Week 7

As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.

                                                                                                                                  –Carl Jung

This week we'll follow up on some verb tense and agreement work, review sentence patterns and arrangement for clarity, etc.   As for assignments, I have in mind a film review of a recent work.  To that end this week I'll have a film biopic of an eccentric animal rights activist named Timothy Treadwell. It will provide us an opportunity to write about an odd character whose life and work have provoked both admiration and condemnation, and whose actions and manners are unforgettable in many ways.

The plan then is for the first hour or so of class to be dedicated to the grammar, et al work from last week; and the last hour or so to the film and discussion of how to proceed in writing about it.

ENC0020/Week 7: Writing a film review or commentary requires you to introduce the film by title (in italic letters), release date, and director (see below). The subject of the film and the story line, the arc of the narrative, must be summarized briefly and your thesis, too, should appear early on or up front in the introductory paragraph. The thesis is your considered opinion, an idea that unifies the whole essay. The body paragraph(s) serve to provide the evidence and examples needed to support the thesis. The conclusion puts the finishing touch on the essay, and reminds readers of the significance of your subject and your claims. 

Example Introduction:  Grizzly Man (2005), directed by Werner Herzog, is about a man named Timothy Treadwell, the “kind warrior,” who lived and died in defense, he believed, of his ideals. He strove to protect and to know familiarly the grizzly bears living in Katmai National Park, Alaska. He spent 12 summers there, living among the bears, photographing them, loving them in his way. He drew admirers and critics. For filmmaker Herzog, he appears a symbol of humanity’s conflicting feelings about nature and civilization.

Essay 6:  After watching the film, describe Tim Treadwell --his appearance, personality, aims, desires, and work. Tell what makes him remarkable, bringing him to life in the way the film does, whether as idealistic, brave, kind, funny, strange, angry, tormented, paranoid, scary, wise or unwise. Pick a few moments/scenes/images from the film to illustrate the man’s character in a balanced way, including, if you like, some of the opinions of those who appear in the film. Title the essay. Compose 350 words at a minimum.  

Three paragraphs at least, 350 words, include film title and director’s name up front in the opening paragraph. Underline your thesis idea.