Adaptation: Talking Points for 2/3/14

Bringing Up Baby:
1) Did you like the film? Did you like the short story better? Why?
2) Where do you see the "screwball" spirit in the film?
3) What single image in Bringing Up Baby defines its major theme? (Hint: Remember how the shot of Lisa pointing to the wedding ring defined the major theme of Rear Window?)
4) Which is more romantic, the film or the short story?

Law in Film: Thoughts for 2/3/14

This is the week when the training wheels come off. You'll watch a film and then you'll be asked to write about it before we discuss it as a group. Of course, you can skip this prompt, but it won't matter in this sense: All the rest of the assignments are like this one. But don't worry: We know you're up to the task!

Meanwhile, don't forget to read the NY Times review of Reversal of Fortune before you come to class. Also, there will be a lecture on  clients. So if you have any questions about that topic, bring them along.

Adaptation for 1/27: Talking Points & Reminders

1) If you wrote the paper for Rear Window, remember that it's due on 1/27.
2) Remember to bring in the story "Bringing Up Baby" with two passages marked that highlight the couple's relationship.
3) Think about the differences between literature and film. What can each accomplish more easily than the other?
4) Do you know what a "screwball comedy" is? We'll be talking about that.

Law in Film for 1/27

Reminders & Talking Points:

1) Don't forget to read the NY Times review of Legally Blonde before coming to class.
2) Think about how law school was presented in The Paper Chase. We'll compare that to how it's presented in Legally Blonde.
3) We'll have time to answer questions you may have had during our week off. Is there anything on your mind?

Law in Film: Talking Points for 1/13

About The Paper Chase:
1) How does the film differ from your expectations about what law school is today?
2) How is it similar to those expectations?
3) What do you make of Prof. Kingsfield? Would you like to be in his class?
4) Do the names of the characters have any significance?

Adaptation: Talking Points for 1/13

About Rear Window, short story and film:

1) Do you like the short story? The film? Why?
2) What does the main character, Jeff, do for a living in each version of the material?
3) How would you describe the character Sam of the short story?
4) What is the surprise contained in the ending of the short story? Of the film?