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 Episode 3: Into the Fire”, and it speaks of
struggles of former slaves post-abolishment and how their hopes and dreams of total freedom were devastated
by the prospect of living in poverty and squalor.
2. What period in history was being depicted in this film?
The period depicted by the film is between the years 1861 - 1896.
3. When was the film produced?
The film was produced in 2013.
4. What is the mood or tone of the film? How does it affect emotions?
The mood of the film is hopeful in the beginning but quite sad towards the end. It rouses the emotions of hope
and joy as the slaves take chances to free themselves. However it also brings the feeling of sadness when most
slaves go back to former masters in cotton plantations just to survive.
5. What are the physical qualities of the film and how does it add to film? (Narration, music, special effects,
lighting, etc.)
One of the most outstanding physical qualities is the eloquent narration by Henry Louis Gates Jr. The music
enhances the emotions evoked by the film. For instance, the sound is fast and high when the narrator tells a
hopeful story but quite slow and dull when the story portrays the squashing of hopes of free slaves.
6. What is the main message of film and what does this film tell you about life in US at the time it was created?
The message is that while slavery was abolished, the fruits of freedom could not be achieved in full without
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 Episode 3: Into the Fire”, and it speaks of
struggles of former slaves post-abolishment and how their hopes and dreams of total freedom were devastated
by the prospect of living in poverty and squalor.
2. What period in history was being depicted in this film?
The period depicted by the film is between the years 1861 - 1896.
3. When was the film produced?
The film was produced in 2013.
4. What is the mood or tone of the film? How does it affect emotions?
The mood of the film is hopeful in the beginning but quite sad towards the end. It rouses the emotions of hope
and joy as the slaves take chances to free themselves. However it also brings the feeling of sadness when most
slaves go back to former masters in cotton plantations just to survive.
5. What are the physical qualities of the film and how does it add to film? (Narration, music, special effects,
lighting, etc.)
One of the most outstanding physical qualities is the eloquent narration by Henry Louis Gates Jr. The music
enhances the emotions evoked by the film. For instance, the sound is fast and high when the narrator tells a
hopeful story but quite slow and dull when the story portrays the squashing of hopes of free slaves.
6. What is the main message of film and what does this film tell you about life in US at the time it was created?
The message is that while slavery was abolished, the fruits of freedom could not be achieved in full without
