THE PAPER CHASE
US, 1973, 100 minutes, Colour.
Timothy Bottoms, Lindsay Wagner, John Houseman.
Directed by James Bridges.
The Paper Chase is about University students. It is an interesting contrast to the films of the late 60s such as - Getting Straight; The Strawberry Statement - which showed revolution and unrest on the American University campuses. This film of 1973 shows students willing to study, a rather quiet campus, the main unrest being the pressure of study and the pressure towards attaining degrees - the paper chase. Thus, as a picture of changing attitudes of young Americans, the film has strong interest
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However, the film is enjoyable, although people who have not been involved in studies may not find it so interesting. It was written and directed by James Bridges who made another very interesting film about young people - The Babymaker. Timothy Bottoms had become established as a young actor by the time this film was released. It came after Johnny Got His Gun; The Last Picture Show; Love and Pain. John Houseman won the Oscar for the Best Supporting Actor for his performance here. He has been a veteran Hollywood producer rather than actor.
1. How did the title indicate the theme of the film?
2. Was this a good picture of American universities? The contrast of the students studying in comparison with the revolutions of the early seventies?
3. The University shown was Harvard. Was this representative of the United States? What comment on previous students, potential of present students and their role in the future of America did the film make?
4. How well was the theme of study developed - its values, drawbacks?
5. Did Timothy Bottoms portray Hart as a sympathetic hero? Was he a typical student? Was he ambitious, dedicated? Do you think Kingsfield may have been like Hart in his youth?
6. Comment on the presentation of college life - the fraternities, study groups, university personnel, libraries. Did this give some insight into life at Harvard?
7. How well were the lectures presented in the film, shots of the students? The impact of Kingsfield on the students, unable to remember their names?
8. Kingsfield - was he too academic, dedicated? Why did he keep his distance from the students? Why did he command such loyalty? Was he likeable?
9. Was it surprising that Hart fell in love with Susan - Kingsfield's daughter? What effect did it have on his studies and ambitions?
10. What insights into students did the film give - Ford, Brookes, Bell? Their discussions and indication of pressures? Style of group discussions?
11. How well did the film show the passing of the year?
12. The drama of Brookes and feelings of inadequacy? His attempted suicide? Did Hart relate to him well and sympathise? What should Hart have done?
13. How did the film communicate the atmosphere of examinations and their importance?
14. How realistic was the ending with Hart tossing away the grade? Did you think Hart would do well in his second year? What did this indicate about the paper chase?
15. What human values did the film explore? What insight did it give into the younger generation, studies and ambitions, vocation in life?
16. How ironic was the sequence where Hart met Kingsfield in the lift and Kingsfield does not know him? Considering in retrospect: Kingsfield assigning of work to Hart, Hart's ambitious trying to fulfil the paper, Hart's looking at Kingsfield's old study notes. Hart's reaction to Kingsfield in the class and talking back to him with Kingsfield's reply etc.; what did this finally say about Kingsfield and his academic world and his personal relationships?
