Film Analysis Worksheet
Prof. Cook—American Ethnic Studies Department
Name:
1. What is the title and subject of the film?
The title of the film is The African American: Many Rivers to Cross.
2. What period in history was being depicted in this film?
The period depicted in this film is the era before the abolishment of slavery in most states of the US – 1800-
1860
3. When was the film produced?
2013
4. What is the mood or tone of the film? How does it affect emotions?
The mood of the film is mostly sad as the film narrates the suffering of slaves trying to escape slavery and the
tough choices some had to make, e.g. the woman who chose to kill her children instead of letting them live in
servitude. But there are also moments of happiness as some slaves, like Douglas, who succeed in escaping an
starting a new life.
5. What are the physical qualities of the film and how does it add to film? (narration, music, special effects,
lighting, etc.)
The most outstanding physical quality of the film is the interviews that the narrator holds with historian who
explain the circumstance of slaves during the era before abolishment. The narration is also very useful in
explaining this. The music is notably dark in some parts especially when the film narrates sad stories and quite
triumphant when he narrates stories of success. The enactment of the journey of a family crossing a frozen
river into Ohio is quite emotional as the film sets the mood for the difficult situation the family was in.
Prof. Cook—American Ethnic Studies Department
Name:
1. What is the title and subject of the film?
The title of the film is The African American: Many Rivers to Cross.
2. What period in history was being depicted in this film?
The period depicted in this film is the era before the abolishment of slavery in most states of the US – 1800-
1860
3. When was the film produced?
2013
4. What is the mood or tone of the film? How does it affect emotions?
The mood of the film is mostly sad as the film narrates the suffering of slaves trying to escape slavery and the
tough choices some had to make, e.g. the woman who chose to kill her children instead of letting them live in
servitude. But there are also moments of happiness as some slaves, like Douglas, who succeed in escaping an
starting a new life.
5. What are the physical qualities of the film and how does it add to film? (narration, music, special effects,
lighting, etc.)
The most outstanding physical quality of the film is the interviews that the narrator holds with historian who
explain the circumstance of slaves during the era before abolishment. The narration is also very useful in
explaining this. The music is notably dark in some parts especially when the film narrates sad stories and quite
triumphant when he narrates stories of success. The enactment of the journey of a family crossing a frozen
river into Ohio is quite emotional as the film sets the mood for the difficult situation the family was in.
