WORKSHEET FOUR: CLASSICAL HOLLYWOOD CINEMA
PART ONE: THE READING
According to Bordwell, what does the classical Hollywood film “present”? (For this
answer, Kaplan cites Stam.)
According to Kaplan, how did feminist film critics’ scholarship on women’s melodramas
inspire new conversations about classical cinema?
According to Dana Polan, how do lovers in war-time Hollywood movies “go out of
sync”?
**Please answer in complete sentences. Two to five sentences should suffice for each question,
but short or underdeveloped answers may be penalized. Upload in Modules on Canvas.**
What does Casablanca ultimately have to say about love and romance, according to
Polan?
WORKSHEET FOUR: CLASSICAL HOLLYWOOD CINEMA
PART TWO: THE SCREENING
Who is the goal-oriented protagonist of Casablanca? What is their goal, and what
obstacles do they face in pursuing it?
**Please answer in complete sentences. Two to five sentences should suffice for each question,
but short or underdeveloped answers may be penalized. Upload in Modules on Canvas.**
Classical Hollywood films feature seamless editing, tight causality, and well-composed
shots. Does Casablanca fit the bill? Select one scene and discuss either the editing or
cinematography.
Do you find the romance in Casablanca convincing? Do you root for Rick and Ilsa?
The ending of a classical Hollywood film should be final and irreversible, wrapping up all
loose ends. Does the ending of Casablanca do that? How satisfying did you find the
ending?
