Chapter 10 asks you to think about the patterned use of stylistic techniques across single films. A 6-webpage essay by Iain Morrison on murder scenes in Alfred Hitchcock films discusses the patterned use of stylistic techniques in similar types of scenes across multiple films by one director. According to Morrison, how does Hitchcock use style in his murder scenes? What is the function of style during these particular moments? Also analyze the photos that Morrison uses to support his account. Do you find his assessment convincing? Is the style obvious? What would the scenes be like in a different style?

The analysis of Citizen Kane in Chapter 10 describes the incredible intricacies of style that make up that film's formal system. Director Orson Welles has traditionally been credited as the dominant "auteur" or author of Citizen Kane's complex style. Some critics have objected to this designation, however, arguing that the auteur theory goes too far in attributing stylistic authorship solely to a film's director. One famous essay by critic Pauline Kael argues as much in reference to Welles' Citizen Kane. Read a brief description of this essay's position, then think about this viewpoint in relation to the textbook's analysis of Citizen Kane. Who do you think could reasonably get credit for the stylistic patterns evident in Citizen Kane? Is it possible that only one person could be primarily responsible for so many motifs and patterns? Conversely, is it possible for a focused stylistic vision come from a collaborative effort, or is Kane evidence of one man's cinematic genius? How deliberate was the style in Citizen Kane?

View a film at any of a number of websites presenting short films (http://www.atomfilms.com, http://www.binarytheater.com, http://www.ifilm.com, http://www.shortfest.com, http://www.thebitscreen.com, http://www.bijoucafe.com). [You may wish to watch a few films to settle on the one you'd most like to discuss]. Then utilize the methodology described on pages 357-58 to analyze the style of the film, i.e. first determine the formal organization of the film, then select a salient stylistic technique(s) that can be traced across the whole film, and propose a function for that technique(s).

As Chapter 10 inherently argues, style has a fundamental impact on the viewing experience. Select a recent film and read at least five critical reviews of that film (you can do a comprehensive search for film reviews at the Movie Review Query Engine). Do these reviews assess the function of film style in that film? Do the critics consider the impact of style on the viewing experience? What elements of style are mentioned and what are not? What might this tell you about the extent to which critics typically integrate considerations of style into their reviews of films? Do you think general audience members pay attention to style?

Baz Luhrmann, director of Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, and Moulin Rouge has created a very specific style of film. With lightning fast editing, unique juxtaposition of scenes, and deliberate imposition of music into the action, Luhrmann's style is unlike the traditional Hollywood narrative film, despite its content being a narrative. Read critical reviews of these films. Are those discussing the film typically in favor of films such as these that defy normal style? Is Luhrmann being praised for his originality or is he being criticized? What other films are breaking the Hollywood norm? How many of these films are successful at the box office with viewers?