Assignment Objectives: The goal of this essay assignment is to fulfill the following two objectives: a) To employ all the elements of film analysis relevant to the cinematic representation of history. b) To engage directly with all the course materials.

  Essay Questions:
Compare the three narrative films we have watched in class (Gladiator, Saving Private Ryan,
Selma) by answering all the following questions. Make sure to be as specific as possible in your
explanation, providing convincing arguments and detailed examples.
1.Identify similarities and/or differences in the film content. (1 or 2 paragraphs)
-Do these films share any elements of historical content? You may refer to the presence or
absence of real historical figures and historical places, as well as the facts and chronology of
actual historical events.
2. How do each of these films support or contradict Robert Rosenstone’s views on the validity of
cinematic media for conveying historical knowledge? (1 or 2 paragraphs)
-You must engage directly with Rosenstone’s “Reflections on What the Filmmaker Historian
Does (to History)”
3. Select one scene from one of the films that introduces inaccuracies, anachronisms, or
exaggerations. How do the elements of film form (mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing and
sound) contribute to the representation of history in this scene? The goal is to be very specific,
provide detailed descriptions, and use the correct terminology. (1 or 2 paragraphs)
Knowledge (345101MQ – W2023) Rozsa 2
-How does cinematic realism work within the film? Does it help make the story more believable,
even for aspects that are not historically accurate?
-How is cinematic temporality expressed? Does it create a clear continuous timeline of the
historical events depicted, or does it alter the chronology by going back and forth in time
(flashback, flashforward)?
4. In your opinion, which type of historical film has the most potential for making a
contribution to historical discourse? (1 or 2 paragraphs)
-You must engage directly with Burgoyne’s text “The Cinematic Writing of History: An
Overview”