Directions:

The purpose of this assignment is to applythe concepts or theories discussed in class to the communicationbehavior in specific situations. You will watch a number of assignedfilms during the semester, and discuss each in light of an assigned theory. Specific films and their assigned theories will be available in Bb, and failure to analyze the three assigned films for this class using the designated theories will result in zero scores.

As stated in syllabus, those three filmsare: The Trip to Bountiful (2014, Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams, BlairUnderwood); The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999, Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow,Jude Law); Regarding Henry, (1991, Harrison Ford, Annette Bening,Michael Haley).

Each analysis should include traditional essay elements (introduction, body, conclusion):

An introduction that includes a brief description of thetheory (e.g., “Genderlect theory, which examines differences inmale/female communication styles, …”), and why this theory isappropriate to explain the selected film (“the main characters are a manand woman who consistently misunderstand each other and are suresomething is wrong with the other person”)..

The body of the paper needs to focus on the application of thetheory to the communication (verbal and nonverbal) in the film. I amnot interested in summaries of the theory or plot—I know the theoriesand I’ve seen the films—this is an analysis that shows me you understandhow to recognize and apply the theory. I will evaluate how well youmatch up the communication behavior examples from the movie to the someelements of the theory. Use appropriate terminology and examples thatinclude behavior descriptions and dialogue. This is the best way tosupport your point. .

Finally, the conclusion should briefly summarize, discuss usefulness of film analysis to real life, etc.

1. Each film analysis will follow this format:
   • Two-three complete pages per film, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font, 1-inch margins, no extra spaces between paragraphs.
   • No use of outside references (other than your textbook).
   • Write in third person. No use of I, me, you, we, us etc.—this is about analyzing the film, not about you, your feelings, etc.
   • Film analyses will be submitted as a single Word document to Bb by the due date. Simply start a new page for each film and label as "Film Analysis 1," "Film Analysis 2," and "Film Analysis 3."

Film: The Trip to Bountiful (2014, Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams, Blair Underwood)
Corresponding Theory: Symbolic Interactionism Theory
Film: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999, Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law)
Corresponding Theory: Interpersonal Deception Theory
Film: Regarding Henry (1991, Harrison Ford, Annette Bening, Michael Haley)
Corresponding Theory: Narrative Paradigm Theory
Using your notes from watching each film, consider the film from the perspective of its designated
corresponding theory. Be specific, and use appropriate supporting details from the movie, as well as
from the chapter.