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DUE: September 27 (At the start of class) VALUE: Up to 10 points LENGTH: 750-800 words (3-4 pages) *EXTRA CREDI: MOVIE CRITIQUE: **NASHVILLE*** Movies are about more than simply entertainment. Reflecting on them often gives us insights into the social world or allows us to see things in a new way. For this assignment, watch Robert Altman's *Nashville*, a 1975 film that follows 24 linked characters over five days. Write a 3-5 page paper that is not simply a review, but that utilizes SOCIOLOGICAL ideas discussed in class and the textbook and applies it to the film. Consider these issues as suggested ways to look at the movie. (1) What is this movie about? Is it about anything? Is there a message? In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, do you think the "plot" has extra relevance? (2) *Nashville* presents a portrait of American culture at a specific time and place: it was made shortly after America exited Vietnam and on the verge of President Nixon's resignation. By looking at the ideas in this film, can we better understand our current culture? What does this film have to say to us? For example, does the disconnect between citizen and politician seem "modern" to you? And what of the culture presented in the film seems most unusual to a 21st century viewer? 3) Does the movie gives us insights into culture, identity, stratification, or other themes that we can apply to daily lives? Feel free to develop other themes or ideas that you feel have sociological import. ***THREE (GOOGLE) Bonus: In this film that uses almost exclusively country music, what Duke Ellington composition is briefly played?
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