A Good American? | High School Project Short Film

Описание: NOTE
This short film was originally produced for a school project in our English class, modeled after a novel we read together and its themes of authoritarianism and dictatorship. It was not meant to be a professionally made film, and was created using limited equipment, props, and actors. Despite that, we are very proud of what we made and are excited to share it with everyone!

INTRODUCTION
Our film is set in a version of 1930s America imagined by Sinclair Lewis in his novel, It Can’t Happen Here. In it, we explore the story of a common man, Gene Murphy, who gradually shifts from being drawn to a charismatic fascist leader to eventually carrying out fascist persecution himself. His transformation happens slowly, through fear, pride, belonging, and the promise of purpose.
By the end, after the people he loves walk away, and he has gone along with injustices he once would have opposed, he is left with a devastating question: What has he become? That question forms the heart of our film. Was he still–or was he ever–a “good” American?
We hope this story challenges you to reflect not just on history, but on human nature, and on the choices that shape who we are.

AWARDS*
PBL Fair - Best Acting
PBL Fair - Best Story
*Voted on by students and teachers at the Project Based Learning (PBL) Fair

CREDITS
Produced by: English III and IV Honors class
Teacher: Ms. Corwin
Edited by: Linda Frazier
Script by: Hayden Park

CAST
Gene Murphy: Linda Frazier
Helen Murphy: Hayden Park
Berzelius Windrip: Thomas Chang
Shirley Hawkins: Shirley Zhang
Anna Kowalski: Jessica Zhao
Protestor: Sir Ian Quinto
Pete Howell: Erica Lee
Marta Kowalski: Shirley Zhang
Commander Shaw: Mr. Sullivan
Announcer: Linda Frazier

MUSIC
(To be added, if anyone cares to know!)