select at least one film that represents your career or career goals. For example, if you are working toward a cybersecurity degree or already working in an IT field, you could choose a film that relates to Artificial Intelligence, such as A.I., Her, or M3gan. If you are a business major, a film such as The Big Short, Wolf of Wall Street, How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying, or Moneyball. Your project can either be a paper or a presentation (such as a narrated PowerPoint or video essay).
This is both an analysis and research essay. You will examine the film(s) and discuss how it relates to your field: how accurate is it, does it present a positive or negative view, does it offer insights into the field? How does the film use the production elements we have discussed (direction, cinematography, production design, sound, editing, and acting) to convey its theme?
Research reviews and analysis of the film to see how others view it. Include articles and analysis from people in the field as well as outside of the field.
The Final Project is broken up into three stages:
• Stage One –
• Stage Two –
• Stage Three –
Film that represents your career or career goals
Full Answer Section
- Data Analytics: The film showcases the power of data-driven decision-making.
- Business Strategy: It explores innovative approaches to resource allocation and competitive advantage.
- Management: It highlights the challenges of implementing change and overcoming resistance in an organization.
- Overcoming Limitations: It shows how to succeed in the face of financial limitations.
Analysis and Research Essay Structure:
Here's how I would structure the analysis and research essay, broken down into the three stages:
Stage One: Film Analysis and Initial Research
- Plot Summary and Context:
- Briefly summarize the film's plot, focusing on the core conflict and Beane's strategy.
- Provide context about the Oakland Athletics' financial limitations and the traditional scouting methods prevalent in baseball.
- Relevance to My Field:
- Discuss how the film relates to data analytics and business strategy.
- Explain how Beane's approach of using sabermetrics is analogous to using data to make informed decisions in various industries.
- Explain how the idea of finding value where others do not, is a key concept in business.
- Initial Assessment of Accuracy:
- Based on initial viewing and research, assess the film's portrayal of sabermetrics and its impact on baseball.
- Note any potential exaggerations or dramatizations for cinematic effect.
- Production Elements:
- Direction (Bennett Miller): How does Miller's direction contribute to the film's realism and emotional impact?
- Cinematography (Wally Pfister): How does the cinematography convey the gritty realism of the Oakland Athletics and the intensity of the baseball games?
- Production Design: How does the production design contribute to the film's authenticity and sense of place?
- Sound: How does the sound design enhance the film's emotional impact and create a sense of immersion?
- Editing: How does the editing contribute to the film's pacing and narrative flow?
- Acting (Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman): How do the actors portray the characters and convey the film's themes?
- Initial search for reviews and articles.
Stage Two: In-Depth Research and Analysis
- Research Reviews and Analysis:
- Gather reviews and analyses from film critics, sports analysts, and business experts.
- Analyze how these different perspectives view the film's accuracy and themes.
- Look for articles from people who worked in baseball during the time period the movie is set in.
- Accuracy Assessment:
- Compare the film's portrayal of sabermetrics with real-world data and analysis.
- Research the actual impact of Beane's strategy on baseball and other sports.
- Research the actual players that are shown in the movie, and how they felt about their portayal.
- Positive or Negative View:
- Discuss whether the film presents a positive or negative view of data analytics and its impact on traditional practices.
- Analyze the film's portrayal of the challenges and ethical considerations associated with using data to make decisions.
- Insights into the Field:
- Discuss the film's insights into the importance of data-driven decision-making, innovation, and overcoming resistance to change.
- Analyze how the film's themes relate to broader trends in business and technology.
Stage Three: Synthesis and Conclusion
- Synthesis of Findings:
- Synthesize the findings from the film analysis and research.
- Draw conclusions about the film's accuracy, themes, and relevance to the field.
- Personal Reflection:
- Reflect on how the film has influenced your understanding of data analytics and business strategy.
- Discuss how the film's themes relate to your career goals.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the key findings and reiterate the film's significance.
- Offer a final assessment of the film's impact and legacy.
- Include a strong works cited page.
Key Points to Address:
- How accurate is the film's portrayal of sabermetrics and its impact on baseball?
- Does the film present a positive or negative view of data analytics and its influence on traditional practices?
- What insights does the film offer into the fields of data analytics, business strategy, and management?
- How do the production elements of the film contribute to the overall themes?
By following these stages, I can create a comprehensive and insightful analysis of "Moneyball" and its relevance to my career goals.
Sample Answer
, let's tackle this film analysis project, focusing on a film relevant to a potential career path. Since you provided examples related to IT and business, I'll choose a film that intersects with both, particularly in the realm of data analysis and decision-making: "Moneyball" (2011).
Film Choice Rationale:
"Moneyball" tells the true story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team, who revolutionized the sport by using 1 statistical analysis (sabermetrics) to build a competitive team on a limited budget. This film is relevant for anyone interested in: