Skeletons in the Closet
Film project
Ms. Strickland
You will present a film of their choosing, providing a detailed analysis of family system concepts to the class. Along with a presentation, students will submit a paper that reflects your understanding of the family system concepts.
This activity is intended to help you apply what we have learned in class to "real life" families and analyze what you see in relation to information from this class (Just like what we did with Precious and Shine)
For this assignment, you will watch a film or see a play of your choosing. The only constraint is that the film or play needs to show family relationships. You can select a current or an older film. Examples include: any one of the Godfather series, Mr. Mom, Sleepless in Seattle, The Joy Luck Club, Beloved, and Mrs. Doubtfire. Examples of plays include just about anything by O'Neil or Shakespeare and may be in a film (Hamlet, Long Day’s Journey into Night). The film or play you choose is up to you; however you must have prior approval by Ms. Strickland.
Presentation: You are going to present your film, outlining major family system concepts. This will not be just a plot summary.
Areas to Cover:
- plot summary (brief!)
- family members
- family roles
- family rules
- boundaries
- power positions/hierarchies
- family beliefs - are these shared?
- family rituals, customs, etc…
- multigenerational influence?
- emotional climate of family
- communication style
- conflict resolution style?
Written Essay: You are to write up a 2-3 page analysis of your film to accompany your presentation.
Due Date: We will set up presentation times for after the Winter Holiday Break.
