Test on Monday, 11/1

The test will focus on Jesus Camp, Run Lola Run, Modern Times, and the key terms and concepts from chapter 8 of our textbook, Understanding Movies. Also, review everything from the beginning of the course, such as the definition of "rhetoric," and literary, dramatic, and cinematic aspects, etc.

Be sure to focus on these areas in your review:

• In Run Lola Run: 5 visual aesthetics, epigraph, birds-eye view shot, split screen, pastiche, arc shot, crane or boom shot, steadicam, chaos theory, motifs (spirals, etc.), establishing sound, snorkel camera, montage, red filter, freeze frame, web of life plot, Lola as hero. Be able to cite specific examples of these concepts from the film to prove your point.
• In Jesus Camp: evangelical, culture war, praying in tongues, separation of church and state, Intelligent Design vs. Darwinian Evolution, 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? Be able to cite specific examples of these concepts from the film to prove your point. 
• In Modern Times: silent film, inter-title, characterization of the Tramp, episodic structure, motifs of police officers & food, sight gags & slapstick, final shot. DVD Special Features: deleted scene, original ending, all voices filtered through technology & 24 frames per second. Be able to cite specific examples of these concepts from the film to prove your point.
• In Chapter 8 - Understanding Movies: mimesis, diegesis, avant-garde, plot, story, conventions, genre, classical paradigm (including exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, resolution & closure), linear vs. non linear narratives, realism as style, rites of passage, cinema verite

Look over your notes, your homework assignments, and all Viewing Guides and handouts. Extra Help will be offered at 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, 10/28 in room 452.

Writing an Argument for 'Run Lola Run'

The Assignment: Write an original essay arguing for where you place Run Lola Run on the style spectrum. Regardless of where you place it overall, make certain you address the film’s formalistic, classical, and realistic aspects. Be sure to consider narrative structure and visual style. 

Remember some of the key elements of an argument: a thesis statement that contains what you intend to argue for; specific evidence from the film that supports your thesis, and a conclusion that sums up your ideas without repeating your introduction word for word.

This essay must be 1-2 pages, typed and double-spaced. It should be convincing and well written, following the conventions of standard written English. 

Be certain to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Run Lola Run and the various film styles we have studied.

Check out the director's statement and see what he thinks about the film's style. (If you use any information from the article, be sure to give credit to your source!)


DUE: Monday, 10/25

Blog Topic #2 - COMMENT by 9:00 p.m. on Fri. 10/15

Jesus Camp documents the attempt by some adults to indoctrinate children into their religious and political beliefs. Are these actions fair or unfair? Isn't it correct to say that most of us have "inherited" our religious and political views from our parents? Is Jesus Camp showing us this, or something else? Explain.

Remember that blog comments are at least 1 full paragraph (5-7 sentences). They should be well-written, entirely original, and highly specific (pointing to concrete examples in the film). Entries that are not proofread will not count!

And check this out too: it's "I Love You and Buddha Too" by Mason Jennings. Thanks for the link, Elana!