1) Read Brill, Ch. 2 (chapters 1 and 2 and related listening assignments are the basis of the film critique). Carefully complete the reading through chapter 2 of Brill, and (VERY IMPORTANT)
2) Listen to Brill CD 1, tracks 1-4
3.) Watch the entire film The Mission (1986), with Robert DeNiro and Jeremy Irons, about the experiences of a Jesuit missionary in 18th century South America. Before watching the film, be sure you have completed the Brill listening and reading assignments to date, particularly the discussion of the Black/White legend, otherwise you cannot evaluate the film for this assignment. If the assignment does not follow instructions for format or content, it will be given a zero and returned for revision.
4.) Present your own, original critical analysis of how the film portrays the issues of the Black/White legend (as read about in Brill) and discuss how the film addresses this and other topics covered by Brill in chapters 1-2. Be sure to point out how aspects of BOTH legends are portrayed in the film.
5.) This is not a research paper: it is an analysis paper on the specific question of how the film portrays the Black vs. White Legend, on the role and types of music in the film, and how music forms a historical narrative in the film. The essay must comprise your own ideas and be in your own words, with at least one quote from Brill.
6.) be sure to discuss how the music you were assigned to listen to and read about meaningfully relates to the film. For each statement you make, give examples from scenes and the film score. Try to take a balanced but critical stance on the film’s treatment and presentation of the subject matter discussed in Brill; do not just passively describe what you watched. There are many competing sides and interests in this film, not just colonists vs. indigenous peoples. Think about the following: What conflicts are presented? What are the conflicting interests and agendas of each group: Spanish, Portuguese, Jesuits, The Vatican, the Indigenous tribes? Does the film try to be impartial or does it seem to take a specific side? (Does it present both good and bad aspects of both sides of the Black and White Legend)? How? Does it leave the viewer with questions or answers? Do you think the film offers a useful historical perspective on the reading assignment? Are the characters nuanced and realistic, or are they superficial caricatures that are clearly “good guys” and “bad guys” and thus not believable? If so, explain. Does the film incite you to feel empathy for any of the characters or sides in a way you wouldn’t expect? What does the film do well? What could it have done better? Do you think it is still relevant to our time and understanding, or has it become dated?
7.)FYI: the instrument the priest plays in the opening is a type of oboe (not a flute). 20 points off for anyone who calls it a flute (!). For a picture and information about this instrument, please go to: https://omekas.grinnell.edu/s/MusicalInstruments/item/1510
8.) Do not write a plot summary. One or two sentences at the beginning may give an overview of the subject and how you plan to address the topic. You will not write a summary of the film, but your essay should demonstrate that you have understood the plot, the main characters, the countries involved, and the social, political and moral conflicts that comprise the film’s subject.
9.) Do not use internet sources (other than the film), such as reviews, summaries, or other written material. You must include at least one meaningful quotation from Brill to make your arguments, and you must give the bibliographic reference for the citation (Brill, p.#). Quality not quantity is important. Longer papers of very high quality will be accepted, with potential for additional credit. Do not pad the paper with irrelevant chatter. It won’t count.
10.) Papers must be proofread before submission, and free of basic spelling and punctuation errors. If you have English as a second language, don’t worry. Run spell-checker, and check that proper nouns (names of people and places) are capitalized and spelled correctly. I am not looking for perfection, just excellence! A clear effort on your part to get basics correct, particularly for ESL students, will be adequate as long as the substance is excellent.
11.) Do not use a translation program to write your essay. Imperfect English that shows sincere effort and engagement with the material will be graded far more highly than the garbage produced by artificial intelligence. I promise.
These instructions are provided by a music Teacher. Please carefully follow them. I will also attach all the required documents for this journal except the film.
