Huckleberry Finn Film Review

"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." -- Mark Twain

The last thing we'll do in the Mark Twain Unit is watch the "wonderful" version of the Huck Finn movie I've selected. It stars Ron Howard and Donny Most from the old "Happy Days" TV series. Isn't that keen? When the movie is over you'll be doing a film review paper.

Film Review Directions: In this composition, you will be comparing the novel The Adventures of Huckleberrv Finn with one of the movie adaptations. Follow the outline. The final paper will be in manuscript form.

I. Introduction (You may use this introduction or one of your own.) Over the years many film adaptations of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn have been made. One such movie is the 1975 version starring Ron Howard.

II. Cinematography (Cinematography deals with the way the film looks and feels. Good cinematography makes the film more realistic. Poor cinematography results in a cheap looking film.) Write a paragraph about the cinematography of this film. Under this category are the following items: scenery, costuming, props, camera techniques, special eftects, and music. You may comment on any or all of those items.

(Special tip: It's better to make solid comments about a few items rather than do a "laundry list" of all the items.)

III. Performance (Performance deals with how the actors did their jobs.) Write a paragraph about the performance of the actors. Comment on these two things:

1. Casting -- Were the right actors chosen for the roles (or were they clearly wrong for the part).

2. Performance-- Once in the role, was the actor believable (delivery of lines, physical movements, dialects).

(Special tip: Remember how Twain described the characters.)

IV. Story/Script (Did the movie tell the story accurately.) Write a paragraph about how the novel was adapted for the film. Was the story the same as in the novel? Were scenes added or removed?

(Special tip: Refer to the sheet of notes you took during the movie.)

V. Summary of Conclusions (How you would rate this movie.) Write a paragraph giving your overall evaluation of this movie. You may use the four stars rating system or one of your own. Was the movie worthwhile? Would you recommend this movie to a friend? Would that friend be better off reading the novel?