Film Project
1.
This project is designed to further discussion of some of the issues we have
addressed in our class. Even more relevant could be
discussion of themes not addressed but relevant to our course. In short, you need to compare two films in terms of their
urban themes.
2.
Selects either films with utopian or dystopian
urban themes (e.g., Metropolis and BladeRunner).
3.
Or two films portraying LA (e.g., Bread and Roses and
4.
Or two urban films at least one of which should be a non-American film (e.g.,
Kids and La Haine
(France)).
5. The two films should have some similarities and differences
and allow discussion of urban problems.
6.
Find available literature on your films. Web is okay.
7.
Compare and contrast the films in terms of the urban conditions they portray. Our discussion of Metropolis may serve
as an example.
8.
Write a narrative about 6 page long. It should include about 0.5 page summary of the films. The main body of the essay could address among other topics
the following issues: utopian/dystopian vision(s)
of cities; forms of societal life; gender relations; whether architecture
reflects on/shapes social relations; perceptions of technology. Wherever appropriate, address artistic dimension of the
films. The main point of the project is to see and
analyze urban problems in such a popular media as films.
9.
The project is about 100 points worth.
10.
Our library has many relevant films on tapes and DVD. I
will add here a list of relevant titles
from the library, but feel free to suggest your own (favorite and not
so) films.
11. Deadline will be determined in class.