Charlie Chaplan - The Great Dictator

The Great Dictator was Charlie Chaplin's first dialogue picture.  Discuss some of the conventions of the play that you believe advances the audience understanding of the film.  Use some terminology from your handouts on cinema.  Discuss various components of cinema and relate it to this film.  How does this film compare to what we view in cinema today?

Tartuffe, the Hypocrite

As we study the French neoclassical play, Tartuffe, we are introduced to one of Moliere's famous characters whose social flaw is that of a hypocrite.  Although we have two acts to complete in the play, we can now begin to see the unfolding of the play as revealed through the characters, most of whom do not trust Tartuffe.  We wonder how it is that some can be so caught up into trusting Tartuffe's trickery.  Likewise, what is it that reveals his true character to others almost from the beginning?  As we ponder these thoughts, let's move away from the play itself and relate the role of a hypocrite in our own lives.  Think of someone you know personally (no personal names please) or someone of a celebrity status that most of us would know that could be classified by you as a "hypocrite".  Instead of writing all the typical reasons of why this person might be a hypocrite in your understanding, think about how their role affects other people in your family, your friendships, or if choosing a famous figure, think of how this person's actions and words affect the larger society as a whole.  How is it that this person reveals him or herself as a hypocrite? An example might be a political figure such as the North Carolina senator, John Edwards who was a candidate for the president of the USA.  He promoted family values; however, he was discovered to have had an affair with another woman with whom he fathered a child - causing his wife to separate from him before she died of cancer.  Another example might be that a student is teacher friendly,  yet joins a group that is ready to castigate the teacher for unfair rumors/reasons).  Is there ever any redemption?  Can a hypocrite redeem him or herself?  Approach this topic from whatever angle you wish.

Print and Film as it relates to Macbeth

After reading the tragedy of Macbeth, you have now been exposed to the film for a director's interpretation of the events leading up to Macbeth's death.  After considering the various events and episodes of the play, which scene in the film was of a particular surprise or shock to you?   How did the director of the film differ in his staging of the scene compared to what you had imagined through reading?  Be thorough in your discussion.  Write a one-page response; afterward, make sure you respond to at least two other posts (1/2 page each).