Essays and Research Papers on Film & Television

A 7 page paper which discusses the original play of Macbeth with the 1971 film version by Roman Polanski. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 6 page paper which examines the novel and the film "The Perfect Storm," discussing various aspects such as the forces of nature, factual information concerning such a profession, and man's position in nature. Bibliography lists 6 additional sources.

A 5 page paper which compares scenes from the novel and the film version of "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

As the Third World has achieved its independence and cast off Western domination, the past can be confronted and understood in terms of the present. This 5 page paper explores the film, The Battle Of Algiers, in terms of the nationalist and imperialist philosophies and the use of violence for social control. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 6 page report discusses the 1977 movie “Annie Hall” starring Diane Keaton and Woody Allen and directed by Allen. The ways that events and personal relationships unfold in the movie reflects the most deep-seated fears of the main characters, but touches everyone else, in the movie and the audience. Regardless of how well adjusted and self-confident a person may be, ...

A 6 page paper which examines how the film’s plot and imagery considers the issues of race, class, age, sexuality and gender. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

(5 pp) As a post-modern artist, or film-maker, Quentin Tarantino has no problem using whatever parts or pieces of society which he thinks will enhance his films. That is not to say that he believes society can any longer be viewed as a whole, and singularly goal-orientated group. The major ...

This 5-page essay examines the characteristics of the positive and negative father. Citing the films, “A Perfect World” and “The Milagro Beanfield War,” examples of this icon’s duality are explored. Dear old, Dad – is he just one or the other? Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 5 page report discusses the 1954 blacklisted movie that tells the story of a strike among Hispanic mine workers at the Empire Zinc Corporation in New Mexico. A Mexican American family finds itself in the middle of the bitterness caused by the strike. As a political statement, it demonstrated the inter-connection that exists between working class, feminist, environmental and ...

A 6 page discussion of the underlying detail of these two theatrical productions as compared to the larger theatrical genre of slapstick vaudevillian comedy. Emphasizes the relationship between Laurel and Hardy and that between the two main characters of “Waiting for Godot”, Vladimir (referred to variously as Didi and Mr. Albert) Estragon. Vladimir ...

This 5 page report discusses the 1971movie “Play Misty for Me” directed by and starring Clint Eastwood and how it portrays obsession. In the movie, Eastwood plays a late-night, radio disk jockey who has a casual sexual relationship with one of his female fans, Evelyn Draper, played by Jessica Walter. The character of Evelyn Draper would now be described as a ...

The wit and wisdom of the character, Yoda, from the Star Wars trilogy is appropriate to many different situations and individuals. This 6 page essay is based on sayings that are credited to Yoda, but are appropriate to the understanding of more modern media representations, ancient tales of heroes and Chinese legends of note. No bibliography is included. ...

This 10 page report discusses the fact that women who are now thought of as the classic female comedians or comediennes of their time offered characterizations of women that often fell somewhere between the ridiculous and the even more ridiculous. Gracie Allen was the perfect compliment to George Burns with her addled logic and baby girl voice. Lucille Ball’s exploits in ...

A 5 page paper which compares and contrasts Detective Somerset and Detective Mills, to convey the contrasts of life in the modern world. Specifically considered are ways in which each character reveals his respective “world,” including dialogue, body language, evidence, and occasional shot composition which enables director Fincher to visually express these contrasts. ...

(5 pp) The plot of this 1998 Gary Ross flic begins in the nineties in black and white film; through a series of events two nineties teenagers are transported into the fifties world of sitcom television and, "gee whiz, Dad," and poodle skirts. After the initial despair and amazement - "I guess we ...

An 8 page paper which compares and contrasts McCarthy’s 1992 novel with director Billy Bob Thornton’s 2000 screen adaptation. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page paper which compares and contrasts the theme and tone of the novel and film, as well as the characters Rudy Baylor and Jonathan Lake. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

6 pages. Alfred Hitchcock has long been regarded as the master of suspense. What is it that makes his movies endure for decades, while others seem to slip into obscurity? This paper will delve into the magic and determination behind the man and his art, that of producing psychological thrillers that set the standard for the genre ...

This 5 page critique on reality television draws on other critics, but ends with praise for the new genre. Several shows are discussed including Survivor and Big Brother. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

John Singleton’s “Baby Boy”: This 5-page essay discusses the most recent film by award winning writer/director, John Singleton. Again depicting life in inner city Los Angeles, the story picks up close to where its violent companion piece, “Boyz N The Hood” left audiences a decade ago. Bibliography lists 2 sources. SNBabyb1.doc

An 8 page paper which presents an examination of how bad language and violence on television affects children negatively. Bibliography lists 15 sources.

5 pages in length. Quentin Tarantino, who is considered generation X's most well acclaimed director, understands the importance of complete immersion in a film; without the director's undivided creative attention, productions such as the ones he generates would not hold the same amount of intense appeal. One might readily argue that Tarantino's immersed ...

This 5 page paper looks at the 1989 film My Left Foot in terms of its emotion-leaden content. How emotion is expressed through art is discussed in light of theorists who have written on the subject. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses themes and elements within Hitchcock's "Psycho," "Vertigo," and "Rear Window." Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 5 page report compares the unique characteristics of art cinema’s narrative modes and how they differ from mainstream and commercial movies. Five French and German movies -- “The 400 Blows” (1959), “The Tin Drum” (1979) “Chloe in the Afternoon” (1972), “The Dreamlife of Angels” (1998), and “Run Lola Run” (1999) -- are used as examples. Bibliography ...