STUDY GUIDE 5
Week 5 Guide to Readings and Film Viewing: What You Need to Know
1. What is "film authorship"and the "auteur" theory of film criticism? Who are the key proponents
of this theory?
2. How does the era against which the Ice Storm is set dictate the action and narrative of
this film? What challenges did Ang Lee face in making this movie?
3.What differences are there in the father figures in this film as compared with
the father figures in Ang Lee's other films? Some critics have said that this film is
a "tragedy." Look up the definitions of tragedy as it relates to literature and film.
Do you think this is a correct genrefor The Ice Storm? State your reasons.
4. How does the movie American Beauty reiterate the crises depicted in The Ice Storm?
5. The period against which The Ice Storm is set coincides with the beginnings of the women's movement. In what ways do the women in this movie
appear to rebel against their teaditional roles?