Homework Week 9

—Due Wednesday, May 1 12:00 pm (noon)

—Watch the film Halloween (1978)

—Describe the opening shot. Why does the director film the scene this way?

—Compare Halloween and Psycho as horror films, especially in terms of their “monster”.

—Describe the character of Laurie compared to the other female characters. Why does Laurie survive and other girls do not?

Week 6 Homework

Watch Star Wars (1977)

—Compare Luke and Han as characters with Rick and Laszlo in Casablanca. Which of these two Star Wars characters is most typically American?

—How does the film deal with “good versus evil” compared to the other films we have watched?

—The film makes use of the editing device of the “wipe”. Why is this unusual technique used so often? What purpose does it serve?

Week 5 Homework

Watch Taxi Driver and answer one of the following questions:

—Discuss the ending of the film. Is the audience supposed to identify with Travis, or is the ending ironic?

—Taxi Driver is a loose remake of The Searchers. Describe the similarities and difference between the two films.

—There is one clear example in the film of an “unmotivated camera movement”. Why does the director make this choice?