Analysis of the Film Django Unchained Through Marx, Veblen, and Martineau’s Perspectives

Film & Social Theory Paper:  5–7-page paper.

Part of the challenge of learning classical theory is applying the concepts introduced in class to contemporary culture. Films have been a fundamental medium for over a hundred years for having people consider social issues, problems, and other social phenomena. For this paper, choose a film from the list supplied below and write an analytical paper of 5-7 pages that synthesizes with three of these social theorists Choose one from: Comte, Durkheim, or Marx. Choose one from Weber, Simmel, DuBois, Veblen, Freud, Martineau, Gilman, or Truth. Your third choice may be from any Marx, Veblen, Martineau, Gilman, Durkheim, Simmel, DuBois, Truth, or Comte.

Imagine watching the film you choose with an audience of four—you and three of the social theorists. Imagine them interpreting and analyzing the film and supporting or arguing with one another as they discuss the characters, plot, setting, action, and theme  of the film. What would Durkheim, Marx, and Veblen have to say about the plot and characterizations of one of the many film versions of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations or Hard Times or of the classic Frank Capra film It’s a Wonderful Life? What would Marx, Veblen, and Gilman think of the themes developed in any of the various film versions of Jane Austen’s Emma (a modern version of Clueless) or Parasite? What would Marx, Veblen, and Martineau think of the plot and characterizations of Mean Girls or The Devil Wears Prada? How would Marx, Durkheim and Truth respond to Erin Brockovich? What would Durkheim, Simmel, and Truth make of The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly? Imagine asking what DuBois, Truth, and Comte would think of The Help or Hidden Figures.

In your paper you will need to:

• Write an introduction in which you name the film and the three theorists you have chosen, providing a rationale for why you chose each to analyze the film.
• Provide a brief plot summary of the film, and critical information such as the year it was released, who directed it, and the main characters. Information about the film should be available at IMDb.com This summary must be no more than 125 words, a long paragraph, a half page, at most.
• Develop separate paragraphs in the body of the paper. Name and explain concepts developed by the social theorists you have chosen to analyze not only the plot, action, and setting but the characterizations of the major parts played by the actors. Using each theorist, explain what social forces have shaped the characters, and have influenced their motivations, aspirations, goals, and behaviors? What kind of society do they live in? How does that society shape the individual? You must analyze and interpret the film, using the theorists; don’t get carried away with merely describing the film’s story.
• Balance your use of the theorists. You must use all three equally.
• Use the APA to create parenthetical citations and references for background information about the film. Of course, if you consult other external sources, e.g., film reviews or scholarship about the film (there may be some) you must cite and reference. (Wikipedia and blogs are not acceptable sources but they may guide you to sources that are).

Format:  Double-space your paper and use 10-12 Times Roman or Ariel fonts. A title page and reference page do not count toward the 5-7 pages required. Use peer reviewed reliable academic sources