There are two critical reflections to be written. Each offers a choice between two films to write about. Both assignments are detailed below. Please write at least 1 page double-spaced for each assignment.
*******Critical Reflection #1:*******
Write either about Raising Victor Vargas or COVID’s Hidden Toll.
Questions to consider when writing your reflection (copied from previous announcements):
Raising Victor Vargas
1) Are the characters represented in an “authentic” way? Explain why or why not. In your response define what “authenticity” means to you. Who determines what is authentic?
2) How is gender represented in the film? Provide specific examples. In what ways does the film perpetuate “traditional” gender roles, and in what ways does it challenge them? In what ways does the film treat patriarchy and/or machismo, if at all? In what ways does it treat feminist resistance, if at all?
3) What does the film say about the role and function of family and religion? Are these representations exaggerated racist stereotypes or accurate cultural representations? Can they be both? In what ways is such representation problematic and/or affirming?
COVID’s Hidden Toll
1) In what ways is the struggle of immigrant and undocumented laborers connected to the struggle for black lives against state sanctioned/police violence? Think about the structural conditions and systemic intersections that exist within and across the two.
2) In what ways has the COVID pandemic in the US exposed the deep fissures and failures within our society in regards to it’s ability capacity to care for and protect our most vulnerable communities? Think about our food production systems, education systems, service industries, and health care structures.
Critical Reflections are 1-2 pages max, 12-font. These are not formal essays, and do not require a formal introduction and conclusion. Instead, use the limited space you have to offer a clear articulation of your reflection and analysis of one or two relevant and significant themes/scenes/issues addressed in the film. Consider the discussion questions that are offered before class when writing your reflection and draw upon the readings to help support your analyses and observations. Be sure to include the title of the film and the name of the filmmaker and include citations for all information and quotes that you are referencing. No need for a works cited page.
Each Critical Reflection will be worth 3 points:
3 points for thoughtfully and well written reflections that include a critical analysis of the pertinent points and or themes of the film that considers the discussion questions offered to class and makes connections to a larger historical, political, and/or social context.
2 points for straightforward reflections that accurately summarize the underlying points and themes of a film but lack a deeper probe or critical analysis that connects the film to a larger historical, political, and/or social context.
1 point for reflections that offer a surface reiteration of the film’s basic plot but misses the more pertinent themes as related to this class, does not include any critical analysis, and contains glaring writing issues (i.e. significant spelling and grammar errors; lack of coherence; incomplete thoughts).
******Critical Reflection #2:*******
Write either about either Frida or Innocent Voices.
Questions to consider when writing your reflection (copied from previous announcements):
Frida
In his New York Times article, “All Souls: The Frida Kahlo Cult,” Peter Schjedahl writes, “In Kahlo’s case, the ways that she has been used by feminists, multiculturalists, bisexualists, and what not are readily defensible. Each catches the glint from one of her facets. Most of all, Kahlo is authentically a national treasure of Mexico, a country that her work expresses not merely as a culture but as a complete civilization, with profound roots in several pasts and with proper styles of modernity.” Discuss what this means to you. In what ways is Frida Kahlo a manifestation of the historical, political and social moment she lived in, a reflection of her cultural and ethnic past, and a relevant icon and inspiration for generations yet to come?
How are gender dynamics represented in the film? In particular, consider how the film portrays Frida’s and Diego’s relationship. In what ways does the film perpetuate “traditional” gender roles, and in what ways does it challenge them? In what ways does the film treat patriarchy and/or machismo? In what ways does it treat feminist resistance? What are your thoughts on the amount of space and attention spent on each figure and their respective prominence in society and in each others’ lives, given this being a film about Frida Kahlo’s life?
Innocent Voices
In an interview, Oscar Torres (the screenwriter of Innocent Voices and whose life the film is based on) says, “Kids have this amazing ability to counter-attack what adults create around them… For me and my friends, the war was trying to rob our innocence, so we created these games. I realize now we were using our innocence to rob the war.” Describe how the film illustrates children’s resilience and ability to survive and sustain their humanity even in the face of great trauma and loss. Provide 2-3 specific examples.
The filmmaker uses music and song in the film in strategic and intentional ways to convey innocence, resistance and radical love during a time of war. What are some ways to interpret the symbolism used, and what social and/or political critique is being offered? Provide 2-3 specific examples.
Instructions on writing your reflection (copied from previous announcement):
This semester, we are assigning a total of three (3) Critical Reflection writing assignments, in addition to the midterm and final exam essays. These reflections will comprise of 20% of your overall grade for the course as indicated in the syllabus.
Critical Reflections are 1-2 pages max, 12-font, double spaced. These are not formal essays, and do not require a formal introduction and conclusion. Instead, use the limited space you have to offer a clear articulation of your reflection and analysis of one or two relevant and significant themes/scenes/issues addressed in the film. Consider the discussion questions that are offered before class when writing your reflection and draw upon the readings to help support your analyses and observations. Be sure to include the title of the film and the name of the filmmaker and include citations for all information and quotes that you are referencing. No need for a works cited page.
Each Critical Reflection will be worth 3 points:
3 points for thoughtfully and well written reflections that include a critical analysis of the pertinent points and or themes of the film that considers the discussion questions offered to class and makes connections to a larger historical, political, and/or social context.
2 points for straightforward reflections that accurately summarize the underlying points and themes of a film but lack a deeper probe or critical analysis that connects the film to a larger historical, political, and/or social context.
1 point for reflections that offer a surface reiteration of the film’s basic plot but misses the more pertinent themes as related to this class, does not include any critical analysis, and contains glaring writing issues (i.e. significant spelling and grammar errors; lack of coherence; incomplete thoughts).
