Film Analysis Paper (15 points)
The goal of this 3-5 page analysis (typed & double spaced) is to apply an
interpersonal communication theory from our text book to specific communication
behaviors in a movie.
Start by selecting a good quality movie that you can access and see a couple of times.
You will need lots of specific examples from the movie, so make sure you can see it
again to capture dialogue and non-verbal behaviors.
You should select a communication theory or principle that you think explains the
behavior or communication in the film. For example, Knapp’s “stages of relational
development theory” would work well with the film “When Harry Met Sally,” (but
please do not use “When Harry Met Sally”).
You will need to organize or structure the theory so that you can break it into 3, 4, or
5 parts. You need to break the overall theory or concept into 3, 4, or 5 sub-sections,
so that you can offer examples from the movie on each part to illustrate how the
theory works “in real life.”
Double space your entire paper, there is no need for extra spacing between
paragraphs. Include dialogue and examples in your paragraphs.
Use 1.0 inch margins all the way around, use 12 font size and make sure your font is
easy to read.
Type your name in the upper right corner of the first page, no need for a title page,
center the title of your paper and make sure it has a staple in the upper left corner.
Some theories we have discussed or will discuss that might work well are:
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Perception: The steps in the perception process
Emotions: Types of emotional responses, cultural difference
Context: Social, temporal, psychological, physical, etc.
Self-concept: Reflective appraisal vs. social comparison, life-scripts, changing
self-concept
Listening: Steps in active listening, types of ineffective listening, becoming a
better listener
Non-verbal: Hall’s four zones of space and territory
Climate: Confirming vs. disconfirming climate
Assertiveness: Non-assertive, aggressive, assertive behavior, passive
agression
Relationships: Knapp’s stages of relational development
Conflict: Win/lose vs. win/win orientation, steps to no-lose solutions, conflict
spirals
Film Analysis Format:
INTRODUCTION-A single paragraph indicating:
(1) the name of the film
(2) your reason for wanting to use this particular film-why is this a worthy
film for analysis?
(3) the theory or communication principle you will use in the paper-what is
the name of the theory?
(4) a description of the main ideas in the theory or principle, what 3, 4, or 5
aspects are you examining?
(5) a justification explaining why this theory is an appropriate choice for this
film
BODY-3, 4, or 5 sections-1 for each section of your theory or principle
The body of the paper should be more concerned with how the theory applies to
specific examples within the movie than the story of the film.
Do not simply recount what happens in the movie. I am more interested in your
ability to explain the theory by using examples from the movie to illustrate the
principle in action. You should work to match the ideas in the theory with actual
behaviors in the film. For example, one of the stages in Knapp’s relational theory is
called “Initiating” and states that certain behaviors happen early in the relational
cycle. In your paper, you should explain what “initiating” is and then provide specific
examples from the film that demonstrate how this part of the theory works. You
should use specific dialogue from the film or specifications on the part of the
characters to support your point. Ideally, the number of main ideas in the body of
the film should be the same as the number of main ideas in the theory you choose to
use. With some theories, it may be necessary to “group” the principles into 3, 4, or 5
more manageable main ideas. For example, Knapp’s theory has 10 parts. You
probably would not be able to develop 10 points well in a paper of this length. Some
of the points may be more appropriate than others for analysis, so pick and choose.
It might also be a good idea to see if the parts of the theory can be grouped together.
CONCLUSION-A single paragraph indicating:
(1) summarize the main ideas that you have covered in your paper
(2) state what you learned from viewing the film for this paper in this
manner
(3) explain how you might apply this information to your own life
(4) what others might learn from your analysis