Rosebud

Rosebud is perhaps the most famous symbol in movie history. What is the significance of the name "rosebud?" What is the significance of the sled? Is it the key to understanding Kane's life or just one missing piece of a jigsaw puzzle that does not explain much at all? A meaningful symbol or a MacGuffin? Are there other symbols in the film that are more meaningful or complement you reading of the sled (such as statues, jigsaw puzzles, Xanadu, etc)?

Celluloid Newspapers

We have seen two films, His Girl Friday and Citizen Kane, in which the protagonists work in the newspapers business (Walter Burns is an editor, Hildy Johnson a reporter, Charles Foster Kane a publisher). What do these films tell us about the job of a reporter or publisher in the 1940's? What is the role or status of the newspaper at that time? How have things changed since that time?

It's a Hard Knock Life

On the face of it, both Rules of the Game and His Girl Friday depict a pessimistic, dog-eat-dog world.  Both films have characters who care for their reputation and comfort over the well-being of innocent others.  The Marquis and his wife condone the killing of his wife's would-be lover to return to their domestic cocoon.  The Mayor and the Sheriff are willing to hang an innocent man to win an election.  Walter Burns will manipulate and swindle Bruce to get Hildy back.  Do both of these movies have cynical views of human nature and/or the society's they show?  Or is there some silver lining in the dark clouds?  Is their any value in either movie that is redeeming, noble or heroic?

Is Friday Feminist or Feebleminded?

Hildy Johnson is a confident career woman who can compete with men (and defeat them) in the dog-eat-dog world of journalism. She is even willing to divorce her man if he doesn't treat her right. Yet, at the same time, she seeks the domestic joys of children and caring for her man -- and in the end returns to the rascal whom she left in the first place. What is the role of women in this film? Does it tell us anything about "modern" women in 1940's America?

Marriage--and Divorce--His Girl Style

His Girl Friday charts the marriage and divorce and remarriage of Walter and Hildy and the engagement -- and near marriage -- of Hildy and Bruce. Hildy says she wants domestic bliss in suburban Albany but she chucks it to remarry Walter and relaunch her career. Can someone balance career and marriage? Who is the best kind of spouse?  Is happiness possible in marriage?   What is this film saying about that state of marriage in the modern world?

Study Guide: Film Quiz from Origins to Screwball Comedy

I have compiled a list of terms and definitions that we have covered in class throughout the last few few weeks. You can use this Quizlet resource to your disposal to study from or modify. If you would like to be added to class so that you can made edits (add/modify terms), please send me an email. 

Click to access the Quizlet resource: Film Quiz 1 Study Guide

She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not . . .

At the begining of the film, Genevieve, Robert's mistress, is entertaining guests at a dinner party.  As they discuss Andre's profession of love for Christine after his heroic crossing of the Atlantic, she offers this observation on love by Chamfort:"Love is the exchange of two fantasies and contact of two skins." What does this bon mot mean?  Is this a theme in the rest of the film?  What is the meaning of love and intimate relationships in The Rules of the Game?