The films listed can be obtained at your local video store or in some cases at your local library. I suggest
that you carefully examine the requirements for this activity prior to selecting a film. Then as you watch
the film, create a detailed set of notes that you can refer to as you prepare your paper. Again, examine
your notes and carefully consider the project guidelines. Spend some time developing your ideas before
typing up a report.
The final work product is to have a minimum of one page annotating the politics involved in the plot of the
film and a minimum of one page analyzing the film using each of the questions/prompts provided for this
activity. The minimum writing requirement for this project is four full pages in your own words. Failure to
meet these minimum requirements will result in the report being marked incomplete, thus receiving a zero
and having to repeat the course.
Grade Value: The grading scale is based on a maximum value of 200 points. The entire project will be
graded using the Evaluation Rubric. Late or incomplete assignments will receive a zero, resulting in a
failing grade for the course (this is a mandatory activity).
Submission: The assignment is to be submitted to the appropriate online SafeAssign link on e-campus
prior to the final deadline. Remember, you may only submit one file. Be sure all parts of the project are
submitted together in one file (cover page, annotation, analysis, opinion section and works cited).
Deadline: Submit your project anytime before the final Unit deadline for your course section (see the
course calendar for details).
Lions for Lambs (R): Three parallel storylines unfold to share a common bond and a powerful
message. One story tells the journey of two soldiers in Afghanistan, another takes place in the
office of a professor at a California University, and the third is a dialogue between a reporter and
a Congressman. United Artists, 2007.
Bowling for Columbine (R): Controversial filmmaker Michael Moore explores the roots of
America’s predilection for gun related violence and seeks meaning for the right to bear arms.
Alliance Atlantis Communications, 2002.
The Siege (R): A hypothetical plot examines how various government entities would respond to a
series of terrorist attack in New York City and how they would deal with complex Constitutional
issues in the effort to fight terrorism. 20th Century Fox, 1998.
V for Vendetta (R): A shadowy figure known only as “V” uses violent tactics to fight against a
totalitarian government in a futuristic England. Warner Home Video, 2005.
All the President’s Men (PG): The story of the infamous media driven investigation of the breakin at the Watergate Hotel, which would eventually lead to the resignation of an American
President. Warner Brothers, 1976.
Wag the Dog (R): Media spin doctors demonstrate how influential they have become in this
satirical look at modern politics. New Line Cinema, 1997.
The Insider (R): A research chemist turns whistle blower to expose a corporate giant. This true
story shows the price one man paid for telling the truth. Blue Lion Entertainment, 1999.
The Distinguished Gentleman (R): A con man uses the likeness of his name to get elected to
the US Congress. Once in public office, he must decide between his own interests and those of
his constituents. Hollywood Pictures, 1992.
Bulworth (R): A Congressman has a nervous breakdown and decides to tell the public the truth
about American politics by adopting hip-hop culture and spreading his message through
rhyming/rap. Twentieth Century Fox, 1998.
Primary Colors (R): The story of Jack Stanton, a governor running for President and deal with a
sex scandal along the way. Universal, 1998.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (NR): Classic Jimmy Stewart movie shows a naive
businessman who takes a courageous stand as a Senator. Columbia, 1939.
Recount (R): A chronicle of the weeks after the controversial 2000 U.S. presidential election and
the subsequent recounts in Florida questioning the integrity of the electoral process in the United
States. HBO Films, 2008.
Swing Vote (PG13): In a remarkable turn-of-events, the result of the presidential election comes
down to one man’s vote.
12 Years a Slave (R): In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from
upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery
Lincoln (PG-13)
As the Civil War continues to rage, America’s president struggles with continuing carnage on the
battlefield and as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the
slaves.
- Provide a high quality annotation of the film using the following criteria:
a. The annotation must be in your own words, using the language of a political science
student. Do not submit something like the film abstract found online or on the back of the
DVD (a summary). The purpose of the annotation is to demonstrate your ability to identify
the political ideas being conveyed in the plot of the film. In other words, what are the
political points being made and how did they evolve during the plot of the film?
b. Someone reading your annotation should get a general feel about the political issues
being engaged in the film without having to see it. Writing a good annotation is
challenging, this is very different from a “book report” or summary type activity. You may
want to review the film more than once before you begin writing. You are to use your own
judgments, no one is permitted to use outside sources for this aspect of the project.
c. Do not express your feelings, reactions or personal views in the summary. That is the
purpose of the opinion page, a separate requirement within this project. Be sure to keep
your opinions separate from your report (stay objective).
d. The annotation for each film report must be 1 full page in length. If too short, it doesn’t
provide enough information; if too long, you are probably trying to put in all the facts or
details, which is not the purpose of annotating. - Clearly identify how the film engages four (4) different course topics covered this semester. You
are expected to make four (4) specific references using different scenes from the selected film. - Indicate whether the film provided sufficient evidence or facts to support the main idea(s). There
is always a little truth in fiction. Give specific examples to support your answers. You will need to
cite historical or current events to address this prompt. List all outside sources on a works cited
page. - Explain whether or not the content was biased or objective (films use bias and objectivity
intentionally to convey ideas). Provide at least 2 specific examples from the film to support your
analysis. - Provide the writer’s / director’s / author’s qualifications on the subject matter. Who you investigate
depends on the source of the film. If it is based on a book, you would research the author. If you
find the qualifications are in another subject area, be sure to mention what you found and where
you found it. List your sources on a works cited page. - Identify at least 2 things you learned from the film about the world of politics that were not
specifically addressed in the formal course readings, lectures or videos. - The purpose of the opinion section is to express your affective thoughts separate from your
objective thoughts. In other words, simply state your personal opinion of the film. Think of your
audience, try to rate it in terms that would appeal to your fellow students. Would they find it useful
or interesting?
Sample Solution
