FILM & PERFORMANCE

ANALYSIS PAPER # 5 “MIDNIGHT COWBOY”

Please refer to the draft of Midnight Cowboy posted on my homepage.

THIS PAPER IS DUE WEDNESDAY 10/20/04

1. The opening image of the film seen in class differs from the shots described in this version of the screenplay. How do you interpret the opening shot of the film in the context of the entire film? What “big fact” is it revealing about the film’s subtext?

2. What do the montages seen in the film and written in the screenplay indicate about Joe Buck’s sexual development as a youngster growing up in Texas? Cite 4 specific examples that support this that are written in the screenplay.

3. Cite 4 specific examples from the film or screenplay that might indicate Ratso Rizzo’s sexuality.

4. We hear the film’s theme song throughout that includes the lyrics “everybody’s talking at me.” What do these lyrics really mean in relation to the spine of the film? Cite 2 examples that would support what you think.

5. If you had to select one line from the screenplay that would best define Joe Buck’s “spine,” what would it be? And explain why you chose it.

6. The same for Ratso Rizzo …

7. Which aspects of Maslow’s Hierarchy primarily figure into Joe’s spine? Ratso’s?