The Most Important American Film

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The question was deceptively simple: What is the most important American film?

The wrong approach would be to immediately flip through favorite films, searching for one with broad appeal. This question requires careful thought: First, what does "important" mean, and second, how should one understand "American film"?

Never rush to answers. Always consider the question from all possible angles.

Papers were read and given a holistic score ranging from 1 (lowest) to 4 (highest). Papers earning a 4 established a clear thesis and supporting argument. Those earning 3's tended to have weaker arguments but demonstrated an awareness of what needed to be done. 1's and 2's were ineffective arguments and often drifted more towards summary and analysis than argument. Comments were not placed on papers; however, all are welcome to visit for a private reading and conference.

Below are problems and areas of concern found in most papers.

I. Dictionary.com

Perhaps half of the papers chose to site some authority on the definition of "important" (e.g., Dictionary.com, Mirriam-Websters, etc.). Juniors are a bit old for this, but here goes: DO NOT USE DICTIONARY DEFINITIONS IN ACADEMIC PAPERS. It is the equivalent of the elementary school opening "In this essay I will...."

Some book or website's definition of a word has little to no value in rhetorical essays. You, the writer, have the power to define. It is your definition and understanding of the term "important" that is the grounding for this essay. If you think about it, this particular word's meaning is obvious. The question is really HOW to determine or judge a film's significance, not what words mean. So, if we are talking about the most important American film, how do we decide which films are more important than others? What would the criteria be? Any definition or understanding must come from you, as you are the one making the argument.

II. Introductions

Most papers began with a reflection on the meaning of "the most important American film," followed by an answer. Few papers began with hooks. Understand that it is the writer's job to immediately engage the audience, to make them WANT to read the paper. Why not begin with a dramatic moment from the chosen film? Do something to present the film in a gripping manner, to make the reader want to learn more.

Avoid platitudes (dull statements), general statements, and the obvious, such as the following:

Every American is unique in their own way.   

The title for the most important American film is debatable as everyone has his or her own opinion.

The word "important" can be defined in many different ways.....

It's a Wonderful Life is the most important American film.

Throughout time, entertainment has evolved.

Feature films have always been a huge part of American culture.

There are many American films that could be considered as "the most important American film."

III. Film Choices

Consider that the prompt included the phrase "American film." The diction suggests that the film is either made by Americans or particular to Americans. If the essay did not address the significance of the word "American," then it did not fully respond to the prompt.

In some way, writers should have addressed HOW or WHY the film is important to Americans. Perhaps it reflects some truth about our culture, or illustrates our values or ideals. Regardless, the film should have significance to most Americans.

With this consideration, writers should choose films with broad appeal or value. Some writers selected religious-themed films. While such films have great significance to those who share that faith, they would not have meaning to Americans of different faiths or beliefs. 

IV. Most Important

If a film is the "most important," that means it rises above OTHER films. One would expect, then, in the body, a discussion as to what sets this film apart from others. Too often, writers addressed a film's themes, arguing their worth, but never explained HOW or WHY this film is superior to other film's that may touch on similar ideas.

Effective arguments always address the opposition, acknowledging other points of view and explaining how or why they are not appropriate. At some point in this essay, writers should have argued how this film stands above others.

V. Grammar

Most writers seemed to have no idea how to punctuate titles. Generally speaking, the grammar was atrocious. Both the SAT and AP English tests consider grammar in their scoring evaluations. You cannot earn the highest scores if you do not demonstrate control of the rules of language.  

VI.  Summary versus Argument

We addressed effective rhetorical strategies versus ineffective ones in our class discussion. Papers earning the lowest scores were primarily summaries of the plot and an analysis of themes. To successfully answer the prompt, writers had to argue WHY and HOW this film stands out in American cinematic history as one of--if not the--most important films.

Note the words WHY and HOW have been emphasized above again and again. Effective writers explain WHY and HOW their ideas have worth. Never assume that your reader sees what you see. Show them. Convincingly.  

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