Rocky Film 1976 Analysis

View the following scene selection from the film, Rocky and complete the following 4 part analysis: Rocky (1976): Rocky accepts the fight with Apollo Creed (Links to an external site.). Refer to “Different Ways to Analyze Films” page in Section #7 for help with the different types of film analysis.

Your analysis should be of the selected scene from the film, not the entire film. DO NOT research the film. Only write about what you notice in the given selection for this assignment.

1. Mise-en-scene analysis—How does the clip use compositional/technical elements of film (angles, lighting, shots, sound, etc.) to create meaning? What elements are used? What effects are created in a scene, and what is their purpose? How does the film attempt to achieve its goal by the way it looks, and does it succeed?
2. Narrative structure analysis—Examine the clip’s narrative structure—plot, character, and theme. How does the plot unfold? How would you describe the characters? What are their personalities like? What are their motivations? What is the theme of the film, and how is that theme constructed?
3. Semiotic analysis—What objects or images are repeated in multiple instances? In what context do they appear? Are there any symbols or metaphors that tell you about the characters’ personalities or themes of the film? Remember: Something as simple as someone’s appearance can reveal information about them. Are there any objects that serve as metaphors of symbols for greater ideas (ie. American flag for freedom)?
4. Contextual analysis—Based on this film clip, think about the culture, time, and place of the film’s creation. What might this film selection say about the 1970’s in the US?