Please watch one of the following films:

Sicko (2007), Dear Zachary (2008), Born into Brothels (2004), March of the Penguins (2005), Man on Wire  (2008), Cutie and the Boxer (2013), Supersize Me (2004), Freedom Riders (2010)

Next, decide if the film is an example of Rhetorical or Categorical because there are different questions depending on the form utilized in the film. Complete the assignment by answering each question in paragraph form. Answers need to be complete and comprehensive, demonstrating that you paid attention to the film and thought about what was shown on the screen. You may use more than one paragraph if necessary. Be sure to use terms from this week’s lectures and readings, as well as previous weeks if it’s applicable. All responses should be in complete sentences using proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.  

Questions to answer for the film using the Categorical form:

• State the title of the film and the year it was released. Then briefly describe what the film is about. Include in this exploration the type of documentary the film falls under and why you believe this to be true (see lecture notes)
• Identify the people, places, events, or aspects of people, society or nature that are the focus of this film. Describe and clarify the significance of each.
• List three facts described in the film that impressed you and explain how each fact relates to the film’s premise or theme.
• Nonfiction can enrich viewers in several important ways. Describe any aspect of the film that showed you something you hadn’t seen before, caused you to think in a new way, or helped you understand something more thoroughly than before. In addition, describe how it changed your thinking.
• Was there anything that you saw or heard in the film that was unconvincing or which seemed out of place?
• What particularly appealed to you in the cinematic presentation of the film, such as the way in which the mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing or sound was presented?
• If someone asked you whether you would recommend this film, how would you respond?  Fully explain your reasons.

Questions to answer for the film using the Rhetorical form:

• State the title of the film and the year it was released. Then briefly describe what the film is about and the position that it advocates. Include in this exploration the type of documentary the film falls under and why you believe this to be true (see lecture notes).
• Describe the progression of the film: how it begins, what stages it passes through, and how it concludes.
• List three facts described in the film that impressed you and explain how each fact relates to the film’s premise or theme.
• How did the filmmakers try to convince you of the position that the film supports? Look for appeals to logic, emotion, and prejudice.
• Did any of the reasoning given in support of the position advocated by the film seem to be weak or misleading? If so, describe the concept put forward in the film and why you thought the reasoning was flawed.
• Describe any cinematic techniques used in presenting particular scenes, images, or sounds which were designed to appeal to the viewer’s emotions and to encourage the viewer to agree with the position advocated by the film, without reliance upon fact or logical argument.
• Did the film change your mind about any aspect of the subject that it presents? What information, argument or persuasive technique caused you to change your mind?