Seminar in Cinema:

Stand and Deliver

PART I: SUMMARY–

1. Write a brief paragraph about the key events in Stand and Deliver. Use complete sentences. What are the main characters, location, time period, and main action(s)? Identify the preceding actions, climax and resolution.

2. Then write a brief paragraph as to why you were liked or did not like to this film and your opinion of the story.

PART II: ELEMENTS – You may answer both for extra credit toward a letter grade.

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. PLOT– Choose one of the two choices and analyze the film's plot.

1.Discuss the rising actions, the climax, and the resolution in the film. What is it – what took place? Use as much detail from the film to support your claim as to when the above three parts of the plot took place.

2. Discuss the use of special devices, (foreshadowing, subplot, suspense, surprise endings) of plot used in the film, citing specific examples. Why were they used? How did this help you as the viewer to understand or get into the plot?

C. 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? Tell me about a similar film, Dangerous Minds. How does it handle the similar themes. How are the characters different?