Watch Francois Truffaut’s The 400 Blows, his 1959 classic about the mistakes made by a French
elementary school student. Then you may choose from ONE (1) of the four other films below.
After watching The 400 Blows and the film of your choice, use the knowledge you have learned
thus far in class to compare and contrast the two films.
FILMS
Use IMDB or Wikipedia to read synopses.
? The 400 Blows (1960), directed by Francois Truffaut (REQUIRED).
Then choose ONE (1) of the following:
? Ghost in the Shell (1996), directed by Mamoru Oshii (Japan)
? Amores Perros (2000), directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu (Mexico)
? Girlhood (2015), directed by Céline Sciamma (France)
? Moonlight (2016), directed by Barry Jenkins (United States)
REQUIREMENTS
? It will be up to you to come up with an argument that encompasses both films.
? You will need to compare and contrast several elements of the films, developing a multi-
perspective analysis of local, global, international, and communication issues throughout
the films.
? One other source besides Stephen Prince’s Movies and Meaning is required. You cannot
cite IMDB or Wikipedia. Research the background of the director. If you have time to
watch another of his or her films, I encourage you.
? You will then write a 3-4 double-spaced page paper IN APA STYLE that analyzes and
exposes what you learned from the course about the given films.
As your paper will analyze films directed/written by people from different countries, it is crucial
to dissect how these filmmakers approach the elements of filmmaking to tell a narrative. Some
of the elements to consider are, but not limited to:
? Film Structure
? Cinematography
? Design
? Editing
? Acting
? Sound
? Genre
? Visual effects
