You should now come up with a list of questions you can ask your interviewee keeping in mind that you need to gather as much information as possible.

To start, you may want to go with the obvious “what is your favorite movie” and “why is it your favorite?” While these questions can get the conversation going, you’re going to have to go into detective mode to get even more information. Perhaps they’ll say they like adventure or Batman is their favorite character……  Don’t leave it there but rather ask about their love of adventure and how it relates to the film or what qualities does the character have that they find particularly important. 

Another approach is to ask them to tell you about a movie that is particularly meaningful for them.  Was the movie connected to a memory of childhood or an important person? Did it perhaps inspire them or help shape some part of their life? You can also ask them about what movie they would watch over and over again (do they do this already?) . How do they feel watching it? Is it connected with a memory or feeling? Does it provide comfort? You can focus in on a movie they loved as a child or as an adult.

And the assignment: Meaning making in Film Interview.  You will be required to conduct an in-depth interview of a willing participant to get detailed account of the importance behind the film they found most meaningful either as a child or an adult. This will be in written format and we will discuss everyone’s findings informally in class.The interview will be worth 20% of your final grade and is based on: organization, clarity/readability, thoroughness and thoughtfulness.   Grammar, spelling and proper citation of work is also important.  The paper should be approximately 5-7 pages. The first part should summarize the questions and responses while the second part should detail your analysis of the interview while referencing materials you’ve reviewed at any point in the class