UNIT 3 OUTCOME 3 Alternative Viewpoints Response Sample Structured Paragraphs

UNIT 3 OUTCOME 3Alternative Viewpoints ResponseSample Structured Paragraphs Mary and Max Review by Alexander Zalben

What the SAC looks like Outcome 3 PRACTICE SAC: Considering Alternative Viewpoints Assessment Task Read and analyse the views expressed in the review by Alexander Zalben, Mary and Max - Modern Animation , and make comparisons with your own interpretation. Word Length: 600 - 800 words Time for official SAC: 1 period planning time, 2 periods writing time Conditions for official SAC: Task to be completed in class. You may use 1 page of notes, the text and the review to assist in the completion of this task. PRACTICE SAC TO BE COMPLETED AT HOME Marks: This task contributes 20 marks out of the 100 allocated for Unit 3. Key ideas to consider: • What does the author of the review claim about the text? • Is your reading of the text similar or different? Provide evidence • What does the reviewer identify as the most significant elements in the text? Does this align with your view? • What does the reviewer consider to be features of a successful/worthy film? To what extent do you agree with this?

Criteria

Structure • Remember – this is like a passage analysis response – you will not get a prompt. You can choose what you want to include and discuss. • You do need to make a plan – how you will divide your ideas??? You need to cover: • Characterisation – importance of characters • Key ideas – are the effectively conveyed? Views/values? Were social conventions/beliefs challenged? • Style – effectiveness of devices used to create meaning: setting, imagery, symbols, voice, tone, narrative etc. • You do not have to agree with the reviewer! Make your interpretation of the text clear! What did you think worked and why? What did you think of the content – appropriate? The plan provided here is only an example of one way you can divide your ideas up – making links between your analysis of the text and the reviewer’s critiques.

INTRODUCTIONWhat you need to do….! • Briefly summarise the text’s main concerns and contexts • Introduce the interpretation you are analysing by title, offering the publication details and acknowledging the author. For example, ‘Bob Smith in his review “Loneliness in Mary and Max’ (filmcritic.com, 14/17/2010) contends that Mary and Max is…..’ • Continue this statement by identifying the critic’s main contention • Identify the main points of the critic’s discussion

Sample Intro starter….. Alexander Zalben, in his review ‘Modern Animation’, (filmcritic.com 14/17/2010), contends that Adam Elliot’s Mary and Max is an emotional portrayal of social issues in modern society. (States text, critic, title, date, contention) Whilst he questioned the length of the narrative, he maintains that the form of text was appropriate in the exploration of dominant social issues…. (Awareness of wider aspects critic covers – you can add more detail and complexity)

Body ParagraphsWhat you need to do…. • Explore the critic’s judgements and how they justify their views. This includes: • Evidence from the text • Appealing to commonly held values and beliefs • Using logical arguments • Indicate whether or not you endorse these views and then offer evidence from the text to support your interpretation • Remember to use evidence from the text and the review

Paragraph One and TwoForm and style of Text Within his memoir, Zalben contends that we can no longer hold stereotypical assumptions about the significance of animation, as it is no longer merely about ‘wisecracking, family friendly-animals’….. (looks at assumptions of text form, includes quote) Whilst the form has elements of success, it also detracts from the depth of ideas..... (what is your opinion of the form of text? Do you agree/disagree with critic? What evidence can you use from the film) Zalben believes that Elliot ‘effectively’ utilised colour in order to …… however,……….. (comment of devices used to create meaning – look at what Zalben comments on and discuss others also)

Paragraph Three and FourKey Ideas/Values Elliot does not confer to the assumed conventions of the stereotypical comedy drama genre, ‘filled with easy answers’ …….. The ending of the film showing there are no happy endings’…….. The ending is significant in regards to……(Link to review (use a quote) - What views and values are evident in the ending? Do you agree with this assumption? You could add your interpretation of wider text and the key ideas raised) The linear narrative enables characterisation…..depicting…What do the characters reveal about the issues? Is it successful?)

Zalben argues that the narrative ‘has a little flab’ and that reasons to add length had to be found. It appears that Zalben has overlooked the complexity of the content…….. (what’s your opinion on the narrative? Include your analysis) The narrative enables Elliot to take time to explore the emotional impact of ……..Or…. Too many concerns are raised and not effectively explored as is evident when……

Paragraph FiveCharacters Within his review, Zanben provides little discussion on the protagonists, aside from referring to Mary’s mother as ‘monstrous’. This is as unfortunate as the characters are essential in understanding Elliot’s purpose…… (What is missing from the review? Comment on what is missing and how it limits the interpretation)

Conclusion Offer an overall evaluation of how the critic’s analysis contributes to a reader’s understanding of the text. What are its central insights? What are its main shortcomings?

PUTTING IT TOGETHER How it can all come together???? What will the response look like? The following slides provide some sample paragraph starters Use chapter 5 from Literature for Senior Students

A basic introduction…. Alexander Zalben’ review Mary and Max, (filmcritic.com 14/07/2010), contends that Adam Elliot’s feature length ‘adult’ animation, Mary and Max, shows ‘fearlessness’ in its exploration of ‘mature’ issues. Zalben contends that Elliot utilises specific techniques effectively to explore complex social issues, however, he argues that at times sequences were ‘unfortunate’ and the narrative was too long.

Body Paragraphs • Zalben aptly likens the animated film to Fritz the Cat and Waltz with Bazir, showing correlations in how this text form can provide potent social criticisms. He maintains that the animation is unique to the form, ……. (Comment on the form) Elliot does try to vary the tone of the animation, constantly incorporating humour as he explores the key concerns of mental illness, depression, suicide, bullying and Asperger’s syndrome. The constant child like references to ‘poo’, the quirky ‘Nobbets’, the play on language with Henry’s made up words is an attempt to …….however, the humour is not always effective as it…….When Elliot exaggerated the eccentricities of Henry, the result was laughter aimed at him, decreasing the empathy that needs to be developed for those with mental illness……

Zalben comments on Elliot’s use of colour and narration, believing that Elliot creat[ed] a world through narration that never feels like an attempt to mimic reality’. The use of voice was effective/distracting (what do you think…?!) was cleverly implemented as it enabled the audience to receive and omniscient narrator’s thoughts, which was particularly essential in developing understanding of Henry’s thinking and actions. When Henry…… (provide evidence) In contrast, the incorporation of Dame Edna’s voice detracted from the complexity of the text……

Zalben’s comments on colour were also valid, for the drab hues in the scenes of Mt Waverly and New York developed a melancholy tone……(expand) The splashes of red were synonymous with….. His opinion that some scenes were over described and precious, and the criticism that the length means finding reasons to add length is questionable. Whilst the narrative is longer than the assumed time of an animation, Elliot utilises the time effectively by…….(look at key ideas – views/values) At times it is possible to argue that there were some unnecessary inclusions in the narrative…..(examples). Whilst they introduced a key social issue, they resulted in mockery, instead of challenging stereotypes……

Zalbenis astute in commenting on Elliot’s denial of the assumed conventional ending of ‘everybody is awesome and happy’. A more realistic and powerful conclusion is offered through the suggestion that ‘there are no happy endings, there may be happy middles’. Henry’s climatic death, and Mary’s response represent….

Little is mentioned about the depth of characters in the review, aside from the ‘monstrous’ mother, which is a significant omission. Through the character of Mary, Elliot has endeavoured to…….. (what key ideas was he exploring? How could we ’read’ her character? Feminist reading? Challenging social conventions? You can look at what is missing from the review and discuss why it is important)

Conclusion starter… Whilst Zalben is positive about Elliot’s work, he offers limited insight ……, whilst his incorporation of humour…… How would finish this conclusion? Sum up your interpretation

UNIT 3 OUTCOME 3 Alternative Viewpoints Response Sample Structured Paragraphs