Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Paper Instructions:

1. Using insights from the two assigned essays by Sarah Jewett and the essay by Amber Epp and Linda Price, conduct an analysis of the personal situation of Xavier in the French film Chinese Puzzle.  Give concrete example directly drawn from the film to justify your answer and views: For example, how does the film explore the theme of the individual’s loss of a concrete/fixed/stable identity in our contemporary time? How does the film illustrate that the main character defines himself against “traditional” identity markers and anchors/bearings? How does it show that he seeks resolution to his dilemma (i.e. he seeks to unify his fragmented identity) by telling his story and creating his own reality?  What are the root causes of Xavier’s struggles and unhappiness and how does he define for himself the conditions of personal happiness?  Describe his relationship with other characters, with his family.  Describe his relationship with France vs. his relationship with the U.S.
   
   
   
   2. Describe the kinds of struggles do students face at school in the film The Class, by addressing the following: What is the cause of those struggles? What challenges do teachers face? What factors contribute to those challenges? How is the figure of the teacher portrayed in this film?  How does the school experience of the students mirror larger social issues that affect contemporary French society.  Consider in your response how the media/the press evaluated the film’s interest and the significance of the themes it explores.Given specific and relevant examples from the film to support your answer.
   
   3. Using insights from essay “Family Identity” by Amber Epp and Linda Price to discuss the thematic significance of the film title What’s in a name?  How is the film plot connected to the film title? In what ways does it explore the theme of human identity and its foundation(s)?  Give specific examples directly from the film to illustrate the idea that personal identity is born out of decisions, actions, conventions that affirm one’s belonging to a family.  Compare the setting of this film to that of Chinese Puzzle: how are they different and what is the significance of that difference in their setting (i.e. where the story takes place and unfolds).
   
   
   
   4. By giving specific and relevant examples from the film to support your answer, discuss the portrayal of the main two characters of the film The Intouchables by considering the following: 
   
   How does the film signal differences that exist between them? How do those differences reflect social realities in France?
   How are the main character’s differences bridged? i.e. How does the film portray the ways they come to form meaningful connections and bonding experiences despite their differences?
   How does the film challenge perceptions/social definitions that reduce the identity of the main characters to labels and stereotypical images?