A Separate Peace

Introduction

So you want to be a movie star? Maybe you would like to be a Hollywood mogul. Maybe you just want to be associated with the making of films-- the writing, the costumes, the props. This is your chance. This is your opportunity to make your first step towards film school, become an indie film maker, compete in the Sundance Film Festival and then become a total sellout in Hollywood. It all starts here!

Each student will form a group or become a member of a group that will videotape a scene from the novel A Separate Peace by John Knowles. This project will require you to closely analyze a scene from the novel and present it in a group. Your group will be given time in class to organize, write, block and plan for the video taping of the scene. Any additional time you may need to prepare will have to come from time outside of the class. Your group will consist of no less than four people and no more than eight. The length of your presentation must exceed five minutes. If your group should eschew the technology of video taping, you may opt to present your scene live in front of the class. Please arrange for a performance date.

Steps to Take:

• Choose your group carefully. You must work with these people and rely on them. Your group must  have a minimum of four persons and a maximum of eight. Large groups are at a disadvantage because everyone must have a significant acting part except the writer and the director (who can also act). Everyone must make a significant contribution.
• Choose a scene from the novel. Recommendations follow.
• Divide the work: director, screenwriter, actors and narrator (if necessary). These jobs may overlap.
• Make sure the members of your group are accountable and plan to be present. Absence at a practice affects all of you.
• Make sure you are accountable to your group and will be present in class at your choice of film set.
• Write the script: This is primarily the job of the screenwriter, but input from the director and actors is necessary. Type the script and make copies for the actors and director and the teacher.
• Read through the script and make sure that it conveys the scene and that it is long enough (five minutes or more).
• Rehearse. The director must tell people where to stand and where to move during the scene. This is called blocking. The director must also decide how the lines should be delivered. The director's job is to make sure the actors look as if they know what they are doing.
• Make or bring props. What will you need? Clothing? Sports equipment? Scenery? Chintzy props will snare a chintzy grade.
• Rehearse again.
• Bring a video tape to show to the class. Be professional. If you break up in laughter during your scene, remember that it indicates that you did not put in enough preparation time. Your scene should flow smoothly (and be long enough).
• If you choose, you can arrange with the library to borrow the proper equipment needed to video tape your presentation.

Due Dates:

Shooting Script: March 4, 2002

Progress Report Period Ends: March 6, 2002

Video or Play Due: April 2, 2002

Grading:

This project will require you to closely analyze a scene from the novel and present it as a group to the class. Your grade will be based on

• the accuracy of the adaptation you create
• the quality of the performers
• the quality of the props and scenery
• the writing of the script
• the organization of the activities

• 25% for in class preparation
• 25% for the script
• 50% for the video or stage performance

Recommended Scenes:

 
• The trial scene
• Blitzball and the formation of the SSSSS with Finny and Gene taking the first plunge
• Shoveling snow on at the train tracks and the walk home.
• The Butt Room
• Chapter Four when Gene suspects Finny of sabotaging his ambitions
• The fight at the crew house between Gene and Quackenbush
• Gene confronting Finny at Finny's home in Boston
• Gene visiting Leper at home
• The Winter Carnival and the telegram
• Finny wearing the school tie