PUP 200: Cities in Cinema
Short Essay Option #6: Utopian and Dystopian Visions

After viewing the films The Truman Show and Brazil, write a short essay (3-pages minimum) that responds to the following:

Using the concepts of neotraditionalism (New Urbanism), urban privacy, and security discussed in class, compare and contrast the utopian and dystopian visions of cities portrayed in the films The Truman Show and Brazil.

Essay Content (20 points)

“Compare and contrast” means you should discuss the similarities and differences in the films. As such, both films should get roughly equal coverage. Essays should be clear and concise, as well as demonstrate a solid understanding of the concepts and ability to apply them to film.

Formatting Guidelines (10 points)

•  Name and ASU ID at top of paper
•  Times New Roman 12-point font
•  Double space
•  1-inch margins
•  3 pages minimum (5 maximum)
•  Provide in-text citations for any quotes or paraphrasing from readings or outside sources

used, and a works cited page listing the sources, using APA or MLA styles. (Refer to the Purdue Online Writing Lab https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/ for citation information.) Single-space large block quotes.

Grammar and Style Guidelines (10 points)

•  Your paper should have clear structure (with an introduction paragraph, body, and conclusion), and well-written paragraphs (with a topic sentence, supportive sentences, and conclusion/transition sentence). Start a new paragraph every time you begin a new idea or introduce a new theme.
•  Use formal language. Write as if you are delivering a speech, not talking to your friend.
•  Use 3rd person (he, she, it, they, them) and consistent tense (present, past, or future).
•  Do not use contractions (he’s, it’s, can’t, weren’t, etc.).
•  Italicize movie titles
•  Avoid sentence fragments and run-on sentences.
•  Use proper language, grammar and punctuation, if you are unsure about your writing skills

use the resources available at ASU, such as the Writing Center.

•  Proof-read and use spell check.

Submit your essay as a Word document via the “Submit Short Essay 6 Here” link, found under the “Short Essays” tab on Blackboard no later than Sunday night 4/16 before midnight. NO late essays will be accepted.