Apocalypse Now: Film as Literature
SCENE ANALYSIS

Since AP Literature has been given a chance to screen Apocalypse Now and to see how Dartmouth suggests approaching Film analysis, the class will now develop and edit a response to this historical film. You will be assigned a particular scene from the film and a cinematic focus. The film techniques you select will coincide with the focus of your paper.

Notice: This movie has the foundation of impacting literature; therefore, ALL themes seen within Heart of Darkness are reflected at times through these ELEMENTS OF FILM. You must keep this in mind at all times.
1. Fear
2. Fate
3. Race
4. Identity
5. Madness
6. Ambition/power
7. Exploration/ Unknown
8. Time
9. Language and Communication

Your Thesis needs to be grounded in a thematic statement according to your method of analysis AND assigned scene.

Francis Ford Coppola was the deciding director of the film, therefore he had to approve all production decisions (sound, editing, music, etc.). If you would like to include names responsible for specific elements within your discussion, please browse www.imdb.com.

No research is required for this assignment because this is YOUR analysis with the provided materials: Dartmouth Handout and your film notes. Select TWO of the following:

1. Music (Score)
2. Sound
3. Camera Movement/positioning
4. Lighting
5. Editing

You MUST determine what elements (film glossary terms) are most important to your overall analysis. Think: “What has been used to most effectively represent THEME?”

Paper Requirements: Due February 4th or 7th
—Assessment based on an AP Scale. (650 word minimum; 1000 word maximum)
—Times New Roman, 12 Pt., Double Spacing, Default 1.5” margins, and Header