Blog Topic #3 - COMMENT by 9:00 p.m. on Wed., 10/28

In your opinion...

Compare Night of the Living Dead to other horror films you've seen (especially other zombie apocalypse films if possible). In terms of cinematic, dramatic, and literary aspects, how is this film like and/or unlike other horror films you're familiar with? Develop your connections with specific examples from all the films you choose to discuss.

Remember the severe limitations this indie film had (extremely limited budget, no professional actors, no special effects experts, no original music, outdated camera technology, and the fact that George A. Romero not only directed the film, but he was also the cinematographer, co-screenwriter, and editor!) By comparison, the 2007 film I Am Legend had a budget of $150,000,000.

Comments should be completely original, well-written, and 1-paragraph minimum (5-7 sentences). Be sure to address the topic thoroughly and honestly! Comments left after the deadline are fine, but do not receive credit as homework. 

TEST on Friday, 10/23

The test will focus on Gus Van Sant's Elephant, the documentary Jesus Camp, and the terms from chapter 8 of our textbook, Understanding Movies. Also, you should know all critical terms that we learned earlier in the course, from cinematic terms (such as "long shot") to other terms such as "metonymy."

Look over your notes, your homework assignments, and all Viewing Guides and handouts.

Be sure to focus on these areas in your review:

• In Jesus Camp: the features of a documentary; where do you put the film on the 'spectrum of film types' between cinema verite and 60 Minutes style documentaries?; in your opinion, does the film inform or persuade? Cite specific examples from the film to prove your point.
• In Elephant: What's realistic and what's formalistic about the film?; In your opinion, does Van Sant offer clear-cut motivations for the killers? Cite specific examples from the film to prove your point. Where would you place the film on the 'style spectrum'?
• Key Terms: Realism, formalism, classicism, deep focus, shallow (soft) focus, tracking shot, dailies, intertitle, establishing shot, final shot, long take, Evangelical, creationism, praying in tongues, indoctrination, separation of church and state
• Chapter 8, Understanding Movies: mimesis, diegesis, avant-garde, plot, story, conventions, genre, classical paradigm, linear vs. non linear narratives, realism as style, rites of passage, cinema verite

This is only a general guide and not a complete list of everything we learned and everything you should study!

Extra help will be after school on Thursday, 10/22 in rm. 452. Good luck!

First Blog Topic to COMMENT on...

Welcome! Once a week or so I'll ask you to comment on a topic related to what we're studying in class. It counts as a homework assignment and you'll have 2 days to leave your comment.

Comments should be completely original, well-written, and 1-paragraph minimum (5-7 sentences). Be sure to address the topic thoroughly and honestly! Comments left after the deadline are fine, but do not receive credit as homework.

RotMI BLOG TOPIC #1 -- DUE: Thursday, 10/15 at 9:00 p.m.

Read Elvis Mitchell's New York Times review of Elephant distributed in class. Choose an idea or opinion in the review, quote it directly, and comment on why you believe it is so insightful or why you disagree with it.

Be as specific as possible when discussing examples from the film.

Click on the comment link below to leave your comment.

Writing a Review for JAWS

Using the conventions of a film review learned in class, the next assignment is to write your own film review that follows those conventions (see below).

Your review should be completely original, 1-2 pages typed and double-spaced. It's DUE at the beginning of class on Tuesday, 10/13. (Do NOT post it here; turn it in Tuesday)

Here are some of the conventions discussed in class. Check your notes for others!

Film reviews generally:

• Refer to specific literary/dramatic/cinematic aspects: performances, costumes, camera techniques, etc.
• Briefly summarize the general plot of the film (without spoiling the ending!)
• Compare the film to other films, often ones by the same director
• Give a character's name followed by the actor's name in parentheses
• Underline or italicize the titles of any film mentioned
• Include a title that hints at the tone of the review
• Offer an evaluation of the film overall: is it worth seeing?

Email mrd@barebodkin.net if you have any questions!