For this paper, you may use any film that examines individual identity (racial, sexual, etc.) or history. With this paper you will develop an interpretive thesis and defend it with a minimum of at least three pieces of evidence from the film. Assume your audience has seen the film (you may use a film from class OR you may choose a film on your own. If choosing a film outside of class, make sure that it meets the criteria listed above. I would encourage you to email me regarding your film choice if you are choosing one outside of the films from class. You must have a works cited page. (It is also possible that you might choose to compare and contrast multiple films in this, which is absolutely within the boundaries of the assignment.) Think outside the box a little. It is acceptable to take a mainstream Hollywood film and make interpretive claims regarding history or identity. Below are a couple of examples of some interpretive claims that have been made. (Do not use these examples, create your own.)

Example 1:  Jack Twist’s death, as pictured in Brokeback Mountain, was not how he actually died, but instead, how Ennis believes Jack died.

Example 2:  The events of Animal Farm are a critique of Russian History, particularly the rise of power by Stalin.

The paper length should be rougly 1000 – 1500 words (approximately 3 – 5 pages) In this paper, I expect to see a clear thesis with appropriate development of the reasoning for that thesis. There should be a minimum of three pieces of supporting evidence from the film. The paper is not a synopsis of events, so don’t spend your entire paper writing a synopsis. Likewise, this is an academic paper, NOT a popular review. It doesn’t matter if you like the film or not, you are not making an evaluative claim — so do NOT review the film. Last, avoid the redundant, “I think”, “I feel”, “I believe” statements.

25% of your paper will be based upon the thesis and development of that thesis.

25% of your paper will be based upon mechanics and style.

50% of your paper will be based upon the supporting evidence that you provide.

DUE DATE:  The syllabus has the paper due 4/3; however, I am going to extend that date to 4/10. NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. You have three weeks to complete the paper, use your time wisely.