Narrative Analysis Assignment Template
The assignment focuses upon Act 1 only. Please enter your responses below each prompt in this template.
FIRST IMAGES
Explain how the first images introduce us to a specific theme of the film.
Explain how the first images suggest or convey a specific mood of the film.
Explain how the first images establish the setting of the film.
CATALYST AND CENTRAL QUESTION
Identify the catalyst of the film, and explain the reasons why your selection qualifies as the catalyst.
Identify the central question of the film as it is first presented to us. At what point in the film are we able to identify this central question?
FIRST TURNING POINT
Identify the first turning point of the film as specifically as possible, and explain why your selection actually qualifies as the first turning point. IMPORTANT: The Three-Act Structure Overview sheet in Module 1 lists nine possible characteristics of the first turning point. In your justification, address as many of these nine characteristics as are relevant to your film.
PROTAGONISTS, ANTAGONISTS, AND BACKSTORY
Identify the central protagonist of the film according to what we learn about the characters during the first act, and explain why they are the protagonists.
Identify the central antagonist of the film according to what we learn about the characters during the first act, and explain why they are the antagonists.
Identify one element of backstory that is important to the characterization of either a protagonist or an antagonist in the film.
RANGE OF NARRATION
Explain to what extent the narration in this first act is restricted or unrestricted to a specific character or group of characters in the film.
Narrative Analysis Assignment MCS 273
Due Date: Friday, July 5, 11:59 p.m.
Total Possible Points: 20
Submit your paper in Word format to the Narrative Analysis dropbox.
Goals of this Assignment:
· To engage with the structure of classical Hollywood cinema.
· To engage with the three-act structure of storytelling.
· To apply course concepts of film form and structure to a film outside of class.
In the first two modules of this course we have focused upon the narrative form and structure of classical Hollywood cinema, along with the expectations that this cinema sets up for its audiences. For this assignment, you will apply your knowledge of narrative form and structure through the analysis of one of the following five films (all are available for rental):
a. Manchester by the Sea (2016, directed by Kenneth Lonergan)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo_MzU2nslE
Please note that you are required to write on one of these five films.
The assignment consists of a series of questions and prompts that ask you to identify and discuss structural and narrative components of the first act of the film you have chosen. Rather than organizing your assignment as one long essay, please respond to each of the questions and prompts individually using the provided Narrative Analysis Assignment Template. Be as detailed and specific as possible in your responses.
Whichever film you choose, please be aware that you may need to see the film more than once.
The detailed “User’s Guide to the Narrative Analysis Assignment” provides additional, detailed information about each section of the assignment. The guide will help you complete the assignment, and it is important that you use it.
Carefully review the detailed rubric for the Narrative Analysis Assignment in the “Start Here” section of Contents on the course website.
Using Microsoft Word, enter your responses to each of the prompts and questions directly into the Narrative Analysis Assignment Template. Use any readable 12-pt font, with single-spaced lines. Include your name at the top of the first page.
2 In the three sections of the template that feature multiple prompts (First Image; Catalyst & Central Question; Protagonists, Antagonist, and Backstory), please respond to each prompt separately.
The completed assignment (including the text of the prompts and questions in the template) should be at least 1500 words in length. (If you were writing a single essay,
this length would be equivalent to approximately 4-6 double-spaced pages, but
remember that you will be using single spacing here.) Be sure to verify the length of your paper using the Properties and Statistics tabs on the Word toolbar, and to indicate your word count next to your name.
If your submitted assignment is less than 1500 words in length, I will deduct three points from your final score for the assignment.
The assignment is due on Friday, July 5 at 11:59 p.m. All papers must be submitted in Word format through the course dropbox. PDF files will not be accepted.
Please note that you must complete this assignment in order to be eligible for a passing grade in the course.
MCS 273 Storytelling and Style in Cinema
Narrative Analysis Assignment Rubric
20 possible points
| 4 points | 3 points | 2 points | 1 point | 0 points | |
| First Images | You identify and describe specific visual
elements of the first images and explain convincingly and in great detail how they convey theme, mood, and setting. |
You identify and describe specific visual
elements of the first images and explain convincingly and in some detail how they convey theme, mood, and setting. |
You identify and describe specific visual
elements of the first images and explain convincingly and in some detail how they convey two of the following: theme, mood, and setting. |
You identify and describe specific visual
elements of the first images and explain convincingly and in detail how they convey one of the following: theme, mood, or setting. |
You do not identify or describe specific visual elements of the first images AND/OR you do
not explain how these elements convey theme, mood, or setting. |
| Catalyst & Central Question | You accurately identify both the catalyst and the first version of the central question, and you explain your choices convincingly
and in great detail. |
You accurately identify both the catalyst and the first version of the central question, and you explain your choices convincingly
and in some detail. |
You accurately identify either the catalyst or the first version of the central question, and you explain your choice
convincingly and in some detail. |
You accurately identify either the catalyst or the first version of the central question, but you explain your choice without sufficient
detail. |
You inaccurately identify both the catalyst and the first version of the central question, and you provide minimal support for your
choices. |
| First Turning Point | You accurately identify the first turning point, and you justify your choice convincingly and
in detail by addressing at least five of the criteria listed on the three-‐act structure sheet. |
You accurately identify the first turning point, and you justify your choice convincingly and
in detail by addressing at least three of the criteria listed on the three-‐act structure sheet. |
You accurately identify the first turning point, but you justify your choice only generally. | You inaccurately identify the first turning point, but you provide some
reasonable explanation for your choice. |
You inaccurately identify the first turning point, and the justification of your choice does not address the criteria on the
three-‐act structure sheet. |
| Protagonists,
Antagonists, and Backstory |
You accurately identify the central protagonist(s) and antagonist(s), and you explain your selections fully and convincingly. You accurately describe one element of
backstory and relate it to characterization. |
You accurately identify the central protagonist(s) and antagonist(s), but the explanation of your selections could be stronger. You
accurately describe one element of backstory and relate it to characterization. |
You accurately identify the central protagonist(s) and antagonist(s), but you provide minimal explanation of your selections. You
accurately describe one element of backstory and relate it to characterization. |
You accurately identify either the central protagonist(s) or the antagonist(s) and explain your selection. You accurately describe one element of
backstory and relate it to characterization. |
You accurately identify either the central protagonist(s) or the antagonist(s), but you don’t explain your selection. You
accurately describe one element of backstory but do not relate it to characterization. |
| Restricted &
Unrestricted Narration |
You demonstrate a strong understanding
of restricted and unrestricted narration by discussing and analyzing specific scenes of the film’s first act. |
You demonstrate an overall understanding
of restricted and unrestricted narration by referencing relevant scenes of the first act. |
You demonstrate an understanding of restricted and
unrestricted narration, but you provide only general reference to scenes of the first act. |
You demonstrate a basic understanding of restricted and
unrestricted narration, but you provide no reference to relevant scenes of the first act. |
You demonstrate little or no understanding of restricted and restricted narration. |
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