11 January 2008

The end of the week, and yes, more homework!

Today was indeed a heavy load for the students but I am very happy of the effort that they put forth, especially with THE PITCH towards the end of class. Elizabeth and I were not easy on you, but then again, that's our job: to be nuturing but tough at the same time. That is the only way that you are going to make something that shines.

Next week, we will delve further into your projects and get into a bit of documentary history. So as preparation, please read the following:

Documentary: A History of the Non-Fiction Film by Erik Barnouw: Pages 1 - 71 (Parts 1 & 2)

Introduction to Documentary by Bill Nichols: Pages 20 - 81

DUE ON WEDNESDAY 16 JANUARY 2008:


ASSESSING A DIRECTOR’S THEMATIC VISION*


Pick a director whose work you know or know by reputation and whom you find interesting.

1. View two or more films by the same director.

2. Note what feelings and thoughts the films stirred in you.

3. Do a bibliographical search and assemble photocopies/web printouts of any relevant articles or essays by or about the films or the director.

4. View your chosen films again, this time making notes of each sequence’s content so that you have a complete running order list. (A sequence is a block of material whose unity is determined by a location, piece of time, or subject matter.)

5. Research the director’s biography and write a 4- to 5- page essay (typed and double spaced) assessing the themes of the two films and how they fit into the director’s life and his philosophic vision. Demonstrate the connectedness of his or her themes and vision to two or more of the following, noting in your essay which of these you have chosen to use:

A. The director’s personal and professional history.


B. The intention implicit in the films to change the audience’s perspectives in a particular direction.


C. The degree to which the films correctly (or incorrectly) anticipate audience reactions, especially ones that are biased in some way.


D. The degree to which the films’ “social awareness” component is (or isn’t) revealed organically and naturally within the subject.


E. Visual, aural, or other special considerations of cinema form that you find are successfully or unsuccessfully used.


F. The way your own attitudes to the subject evolved because of seeing the films and writing the paper.


(*Rabiger p. 115.)

Have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday!

Jason.

1 comment:

Nannette said...

The PITCH, was the hardest thing that I encountered in the first week! Now I know what I'll be dealing with in the real world. It's been a great first week and I'm very excited to see what the next seven weeks have in store for me! Many thanks to Jason & Elizabeth :)