Film Analysis

Assignment is to be submitted with cover page. Include name of the film, director, course #, your name, and date. Do not waste space summarizing the movies; launch right into your analysis. Use no other guides than these film analysis questions and your own ingenuity to write this paper. Do not consult works of criticism (books, magazines, reviews, etc.), internet resources, term paper files, or DVD commentaries regarding your film. Even if you correctly cite them, you will be under suspicion of plagiarism. I do not want a detailed summary of the story, rather, I am interested in your analysis of each question. Your borrowing from other film critics will not fulfill the goal of this assignment, which is to demonstrate your knowledge of ethical and moral factors that influence people’s choices and behavior.

For this assignment, I recommend that you watch more than one of these films–not only because they are all interesting films, but also to give you the most options when you choose which film to analyze. It does not matter if you have seen the film before.  The more you watch a film, the better, because you often notice more on each viewing. It is important to note that some of the films are “R” rated, either due to language, violence, nudity, or sexual themes.  Please be sure that you understand that certain films may have disturbing sequences, controversial themes, or imagery.  Take notes on the ethical issues and roles people play. Consider how the film encourages you to feel about and understand the situation and the dilemmas the characters’ face. Your paper will revolve around ethical and moral themes, so really spend some time thinking through what you think the film is trying to say–the film’s message. Include examples from the film to give your analysis substance. Apply ethical language and reasoning to the moral dilemmas. Be sure to write in complete sentences.  Grammar and spelling are critical to the grade you receive on this paper so proofread your final version carefully.

Please choose one of the following films for this assignment:

Under the Same Moon (2008): Under the Same Moon’ (also called La Misma Luna} is a dramatic film about Carlitos, a Mexican boy, who makes the dangerous journey across the southern United States border in search of his mother after the death of his grandmother.                                                                       Film Analysis Questions:

1. Describe were the reasons Rosario left Carlito in Mexico.  Do you think she regreted this decision? Do you think Rosario made an ethical decision in leaving her son?  Explain your answer.
2. Compare the cultural differences between the Los Angeles setting where Rosario lives to the Mexican village where Carlito Lives. How does Rosarios’s decision to go to the United States impact her family?  How does this decision impact Rosario?  Which of Carlitos needs does Rosario fulfill?  What do you think Carlitos needs most from his mother?
3. Based on your research, why does the U.S. government prevent Mexican immigration? With immigration to the United States being so difficult, the role of the human smugglers, also known as coyotes, has become increasingly important. How much does it cost to smuggle a person across the border? Are coyotes performing an ethical service?  Describe the coyotes in this film and your reaction to them.
4. What is Manuel’s role in this story?  What motivates Manuel’s interactions with Carlitos?  How does Carlito feel about Manuel?  How does the relationship between Manuel and Carlito influence Carlito and the decisions he makes?
5. Describe the first-hand experiences Carlito has as an illegal immigrant.  Describe a few of the obstacles he faces and the treatment he receives.  How does his experiences contrast with his mother’s work at the home of her employer Mackenzie Snyder? What risks do each of them face?
6. Imagine one scene where you have the power to push the pause button and change an event? What would you have done if you were that character with the same context, circumstances and background? Why?
7. Of the five ethical approaches: the utilitarian approach; the rights approach; the fairness or justice approach; the common good approach; and virtue approach, which approach or approaches are exemplified in the film? Please explain and provide examples to support your answer.