HIST 2025—The 2000s
Dr. David Justice / david.justice@mtsu.edu
Overview
Outside of class, you will watch Wall-E (2008) and compose a response to the film that is AT LEAST 500 words. Use footnotes to cite the film and your sources.
Questions to Consider
Consider these questions as you watch the film and read the sources. Your response must address these questions.
- How does Wall-E connect overconsumption with environmental issues?
- One critique of Wall-E’s message comes across as “put down your phone.” Do you think that’s a fair reading of the film? Do you see American life since 2000 as becoming too dependent upon technology?
- The filmmakers said Wall-E was not intended as a political movie. Can a movie become political even if the creators didn’t plan it that way? Explain.
The Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to get you thinking critically and analytically about popular culture, film in this particular instance. You are to build your response around an argument about the film and how it helps us to understand the era we are studying. As you engage with the film, identify any recurring themes or concerns that may resonate with American audiences during that era, i.e. the environment and technology.
Do Not Summarize
What is important in your film response is to avoid summarizing the plot. Assume that your reader has already seen the film. (I saw it opening weekend. Keep your “he’s so old” comments to yourself.) Summarize only what is necessary of the film’s plot for your reader to understand your analysis.
Sources & Citations
The sources you need for the response are listed below but also include any other relevant course materials.
- Read Joshua Rivera, “Wall-E Gave Us a Future Where We Chose a Corporation Over People,” The Verge (linked here)
- Read Sean Mattie, “Wall-E on the Problem of Technology,” Perspectives on Political Science, 12-20.
- Kirsten Chuba, “Hollywood Flashback: When Wall-E Became an Environmental Folk Hero,” Hollywood Reporter (linked here)
David Justice’s syllabus, The 2000s, for which this assignment was created, is available here.
Featured image: “Day 103 – Wall E.” Uploaded August 22, 2015 by Ravi Shah. Available at Wikimedia Commons.
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