TCF 340 International Cinema
Fall 1998

Assignment One

Due in class, Thursday, 24 September. These papers should be at least four pages (1200 words) long and are worth 18 points. All papers must be word-processed. You are not expected to do outside research, but any references to sources other than yourself must be properly footnoted. This includes course readings.

These papers will be graded on the basis of conceptual rigor and fluency of writing style (i.e., grammar, spelling, etc.).

Write on one of the following questions on UN CHIEN ANDALOU, ENTR'ACTE, A PROPOS DE NICE and/or ZERO FOR CONDUCT. Be sure to make substantive reference to the readings.

1. What vestiges of surrealism are present in ZERO FOR CONDUCT? Explain, with specific examples from the film.

2. Compare/contrast the use of special effects (slow motion, superimposition, reverse action, etc.) and discontinuity editing (see Bordwell/Thompson) in UN CHIEN ANDALOU, ENTR'ACTE and A PROPOS DE NICE. Be sure to cite particular examples from each film.

3. What does UN CHIEN ANDALOU mean? (No, "Andalusian dog" does not answer this question.)

4. What connections can be made between surrealist painting (see Robert Hughes) and surrealist filmmaking? Compare/contrast particular paintings with particular aspects of the surrealist films seen for class.