Film Essay Practice: American Beauty

1. Film Essay Practice: American Beauty

2. Before we start... Let’s remind ourselves of the basic structure for a body paragraph: S.E.X.Y This is a mnemonic for the parts of a good body paragraph in a film essay. S: the Statement at the start of the paragraph that says what point/idea this paragraph is making, focusing on. Sometimes called a Topic Sentence because it introduces the topic of the paragraph. E: the Explanation that explains how this statement is relevant to the text and/or question. (can be #3) X: the eXample(s) from the text that support(s) your statement and develop(s) your point. (can be #2) Y: explain whY this example/point is relevant to the question/topic, or why it links to something else.

3. IDEA+ This structure is helpful when discussing the evidence/examples which support the point that you are making in a paragraph • I: Identify or Name the technique you are talking about • D: Describe where it is used in the film. • E: Explain how it is used in the scene. (To introduce/ establish/ develop/ reinforce, etc) • A: Analyse the effect this aspect has on the viewer. (why is it used?) • + Add additional supporting evidence (More examples of this aspect are…OR this links to the idea/character of...BECAUSE)

4. Add SEXY + IDEA • Remember: • Your essay should include an introduction • at least 3 body paragraphs • and a conclusion • If you need additional guidance, don’t forget the wikipage: http://mrsmacadam.wikispaces.com/

5. In the exam... • There are usually questions about: • Theme (ideas) • Character • Setting (place or time) • The effect on the audience’s opinions (of the characters in the film or of an issue in wider society) • Examiner’s reports indicate that the best answers are usually on questions that discuss character or theme – so look for these when you open the paper!

6. Practice Essay Instructions: • Choose ONE of the questions to answer • In the exam, you are expected to write at least 300 (L2) or 400 (L3) words, however, you really need to write more than this to make sure you include all of the things necessary to pass) • You will have this period and your lesson on Tuesday and Wednesday (3 in total) to plan and produce your essay • You can work on your essay outside of class if you wish, however, everything you have done must be printed and handed in at the end of our lesson on Wednesday (Period 5) – no exceptions!

7. Questions: • Either • 1. Analyse how visual and verbal techniques helped you understand the inner feelings of a main character or individual in a visual text you have studied. (L2) • Or • 2. “Successful films present characters who are both heroic and realistic.” To what extent do you agree with this view? Respond to this question with close reference to one or more films you have studied.

8. L2 Possible opening para • From the start to finish of “American Beauty”, Sam Mendes develops the main character Lester Burnham and allows us to understand his inner feelings. Mendes does so with the use of multiple film techniques through; dialogue, camera techniques and body language, which inter-link brilliantly with one another, letting us get inside Lester’s head.

9. L3 Mrs Mac’s ideas: • YES – I agree. • Lester – hero – “tragic hero” – we learn from him • realistic – flawed, humour. • teachniques- characterisation / fantasy seq, narration • WHY –does this make the film successful? – we learn from him – THEME – see beauty, don’t take life for granted, seeking happiness is what destroys it.