Resources for Study and Analysis
***If you missed the days below, OR, you failed to complete the exercises and the work has been returned and discussed in class, you should download this ALTERNATE/MAKEUP ASSIGNMENT , use it with the Lorenzo and Sonny video below, and turn it in by May 12. (30 pts)
***If you missed the days below, OR, you failed to complete the exercises and the work has been returned and discussed in class, you should download this ALTERNATE/MAKEUP ASSIGNMENT , use it with the Lorenzo and Sonny video below, and turn it in by May 12. (30 pts)
May 2 - Introduction to the Film
- Download your study guide for the film.
- Access background information and record details on your study guide.
- Watch chapters 1-7 (through the dice scene in the basement), observing closely for the introduction of the "13 Life Lessons." Take notes on your study guide.
May 3 - Two Father Figures (10 pts)
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May 4 - Parallel Scenes (15 pts)
There are many parallel scenes in the film. The director sets up the competition between LORENZO, Calogero's father and SONNY, the mob boss who has befriended "C" in two scenes at the beginning of the film: Lorenzo takes Calogero on his bus route and they enjoy ice cream at the end. This scene is accompanied by jazz music and has an authentic, father-son connection. A couple of scenes later, Sonny lets "C" play craps in the basement, and tips him for serving drinks to the guys. This scene is accompanied by Sinatra music and has a buoyant, fast-paced, affectionate tone, reflecting Sonny's favoritism and thanks to "C" (for "doing a good thing for a bad man.")
Your challenge is to reflect on and analyze another set of parallel scenes from yesterday's viewing. Write your responses in three different spaces on your Bellringer/Exit Slip worksheet. Follow the directions on the right. -->
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May 5 - Sonny & Machiavelli (10 pts)
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli was meant for rulers who had shed all scruples, to a point that they might see evil as potentially more beneficial to society than good. Machiavelli had hoped to start a revolution in the hearts of his readers. He proudly stated things that others before him had only dared to whisper. Various ruthless leaders over the years were influenced by this book, including the character of Sonny in A Bronx Tale.
Your goal is to analyze the influence of Machiavelli on the character of Sonny. Choose TWO aspects from The Prince in the links below and follow the directions for comparison. Write your responses on side two of your BELLRINGER sheet. |
a) Scan information in "Biography." Explain TWO similarities between Machiavelli's rise to knowledge and power and Sonny's similar rise to power.
(b) Scan information in "Analyzing Power." Explain TWO ideas about power also show up in the film. Especially think about Sonny's "right to lead."
(c) Scan information in "Power, Virtu, and Fortune." Explain TWO key connections between what Machiavelli says and Sonny's tendencies toward violence. How does this document make Sonny's violence justifiable?
(d) Scan information in "Morality, Religion, and Politics." Explain how TWO unique ideas about morality show up in the film. Especially think about Sonny's morality and immorality. What role does religion play in the film as compared to the document?
(b) Scan information in "Analyzing Power." Explain TWO ideas about power also show up in the film. Especially think about Sonny's "right to lead."
(c) Scan information in "Power, Virtu, and Fortune." Explain TWO key connections between what Machiavelli says and Sonny's tendencies toward violence. How does this document make Sonny's violence justifiable?
(d) Scan information in "Morality, Religion, and Politics." Explain how TWO unique ideas about morality show up in the film. Especially think about Sonny's morality and immorality. What role does religion play in the film as compared to the document?
In a 4th BELLRINGER box, your goal is to analyze filmmaking techniques (5 pts) Start your analysis at 1:30 to the end in the video clip on the right. Discuss the following:
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In a 5th BELLRINGER box, your last goal is to discuss soundtrack (5 pts)
Discuss the effects of the soundtrack in the opening credits. Explore the sound, tempo, how it comments on the events we see on screen, the mood it creates, and anything else you can add to your observations. |
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SCORING FOR THE WEEK: Turn in your BELLRINGER sheet -- it will show your study for the week. 5 bellringer boxes will be fulfilled for 25 pts, and side two will show your comparison of Sonny and Machiavelli for 10 pts. Total 35 pts.