Brazil Analysis Activities

Still from Brazil from Film-Grab Links to an external site.

 

You will complete two assignments in this module, based on your screening and analysis of Brazil. 

1. Complete a Scene Analysis Worksheet - where you will take notes on specific observations about the film.
2. Complete the Brazil Writing Activity - using your scene analysis worksheet, respond to the following prompt about the film:

What elements of the setting in Brazil could also be described as “a metaphor, a living, breathing presence, a character in itself?” Why? Analyze the framing, mise-en-scene, movement of characters in space, and lighting to argue how the film’s setting is more integral to its visual expression than serving merely as a backdrop.

These are two separate assignments you will submit, but the Scene Analysis Worksheet will help you complete the Brazil Writing Activity, so make sure to do them in order!

When you write essays that analyze films, you need to have a specific and clearly-defined thesis statement in your opening paragraph. Don't write that a film is unique or interesting or great. Write about what specifically makes a film unique or interesting WITHOUT using the words "unique," "interesting," or "great." Explore how Brazil's framing/lighting, movement, or pacing/editing/sound/special effects creates a deeper meaning and significance. For example, what is Brazil saying about society? How does its formal elements express this? For more information on writing thesis statements, see https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/thesis-statement/ Links to an external site.. 

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