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Lesson 8

In small groups, we will share the Understanding a Movie Tools we created as we independently viewed films. We will compare the level of realism in our chosen films to Blackfish.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I understand the concept of realism, and accurately evaluate the level of realism in different films?

  • Can I independently apply critical thinking skills to evaluate a film?

Texts

Core

  • Multimedia
    • Blackfish, Gabriella Cowperthwaite, Magnolia Pictures, 2013

Materials

Tools

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read – Discuss

We will review the task and expectations for the section 2 diagnostic, in which we will compare the movie we have viewed independently to Blackfish.

Access and reread the Section 2 Diagnostic Checklist, paying attention to the expectations of the task.

As a class, discuss what it means to write a comparative essay, as well as ways to organize a comparison. Note: You might consult the Comparison Organization Frame to help organize your ideas and writing.

You will be drawing evidence from the two Understanding a Movie Tools you developed, one for Blackfish and one for the movie you viewed independently.

Discuss the bulleted list of expectations for the essay, making notes about what it means to accomplish each of the items on the list. Ask any clarifying questions.

Activity 2: Present – Listen – Discuss

In small groups, we will each review and summarize what we have written down on an Understanding a Movie Tool for the movie we chose to view independently and will compare these with Blackfish.

In groups of four, spend 5 minutes each describing the movie you chose for independent viewing. Your teacher will announce it when five minutes are up. Refer to the evidence, ideas, and claims from your Understanding a Movie Tool, including the excerpts of reviews you included.

As your peers present information about the movies they chose, consider how realistic and how truthful each movie seems to be.

Discuss and compare the movies that have been viewed in terms of the following components:

  • genres

  • levels of realism

  • levels of truth and believability

  • styles

  • messages

Share observations and conclusions about how each movie compares to Blackfish in these areas.

Activity 3: Write

We will develop an organizational plan for the comparative essay we will write in class for the Section Diagnostic.

Based on the previous discussions of the organization of a comparative essay and the comparisons among movies and their levels of realism, develop an organizational plan or outline for the essay you will write.

Review and compare your two Understanding a Movie Tools, paying particular attention to what you have written about the movies’ genres, levels of realism, and levels of believability. Form a comparative claim in which you note similarities and differences between the two movies.

Review the claims you have previously developed on your tools about the overall styles and messages of the two movies. Again, note similarities and differences as you think about how to compare them in these two areas.

Using a comparative organizational approach, develop a sequential plan that aligns with the following expectations:

  • Summarize the storylines for each movie.

  • Analyze the level of realism of each movie.

  • Present, explain, and support evidence-based claims about the styles and messages of the two movies.

  • Compare the two movies, focusing on their realism, believability, style, and apparent messages.

  • Present and defend a comparative claim about the differences between documentary films and more fictionalized movies.

Be sure to use at least four terms from your Vocabulary Journal in your response to the Section Diagnostic.

Complete your plan for homework.