Sample 'Research Question' & 'Annotated Catalogue'

To what extent can breaking moral boundaries be regarded as Vincenzo Natali’s signature style?

Films:

1. CUBE (1997) Dir. Vincenzo Natali: Cube is a good example for research as it is the first film of Natali’s that explores societal issues and moral boundaries. The film’s main theme of imprisonment by higher authorities is expressed through the character’s names (named after prisons) and its ‘Kafkaesque’ setting. Despite having many of Cronenberg’s ‘body horror’ elements, Natali explores the metaphysical side of science fiction, rather than the physical. The metaphor of the ‘cube’ itself symbolises the never ending struggle people face every day in order to escape the ruling classes: the dominance of one social group over another is a classic Marxist ideology, used frequently in both Natali and Cronenberg’s productions.

2. NOTHING (2003)Dir. Vincenzo Natali: ‘Nothing’ focuses on the idea of two troubled individuals, who develop the ability to ‘hate away’ life’s problems. The emphasis on the moral boundaries involved in this is a key trait in Natali’s films and makes this film a key focal point of research. Despite its tabooed nature, suicide is a key theme throughout the film portraying the psychological effects of a disturbed childhood. This is very much inspired by Cronenberg’s tabooed and topical exploration of violence and relationships in ‘The Fly’ and ‘The Brood’.

3. SPLICE (2009) Dir. Vincenzo Natali: Natali’s latest film – and a valuable indication of his progress as a director - ‘Splice’, experiments with the direction science is headed and how easily moral boundaries can be broken within this field. Deemed as a modern day ‘Frankenstein’, the film explores the dangers of attempting to create a ‘perfect human’. The themes here pay distinct homage to ‘The Fly’; however Natali adds his own variation to this. The transformation of each creature is similar in both films; building up a sense of character and therefore the viewer is able to relate to the emotional performances of both Jeff Golblum and Delphine Chaneac. The sexual boundaries are explored through the dysfunctional sex scenes within the film. Natali’s intention for this was to test the viewer’s ability to comprehend the strange sexual desire. This draws inspiration from the dangerous sexual tendencies of Cronenberg’s ‘Crash’.

This example provides a good guide as to how to structure your catalogue and discuss WHY you have chosen each film in respect of your topic. It doesn't go into detailed analytical detail about the film itself in terms of key scenes (save that discussion for the presentation script). It does discuss how each item relates to the topic. You may also wish to state HOW useful it is to answering your proposal. 

The finished catalogue achieved an A grade by being as thorough throughout all items.