HU121: Unit 10 - Reading & Discussion Question

Assigned Reading:

Looking At Movies, by Barsam and Monahan

Read Chapter 11

Discussion Question:

Paranormal Activity is a recent addition to our nation's long history of horror films. What's your favorite scary movie of all time? Using your knowledge of film and the vocabulary from this class, tell us what makes it so scary. It would help to describe the sound, the shots, the acting, the lighting, and so on. Make us believe it really is the scariest movie out there!

Discussion Answer:

In general, I am not a fan of horror genre at all. That being said I do have a few films of the genre that I do enjoy. Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece The Shining is one of those few films. Throughout the presentation of the film, many different types of shots are used to build the suspense and the fear. 

Through the use of many creepy close up shots, especially of Jack Nicholson, raising his signature eyebrows help illustrate the insanity going on inside his head. Another example of different shots is when the family is traveling up to the hotel, there is a high-angle shot done from a helicopter, following them giving the sense they are being watched. Another type of shot that is used quite frequently in the film are jump shots. The shot that comes to mind is when Danny is riding his three wheel around and sees the twin girls and the shot is jumping from a full-body shot to a close-up shot to create tension.

Jack Nicholson, one of my favorite actors, is extremely creepy in this film. He really makes you think that he is completely out of his mind. The way he speaks the lines. The way he expressed with his face. Amazing work!

HU121: Unit 8 - Assignment Questions A & B

Assignment Question A:

Describe the sound design of this film. Select one or two scenes to discuss at length. How did the sound (the sound effects, the music, etc) add to the scene? Did it make it funnier? More descriptive? Did it add specific meaning to it? Your discussion should be at least one page in length, double spaced using 12 pt. font and 1 inch margins. Submit your assignment using the link above.

Assignment Answer A:

Assignment Question B:

For this paper, you get to be the director of a new film.  In this case, you are to take an existing film from the list below and re-cast the leading actors and actresses’ and the supporting actors and actresses’ parts for an updated version.  Since you are casting different actresses and actors for the key roles in the film, you will need to address the issue of wardrobe/costumes.  How will you update what the characters wear in the film for the new version?  Finally, you must also update the film’s score to make it more marketable to today’s audiences.  If other changes are needed (for example, 12 Angry Men only has men on the jury), you should discuss those too. Your paper should be 750 words minimum.

Your essay must include an introduction, at least three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Film Choices:

• 12 Angry Men (1957) Criterion - 11/22/2011
• All About Eve (1950)
• Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
• Casablanca (1942)
• Chinatown (1974)
• Double Indemnity (1944)
• Dr. Zhivago (1965)
• It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
• It Happened One Night (1934)
• Midnight Cowboy (1969)
• Nashville (1975)
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
• Rear Window (1954)
• Rebecca (1940)
• Some Like It Hot (1959)
• Taxi Driver (1976)
• To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) 

Helpful Hint:

It may be useful to rent the original version of a film not on the list and rent the updated version for comparison.  Examples of recently updated films include King Kong 1933/2006 and The Pink Panther 1963/2006.  

For a list of remakes, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_film_remakes

Your grade will consist of the explanations you provide for your remake, your use of evidence from and references to the original film, and the overall quality of your essay. Do you have an introduction and conclusion? Do you use transitions within and between your paragraphs? Is your essay free of grammar and spelling errors?

Discussion Answer B:

Links:
Composer Michael Giacchino
SHE & HIM

Sam Rockwell

Anne Hathaway

Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Jack Black

Phillip Baker Hall

HU121: Unit 8 - Reading & Discussion Question

Assigned Reading:
Chapter #8 (Pages ???-???)
Looking At Movies, by Barsam and Monahan


Discussion Question:

Why was this film (SHREK) done as an animation? Would this film have been successful as a live action movie? Why or why not?

Discussion Answer:

My belief is that this film was done in animation because it is about fairy tale creatures (as fractured as they are) and as these creatures are generally drawn for storybooks and read during bedtimes are best presented in this way because   gives the viewer a sense of familiarity. I believe these SHREK films and spinoffs would have been less successful as a live action movie because the actions and creatures would be out of their context would not feel believable and would take the viewer out of the atmosphere of the film.

HU121: Unit 7 - Assignment

Assignment Questions:

Critical Thinking Questions (200 to 250 words):

1. Compare and contrast Ethan Edwards (the protagonist in The Searchers) and Michael Corleone. 
2. Discuss the intercutting of the baptism scenes with the murders of the rival families.  What point is Coppola making about Michael? What point is he making about the sanctity of life? 
3. Don Corleone tells Michael that he had hoped he would be able to lead a different life than the one he chose, a life outside of the criminal world.  Do you think this would have been possible for Michael even if he had not? 

Assignment Answers:

1.  The characters of Ethan Edwards (from The Searchers) and Michael Corleone (from The Godfather) are similar in many ways. At the beginning of each film, they are returning from war to their families. Shortly after their return, the families are struck with tragedy.
2. The intercutting of the baptism scenes with the murders of the rival families is interesting because it shows the two lives Michael has to now lead. The point being made by Coppola about Michael is that, even though it is a struggle for him, he is doing what is best for the family. the point being made about the sanctity of life is that we are all born pure and it is our responsibility to stay or not stay that way.
3. I do not think that it would have been possible for Michael to choose a life, even if his family wasn't killed because it is too much of what is family is and it's in his blood.

HU121: Unit 7 - Reading & Discussion Question

Assigned Reading:

Chapter 7

Pages...

Discussion Question:


Do films like The Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino, and Donny Brasco glorify the lives of those involved in organized crime? 
What about HBO's award-winning series The Sopranos? 
Why do so many people find Tony Soprano to be a sympathetic character?


Discussion Answer:


The darker side of humanity has always been glorified in films and organized crime is no exception. The Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino and Donnie Brasco  are just a few films about organized crime where they are glorified by showing a lifestyle of excess, without consequence and where a lot of money can be made. The HBO's award-winning series The Sopranos is no different, but the title character Tony Soprano has been found to be a sympathetic character because he is essentially a family man just trying to provide for them.

HU121: Unit 6 Discussion Question

Discussion Question:

2001: A Space Odyssey examines the benefits as well as the hazards of technology. This film was groundbreaking in its day; many films with a similar theme have followed it, including Star Wars (think of the Death Star), The Terminator films, and I, Robot. How do you feel about the current advances in technology, specifically in robotics and computers? Do you see these advancements as completely beneficial or not? Why?

Discussion Answer:

When considering the modern advancements of technology, specifically in robotics and computers, it is very exciting and frightening at the same time. Exciting because the advancement in medicine, crime investigation and mobile technology are extremely beneficial to the world by saving lives, solving crimes and improving communication. Frightening, because we could create something that would work so well that it would eliminate jobs or even worse a weapon that would destroy are planet. Most advancements benefit society, but occasionally we create something that destroys us.

Assignment Questions:

Critical Thinking Questions (300 to 400 words): Rear Window. Submit your assignment using the link above (due on Sunday of this unit; 20 points).

1. Discuss the sound design in the film. How did the score create mood? Give examples of scenes and explain how the mood would have changed with a different score.
2. Discuss the pacing of this film. How does the pacing create tension? Give examples.
3. Hitchcock often uses a plot device called a "macguffin." Was there a macguffin in this film? What is a macguffin? Explain this in your own words. (A macguffin is defined in our text on pg. 34).

Assignment Answers:

1. Hitchcock did something different with Rear Window than what is usually done with most films and uses very little sound. Part of this is due to the distance that Jeff is away from everyone and everything. One of the many times the "score" created a mood is when the music was being played in another apartment was so beautiful, that distracted Lisa while she was in Thornwell's apartment looking around for clues to the murder. With a different and more literal score like the one in The Birds, for example, would have taken all intimacy out of the film.
2. The pacing for Rear Window is very slow, but done very literally because he tension is created by slowly giving us hints and clues to everyone's story but not giving full details until the end when everyone is revealed and our imagination has been through all the scenerios. For example, there are clues about Thornwell killing his wife but we aren't sure until he is attacked by Jeff so it doesn't get out.
3. Hitchcock's macguffin for this film was Mrs. Thornwell's wife's wedding ring is  because she wouldn't take it off for any reason and is the first major clue the to surface and needs to be given to police for them to investigate the crime further. A macguffin is an object in a film the drives the action. For example, in Back To The Future, part II, the sports almanac Marty puchases (in the future) is the macguffin because all action is to recover it from Biff (in the past) before he uses it.

HU121: Unit 5 Discussion Question

Discussion Question:

Select one scene or sequence from Rear Window and discuss how Hitchcock used mise-en-scene to create suspense in that scene or sequence. Describe the scene. How was it framed? Where were the characters placed in relation to the camera and to each other? Was it open or closed framed? Was there music or other sound effects? How did all these elements come together to create suspense (or humor, or fear, or sadness, etc)?

Discussion Answer:

The scene that instantly came my mind after reading from Rear Window for this discussion question was when Lisa and Stella are hunting around the courtyard garden and the Thornwell apartment for any evidence of Mrs. Hanna Thornwell. Lisa has enters into the Thornwell apartment through the window, after having no luck searching elsewhere with Stella and begins searching there. A closed frame shot is used, taken from afar, as if it was from Jeffs point of view. Their are no sounds effects in the scene and just the soft music being played the band in another apartment. As the suspense builds so does the music. Together all these elements heightened the anxiety being experienced by Jeff and Stella, who are watching from afar, as well as the fear being experienced by Lisa. 

HU121: Unit 4 Discussion Question

Discussion Question:

North by Northwest is an espionage thriller about life in Cold War America. The Cold War ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of communist Russia (the USSR), but America has new enemies and faces new threats. Think of the films you have seen in the years since 9/11. Which of those films offers a plot structure and/or theme(s) similar to those of this week's assigned film?

Discussion Answer:

The only post 9/11 film that comes to my mind that is similar to North By Northwest is The Bourne Identity, which is the first in a series. What makes the films different is that Jason Bourne is suffering from severe amnesia and needs to find out who he ACTUALLY is as opposed to Roger Thornhill is searching for who he is SUPPOSED to be. In both films, our hero is being pursued my an opposing force and has a sexy companion on his journey. 

As I was writing the previous paragraph I realized that a very recent film, The Adjustment Bureau, is similar to North By Northwest. The basic plot is that we all have a specific path and we arent supposed to wander too far from it. If we do, our path needs to be "adjusted" back into place. The character of David Norris got inspired and decided to take his own path regardless. Great film! Other great mistaken identity films are DAVE, The Big Lebowski and The Great Dictator.

HU121: Unit 3 - Assignment Questions

Assignment Questions:

1. Star Wars is, in many ways, a western set in outer space. Explain this statement. Use examples from the film to support your discussion.
2. Many of the actors in the film are British, especially those representing the Empire. Think about Britain's history. How are the former British Empire and the Empire in this film alike? (You may want to do some research on the British Navy.)
3. Who is the protagonist of this film, Luke or Hans Solo? Explain your answer.
4. Who is the antagonist in this film? Explain your answer.

Assignment Answers:

This Star Wars, more so than any of the ones, is very much indeed a western set in outer space. A few major examples of this are the numerous gunfights, a climatic showdown, and a damsel in distress. Also, much like westerns, the character's clothing illustrate which said side they are on, Luke in white and Darth Vader in black. Even Han's clothing with the evokes the old west. Another similar detail is that the cantina and is very much like a saloon.

There are many strong similarities between the Empire and the former British Empire, which include the vastness of their territories, a large group of soldiers and ships at each of their disposals, as well as each of their thirst for domination.

I believe that Luke is the protagonist in this film because as the story follows his journey, as an orphaned farm boy to Jedi warrior against a major enemy. 

A protagonist is also described as a hero and Luke saves Leah who has information which is used against the Empire in order to defeat them. The antagonist, a person or a group of people who oppose the main character, or the main characters, in this film is the Empire led by Darth Vader. The Empire's Stormtroopers killed Luke's Aunt & Uncle, kidnapped Princess Leah, and destroyed her home planet. 

HU121: Unit 3 - Discussion Questions

Discussion Question:

How are Han Solo and Ethan Edwards alike? How are they different? When Star Wars was released in 1977, audiences cheered for Han Solo. Do you think audiences rooted on Ethan Edwards when The Searchers was first released in 1956? Why or why not?

Discussion Answer:

Being asked to compare Ethan Edwards and Han Solo is an interesting situation because their films are technically different genres. That being said, Star Wars, according to creator George Lucas was modeled after the spaghetti westerns.

Ethan Edwards and Han Solo play by their own rules and are both excellent men to have on your side. The ways that they are different are the ways they handle things. Ethan is hard-nosed and very much a man in a mission. Han Solo, on the other hand, is driven strictly by money and is happy with just getting by and enjoying the ride.

I believe the audiences did root for Ethan Edwards when The Searchers was first released in 1956 because when a tragedy strikes a family, people want to get some type of justice (or revenge) back and Ethan went out and brought kidnapped Debbie home.

HU121: Unit 2 - Assignment Questions

Assignment Question

Critical Thinking Questions: The Searchers. 

1. Discuss how the landscape of the film affects the storyline and your reaction to the story.
2. Compare and contrast Ethan and his brother Aron.
3. There is obviously a history between Martha and Ethan. Why do you think Martha married Aron instead?
4. Why did the film's writers choose to make Ethan a Confederate veteran? How does this impact his character and the choices he makes?
5. Does John Ford's use of lighting help to create meaning? If so, how? 

Assignment Answer

The landscape for this film is amazing, but being from Utah I my be a bit bias. At first the landscape is a distraction because it is claiming that it is Texas and from what I understand, Texas is fairly flat. That statement aside, the landscape added to the storyline very well. It showed how expansive and unpopulated the land was at that time, as well as desperate the times were to survive in the wild as well as back at the homestead.

When comparing Ethan and Aron, there a only a few similarities to point out. To them both, family is very important and they are willing to do what is necessary to protect them. Another similarity between them is their love for Martha. Although not explored in the film, you can tell that the feeling between Ethan and Martha are ver strong. The contrast between them is that Ethan was hardened by experience of a soldier and see the brutality of the what people are and can do. Aron did not have these experiences to affect his decision making. As Ethan eluded to in the film, he has done things that he is not proud of.

With the obvious history between Martha and Ethan, I believe she married Aron because he has been there for her while Ethan has been away. Ethan, also has been effected by the events in his life that have made him more hateful.

The writers of the film chose to make Ethan a Confederate veteran because he gave a backstory to how he feels towards certain situations (and enemies), as well as supporting the skills he need to get Debbie back from the Comanches. 

An example of Director John Ford use of lighting to create meaning in the film is just before the attack, the sky is a fire orange and red, likely to signify the looming attack and foreshadowing to the fires of the attack.

HU121: Unit 2 - Discussion Question

The Searchers (1956) IMDb / Wikipedia / NetFlix

Discussion Question:

Is Ethan Edwards a sympathetic character? Why or why not?

Discussion Answer:

The character of Ethan Edwards, played brilliantly by John Wayne, is a very sympathetic character. Throughout the film there are many examples that support this statement. 

Firstly, after the initial attack, Ethan stopped Martin from seing what happen to Martha. He was protecting Martin from an unnecessary terror, so strongly that he knocked him down with a blow to the face. 

Secondly, when he found Lucy remains later from a brutal attack, Ethan chose not to tell Brad because of his possible reaction. When Brad did find out, his reaction to the information, got him killed.

For my final example, his strong expression of compassion in the film is in the final scene is when he is face to with Debbie and instead of killing her, he returns her back to home.

HU121: Film In Society, Unit 1 - Discussion Question

Discussion Question:
What is your favorite film ever? 
What genre is it classified as? 
Why is it your favorite film?


Discussion Answer:

When I am what my favorite film is, I have to answer hands down... Braveheart. Braveheart is considered to be in the action-adventure genre. The reason I consider Braveheart my favorite film is because of the amazing scenery the is prominently featured in the opening segment. Another thing that I admire was the casting of the young William Wallace, how did the find a kid with those same piercing blue eyes. Additionally, I love the battle scenes, even as bloody as some of them are... they are well choreographed and edited. Mel Gibson, does a amazing job as the director and actor in this film. 

Grade: 100%


Links:
Official / IMDb / Wikipedia

Trailer:

HU121: Film In Society (Syllabus)

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PREREQUISITE:

Prerequisite: None. 
Students develop an appreciation of film as a visual art, examining ways in which films impact our culture, our economy, and our society.

TEXT/SUPPLIES:

Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film, 
Barsam, 3e, W.W. Norton, 2009

ISBN: 9780393934632

Pocket Guide to APA Style, 
Perrin, 4e, Cengage Learning, 2011

ISBN: 9780495912637

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

1. Discuss the importance film plays in our society and culture.
2. Compare film to other forms of art.
3. Explain the relationship among characters, events and meanings.
4. Analyze different film genres and their effect on the audience.
5. Critically evaluate the overall message of the film applying the use of props, settings, costumes, lighting, acting, cinematography, and sound.
6. Demonstrate in writing or presentation, a knowledge of one or more of the above objectives.
7. Demonstrate research methods in a project/presentation involving a discussion of a film in its historical and theoretical context.

Week 11: HU121 Film In Society (Paranormal Activity)

Paranormal Activity (2007)

After moving into a suburban home, a couple becomes increasingly disturbed by a nightly demonic presence.

Watching via NetFlix.

Information available on IMDb and Wikipedia.

Discussion Question:

What's your favorite scary movie of all time? Using your knowledge of film and the vocabulary from this class, tell us what makes it so scary. It would help to describe the sound, the shots, the acting, the lighting, and so on. Make us believe it really is the scariest movie out there!

Discussion Answer:

In general, I am not a fan of horror films but I do have a few favorite movie of the genre. The Shining is one of those few films. Throughout the film, many different types of shots are used to build the suspense and fear. 

Many creepy close up shots, especially of Jack Nicholson, raising his signature eyebrows illustrate the insanity going on inside his head. When the family journeys up to the hotel, there is a high-angle shot done from a helicopter, following them giving the sense they are being watched. Another type of shot that is used quite frequently in the film are jump shots. The shot that comes to mind is when Danny is riding his three wheel around and sees the twin girls and the shot is jumping from a full-body shot to a close-up shot to create tension.

Jack Nicholson, one of my favorite actors, is extremely creepy in this film. He really makes you think that he is completely out of his mind. The way he speaks the lines. The way he expressed with his face. Amazing work!

Assignment Question A:

1. Both of these films had relatively small production budgets - Paranormal Activity was made for roughly $15,000, but it made over $100 million. Cloverfield made over $180 million worldwide. In either case, how did the filmmakers make the tiny budget work for them? Would the film that you watched have worked if they had another $10 million to make it? In other words, what are some ways these small budgets affected the films?
2. Pretend you were asked to remake the film you viewed. Who would you cast to play the leads? What would you do differently?

Assignment Answer A:

1. Paranormal Activity made the budget work for them by only using one location, having a small cast, and using "home video" footage for a majority of the film. I don't think the film would have worked if they had an additional $10 million to make it because what wouldn't add anything else to it and special effects would have taken the audience out of that reality. The small budgets made the film makers do things in innovative ways like using a more practical way to drag Katie down the hall as opposed to special effects. 
2. If I were to remake Paranormal Activity, I would cast much like the film makers here did with unknown actors to give the film a real world feeling. THe only thing that I would have done different as the director with my version of this film to tighten up the pace, in this version some (in my opinion) run long.

Assignment Question B:

Compare and contrast two films by the same director (two Spielberg films or two Hitchcock films or two Kubrick films or Coppola films).

Assignment Answer B:

For this assignment I chosen to do two films by Steven Spielberg, that both star Tom Hanks. Firstly, Catch Me If You Can (2002) is the true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr. who conned millions of dollars worth of checks as a pilot, doctor and legal prosecutor. Then, The Terminal (2004) is about an eastern immigrant, Victor Navorski who finds himself stranded in the JFK airport and takes temporary resident there.

Both of the film's cinematography was done by Janusz Kaminski. Janusz Kaminski has done the majority of Spielberg's films. Both films were filmed in a similar style. Catch Me If You Can used a lot of epic long shots to show the Scope of Frank's adventures. The Terminal used medium and close up shots to give the sense of closeness to Victor.

Like the cinematography on these films the editing was done by the person, Michael Kahn. The editing on Catch Me If You can was fast pace to create the feel of the chase between Frank and Carl. The editing has a much slower pace with The Terminal because they wanted us to feel along with Victor, with time going by much slower. Steven Spielberg, one the worlds best directors, I feel approached these two films in a similar ways. Both films have strong comedic moments as do most if not all of his films do. Both films create compassion for the main character. Through Spielberg direction, he gets just what the films needs from the actors.

Week 10: HU121 Film In Society (The Graduate)

The Graduate (1967)

Recent college graduate Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) is trapped into an affair with Mrs. Robinson, who happens to be the wife of his father's business partner and then finds himself falling in love with her teenage daughter, Elaine.

Watching via NetFlix.

Information available on IMDb and Wikipedia.

Discussion Question:

What films have you seen that succeed in both educating you and entertaining you?  Do you believe the films were intended to be both educational and entertaining, or was the educational aspect a default of the subject matter.  Elaborate on your response.

Discussion Answer:

Original Answer: 0/10

When thinking about films the both educate and entertain me, my mind automatically thought about the documentary films of Morgan Spurlock. He broke onto the scene with Super Size Me (Hulu video below), which explored the effect of the McDonald's menu on a person over a 30 day period. He approaches each subject with humor, even as he got sick near the end of the film. Michael Moore, director of Fahrenheit 911 (a film about September 11th), also presents his subject manner is a comedic fashion as well.

Expanded Answer: ??/10

When thinking about films the both educate and entertain me, my mind automatically thought about the documentary films of Morgan Spurlock. He broke onto the scene with Super Size Me, which explored the effect of the McDonald's menu on a person over a 30 day period. He approaches each subject with humor, even as he got sick near the end of the film. I learned a lot more from his style of presentation of then I would have if it would have been presented in any other way. Michael Moore, director of Fahrenheit 911 (about September 11th) and Bowling For Columbine (about gun control), also presents his subject manner is a comedic fashion as well. Although the subjects are very serious, but Michael Moore presents in a way that make you think deeper into the attitudes and why each side thinks the way they do. Some of the sides ideas can be way out there which creates the comedy.

Super Size Me:

Assignment Question:

How does Benjamin's apathy and disenchantment with his life reflect the culture at the time this film was made? Give examples to explain your answer.

This film has an iconic soundtrack. How did the music create tone in this film? Give examples to explain your answer.

What caused Benjamin's change? Do you think there was a specific moment when he changed? When?

What do you think happened with Benjamin and Elaine when they eventually got off the bus?

Assignment Answer:

Benjamin's apathy and disenchantment with his life reflects the culture at the time the film was made by having very little direction with his life and doing what felt good. The best example is when is when he is drifting around in the pool and his father is asking questions about what he plans to do and he is explains that he is comfortable. The affair itself is also an example of that defiance as well.

The films soundtrack consists of amazing songs by Simon & Garfunkel, which created an amazing tone for the film. The song Mrs. Robinson is playful to express the excitement of the affair. While Scarborough Fair is somber and reflective and is played when Benjamin is thinking about Elaine.
Link: http://www.simonandgarfunkel.com/us/music/graduate


Finally and/or unfortunately meeting Elaine caused Benjamin to change. The moment that I feel this happened was at the club when the dancer is particularly close to Elaine. At this point, Benjamin notices the hurt he has caused in her eyes. 

I think that  when Benjamin and Elaine eventually got off the bus that they began planning their life together. Elaine's parents were against them being together (for obvious reasons) and would it be extremely difficult to for her to run out on her family like that without feeling that it would be worth. As for Benjamin, you can see his commitment for her in everything he does.