Case Studies

The following case studies of individual films illustrate the variety of resources available for the study of film at Penn State University Libraries. Each of the case studies broadly serves as an example of a different criticial approach.

Gangs of New York (2002. Director: Martin Scorsese)
Scorsese's film received a great deal of attention for its accuracy and detail in depicting gang warfare and the New York City Draft Riots of 1863. This case study shows some of the historical resources one can use in discussing the film's relation to history.

Boyz N the Hood (1991. Director: John Singleton)
Singleton's film is notable not only for its stark depiction of the hardships facing African Americans living in the inner city, but also for the outbreaks of gang violence that surrounded its release. This case study presents some of the different statistical and sociological resources available for studying a film from a cultural perspective, as well as resources for analyzing and comparing coverage of the film in mainstream and ethnic newspapers.

Rebecca (1940. Director: Alfred Hitchcock)
A great deal of criticism has focused on this film both as a significant work in Alfred Hitchcock's career and as an example of the Hollywood melodrama. This case study provides examples of both humanistic and feminist approaches to film.

Page originally created by Brian Bialkowski under the direction of Debora Cheney, Foster Communications Librarian