Applying concepts of Realism and Formalism to Charlie Chaplin's The Kid
Lesson Preparation
| Author: | Alyssa Rock |
|---|---|
| Lesson Title: | Applying concepts of Realism and Formalism to Charlie Chaplin's The Kid |
| Subject: | Film Studies (Film as Literature, Media Literacy) |
| Age Group: | High School |
| Unit: | Film History - Unit 1: The Fundamentals of Film Language and the Silent Era |
| Objective: | Students will be able to apply the concepts of Realism and Formalism to a specific film text. |
| Concepts: | Realism, Formalism, Classicism |
| Strategies/Modes: | Viewing |
| Curricular Goals: | My Personal Curricular Goal #1: Students will develop the fundamental tools of film literacy which will enable them to more critically "read" or analyze the films they view and to enjoy the films they view on a more complex level. My Personal Curricular Goal #4: Students will get exposure to a variety of films from different time periods, countries, and genres that they wouldn't normally be able to see. |
| Lesson Overview: | Students will identify the elements of Realism and Formalism that can be found in Charlie Chaplin's The Kid (or another appropriate silent film). |
| Materials Needed: | The Kid filmography (handout) |
Related Documents
Films Needed
| Title | Director | Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Kid | Charles Chaplin | 1921 |
Lesson Directions
Warm-up/Anticipatory Set:
Daily Warm-up (written on board): Answer the following questions: (1) How would you summarize what Realism and Formalism is to someone who was absent yesterday? (2) Give an example of a Realist film or television show. Why do you consider this film to be Realist? (3) Give an example of a Formalist film or television show. Why do you consider this film to be Formalist?
Discuss the responses to the warm-ups together, reviwing the concepts learned in class the day before.
Discuss the responses to the warm-ups together, reviwing the concepts learned in class the day before.
Instruction/Main Activity:
Hand out the filmographies for The Kid and read through it together. Discuss the questions at the bottom of the section and remind the students that a response paper on one or more of these questions will due next time in class.
View The Kid.
View The Kid.
Practice/Reinforcement:
If there is time after the film, discuss what students thought of the film as a group or let them begin working on their response papers.
Assignment:
Response paper to The Kid.
Author's Notes:
Don't you just love viewing days? I know I do. Anyhow, if you are unable to get a copy of The Kid in your area, take a look at some of the related films on the filmography and see if you are able to get a copy of one of those. If worse comes to worse, you could use some more contemporary films that have elements of Realism and Formalism such as 2001: A Space Odyssey or Citizen Kane. (Those are some real crowd-pleasers, I know. Any other suggestions for films which blend the two elements of Realism and Formalism?)
User Comments
Lorraine Romano — 08/12/09 - 2:48PM
What a great lesson plan to use with "The Kid". I look forward to trying it out on my Intro to Film class this semester. L. Romano
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