McMaster University Midnight Cowboy and Precious Film Questions

1. With specific reference to at least one event/ scene AND at least one article examined in this course, compare and contrast the ways in which poverty is represented in Midnight Cowboy and Precious.

2.In “The Precarious Politics of Precious:

A Close Reading of a Cinematic Text,” Mia Mask argues that:

“Like most teenagers, Precious is an unfil­tered repository of media images. She is full of the cultural contradictions of mainstream American society regarding race, gender, sexuality, and class hi­erarchies. These contradictions manifest in her thoughts, daydreams, and private fantasies” (97).

With specific reference to the article, write 2-3 paragraphs  in which you discuss the disparities between Precious’ real-life and her fantasy life.

3. Choose one sequence of shots/ scene from Midnight Cowboy. 

Write paragraphsin which you (a) describe the mise-en-scene in this sequence or scene and (b) analyze how the mise-en-scene contributes to either character development AND/OR plot development AND/OR the development of themes evident in the film.

Make sure that–at the beginning of your answer–you create a name for your chosen sequence of shots/ scene and clearly state the hour, minute, and seconds at which your chosen clip can be found: e.g. Joe First Meets Ratso 25.00m-27.40m.