Photo Essay and Film Analysis on Candide: An Ecocritical Perspective on Leibniz’s Philosophy

For this assignment, you will write an outline for your first 100-point photo essay and film analysis. The final paper will be three to four pages with five complete paragraphs (about 500 to 700 words). The outline will use the standard five-paragraph essay structure. Based on your knowledge of visual storytelling, you will use your knowledge of frames, rule of thirds, and other camera angles as you create a story using photos depicting how Candide’s response to Leibniz’s philosophy that this is “The best of all possible worlds” is seen from an ecocritical lens. The first one to two pages of the assignment will contain the photo essay, creating a storyline identifying images showing whether one can “cultivate gardens” in our world today to conquer environmental ills or whether this is not environmentally feasible, or even the best solution. Use .jpg images with citations below each image explaining where the source came from in MLA format. The following two to three pages will contain a five-paragraph essay explaining how these images explain whether one can truly “cultivate gardens”. Use the “Activist Archival Project,” Activist Archival Project – Writing Spaces, Links to an external site.as a guide to write a thesis. The introduction will explain the environmental concerns expressed in Candide and whether this ties into our world today. Use the following article as a guide to formulate a thesis: The body paragraphs will explain how the images work to serve as an explanation for your stance. You will focus on explaining how the camera shots and framing techniques from the images shown in the photos essay and in the scene, you select to analyze from the film help to create a full picture of each subpoint in your thesis proving your stance. You may take your own pictures or use images found online based on your research. Be mindful of how the eco concerns in the images tie into your stance in each body paragraph. Choose three images that will be explained in each body paragraph.
1) Watch the film Candide as follows:
(3) Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide” – BBC 1988 – YouTube. Links to an external site.
2) Read the following: Rules of Shot Composition in Film: A Definitive GuideLinks to an external site.
3) Watch the following video:
Visual Storytelling 101Links to an external site.
4) Create a clear thesis focusing on whether it is environmentally feasible to “cultivate our own gardens” and whether Candide’s view of Leibniz’s philosophy still resonates today based on your research you have conducted through an array of photos composed in an order of importance that will be used as the basis for the analysis in your paper.
5) Procure the images in a chronological order of importance, showcasing the main points in your paper. Images could be taken from your camera or a range from any of the following: National GeographicLinks to an external site., 900+ Best Environment ideas | scenery, beautiful nature, natureLinks to an external site.Links to an external site., or
6,702,200+ Environmental Issues Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images – iStock | Environmental issues protest, Environmental issues photos, Environmental issues peopleLinks to an external site.
6) Begin writing the five-paragraph essay at this point. Include a clear introduction that maps out the main points pertaining to Candide’s philosophy and your findings through the photo essay. The body paragraphs should break down the image using your knowledge of framing techniques to explain why the image proves each subpoint of your paper in connection to film’s images in Candide. Focus on specific scenes that stand out in connection the images you select. Cite from the video as follows: (Wolf minute: seconds) as Wolf uploaded the video. The conclusion should sum up how the images, visual techniques, and novel shown in the performance all work to serve your point.
Assignment Instructions
Instructions: Review the writing process. This is step two. Make sure to prewrite beforehand. Use a formal outline using MLA 9th ed. format. Type the assignment in Times New Roman 12-point font.
Categories to consider before writing when utilizing the images from the photos and film for analysis:
1. Rule of Thirds:
Dividing the frame into three equal horizontal and vertical sections, placing the main subject on one of the intersection points for a balanced composition.
2. Leading Lines:
Utilizing natural lines in the scene to guide the viewer’s gaze towards the main subject.
3. Symmetry:
Creating a balanced image by arranging elements in a mirrored pattern.
4. Depth:
Using elements in the foreground, middle ground, and background to create a sense of dimension in the image.
5. Negative Space:
Intentionally leaving large areas of empty space around the subject to emphasize it and create a minimalist aesthetic.
6. Filling the Frame:
Positioning the subject to occupy most of the frame, minimizing distractions.
7. Framing within a Frame:
Using natural elements like a doorway or window to create a frame around the main subject.
8. Audience: Will your audience relate to your writing style? How will they react to the images you have chosen to support your stance?
9. Concision: How will your writing avoid wordiness? Cross through phrasal verbs, redundant adjectives, prepositional phrases to make your writing concise. Use more formal, precise diction instead.
10. Tone: How will the images express your attitude toward the subject?
11. Setting: How does the location of the images selected to into Candide?
12. Dialogue: Will the dialogue in Candide chosen to be represented in your paper be relatable to the audience based on your stance?

Follow the following format as closely as possible. Each paragraph should include at least five to six complete sentences.
I. Introduction.
A. Topic sentence- The topic sentence should draw your reader in and indicate the mindfulness of your critique of Candide’s portrayal of environmental issues.
B. Give background context about Voltaire’s work, Candide. introduce the performance based on the novel and your interpretation of the effectiveness of framing techniques used to emphasize this topic.
C. Introduce Leibniz’s philosophy that “this is the best of all possible worlds” and explain whether the examination of Leibniz’s philosophy held by Pangloss and Candide’s disdain of it still resonates in our world today. Briefly identify each image used in the photo essay in connection to these points in a chronological order of importance.
D. Thesis: Posit an activist’s stance based on whether it is feasible to cultivate our gardens as shown by Candide in response to Leibniz’s philosophy based on the images you have selected in the photo essay that relate to our world today.
II. First Body Paragraph.
A. Topic sentence-Transition from the last paragraph. Connect the main idea in the last paragraph to the present.
B. Explain how Candide’s perspective of Leibniz’s philosophy is shown early on in the film.
C. Identify a scene to analyze. Cite as follows: (Wolf minute: seconds)
E. Explain how the first image proves that the environment ideals in Candide still resonate today. Describe the image and framing techniques that can be used to emphasize your stance.
F. Conclude by summing up the main point.

III. Second Body Paragraph.
A. Topic sentence-Transition from the last paragraph. Connect the main idea in the last paragraph to the present.
B. Explain whether you believe Candide’s concept of “cultivating gardens” is feasible in our world today.
C. Identify a scene from the video on Candide to cite as follows: (Wolf minute: seconds)
D. Explain how the second photo selected ties into the scene selected. Describe specific framing techniques in the film and photo.
E. Conclude by summing up the main point in connection to the thesis.
IV. Third Body Paragraph.
A. Topic sentence-Transition from the last paragraph. Connect the main idea in the last paragraph to the present.
B. Identify how the third image selected presents the strongest message prompting activism in connection to how the environmental issues in Candide tie into our world today.
C. Cite an example from the article as follows: Activist Archival Project – Writing SpacesLinks to an external site. (Bates & Warren-Riley pg.)
D. Conclude by summing up the main point in connection to the thesis.

V. Conclusion
A. Topic sentence-Transition from the last paragraph. Connect the main idea in the last paragraph to the present.
B. Map out how the analytical points from the film and images proved your point.
C. How can we work in our communities to promote environmental awareness? Call to action.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Your Photo Essay and Film Analysis

1. Understanding the Assignment: First, review the instructions to fully understand the scope of the project. You are required to create a photo essay and film analysis based on Candide’s response to Leibniz’s philosophy, specifically the idea that “this is the best of all possible worlds.” Your analysis will explore environmental concerns as seen through the lens of Candide’s world and how it translates to today’s ecological issues. Make sure to focus on the concepts of visual storytelling, framing techniques, and how the images and film scenes support your thesis.
2. Research and Preparation: Begin by watching the required film and reading the articles. Watch Leonard Bernstein’s Candide on YouTube (1988 version) and read through the resources on shot composition in film and visual storytelling. Familiarize yourself with eco-critical theory and how it connects to Candide’s philosophy of cultivating gardens. This research will help you in crafting a thoughtful, grounded thesis.
3. Create Your Thesis: Based on your research, come up with a clear thesis statement. Your thesis should argue whether it is environmentally feasible to “cultivate our own gardens” today. Consider Candide’s disillusionment with Leibniz’s philosophy and use images to show whether this philosophy is still relevant.

   Example thesis: “While Candide’s idea of cultivating gardens offers a hopeful vision of ecological improvement, today’s environmental crises make this ideal seem less feasible, as seen through the photo essay’s depiction of deforestation, pollution, and climate change.”

4. Select Images for Your Photo Essay: Choose images that visually represent environmental issues like deforestation, pollution, or resource depletion, and use them to tell a story that either supports or critiques Candide’s view of Leibniz’s philosophy. Each image should be linked to one of your thesis points. For example, if you’re discussing the limitations of cultivating gardens, you might show images of barren, polluted landscapes.

   Remember to use MLA citations for each image, whether it’s from an online source or taken yourself.

5. Outline Your Paper: Once you have your thesis and images, create an outline based on the five-paragraph essay structure. Here’s a breakdown of how each section should look:

   I. Introduction

   • Introduce the film, Candide, and briefly explain Leibniz’s philosophy.
   • State your thesis (argument about cultivating gardens and its relevance today).
   • Mention the images you will analyze in connection to Candide’s philosophy.

   II. First Body Paragraph:

   • Start with a topic sentence that introduces your first main point.
   • Explain how Candide’s perspective on Leibniz’s philosophy is represented early in the film.
   • Select a specific scene (cite as: Wolf minute: seconds) and explain how it connects to your first image.
   • Analyze the framing techniques in the scene and how the image reflects your point.
   • Conclude by summing up the main point.

   III. Second Body Paragraph:

   • Transition smoothly from the first body paragraph.
   • Discuss the feasibility of cultivating gardens today.
   • Cite another scene from the video and connect it to your second image.
   • Explain how framing techniques in the image and film scene strengthen your argument.
   • Conclude by emphasizing how this paragraph supports your thesis.

   IV. Third Body Paragraph:

   • Identify the third image and explain its message.
   • Discuss the strongest environmental activism message presented in this image.
   • Cite supporting information from the Activist Archival Project or other resources.
   • Conclude by summarizing how this image reinforces the thesis.

   V. Conclusion:

   • Connect the final paragraph to the earlier body paragraphs.
   • Summarize how the film scenes and images you selected demonstrate your thesis.
   • End with a call to action, suggesting how communities can promote environmental awareness and change.
6. Write the Essay: Follow the structure of your outline to write your paper. Ensure each paragraph has 5-6 complete sentences. Be sure to support your argument with specific examples from both the film and your selected images, using framing techniques to explain how these elements reinforce your points.
7. Cite Your Sources: Use MLA format for citations, including both in-text citations and a works cited page. Make sure to cite the film scenes properly (Wolf minute: seconds) and provide full citations for your images.
8. Review and Edit: After writing your first draft, take the time to review your work. Look for areas where you can improve clarity or strengthen your argument. Ensure that your images and film analysis are cohesive and directly support your thesis.

By following these steps, you will be able to create a thoughtful and well-structured photo essay and film analysis. Keep focused on the environmental issues, the framing techniques, and the philosophical inquiry about cultivating gardens, and you’ll be on track to crafting a strong, engaging paper.