For this assignment, you are to select any film (or series) from this list and write a critical review, analyzing how it shapes our understanding of mass media’s influence on American politics. The review should be between 500-750 words, written in clear, concise language and adhere to the standard conventions of English grammar and punctuation. You also have the option to record and submit your review (just make sure the recording is 3-5 minutes long and answers the below questions). Objective The goal of this assignment is to help you understand the profound influence of mass media on the political landscape in the United States. By reviewing and analyzing a film (or series), you’ll gain insight into how media artifacts can shape, represent, or reflect political ideologies, trends, and events. Instructions 1. Select a film. 2. Watch the film closely, noting significant scenes, dialogues, characters, and storylines related to American politics. 3. Write a critical review of the film. Your review should provide a brief summary of the film’s content (without revealing any major spoilers) and then focus on critiquing the portrayal of politics in the film. While writing, consider the following questions: 1. How does the film portray American politics? Is it in a positive, negative, or neutral light? 2. What political ideologies, trends, or events are depicted in the film? 3. What is the film’s perspective on these political elements? Does it take a stance or remain neutral? 4. How do the film’s characters represent or reflect political figures or ideologies? 5. How does the film’s setting, era, or context influence the portrayal of politics? 6. How might the film’s portrayal of politics influence the audience’s understanding or perception of American politics? 7. What biases, if any, does the film display in its portrayal of American politics? 8. How does the film compare to real-world political events or issues? 9. What is your assessment of the film’s accuracy or authenticity in depicting American politics? 10. What role does the film play in shaping public discourse on the political issues it covers? — Tips for Effective Critical Writing 1. Try to be as objective as possible. Remember, your task is to critique the film, not to express whether you liked it or not. Your personal feelings about the film should not interfere with your analysis. 2. Always support your arguments with examples from the film. This makes your critique reliable and convincing. 3. Avoid generalizing about the film. Be specific in your critique. Discuss particular scenes, dialogues, or events in the film that support your critique. 4. Organize your review clearly. It’s often helpful to start with an introduction (with a brief summary of the film and your overall assessment), followed by the main body (where you critique the film in detail), and then a conclusion (summarizing your arguments and stating the film’s overall impact). 5. A good critique doesn’t solely focus on the negatives. Discuss the strengths of the film as well as areas where it falls short. 6. If other critiques of the film exist, feel free to engage with them in your review. Comparing your analysis with others can enrich your own critique. 7. Always proofread your work before submission to ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos. Remember, the aim of this assignment is not just to critique a film, but to understand the complex ways in which mass media influences, reflects, and interacts with American politics.
