"Oh, Brother Where Art Thou?" Assignment
Seminar in Cinema

I. SETTING - Describe the time(s) and locale(s) that the film takes place in.

II. PLOT SUMMARY- In your notebook write a brief narrative summary of the plot events in the film. [Rob came up with 32+ plot events.] Remember the beginning of the plot is the preceding action: What has gone on before.

III. EVALUATION - Write a brief statement on your opinion and evaluation of the film.

IV. ELEMENTS

A. CHARACTER - Choose one of the two choices to analyze the characters in the film.

1. Who are the major characters in the story? Which characters (or protagonists) play the central roles? Which characters (or antagonists) oppose the protagonists? How do the ; antagonists and protagonists interact in the film? What outcomes do these characters create?
2. Characterize the main character's actions and/or thinking: how are they good or bad, intelligent or stupid, deliberate or spontaneous? Discuss how and why this character is either the protagonist or antagonist, round or flat. How does this information help you understand the character?

B. THEME - Choose one of the two activities below and analyze the themes in your film.

1. What is the main idea, message, or theme of the film? Express the theme in a complete sentence and use specific examples of expression of this theme from the film to support your answer. How do the main characters express or reveal the main idea?
2. What is the main idea, message, or theme of the film? Express the theme in a complete sentence and use specific examples of expression of this theme from the film to support your answer. Which characters represent or embody the theme? How do you know?

C. SYMBOLISM - Choose one of the two activities below and analyze the symbolism.

1. What cultural or universal symbols can you discover in names, objects, places, situations, or actions in the film? How did these affect your understanding of he main events or ideas?
2. What symbolic context can you put the film in? (good vs. evil, love & sacrifice, journey, coming of age, a combination, etc.) Give examples to support you argument.

Adapted by Rob Slater from original ideas of Darin Detwiler