Essay Question for Tomorrow

We hope you're enjoying your unscheduled off-day. Here is the question you'll be writing on for most of the period tomorrow, assuming we're there. But tomorrow or Monday or whenever, you'll get a chance to answer this. Pay special note to the directions at the end, of what you can and cannot use.
Stay warm.

Congratulations, you are now an authority!  You have watched eight movies made by Peter Weir and you have thought, discussed and written about each of those films individually and in conjunction with one another.   So, now you have an opportunity to show off your impressive knowledge. 
We began the course claiming that Weir is an auteur, a filmmaker with a vision.  At first blush The Last Wave may not strike a viewer as related to Witness or Dead Poets Society.  Gallipoli and Fearless have something in common?  Picnic at Hanging Rock connects with The Mosquito Coast and Master and Commander?!  Well, yes.  But what exactly are the connections?  How do these eight films cohere?  What is Weir saying about this world of ours through his cinematic creations over the past forty years? 
Pull your thoughts together between now and tomorrow morning when you will need to record your answers in a well supported and logically organized essay (of two and a half to three pages).  You may prepare notes or an outline.  You may bring in additional printed information: blogs and cast lists.  You may not use the internet during the test.  In the essay you will need to refer to all eight films.  Provide specific supporting details from the films. 
This will serve as half of the test grade.  The other half will present thirty or so objective questions about the films.  You may use your printed notes for this portion of the test as well.
This is your call to quarters.  As Aubrey told his men, “Quick’s the word and sharp’s the action.”