Essay 5: Evaluations

Sunset Story (2003) is a documentary film by Lauren Gabbert that shares the experiences of 2 elderly

women — Irja Lloyd & Lucille Alpert — who are residents of Sunset Hall — an L.A. based retirement home for radicals. This 75

minute film documents life that wouldn’t ordinarily be observed by those on the outside. The final product and overall effect is one best described as bittersweet — for Irja and Lucille’s relationship is both a charming & heart-wrenching portrayal of friendships

formed and lost in this environment. In the additional commentary files of the DVD, the creators essentially express the desire to change or impact the viewers’ perceptions & pre-conceived notions regarding aging, the

elderly, and life at retirement communities. Myths and stereotypes prevail; ingrained in the face of ignorance it would seem.

Background Information

Assignment Focus

Your assignment is to evaluate the effectiveness of this film. You will decide whether it changed how you perceives aging, the elderly, OR life at retirement communities. After you answer yes or no, then you must pick 3 criteria on which to evaluate the

film.

Essay 5: Evaluations cont...

1. Introduction 2. Thesis Ex: Sunset Story dynamically/effectively/dramatically impacts/changes a viewer’s perception regarding life at retirement homes because it presents a developed and organized story while at the same time providing/maintaining a credible portrayal for its intended audience. 3. Summary of film 4. Discussion: at least 1 paragraph per criterion 5. Counter Argument: 1 CA per each criterion with Rebuttal 6. Conclusion: Bring it full circle! Two Outside Sources 1. Documentary film may count as one source 2. Suggestions for 2nd source? 3. You must reference your sources in your paragraphs and

more than once in the entire essay. In other words, your outside sources really must support you discussion in this essay.

4. Use EJC, Ohiolink, the library, and what else?

General Format

Calendar

W 10/24: Discuss Summary & Eval Essay re-

quirements; watch film & develop eval criteria

W 10/31: Peer Review or WIN Center Revision

W 11/7: Revised essay due; Work on summaries

& revise in class; discuss final essay