Film
Festival - A Bronx Tale
Wednesday
- April 13, 2005
MAC Playhouse - 3:30 pm
- 6:15 PM
College Now Course - Behavioral/Social
Sciences
Hosted by: Dr. Robert Singer, Professor of English
College Now English Course Coordinator
Dr. Voorhees Dunn, College Now Behavioral/Social Sciences Course Coordinator
About
the Movie: A Bronx Tale
Director, Robert De Niro - Rating R
A
father becomes worried when a local gangster befriends his son in the Bronx
in the 1960s. This film asks the question: "Is it better to be loved
or respected?" Plenty of action and strong acting. You will definitely
recognize some locations shot in Brooklyn and Queens.
About the Presenter: Dr. Voorhees Dunn
Dr. Voorhees Dunn
is an associate professor of political science. He earned his B.A., M.A.,
and Ph.D. degrees from Rutgers University. Prior to joining the faculty at
Kingsborough, he taught at Virginia Commonwealth in Richmond, The University
of Texas at Dallas and The University of South Alabama at Mobile. As a student
of history, Dr. Dunn has always been fascinated by how civilization would
collapse without institutions that control the dark side of human nature.
Extra Credit Assignments
Sample ACT Essay
A Bronx
Tale (1993) begins
with a murder in broad daylight on a busy street. There is a young man who
witnesses the crime. Under pressure, "C", the nicknamed young man,
tells a lie that allows the gangster/criminal to go free. The gangster, however
popular and respected in his community is still guilty of murder, but in the
"eyes" of the community, a person never informs on anybody. This
is called "ratting them out." Although "C" is troubled
by his decision to lie, he later develops a relationship with this gangster,
much to his real father's concern. This creates conflict between the two grown
men. In many ways, A Bronx Tale is about a young man with two
fathers: one, a workingman, the other a gangster. "C" is a young
man growing up under two distinctive value systems: one honest, the other,
criminal.
You have been asked to write a letter to your local newspaper in which you
will express your views concerning several issues that are raised in the film
A Bronx Tale. The first issue involves the initial "big"
lie: do you think that "C" should have lied? Did he have a responsibility
to society and to the law? How might you have handled the pressure? Another
issue involves the gangster lifestyle: "C" lies to his parents about
his friendship with the gangster and about many of the things he does involving
his other friends. Do you think that it was right for him to lie to his parents
about this? How would you have coped with these pressures? Do your parents
have a right to know about your life, your friends, your romantic interests?
The final issue involves the choice of lifestyles. "C" will model
and pursue: the successful but corrupt gangster he idolizes and the hard working
but honest father he loves. Do you think that it is ever right to make the
crooked "fast buck"? Was his father telling him the truth when he
said: "working hard every day took real courage"? Which role model
is the best example to follow? Which one of these two men do you think was
living a lie?
Fully discuss your view; you may refer to any of form of media cover, other
opinions, and especially the film, A Bronx Tale.
Mini-Research Project
(NOTE: This
is NOT a research paper - it is a research-oriented, library experience
in which students gather and categorize information. They can prepare outlines,
note-cards, bibliography, cite references, or practice any combination of
these skills associated with preparing a research paper. The use of the Internet
is also encouraged.)
Prepare an investigative project that focuses on any one of the following
topics associated with or suggested by the film, A Bronx Tale.
a) Organized Crime in Post-War New York
b) The New York Yankees - the 1950s and the 1960s
c) Machiavelli's The Prince
d) The Hells Angels motorcycle club
Standard
College Essay
Many issues
arise from the analysis and discussion of the film, A Bronx Tale. Some
of these issues involve: problems associated with growing up near/with crime
and criminals; tension between the races; telling lies; parents and children
communicating; and the need to set individual and moral codes of behavior
for oneself.
In a full-length essay (approximately 400-500 words), later to be revised
for content and correctness, discuss any of the issues raised in the film
A Bronx Tale that you consider to be of special interest either for
yourself or for society. Explain why and how these issues are significant
not only in the film but also in relationship to your own life, society, or
even both. You may refer to this film or any form of media coverage and to
other people's opinions.