Film Review Assignment (50 points):

Choose a film related to North Dakota history, the history of the Great Plains region, and/or related to one of the themes discussed in class. 

Check titles with instructor for approval before writing the review.

1.  Do some background research in preparation to critically review the film and to understand the context.  Who wrote the screenplay?  Was the screenplay based on a book or other material (biographies, oral histories)?  Who created that material, and what is their background, education, and life-experience?  What qualifies them to be an expert on this particular subject?

2.  Take notes if necessary, and write the review soon after viewing the film.  Summarize the film, relate key points and issues, and evaluate the work (artistic merit, historic merit).  Your review should be about two pages; however, concentrate more on content than length.

3.  A good summary captures background and plot of the film.  Do not simply summarize the film.  Provide a critical evaluation.  A critical review points out strengths and weaknesses of the film, and its value to the interpretation of history.

4.  Point out particular items of interest, quotes, images, key points.  How does the film compare to other work done on the same subject matter?  Read a few reviews to see what others had to say about the film.  Try to find what historians have written about the movie, if possible.  Also search for any information about what those depicted in the movie have said about it, if possible.  Does it have a significant academic basis, or is it rich with legend and lore?  Was it critically acclaimed, popular, a blockbuster?