Decision Making & Opportunity Cost

on the Big Screen

Pick a movie and answer the following questions. Many choices are presented and decisions made throughout the movie, but focus on what you feel is the fundamental choice that sets the stage for what happens in the movie and answer the following questions based on that. (Don't pick a choice that is made at the end of the movieyou need to see the results of it so that you can identify consequences.) If you don't think there's one central decision, then simply pick a major one and answer the questions based on that.

1.Who is the decision-maker?

2.What incentives motivate our decision-maker? (There can be conflicting incentives)

3.At the heart of the film, what is the main goal of the decision-maker?

4.What are his/her alternatives for accomplishing his/her goal?

5.Ultimately, what are their two best options?

6.For each option, identify the perceived costs and perceived benefits.

7.What choice does the decision-maker make?

8.What is the opportunity cost of their choice?

9.Why does the character make that choice?

10.What are the consequences of the character's decision?

11.Are there unintended consequences? If so, identify these.

12.In your opinion, did the character make the right choice? Explain.