The purpose of this essay is to review a piece of media in an effective way. Our approaches may be different, but everyone will be reviewing the same thing: the 2008 film “Persepolis.” We are going to try and help our readers understand the strengths and weaknesses of the film, and ultimately to decide on whether it was successful in what it attempted to do.
Much of this paper is going to be based on your own opinion of the film, but I also want you to attempt to do more than write about if you liked the movie or not. I want you to evaluate the film, incorporating sources where appropriate, based on its merits and the common expectations both you and your potential readers might have. You will decide whether the film lived up to whatever expectations you are placing on it. Be sure to use our lecture notes for more information on content and format!
Here are some further specifics regarding format and content. Your final draft should contain:
- three-four pages, plus a works cited page
- at least two sources, one of which will be a review of the film by someone else
- MLA format and citation
- reflection on the film and the film’s theme, a well-considered argument, and support for your claims
25% of your grade is dependent on you making an appointment with the Writing Center for this assignment. You will take a draft of your essay to a meeting between 11/5 and 11/10.
Consider the reviews we’ve read in class, and what they do well. How can you incorporate a creative approach to a document with technical components? Don’t just write about the film, but consider some of the topics the story covers, and your own relationship to them.