Directions: There’s nothing like a cinematic production to make history come alive! In this project, you will watch, analyze, and compare a movie or musical (see movie / musical choices below) to a specific period (Unit 1, 2, or 3) that we have covered this semester. In a 4-5-page (1000-1250 words) double spaced comparative analysis:
• Write an essay that has an introduction (with a thesis at the end), multiple body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your thesis should address how accurately the movie reflects the time period. You will need to use the correct, complete MLA Heading and structure.
• Include a brief summary of the movie (or musical) you watched
• Include a brief summary of the time period and / or particular writing that the movie (or musical) represents. Focus on the major themes of the time period and / or writing.
• Discuss how well the movie (or musical) represents the writing and / or time period. Choose four themes of the writing and / or time period and compare to the specific scenes or themes in the movie. Are the themes of the writing and / or time period accurately portrayed in the movie (or musical)? Be specific.
• You might even compare certain writings of the time period to the movie (or musical).
• The movie (musical) and the book chapters and notes can be the on the Works Cited page. You are not required to conduct any additional research.
Amistad (1997) – Unit 1 or 2
The Crucible (1996) – Unit 1 (Witchcraft)
Hamilton – The Musical (2020) – Unit 2
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1999) – Unit 3
Click on the movie posters to watch the trailer. All movies are available online for free or low cost.
Suggested Organizational Structure:
Introduction
• Summary of movie and unit themes or writing
• Thesis: Answer the question – Is the movie an accurate representation of the time period (or writing) to which you’re comparing the movie.
Body Paragraph
• Body 1 – The first way the movie is or is not an accurate representation of the time period (or specific writing) – Include in-text citations from each source for support.
• Body 2 – The second way the movie is or is not an accurate representation of the time period (or specific writing) – Include in-text citations from each source for support.
• Body 3 – The third way the movie is or is not an accurate representation of the time period (or specific writing) – Include in-text citations from each source for support.
• Body 4 – The third way the movie is or is not an accurate representation of the time period (or specific writing) – Include in-text citations from each source for support.
Conclusion
• Paraphrase the thesis
• Address the question – Based on your analysis, would the movie be a good substitute for reading about the time period or particular writing.
