Non Fiction Film: Memoir
A BRONX TALE
WHAT IS A MEMOIR: * It's a story from a life, not about the whole life * The author is reflecting on past events and trying to make sense of what it all means * He/she may not always come up with a definitive answer, the attempt is truth in itself * It is the storyteller's impression of his/her experience * The storytelling uses elements of fiction: back and forth in time, recreates believable dialogue, uses an engaging narrator with a clear personality and voice * Though some aspects of the memoir are construed, the author stands behind the story saying it is true, it happened, otherwise he/she is abusing the trust of the audience's
1. RESEARCH HOW PALMINTERI
CAME TO WRITE A BRONX TALE
By researching this information, you again see the connection between real life and filmmaking. In this case, Palminteri has written a memoir of sorts, admitting that A BRONX TALE is based on real life events from his childhood.
Use the following links to collect 10-15 essential and interesting pieces of information about how Palminteri came to write his stage play and screen play. He has an interesting story, so be sure to access each link for a variety of information. You may also consider listening to audio clip interviews. Be ready for a quiz!
Bronx "Familias": Crime and Blood
Skyrocket to Stardom
Movie Tough Guy (You can listen to interview excerpts at this site.)
A Tale of Toughness
Use the following links to collect 10-15 essential and interesting pieces of information about how Palminteri came to write his stage play and screen play. He has an interesting story, so be sure to access each link for a variety of information. You may also consider listening to audio clip interviews. Be ready for a quiz!
Bronx "Familias": Crime and Blood
Skyrocket to Stardom
Movie Tough Guy (You can listen to interview excerpts at this site.)
A Tale of Toughness
2. RESEARCH SONNY'S INFLUENCE
THE PRINCE by Niccolo Machiavelli was meant for rulers who had shed all scruples, to a point that they might see evil as potentially more beneficial to society than good. Machiavelli had hoped to start a revolution in the hearts of his readers, and he certainly achieved that. He proudly stated things that others before him had only dared to whisper. Various ruthless leaders over the years were influenced by this book, including the character of Sonny in A BRONX TALE.
DIRECTIONS: Sonny said he read Machiavelli while he was in "the joint." Your challenge is to look through the same information Sonny might have read about the Italian philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli. Then decide what it was that so influenced Sonny's politics of power and leadership. Follow the directions for (a) through (d) below. Also, use your film study guide to help you recall key events. IMPORTANT: In your responses, include quotes from the text and support or quotes from the film.
a) Scan information in "Biography." Explain TWO similarities between Machiavelli's rise to knowledge and power and Sonny's similar rise to power.
(b) Scan information in "Analyzing Power." Explain how you see TWO powerful ideas in the document also show up in the film. Especially think about Sonny's "right to lead."
(c) Scan information in "Power, Virtu, and Fortune." Explain TWO key connections between what Machiavelli says and Sonny's tendencies toward violence. How does this document make Sonny's violence justifiable?
(d) Scan information in "Morality, Religion, and Politics." Explain how TWO unique ideas in the document show up in the film. Especially think about Sonny's morality and immorality. What role does religion play in the film as compared to the document?
a) Scan information in "Biography." Explain TWO similarities between Machiavelli's rise to knowledge and power and Sonny's similar rise to power.
(b) Scan information in "Analyzing Power." Explain how you see TWO powerful ideas in the document also show up in the film. Especially think about Sonny's "right to lead."
(c) Scan information in "Power, Virtu, and Fortune." Explain TWO key connections between what Machiavelli says and Sonny's tendencies toward violence. How does this document make Sonny's violence justifiable?
(d) Scan information in "Morality, Religion, and Politics." Explain how TWO unique ideas in the document show up in the film. Especially think about Sonny's morality and immorality. What role does religion play in the film as compared to the document?
JUST FOR FUN
If you have finished your research, see how well you remember the finer points of the film. Try your memory and eye for detail at this online BRONX TALE Trivia Quiz. Take the quiz (no time limit), submit your answers, check your score and discover the correct responses.
25-23 correct? You should be loved and feared.
22-20 correct? Yer still welcome at the Chez Bippy.
19-17 correct? Whaddya? Friend of Mush?
16-14 correct? Hey JINX, go stand in the bathroom!
13 or fewer correct? Fahgettaboudit.
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ALTERNATE ASSIGNMENT
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#1: NEIGHBORHOOD MAP
A. Take a look at Fordham University's explanation of the Bronx's various neighborhoods. Record three key points about the Bronx from this page.
B. Visit the "Little Italy" neighborhood, where Palminteri allegedly grew up. Sketch the map. Then, specifically label and explain 5 points of interest from the information on the page.
C. Here's your challenge. Think back to the neighborhood you grew up in. Print these directions for the Neighborhood Map Exercise. Follow the directions on the sheet, but complete the drawing on side two of the direction sheet, and attach an extra sheet for the "stories" you'll tell.
B. Visit the "Little Italy" neighborhood, where Palminteri allegedly grew up. Sketch the map. Then, specifically label and explain 5 points of interest from the information on the page.
C. Here's your challenge. Think back to the neighborhood you grew up in. Print these directions for the Neighborhood Map Exercise. Follow the directions on the sheet, but complete the drawing on side two of the direction sheet, and attach an extra sheet for the "stories" you'll tell.
#2 EXTRA CREDIT : ONE-MAN SHOW
Go to A BRONX TALE TOUR OFFICIAL PAGE and click on:
- "Photos & Videos" Watch :30 clips from the stage show and write about the difference between the stage version and the film version. How is the film different? Which did you like better? Why? What filmmaking techniques enhance the stage version (if you believe it does).
- "Press & Reviews" Look through the various reviews his show (and he) received as his it toured from city to city. Choose any city of interest; then click the link to read the reviews. Some reviews may no longer be available, so keep looking. Write a five point outline of what the critic said. Write a separate 5 point outline for each article you choose.