The writer avoids using contractions. _____ The writer avoids using the personal pronouns I, you, and we. |
GRAMMAR & USAGE | A | B | C | D | F | |
Conventions of Standard English | The writing demonstrates control of standard writing conventions (e.g., punctuation, spelling, capitalization, grammar and usage) and uses them effectively to enhance communication. Errors are so few and so minor that they do not impede readability. |
