1) What are some of the ideas a teacher of the film director Wes Craven would be expected to cover?
2) How does Wes Craven’s film complement each other as phenomena within the 1980s popular
culture?
3) How is Wes Craven important to the popular culture of the 1980s and to the film industry of
that time? What are the cultural values presented by this Wes Craven? What is the Cultural
Significance of Wes Craven?
4) How does Wes Craven represent and promote popular culture of the 1980s? What are some
characteristics that you might associate with American Culture by watching scenes from Wes Craven?
5) How is American Society or the idea of it portrayed – positive or negative? How so (explain)?
6) Diversity: How are other cultures represented in Wes Craven’s work? Are people from other
cultures shown in a negative way or positive way? Please explain WHY?
7) What are the Implications and Consequences of the films from Wes Craven? Please refrain to
discussing only the films from these years – 1979 to 1990.
8) Discuss Wes Craven’s style of production in his films. Refer to documentaries. If applicable,
discuss the composition of sound, visuals and special effects that are signature to Wes Craven.
9) Any controversies or “drama” with Wes Craven?
10) Why do you like Wes Craven? How will presenting this film benefit everyone in understanding 1980s popular culture and film?
11) Also consider the following:
a) Cultural Significance of Wes Craven from the 1980s.
b) Innovations to Special Effects in the 1980s – Practical or CGI (if applicable).
c) Innovations in the cinematic experience in the 1980s (if applicable).
d) Genre Significance from Wes Craven’s contributions.
12) Provide a brief and general history summary of Wes Craven.
13) Provide a list of terminology with definitions from Wes Craven’s film production.
14) Provide a list of the main themes and production values/aspects that Wes Craven utilizes in his
films.
15) Provide a general critique of why Wes Craven is significant to the popular culture and film production
of the 1980s.
16) Pick 2-3 scenes and provide links to them (5 minutes each in length each) from Wes Craven’s films to demonstrate the social political aspect and cultural content of his films.