Test on Wednesday, 5/22

The test will focus on Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times, Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away and the Student Choice Film for our class period (Period 7: Gus Van Sant’s Milk or Period 6: Michael Blieden’s Super High Me). Also, review everything from the beginning of the course, such as literary, dramatic, and cinematic elements, the definition of RotMI, etc. Be sure to look over your notes, your homework assignments, and all Viewing Guides and handouts.

Along with the general plot and character developments of our films, be sure to focus on these areas in your review:

• In Spirited Away: The typical conventions of animated films; the film’s “eco-message”; motifs involving the importance of name, memory, and identity; Miyazaki’s inspiration for the character of Chihiro; auteur; moments of realism. Be able to cite specific examples of these concepts from the film to prove your point.
• In Modern Times: silent film, inter-title, characterization of “The Tramp,” episodic structure, motifs, sight gags and slapstick, final shot. DVD Special Features: deleted scene, original ending, all voices filtered through technology and 24 frames per second (fps). Be able to cite specific examples of these concepts from the film to prove your point.
• In Do The Right Thing: title credits; match cut; breaking the fourth wall; litany; episodic story structure; montage; racial tensions in NYC; Spike Lee's DVD Special Features. Be able to cite specific examples of these concepts from the film to prove your point. 
• In Milk (Period 6 ONLY): Characterization of Harvey Milk; setting of the film (social fabric); story structure; cinematic aspects; the general plot.
• In Super High Me (Period 7 ONLY): Documentary film style; the film’s purpose and final observations; the general plot.   

This is only a general guide and not a complete list of everything we learned and everything you should study!

Extra help will be offered after school at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 5/21 in room 452.

The approximate test breakdown: 40% multiple choice / 20% mini-essay / 40% short answers

Good luck!