The final paper should be 1,250 words minimum and over. It will be similar to the discussion but more of an in-depth examination of a topic of your choice.
The following is a list of strong suggestions for a topic for your final. The last is a suggestion for an essay that you can personalize and craft as your own as long as you clear it with me first simply so that we stay on topic.
“On topic” can mean addressing the issues pertinent to Latinx films, theater, and television as they seek to depict this particular community in the United States.
except for a short film that was recently released. The point is there are many Spanish and/or Latin American directors who don’t necessarily make films in the U.S. (as I’ve mentioned in class, some of them have made the crossover journey into now making films in the U.S.) The films of some Latino directors such as Cuaron, Del Toro, and Inarritu aren’t always Latino-themed and that gets us into another territory. I’d prefer that you stay on topic with the films that are Latino-based though you can certainly reference their non-Latino films for contrast, but an entire paper on a film like Cuaron’s “Gravity” might defeat the purpose. Which is why, if in doubt, please email me and ask.
Here it goes. You have plenty to choose from:
The documentary, The Bronze Screen, revealed issues of stereotyping and the casting of Latinos in specific roles, not always flattering. Discuss these issues and how pertinent are they to films being done today, giving various examples, at least three films or more, about how Latinx community is portrayed today in comparison to the situation described in The Bronze Screen.
The stories of heroes and legends contribute to creating identity and community. The stories of Frida, Cesar Chavez, Ritchie Valens, Selena, Evita, Che, and others become topics for the community to reflect on the lives of prominent members. Discuss your observations on how these real-life figures are depicted in the films that you saw or plays that you read, with a starting point of three or more.
The mythical stories, La Llorona, Zorro, Ramona, and others also create community. Discuss how these characters appear in the culture and how they are portrayed. What is the value of these figures and what type of lives are being examined in these stories? What are the films/plays/TV shows that you saw that portray such lives? Discuss your observations after watching at least three of these films/TV shows/plays.
Recent developments in Latinx TV have given life to contemporary issues in the Latinx community, from the roles of women to LGBTQ subject matter, to immigration, and worker’s issues. What type of issues have made an impact on you as a viewer? What are the themes that you have found impactful in these stories?
Give examples, at least three or more, from your own viewing or reading. (Suggestions are offered in the lectures on Latinx TV, the two LGBTQ lectures, Latinx Animation among other lectures.) Again, find a focus and concentrate, but you have a lot of leeway here.
Adaptations: Latino theater created visibility for the Latinx community, and several plays and musicals have made a transition from stage to screen. Among them Zoot Suit, Real Women Have Curves, Evita, In the Heights and Hamilton, among others. What has been the impact of Latinx theater and how have these works gained a new life once they have been adapted into film? (Give examples, at least three or more.)
The Oscars have given us a perspective on how Latinx artists have been able to break through into the industry. Several Latinx artists—actors, directors in particular—have been making gains. Discuss several of the winners or nominees that have established Latino presence in the industry and what the degree of achievements were.
Latin American directors create a certain type of film and U.S. Latinx directors are creating their own. Who are the directors that you’ve found impactful and where do they fall in this intersection between the two? Give examples of the films, three or more, you’ve seen that you’ve found most interesting, using specific scenes and moments from the films themselves.
Actors acting everywhere: some Latinx actors have been creating a unique space for themselves. What are the performances you’ve seen by Latinx actors that you’ve found of interest? Give examples of specific roles in the films they’ve been in. Three examples would be a good starting point.
Recent developments: catching up with what has been released very recently, you could survey the releases of films “Emilia Perez” and “City of
Dreams,” Netflix series such as “Monsters: the Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” and “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” and the FX series “The English Teacher,” among others. What is new in the Latinx world?
Another approach to “recent developments” is to concentrate on the biopics such as “A Million Miles Away,” “Flamin’ Hot,” “The Golden Boy,” the TV bios like Menendez Brothers series or the Aaron Hernandez story. You could compare them to the older biopics like the Selena, Frida, Ritchie Valens. (But as usual, you only need to concentrate on three for in-depth analysis.)
11. Finally, an alternative: Mix and match a variety of these topics and email me if you have a strong suggestion of your own. As long as it stays on topic and explores an aspect of these themes, I’m likely to approve it.
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