ENGL 145

Prof. A. Eastwood

Directions for Film Reviews

This assignment is your chance to showcase your Shakespearean expertise.  Using information gleaned from your study of Shakespeare’s play (both from the text itself and from lecture/discussion), evaluate the assigned film.  Remember that while Shakespeare’s playtext provides the essential screenplay, a film or stage production is able to shape (or re-shape) meaning.  Avoid subjective judgments (what you “liked” or didn’t “like”).  Instead, assume the role of an expert on the play, addressing the relationship between the updated film and Shakespeare’s play.  As much as possible, try and link your observations of the film with a related aspect of Shakespeare’s text. 

If you are unsure as to how to write about film, Deborah Cartmell in “Interpreting Shakespeare on Screen” (from your course reader), describes the various “cinematic codes” that combine to create the effect and the experience of the film.  Using one or two of these concepts may help you to write effectively about the production. 

Should you wish additional models, please see production reviews available from SJSU’s research database, The Shakespeare Collection. (Search by title of play or by author.)  While these articles are generally about productions not films, they provide a good example of substance and tone. 

Reviews should be typed, 500-750 words (1-2 pages, single spaced).  Deadlines are listed on the course syllabus.