30 Comparing Films
Learning Objectives
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Discover how film criticism techniques can make you a stronger reader.
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Analyze two opposing points of view and decide which is the stronger argument; cite textual evidence.
Project & Discussion
This chapter will focus on developing a Film Comparison Paper that provides meaningful practice for the writing portion of the GED Reading Language Arts test. Start by reviewing our GED Writing Guide below.
Keep this guide open while working on the project below. The “Content” and “Organization” sections are especially important to completing the assignment.
Assigned Reading
Here are this week’s readings. Additionally, please read for your own personal enjoyment for 1/2 hour each day. This will be called your “Reading Zone” reading and it will coincide with many upcoming activities.
How to Watch a Movie by Russel Sherman (via Moving Pictures)
Assignment: Film Comparison Paper (500 Words)
The object of this assignment is to analyze and compare two films with similar goals and to decide which one did a better job of meeting those goals.
To do this, you will need to discuss elements of each film, such as writing, directing, and production design. You will need to make a case, with evidence, that shows why you think one of these movies did a better job of meeting its goals than the other.
To start, pick two movies that have similar goals. Some examples:
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Movies that have something to say about family
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Movies that take place during the same holiday
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Movies that are trying to be moody, creepy, or scary
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Movies that explore growing up or becoming a teenager
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Movies that try to show us what life is like in another culture
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Movies that explore poverty
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Movies that have protagonists that commit crimes
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Movies about musicians, dancers, or artists
You can compare any two movies based on any shared goal. Once you’ve picked your movies, take notes to plan your writing. When you have completed your notes, please write your first draft of your paper. Your draft will need the following:
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Four paragraphs, each with at least five to seven sentences (more is generally better)
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An introduction that helps the audience understand your movies, their shared goal, and which one did it better
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Two body paragraphs, one for each movie, that provide analysis of the director’s choices
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A conclusion that sums up your case
When you write this paper, please follow the following format:
First Paragraph: Introduction. This paragraph will explain the basic information about each movie: what year, who wrote and directed them, and a basic summary of each. Then, explain what their shared goal is. Then, say which one did a better job of meeting that goal and why.
Second Paragraph. This body paragraph will analyze the movie that did not do a better job. Talk about the writing, the directing, and elements of the production design (that could include camera work, editing, sound, music, etc). Then, tell the audience why this movie did not do a better job at meeting the goal.
Third Paragraph. This body paragraph will analyze the movie that did do a better job. Talk about the writing, the directing, and elements of the production design (that could include camera work, editing, sound, music, etc). Then, tell the audience why this movie did do a better job at meeting the goal.
Fourth Paragraph. Quickly summarize why you believe movie #2 did a better job. Then, tell the audience what they can do with this information (typically, you do this by making a recommendation of whether they should watch one of these movies or both).
Assignment: Reading Zone Response (250 Words)
For Reading Zone, you must find a novel that is interesting to you and enjoyable to read. If you need help finding a Reading Zone book, please ask. Please read your Reading Zone book for a half-hour each day. On class days, there will be time in class dedicated to reading.
Create a response to this week’s reading that addresses the following prompts:
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In one paragraph, summarize what you’ve read this week
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In a second paragraph, compare your book to another book you’ve read that had shared goals. Who did it better? Explain.