Maltese Falcon - Critical Paper

After viewing the Maltese Falcon, please write a 2-3 page critical review paper. The paper will be due April 8.

A critical review goes a little further than a film review or critique that a journalist might write for a newspaper or magazine. Being more scholarly, this is the kind of paper that you might write taking a college course in film. Its focus is not only to answer who, what, when, but also HOW and WHY. (who is in or involved in the film, what elements make up the film; what is my reaction to the film, when was it made or premiered, but HOW is the film relevant to society, to human culture, WHY should we watch it, HOW did it affect films after it, HOW are film elements used skillfully (or not) in the film, and WHY should we view the film?

Your critical review paper should include the following (follow these steps to ensure you have all the components you will need to effectively evaluate and analyze the film):

1. An introduction that discusses the history and significance of film noir. Ask yourself, "what is film noir and why is it an important genre?" ending with the thesis of examining the elements of The Maltese Falcon. It should be clear that you know the background and something about the genre you are writing about.

2. You should briefly summarize the plot and identify the characters (and often their actors playing the parts). In essence, you should summarize the movie's plot, setting, characters) before you begin to examine it.

3. Your body of your paper should examine the technical and historical elements of the film before you throw in your opinion. It should be clear that you know the details about the film (including actors, directors, producers, and other film jobs and who was responsible, how the film did historically at the box office, etc.)

4. Your body of your paper should judge and evaluate the skill of these people in doing their jobs and give reasons or support your opinions. (Again, you can examine actors, the director, the writer, the producer, the costumer, etc. Usually you stick to major parts and positions over say, the key grip's job.)

5. Your body should connect major themes or the impact of the film to ones own life or to the HUMAN CONDITION. Are these themes best served in the genre, and by the film?

6. Finally, you should summarize by answering why is this film relevant? Why should someone watch this film? How did this film affect the industry after it was made? Did it influence other contemporary directors, or create new styles of artistic expression? Etc.

Proofread your work before you turn it in.

I'd suggest after watching the film today, you may wish to quickly jot down or summarize the film, and get your reaction to the film on paper so you don't forget what you think over the short holiday. Don't worry too much about the research element of the film. You can work on this Tuesday in the lab.

After squaring away the details of your paper, continue to work on your documentary.

HOMEWORK: Please read the article on Orson Welles and Citizen Kane. To hand in, please put two comments or observations or questions from your reading on a small index card or slip of paper to hand in.