This paper discusses Euripides’ play, and the ways in which Dionysus’ actions can be considered theatrical.
Late Spring
This paper examines the 1949 Japanese film “Late Spring,” and selects one sequence for further examination.
Community Definition and Community Theater
This paper considers the historical and cultural developments of a “community,” and what that means for the theater located within it.
Bengal Theater: Politics of Rebellion
This paper discusses the development of theater in Bengal and the political plays performed there. (This paper expands on themes discussed in an earlier paper on Bengal theater.)
Japanese Cinema: Sensuality and Politics
This paper examines three films by Oshima Nagisa and seeks to explore the relation between sensuality and politics in each of them.
Women in Japanese Theater
This paper examines some of the aspects of women in Japanese theater.
Japanese Cinema: “Stray Dog”
This paper discusses Akira Kurosawa’s detective thriller.
Tennessee Williams
This paper examines Williams’s life, and discusses whether or not his works are autobiographical; it also discusses his homosexuality briefly.
Political Theater in Bengal
This paper discusses the development of theater in India with reference to political and patriotic plays.
Ibsen and Guns
This paper describes guns generally; describes the .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and discusses the theme of guns in “Hedda Gabler” and “The Wild Duck.”
"Late Spring"
This paper examines the 1949 Japanese film “Late Spring,” and selects one sequence for further examination.
Ordinary People
A review of the movie Ordinary People, which is about a family whose lives are not ordinary, but rather tumultous and depressing, no matter how much they try to appear normal.
The Joy Luck Club Relationships
This paper examines the film version of The Joy Luck Club with particular attention to the relationship between Rose and her mother, An-Mei.
Alternative Theater: “Pentecost”
This paper summarizes the themes, issues and context of David Edgar’s play, and why it can be classified as alternative theater.
Beloved: Comparison and Contrast of the Book and Movie
The purpose of this paper to compare and contrast several aspects of the book version and the film version of the story Beloved by Toni Morrison.
Legitimate Theater and Its Influence on Film (Revised)
This paper explores the influence of theater on film, and the differences between the two.
Literature and Film
This paper discusses the differences between literary works and the films made from them.
Historical Reconstruction in Filmmaking
This paper will discuss how some films, specifically Hiroshima, mon Amour, Titanic, and Schindler’s List have reconstructed history and the filmmaking techniques employed.
Movies about Movies: Fellini, Godard and Truffaut
This paper examines three classic films about filmmaking and compares directorial styles.
Nanook of the North and Buena Vista Social Club
This paper compares and discusses the two documentary films, Nanook of the North and Buena Vista Social Club.
The Natural
In 4 pages, the author discusses the film version as compared to and contrasted with the text version of The Natural, which was written by Bernard Malamud.
Paul Newman in “The Verdict”
This paper describes Newman’s performance in Sidney Lumet’s film, and why the character meets the Aristotelian criteria for a flawed hero.
Pure Cinema” of Dulac and Kirsanov
This paper discusses the French avant-garde films of Germaine Dulac and Dmitri Kirsanov and whether or not making a “pure” film is worth doing.
Special Focus: “The Defiant Ones” and “One Bright Light”
This paper examines one of the films of Sidney Poitier
Special Focus: Faye Dunaway in “Bonnie and Clyde”
This brief paper explores why only Faye Dunaway could have played Bonnie Parker, and her impact on films.
Special Focus in Films: “From Here to Eternity”
This paper examines the sexual issues in the film, and the way in which the film capitalizes on the Method acting abilities of its stars.
Special Focus in Films: “On the Waterfront”
This paper discusses the idea that sometimes turning someone in is the best idea. It also discusses the balance of themes in the film.
Special Focus in Films: “The Train”
This paper discusses the fact that Burt Lancaster was able to get the film “green-lighted” on the strength of his box office appeal. It also discusses Lancaster’s performance, which strikes a...
Special Focus in Films: “The Wild One”
This paper discusses some of the images created by this film that are still familiar today, as well as its impact on contemporary audiences.
Special Focus: James Dean’s Persona in “Rebel without a Cause”
This paper examines James Dean’s impact on films, and why he is still an icon.
Special Focus: Jane Fonda in “Klute”
This paper explores Jane Fonda’s performances and the way in which she has distinguished her career from that of her father.
Triple Feature
This paper examines the films The Jazz Singer, the Mummy, and King Kong and discusses their place in film history and the way changing technology changed the way they were filmed.
Willie Loman and America
This paper discusses Arthur Miller’s play “Death of a Salesman.” How is Willy Loman emblematic of America? In him, the hopes of the nation existed, the pipe dreams, the too-high expectations, and...
"The Scarlet Letter" and Film Noir
This paper examines the 1995 film of Hawthorne’s novel and compares it to the film noir genre.
The Virgin Suicides
This paper compares and contrasts the book "The Virgin Suicides" and the movie that was made from it.
"Twelfth Night" and "Top Girls"
This paper examines the way in which theater has changed over the centuries, specifically with regard to these two plays.
Two Versions of "Scarface"
This paper compares the 1932 Howard Hawks movie with the 1983 Brian DePalma film.
Vietnam Movies
This paper discusses the way in which the Vietnam War has been portrayed on film, specifically in Oliver Stone’s “Platoon,” and “Full Metal Jacket” by Stanley Kubrick.
"In the Company of Men"
This paper examines the reviews and answers questions about the film based on the critiques it has received.
Independent Film Companies
This paper explores “indie” film companies, their relationship to major studios, the types of films they produce, and what effect emerging technology might have on them.
Interpretation/Analysis "Intolerance" and "Braveheart"
This paper analyzes the two films, “Intolerance” and “Braveheart”.
Italian Cinema
This paper discuses three Italian films with respect to the director’s vision of society and how the protagonists reflect that.
"Judgment at Nuremberg"
This paper briefly sketches the four defendants in Stanley Kramer’s film.
Tennessee Williams Life and Works
This report gives a brief biography of the writer and discusses some of his works.
I want to live
This paper examines the 1958 film directed by Robert Wise, and the melodrama genre in general.
Redemption in “Taxi Driver”
This paper discusses the themes in “Taxi Driver” as they are revealed both in the plot and the music.
Sidney Lumet: Making Movies
This paper identifies Sidney Lumet’s two basic questions about filmmaking, and applies them to “Dog Day Afternoon” and “Annie Hall.”
The Nature of the Western Hero
This paper discusses whether or not film critic Robert Warhow’s description of the Western film hero is accurate; it uses three classic films for illustration and concludes he is only partially...
Two Versions of “Scarface”
This paper compares the 1932 Howard Hawks movie with the 1983 Brian DePalma film.
D.W. Griffith
This paper discusses the contributions D.W. Griffith made to the development of cinema, and argues that he deserves his place in film history.
Krapp’s Last Tape: Analysis
This paper is an analysis of Samuel Beckett’s play Krapp’s Last Tape, and of the main character, what he does and what is revealed about him through this medium.
Legitimate Theater and Its Influence on Film
This paper explores the influence of theater on film, and the differences between the two.
Pentecost by David Edgar
This paper summarizes the plot of the play and explores some of its themes.
Chinatown
This paper examines several aspects of the classic film.
Musicals
This paper evaluates the impact of the shows Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon.
"Oleanna” and “Silkwood”: Women on Stage and Screen
This paper discusses specific questions about the characters of Carol and Karen Silkwood
Phantom of The Opera
This paper reviews the musical, and reports on critical reaction to it.
Midnight Cowboy
This paper examines in detail one of the scenes from the 1969 classic film
As Good As It Gets
This paper describes the film and answers questions about it
Changes in Gangster Films
This paper examines several classic gangster films, and examines the way in which the genre has changed over the years
Clueless
This paper discusses some of the aspects of the 1995 film.
Death of a Salesman
This paper analyzes the characters and themes in Arthur Miller’s classic play
History and Theatre
This paper examines the origin of theatre and how it evolved throughout history to become what it is today. It also discusses how theatre often mirrors or re-enacts history.
Paisan
This paper examines Rossellini’s film with regard to the techniques used in a specific vignette.
Paths of Glory
This paper is a close examination of one sequence in the Kubrick film.
Martial Art Films
This paper compares two martial arts films and relates their themes to the culture of China.
Martin Guerre
This paper examines the film version of the story of Martin Guerre, discusses the way in which the issues of the time were portrayed, and asks if the punishment was just.
Martin Scorcese 1
This paper examines the signature elements of Martin Scorcese’s film directing career by examining several of his best-known films, including Taxi Driver.
Kurosawa’s Influence
This paper examines the influence of Japanese film director Akira Kurosawa on other filmmakers.
Film Theory: Bazin and Kracauer
This paper considers the theories of both critics, and determines what their reaction was to “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.”
Heist Films
This paper looks at four “heist” films and the types of relationships illustrated by each of them.
Howard Hawkes' Scarface
This paper examines the 1932 gangster film starring Paul Muni.
"The Bad and the Beautiful”
This paper reviews Vincente Minnelli’s film.
“The Magic Flute”: film by Ingmar Bergman
This paper evaluates Bergman’s film version of Mozart’s opera.
“The Man with the Movie Camera”
This paper critiques the early film of the title.
“The Patriot”
This film analyzes the Mel Gibson film “The Patriot”.
Theatrical Conventions in “Miss Saigon”
This paper discusses the conventions of live theatre in general, and more specifically those that exist in the production Miss Saigon. It examines the false 'realities' that the audience agrees to...
“The African Queen”
This paper examines the character of Charlie Allnut in John Huston’s classic film.
“The Bad and the Beautiful"
This paper reviews Vincente Minnelli’s film.
The Theme of “The Blue Hotel”
In this paper, there will be a discussion on Stephen Crane’s “The Blue Hotel.” The focus will be on the theme of the work, which is social alienation. Crane explores the way society can devour...
Clyde Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde
This paper argues that Clyde Barrow is a flawed hero, rather than a villain, in the Aristotlian sense.
Stanislavsky and the Moscow Art Theatre
This paper discusses Konstantin Stanislavsky and the founding of the Moscow Art Theatre, as well as his development of the Method, for which he is most famous.
Star Wars and The Odyssey
This paper examines the concept of a higher guiding principle in human affairs, as reflected in Lucas’s movie and Homer’s poem.
Style and Form in “Schindler’s List” and “Titanic”
This paper compares the two films in regard to their form and style.
Feminism under Communism in China
This paper discusses the way women are portrayed in films and novels in Communist China.
“American History X”
This paper considers the film with regard to current psychological thinking.
American History X
This paper considers the film with regard to current psychological thinking.
“Cloud Nine”
This paper explores the issues of sexuality as presented in the play “Cloud Nine.”
Content Analysis of Crime Films
This paper provides a content analysis of five crime films, Lethal Weapon, Speed, Die Hard, Ransom and Turbulence.
The Comedy Genre in Hollywood Films: From ‘Pillow Talk’ to ‘Pretty Woman’
This paper examines the style of filmmaking known as the romantic comedy, its genesis, and its evolution, comparing two films in particular, “Pillow Talk” starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson, and...
Critique of "Strangers on a Train"
A critique of the Alfred Hitchcock film "Strangers on a Train," including themes, characters, plots, possible subtexts, motifs, and genre.
Dance
This report discusses dance throughout history, both as entertainment and as a form of communication.
Compare and Contrast - "Dr. Faustus" and "Everyman"
This paper compares and contrasts the two plays Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe and Everyman (anonymous). It examines the structure, imagery, symbolism, tone and style of both works. Finally,...
Integration in "Mississippi Masala"
This paper discusses the film and its depiction of an interracial romance, based on "Romeo and Juliet."
"Day for Night"
This paper examines Truffaut’s serio-comic film about films.
Final Escapes
This paper discusses the final escapes of three characters – Nora, “A Doll’s House; Willie, “Death of a Salesman; Tom, “The Glass Menagerie.” These characters acted out of circumstance and this...
Fassbinder: "Beware the Holy Whore"
This paper examines the 1971 Rainer Werner Fassbinder film about film.
Fences
This paper discusses some of the issues raised by August Wilson's play "Fences."
Film Editing: Griffith and Eistenstein
This paper examines the film techniques used by D.W. Griffith and Sergei Eistenstein.
Film Genre: Film Noir
This paper defines “film genre” and discusses two films that fall into the genre of film noir.
Film Genre: War Films
This paper defines “film genre” and discusses two films that fall into the genre of war films.
Film Stylistic Qualities
This paper examines two films in detail: “Breathless” and “8 ½”.
Film Theories
This paper examines the theories of Andre Bazin and Sergei Eisenstein, and discusses ways in which Fellini, Truffaut and Godard use them in their films.
Film Genres
This paper discusses film genres, what they are, how to recognize them, and three films from the "war" genre: "Gettysburg", "Glory" and "Saving Private Ryan."
“A Doll’s House” and “Glass Menagerie”
This paper compares and contrasts the characters of Nora and Laura in the two plays.
A Lesson Before Dying and Dead Man Walking
This paper compares and contrasts the two works, and discusses the pros and cons of the death penalty
“Camera Buff”
This paper analyzes the Kieslowski film.
Changes in the Western Myth
This paper examines the way in which Western movies have changed over the years as they respond to changes in society.
The Glass Menagerie
This report's author responds to Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, and discusses the family dynamics, personal versus societal morality, and the socio-political themes found within the play.
"Citizen Kane" and Politics
This paper uses the film “Citizen Kane” to support Lary May’s argument that there was a definite shift to conservatism in films, after an early progressive start.
"Contempt"
This report examines Jean-Luc Godard's film "Contempt".
Documentaries
This paper examines the differences in documentaries made in the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's and those being made now, and what they say about the society that made them, and the changes in that...
Filmmaker Agnes Varda
This report discussed the work of French filmmaker Agnes Varda, both as it relates to French New Wave cinema, and as it helps to define the concept of the auteur director.
American Musical Theater
This paper explores the history of musical theater with emphasis on the works of Jerome Kern and George Gershwin.
Woody Allen : The Love Theme
Discusses the theme of love and how it fades away throughout Woody Allen's films such as Naked in New York , Love and Death , Zelig , and others .
Citizen Kane
Film review of Wells' masterpiece which discusses elements such as characters , timeline , political messages and music .
Comparison of Notorious (1946) and Notorious (1992)
Compares Alfred Hitchcock's 1946 film , Notorious , and the remake in 1992 .
Sandy Bates in Stardust Memories
discusses how the lead character , film director Sandy Bates , in Woody Allen's Stardust Memories tries to find meaning in life as he deals with the themes of darkness and light , illusion and...
The Joy Luck Club
Critically surveys the film, The Joy Luck Club.
The Horror Film: Fatal Attraction as a Hitchcock Tradition
Examines horror cinema as one of the oldest film genres and one which has held the most consistent audience appeal. Alfred Hitchcock is given credit as being the master creator of horror films...
Love & Marriage in Hollywood Films
Examines the way love and marriage are portrayed in films and how this portrayal does or does not mirror reality. Hollywood has seen a change from the films based on sex of the 1980's to the...
The Comedy Genre in Hollywood Films
Examines the style of filmmaking known as the romantic comedy, its genesis, and its evolution, comparing two films in particular, Pillow Talk starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson, and Pretty Woman...
