Women in Film:
Archetype Assignment
Overview:
Over the past
few weeks, we have watched and discussed films that have featured characters
that represent common archetypal images of women in film. We have seen examples
of
·
the
femme fatale (a female version of the
villain archetype),
·
working
mothers (a variation of the mother/maternal archetype),
·
rebellious
daughters (a variation of the rebel archetype), and
·
female
action heroes.
For this
assignment, describe and analyze specific representations of one of these
archetypes in a variety of films. In your analysis, you will consider how the
historical, social and political context in which each film you are discussing
was made influenced the specific representation of the archetypal character.
This assignment
is worth 20% of your final grade.
Guidelines:
1) Focus your
topic:
a)
Choose
one of the following archetypes:
·
the
femme fatale
·
the
working mother
·
the
rebellious daughter
·
the
female action hero
b)
Identify specific representations (examples)
of the archetype you have chosen in three different films. Choose one
example (at least) from one of the films we have watched in the course so far (Mildred Pierce, Imitation of Life, Foxy Brown
or Lara Croft: Tomb Raider). Choose
two more examples from films you have watched outside this course. Try to select three examples of the archeype
from films made in different time periods and/or films made in different
countries/cultural contexts.
2) Write a
report analyzing the three examples of the archetype you have chosen to focus
on. Divide your report into the following sections:
A.
Introduction to the Archetype (4
marks)
In your own
words, explain the characteristics of the archetype
you have chosen. In other words, how do you recognize examples of this
archetype when you see them in films? Describe the
·
physical
characteristics
·
behaviours/actions
·
goals/motivations/priorities
·
attitudes/beliefs
·
strengths
and weakness
·
obstacles/challenges
·
other
relevant features of social identity –
e.g. race, gender expression, ability/disability, socio-economic status/class,
sexuality
that are
associated with the archetype you have chosen. You do not need to address all
of the criteria listed above in your description; include the information that
is most relevant to the archetype you have chosen.
Note: If you use ideas from other sources – including course
materials and readings – make sure you document each source with both in-text
references and full references at the end of the report.
B. Discussion
of specific examples/representations of the archetype (4 marks for each representation = 12
marks total)
Using your
own words, identify and describe each of the three examples/
representations
of the archetype you have chosen.
For each example of the archtype you have
chosen,
·
identify
the character you have chosen and the film in which the character appears; and
briefly describe the character’s role in the film.
·
describe
a specific scene from the film in which the character exemplifies the archetype
she represents (make sure your in-text reference includes the time-stamp for
the scene)
·
explain
how the character represents (or
embodies) the archetype, referring to characteristics portrayed in the scene
you described AND in the rest of the film
·
identify
any ways that the character does NOT conform to expectations for the archetype.
Be specific about the characters deviates from/defies/
challenges
the “norms” of the archetype (refer to significant details scenes/moments)
·
explain
how the social and political context in which the film was made may have
influenced the way the character is represented.
C)
Analysis the examples of the archetype
(4 marks)
Answer the
following questions about your three examples of the archetype:
·
What
do all three examples of the archetype you have chosen share in common?
·
What
do these similarities suggest about the social function of this archetype? In
other words, what “message” do all three examples of this archetype send to
viewers about this “type” of woman?
·
In
what specific ways are the three examples of the archetype you have chosen
different?
·
What
do these differences reveal about the social function/message of each
particular example of the archetype?
Length and Format:
Your
assignment will be between 3 and 5 pages long, and must be typed and doubled
spaced. Use the headings above to organize your assignment.
As stated in
the course outline, assignments that are submitted late without previous
discussion with the professor with lose one mark per late day.
Please review
these guidelines and the assignment rubric to ensure you are meeting all
requirements.
Remember,
you must document all sources including film clips using APA-style
in-text and full references.
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