Silent Movies and Melodrama

Statement of Inquiry - Looking at performance styles from the past can help us explore
different ways of communication.
Global Context - Orientation in Space and Time
Key Concept - Aesthetics
Related Concepts: Narrative, Audience, Innovation
Inquiry Questions - What are some of the contexts of Melodrama and Silent Movies?
How can we communicate through performance, beyond spoken language? Are words
necessary for a performance?

Task One: Summative- Melodrama script writing and directors notes Bii, Cii,
Ciii, Di and Dii

Everybody in the class will write their own short Melodrama, featuring stock characters
including the Villain, Hero, Damsel and Villains Sidekick. You might also choose to add in
Servant and Aged Parent characters. Remember, the play must have a happy ending!

You must include links to music for your scene. The music should show emotion, build
tension and create atmosphere. You might choose to use a theme tune for each
character. Search Youtube for Silent Movie Music or Scott Joplin or Melodrama Music
etc. You will find lots of options, including this starter link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzx5Q-WNgIE

As well as a one-two minute script you will need to provide directors notes for the
scene. These should explain where and when the scene is set, who the key characters are,
which music, lights and special effects will be used and where, notes to the actors playing
the characters (focused on voice, gesture and emotion) plus designs for costume and set.

You also need to write a short statement (max two paragraphs) explaining how your
inquiry into Melodrama (including the things you learned in class and any independent
research) has given you ideas and influenced your work. Make sure you include a
bibliography of any sources you consulted/used.

Present your work as a Directors Notebook (maximum 4 sides of A4) which includes your
script, directors notes, statement of inspiration, designs, images, sketches and character
notes.

Task Two : Summative - Analysis Ai and Diii

Watch these three short silent movie clips, which start some of the most famous silent movie
actors, and use at least four of the guiding questions to help you compare/contrast and evaluate
them.

Format: Maximum 2 sides of A4, I-2 minute of audio or 1-2 minute of video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn6Irqb82RQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS5ST2bqiRI&list=PLLWK9jmW7VnHr0WwV3SgKAJQOvq9lS2
gH&index=3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHY5SM0YFv0

Guiding Questions (choose between 4 and 6 of these questions to answer)

How does the actor/do the actors tell the story in each, without using words?
Which is funniest and why?
How is the story communicated in each clip?
Which has the clearest plot and why?
Why is timing important?
What similarities are there between the clips?
How does the music add to the mood and meaning of each scene?
What differences are there between the clips?

Formative: Performance and Process

For this assessment you will work as a group to develop your own two minute Silent
Movie. You will need to use a range of acting, filming and editing techniques and use lots
of creative thinking to help you create an entertaining and exciting performance.

As well as the final video you will need to submit a digital process journal which includes:

Three short video clips taken during different lessons that show you
experimenting with and developing a new performance skill e.g. mime. Add a
voiceover, or short paragraph of writing to explain what the video clip shows.
The storyboard of your film
A group statement of artistic intention, explaining the impact you want your piece
to have on the audience, the purpose of your performance and any
understandings you want those watching to have. Remember the original contexts
of Silent Movies here, the idea of escapism and entertainment for the masses.

Plus

Two process journal entries written during the devising process that explain key
moments in devising your performance, e.g. lightbulb moments, creative problem
solving, decision making moments etc. These should focus on you as an individual
as much as possible.
Or

A two-three paragraph statement explaining how you applied research and other
acquired knowledge to your work. You may also want to explain what influenced
and inspired you.

Formative: Responding Diii

Evaluation: You will reflect on your own performance work, also explaining the ways in
which you used research and inspiration/other influences in creating your Silent Movie.
Your teacher will give you guiding questions to help you with this.

Choose from these formats: A video blog (one minute) A voice recording (one
minute) Text (one side of A4) Annotated images/photographs (4 images)

Lesson One: Introduction to Melodrama, contexts, stock characters, stock gestures,

stock plots etc. Photo task.
Lesson Two: Introduction to Melodrama #2. Script extracts and rehearsals
Lesson Three: Rehearsals and performances (script extracts)
Lesson Four: Set summative assessment task one - scriptwriting
Lesson Five: Scriptwriting/directors notes
Lesson Six: Scriptwriting/directors notes/design tasks
Lesson Seven: Scriptwriting/directors notes/design tasks/statement of inspiration
Lesson Eight: Scriptwriting/directors notes/design tasks/statement of inspiration.
Summative Task One submitted at the end of class.
Lesson Nine: Students to read scripts in small groups and choose one to perform
Lesson Ten: Rehearsals
Lesson Eleven: Rehearsals and Performances
Lesson Twelve: Silent Movies - introduction, mime tasks, action/reaction/slapstick
Lesson Thirteen: Summative Assessment Task Two #1
Lesson Fourteen: Summative Assessment Task Two #2
Lesson Fifteen: Developing ideas for own Silent Movie/storyboarding
Lesson Sixteen: Developing ideas for own Silent Movie/storyboarding
Lesson Seventeen: Rehearsing and filming
Lesson Eighteen: Rehearsing and filming
Lesson Nineteen: Rehearsing and filming
Lesson Twenty: Editing
Lesson Twenty One: Editing
Lesson Twenty Two: Watching/feedback and evaluation notes
Lesson Twenty Three: Reflection writing
General Task Specific Clarifications for Melodrama/Silent Movies Unit

Criterion A - Knowing and Understanding

i) Demonstrate awareness of the artform, including the use of appropriate language
Showing that you understand key elements of the artform (Silent Movies) and that you
can use subject specific language correctly.
ii) Demonstrate awareness of the relationship between the artform and its context
Showing that you understand the links between various forms of storytelling and their
culture/origins.
iii) Demonstrate awareness of the links between the knowledge acquired and the artwork
created.
Showing the ways in which you are using your new knowledge to directly shape your
own classwork.

Criterion B - Developing Skills

i) Demonstrate the acquisition and development of the skills and techniques of the
artform
Showing that you have developed new skills in Melodrama, mime (and in Drama
generally)

ii) Demonstrate the application of skills and techniques to create, perform and/or present
art.
Demonstrating script writing, performance and directing/design skills in writing your
own Melodrama scene and creating your Silent Movie video.

Criterion C - Thinking Creatively

i) Identify an artistic intention

Show that you have thought about the purpose of your performance work - the impact
will it have on the audience.

ii) Identify alternatives and perspectives

Showing that you have looked at different ways of doing things, different opinions and
different cultural perspectives.

iii) Demonstrate the exploration of ideas

Showing the ways in which you have explored the starting point through your Directors
Notes. Showing how you have explored ideas through your PJ for the Silent Movie task.

Criterion D - Responding

i) Identify connections between art forms, art and context or art and prior learning
Showing that you have made connections between different kinds of Silent Movies.
Showing how you have used your existing Drama knowledge and skills in this unit.

ii) Recognise that the world contains inspiration or influence for art
Showing how you have used ideas from different Silent Movies to inspire you. Showing
how your research has influenced your work.

iii) Evaluate certain elements or principles of artwork

Evaluating and analysing the Silent Movie clips. Reflecting on your own Silent Movie
video.