Critically Analyzing Sexuality Themes in Film: A Nuanced Approach

Abstract

Critical Film Analysis (3-4 pages) DUE APRIL 5TH BY 11:00 PM The purpose of this essay is for students to critically analyze a film using what they learned over the course of the class. Students will analyze how the film portrays the respective sexual topic (or more, if you find more areas within the film), discuss their reactions to the film’s portrayal of sexuality, and then critically analyze the representation of human sexuality in the film. This is not meant to be a review or summary of the film, but an examination of some aspect(s) of sexuality through the medium of film; students should not simply say that the film was “bad” or that it was “disgusting.” The critical aspect comes in with taking those feelings and moving beyond them, perhaps even reflecting on WHY you feel the way you do about what you see in the film. You are required to find and use at least THREE outside sources for your paper. These can be sources pertaining to the film and/or the ideas or aspects of sexuality you are examining; the textbook is one acceptable source. Blogs, Wikipedia, and other similar Internet sources should be avoided and points will be deducted if used. I recommend using Google Scholar to find articles on your topics and/or film. Students choose ONE film to discuss; you are not comparing and contrasting two films. Possible Films Choices: 50 Shades of Grey (Sexual Expression/Sexual Variation) American Beauty (Sexuality in Adulthood/Sexual Dissatisfaction) Born Into Brothels (Sex Work) Brokeback Mountain (Gay Men/ Love and Relationships) Boys Don’t Cry (Gender and Gender Nonconformity) Bridegroom (Gay Marriage) Capturing the Friedmans (Pedophilia/Sex Laws) Dallas Buyers Club (Trans Health/HIV AIDS) Danish Girl (Transgender) Do I Sound Gay? (Communication) Easy A (Adolescent Female Sexuality) Gerontophilia (Sexuality and Aging) Hard Candy (Child...