Post Your Resolutions

That's right...go public and this way, an entire community of people will be around to celebrate your successes or mock your failures. Joy.

Mine:

1. lose the weight I lost this time last year...again....but this time keep it off for the WHOLE year, not just the warm months

2. control my temper better

3. make smarter financial decisions

Atonement

Watched Atonement last night and I was ready to tout it as the best of last year's best picture nominees, until the ending...which was wretched.

So wretched in fact, that it nearly made me forget about the exceptional story of Ian McEwan or the excellent performances from James McAvoy and Keira Knightly.

My relationship with Atonement has been heavy-handed, after the NYT named it book of the year in 06., I tried to read it, twice, and neither time did I make it past the scenes from Brioney's play. I would imagine that McEwan's novel ends the same way as the film. Does anyone know for sure?

For those counting, here's how I rate last year's Best Picture nominees...a nice thought heading into this year's festivities...please comment the same if you have seen them all:

1. I would've given the Oscar to Juno

2. followed closely by Michael Clayton

3. There Will Be Blood

4. Atonement

5. No Country for Old Men (If you checked, I wouldn't be surprised to find that this is possibly the EXACT opposite of the way the films finished in the actual voting)

Shane Acker's '9' trailer

(watch it in HD on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIdXt8vu_MM and be amazed at how pretty things can look on youtube now)


Thoughts?

I'm pretty hopeful about it, myself. It's a movie based on Shane Acker's animated short, 9 (which can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=964QHmjLqa0). I'm happy to see some CGI animation used for something which can include intensity and fantasy in one. It definitely doesn't look like a kids movie.


by the way, Tim Burton is only producing this, just so that there's no confusion.

Christmas Memory

So I was sitting in my great-grandmothers (aka Nanny) house for Christmas dinner, something that's been a tradition in my family since before Nanny was even a thought, when random members of my family started to play a game that I used to play when I was just a little grasshopper. I don't know if any of you are familiar with it, but it's called "Huckle Buckle Bean Stock" and what you do is hide a spoon in a random place, but still in the open, and you just run around the house hiding it in different places. It's like hide-and-go-seek, only with a spoon and everyone is looking for it. From what Nanny "Huckle Buckle Bean Stock" was started back when my great-grandma was a child back in the 1930's, during the Great Depression. Her family would always play it on Christmas, or other occasions when the family was together. It's actually quiet fun, and it brings up a lot of fun Christmas memories....

So I'm just wondering, what's a good Holiday Memory you have with your family? Or just a game that you really enjoyed playing as a kid tat you wish you could still play? Or maybe, what's a fun tradition for you?

I've always enjoyed playing Huckle Buckle Bean Stock while watching The Christmas Story... It's not Christmas in the Heiler Household if The Christmas Story isn't playing at some point during the two days.

From the Costals to You....Merry Christmas

http://casacostal.blogspot.com/2008/12/from-all-of-us-to-all-of-youa-very.html

FYI....College Values Researched

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/190/story/351931.html

"Normal" people vs The Media...kinda

Somehow i think I'm crazy, but i think how we view ourselves and movies/tv are connected.

For instance, there is a reality TV show called Americas Next Top Model, hosted, owned, created, and judged by super model Tyra Banks. The show started back in late 2001 and is still as popular as when it first came out, if not more. If you aren't familiar with Americas Next Top Model, it's a show about girls who get picked by Tyra Banks and a panel of other almost as famous but not heard of judges, to become Americas Next Top Model. It starts off with thousands of girls from around the country, after that it gets narrowed down to 25, after that, to 15 and that's when the competition starts. It's a modeling show, so of course it's going to be about cloths, makeup, and other modeling things, but throughout the course of the season you have to wonder how these girls get so comfortable with their bodies. Two seasons ago, for the first time in ANTM history a "plus size model" won. The sad part is, she was only a size ten. I know the modeling world very well, and how sizes work, so that to models is considered "fat". (Size 10 and up is considered plus size, size 4 and down is a models normal size.) Most of these girls didn't start out looking like this, they used to be normal people. Somehow though, in some way, something made them want to change how they looked.

In a way, shows like Americas Next Top Model, The Biggest Loser, and even American Idol all effect how people view themselves. It almost seems that in today's world, you focus on how you look more than anything else. With comments we've all heard ranging from "Does my butt look fat in these jeans?" to "Hows my hair?" we're always thinking about how we look.

Even in movies, you don't often see a normal person. All movies stars are pretty, and thin. Very rarely do you see a movie with a leading lady that a plus size. Actors on the other hand, that's an entirely different story. Men can look as normal as they want, and they don't have as much pressure on them as actresses do. In some weird way, the actresses almost sells a movie. Correction, a good looking actor/actress sells a movie. I would have continued with just the actress, but then i remembered Broke Back Mountain. Very rarely do you see an "ugly" and "fat" female news anchor. The man can look however they want, but women HAVE to be perfect in order to get the job and to be on camera.

My point is, there is pressure on us to look a certain way and if you don't look that way you're considered by society to be "normal" or "not as good looking" or "ugly". It's almost like war propaganda, only its more under the radar. What's wrong with "normal" people? Why don't they have a fashion company for "normal" people. Why don't they considered you a model if you're between size 10 to 5? Why are we (mostly women) allowing ourselves to think badly of ourselves because of what society thinks of us? How can we let ourselves be so easily brainwashed? Who decided that you have to be pretty, thin, hansom, or for lack of a better term "perfect"? Who decided what was considered fat, normal, or thin? Who started all of this?

Three words

wolverine trailer anyone?

Synecdoche, New York

Not too long ago Mr. Costal canceled The Game, but the memories of The Game are still very much alive. For me, the memory of the trailer of Synecdoche, New York would forever be tucked safely in the back corner of my mind until tonight, when James and I decided to go to the movies. While debating between Synecdoche and The Boy in Striped Pajamas the trailer for Synecdoche suddenly smacked me in the face and said “hey, go see me! I’ve been out since like October. Go see me!” and so James and I went.

I’m not going to ruin the plot for anyone, I’m not going to rave about how much I liked it or how confused I was by it, and I’m surely not going to recommend it to anyone. Why? Because it’s something you should be willing to go see on your own without any pre knowledge of what it’s about, how good or bad it might be, and who in your circle of people you know liked it. It’s simply a movie about life.

Throughout the entire movie it constantly beats your down with little hints about death. From the opening scene, until the closing scene you find little remarks, little comments, and little songs telling you that someone died. Throughout the entire movie, people die. Throughout the entire movie, bad things happen that can’t be explained. That’s all part of life though. We all sit here, going on with our own lives, and never notice that tomorrow is our last day. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years and yet regardless of what we all think, that will never stop changing. It all moves so quickly that by the time we start to understand the concept of time, it’s already over for us.

While watching the Synecdoche, I found myself going “hey, wait a minute. That seems all too familiar.” Either it’s happened to you, or to someone you know, some scenes will strike a cord. I cried like a baby for the last half hour because so many things going on in Synecdoche we either extremely relatable or all too familiar.

If you want to see this movie, I guess it just comes down to if you can handle life. With all of its ups and down, halfhearted lies and empty promised, things we regret and forget, memories that we never seem to move away from, and points in our lives we wish we could stay at forever. Go see it or don’t, but if you do watch it with an open mind. It’s a movie that could possibly be worth the 9.50 a ticket.








PS-Mr. Costal Go SEE IT!!!!!

A Very Costal Christmas Part 1

Creepy insights into Costal Christmas

Want a Job in TV?

Figure out the answer to this problem...there's millions waiting for the mind that does. I have an idea, but of course, if I told ya, I'd have to kill ya.

Speaking of innovations, check out our new addition to the links column: the most exhaustive video search engine I've ever stumbled upon: Videosurf

Those Who Make the Movies

Let's face it, without a director movies would never be what they are today. Like favorite movies, directors are just as plentiful and amazing. My questions are: Who is you favorite director? What makes you love their films? How do they influence your work?

For me personally I'd be torn between 6 or so directors. Paul Thomas Anderson, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, John Huston, Akira Kurosawa and Sergio Leone. Obviously there are countless other names; Quintin Tarantino, Frank Capra, Buster Keaton, John Ford, etc. The first six however have such control over the cameras movements. Spielberg's use of the low tracking shot, Paul Thomas Anderson and Martin Scorsese's longer then average shots that move gracefully through the scenes, John Huston's use of lighting and gritty realism, Akira Kurosawa's use of elements and the telescope lens, and Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Western style. Each influences me in their own way and there are countless others. If I was to truly say who influences me the most, I'd say Sergio Leone but my favorite would have to be P.T. Anderson.

So please share, this is a question that's been on my mind for a long time.

Flyer by: Isabella Peralejo

Dark Knight as Dark Horse

You are still all abuzz over Dark Knight. You are still very mad at me for calling it, "meh."

Some defensive notes:

This isn't my first rodeo.

This is not the first time I have watched the Joker revitalize a Batman franchise. Joker on the cover of Batman books sales better than not having him on the cover. Caesar Romero stole the scenes of the 60s television show. Nicholson's The Joker was the best part of the 90s Tim Burton movie. The Joker drives the franchise...and the plot. He always has.

It's the Joker who kills Robin. The Joker burns Arkham. He tortures and paralyzes Commissioner Gordon's daughter in the "Killing Joke," a comic that in defied all the "rules" of graphic novels and reinvented the Joker character as a cruel, murderous lunatic instead of "the clown prince of crime" who gagged his way through the 60s and 70s.

Part of the Joker's appeal is simple. People fear clowns. Plus, no other Batman villain is worth his weight in intimidation. The Penguin? Waddling into your nightmares without flight? Horrifying. The Riddler? Oh no! Not riddles! Riddles makes me think of sitting next to my grandfather after one too many Amaretto sours. What's next, Crossword Man? King Tut? For real? The Scarecrow? Scary...for crows. Why not develop Stiff Breeze Guy. Mr. Freeze? Sounds like Shop-Rite's brand of popsicles.

None of these evil-doers pack the punch of the Joker. The Joker is the end all of Batman, and much like Heath Ledger's character points out, Batman can't kill Joker...without killing himself.

So sitting down to watch Dark Knight exclusively for the Joker is not a new experience. But questions persist. Ledger's performance is powerful. His Joker's contribution to the canon is intensity. This Joker makes us more tense, even upset than any other incarnation of the character. Even Nicholson, who made a career out of playing psycho, draws a more a more relieving  Joker. His one-liners and purpleness allows the audience to share in an internal smile. Ledger, with his lumbering gait, crack-addict mouth and streaked make-up, never indulges us with even a small wink.

This is all Ledger. He was a truly gifted actor. His legacy should rest more firmly in Ang Lee's gorgeous Brokeback Mountain. His portrayal of a man tortured by his personal truth is nothing short of breath-taking. The Joker is a solid addition to his legacy, but it should not define it.
 

And so goes Dark Knight. It's an excellent super hero movie, but is it more than that? Ledger's performance is great, but is it an Oscar-worthy? Is Dark Knight itself an Oscar-caliber film (Ebert and the NYT both place it pretty high on the "maybe" list)? 

Maybe the value of these questions are eclipsed by a larger one: Would Dark Knight be the Oscar contender it is if not for Ledger's tragic death? In other words, if Ledger were alive, well and starring in a period piece opposite Kate Winslet this Spring, would we be having an Oscar conversation about this movie?

Consideration of these and other questions will drive our conversation of Dark Knight. 

Art and Love are all you need

Throughout the first twenty minutes of Rachel Getting Married (RGM), I was ready to write the film off with a huge sigh of "over-rated!" Anne Hathaway, awash in Oscar buzz, seemed to be doing an impersonation of Maggie Gyllenhaal in Sherry Baby. Then, the music started. And hours later, it's still consuming me.

RGM is a film about a dysfunctional, tragic family on the eve of a huge wedding celebration. It is taped in mostly a hand-held, shaky, Cloverfield-esq faux documentary style. It adds a richness and beauty to the narrative that no other movie like it has ever achieved. The actors don't seem to be performing. It's the most "in the moment" movie I have ever seen. Demme's vision is enriched by Cinematographer Declan Quinn's masterful interpretation, bold close-ups, passionately lingering takes, wide, ambling, trailing scenes that go on forever, and one particular scene of grimacing tension shot POV through the windshield of a careening car (seen in one of the video's linked to this post). Demme's style brings great depth to the film, but most of all, it brings a heightened sense of reality. This cinematography has proven effective in the horror genre (most effectively in the Spanish film REC), but Demme shows us, for the first time in my memory, the breadth of its effect upon a drama. We are AT Rachel's wedding, which is especially cool, because it's the awesomest wedding ev-ah!

Rachel is Kym's more socially adjusted, though anguished sister. Her wedding is an explosion of expression. A multi-cultural, multi-religous, eclectic affair of intriguing people with infectious charms. The wedding is filled with a fantastic array of personalities that defy type and culture. They are profound. They are cute. They are wickedly talented and completely unpretensious about sharing these talents in the name of a good time. I wanted to lift my glass. Pose for pictures. RGM's allure is its greatest power,and it is symbolic of all the things that make life worth living: namely love, friendship, companionship and most of all....the music.

Rachel's wedding and rehersal dinner is a dream-like musical revue. It's a myriad of live musical performances that twist and whirl through the movie's plot like whacked-out Sand-Art. They drive the film. From jazz to rock, dub reggae to trance, brit pop folk to choral singing, and then, just when you think you've seen it all...a hot latin precussion group, complete with Carnivale-style, scantily clad dancers pounce onto the scene. Their arrival is equally uplifting and improbable. " Upon further consideration of this fact, I realized that Demme has a history of incorporating concepts so seeminglessly into the plot that they seem inseperable. Consider the fusion of the City of Philadelphia into the film Philadelphia. In that film, the city was more than a backdrop, it seemed to contain and expound the pain and suffering of Tom Hanks' character. Music works very much the same way in RGM, driving and guiding the plot, equally satiating and compounding the tragedy. RGM has no score. All of the film's music is played by characters, and the effects are entrancing.

This is no wedding I have ever been to. It's unlike anything anyone I know has ever been to. My family finds the chicken dance exhilarating. But Rachel's wedding isn't supposed to be probable...it's supposed to be beautiful. It supposed to represent the reason why these trauma-wracked people bother waking up in the morning. It's an artist's dream. They love one another, and that love is so big and true and consuming and infectious, that it literally MAKES the movie. It makes the pain in the movie bearable.

Life is hard, and RGM's characters, who are coping with the death of a family member as well as a myriad of other problems: drugs, divorce and detachment, painfully explore this truth. Mark Twain said, "life is pain, an anyone who tells you differently is selling you something." The only recourse for the torture of existence is love and art. RGM has plenty of both. P.S. -- yes, Anne Hathway is THAT good, but I thought Rosemarie DeWitt as Rachel was even better.

Copyrights, Things to Know

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUPsfYJONrU

What is your favorite Film Institute Memory?

I know most of you are only half into your film institute memories, but you still probably have many wonderful memories. Lets talk about some of our favorite stories.

I recall, on a sunny mild day in May of 2008 we were playing Costal's elaborate and infamous Disney game. We were in the final part of the game where the teams bid the points for the final question. My team was in the lead but we were feeling saucy so we put all our points on the line. The question was, "What famous person starred in the Disney 3-d show Captain EO showed in the Disney theme parks?" I don't know how I remembered it, I saw it when I went to Disney land when I was 6, but I knew the answer. I looked Bill Smallwood in the eye with a serious look and with a cut the red wire type disposition i say, "Micheal Jackson" My team laughs, the room laughs but I remain serious and say,"Its Micheal Jackson. Say Micheal Jackson, Bill." And we won.

Whats your Film Institute story?

CHILDREN OF THE 90's!

Now, if you really knew me, you'd know that I'm not working on "the Game" finals project (THANKS FOR EMAILING YOUR WORK, JEFF!!), or organizing my journals... Nope, not even helping my family admire and decorate the christmas tree downstairs. But yes, instead, I'm watching the 100 greatest songs of the 90's on VH1. And since we are the children of the 90's, we've grown up to these songs. I thought I'd list a few great ones. :)

All I Wanna Do by Sheryl Crow
I Alone by Live
Peaches by The Presidents of the United States of America
Only Wanna Be With You by Hootie and the Blowfish
Shine by Collective Soul
Two Princes by the Spin Doctors
Sex and Candy by Marcy Playground
Wonderwall by Oasis
Creep by Radiohead
Mr. Jones by the Counting Crows
Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden
Jump Around by House of Pain
Loser by Beck
Enter Sandman by Metallica
Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers
You Oughtta Know by Alanis Morissette
Losing my Religion by R.E.M.
Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana (taking the #1 spot of the greatest hits)

Amen!, as I drool over the Kurt Cobain poster hanging in my room.

Any songs to add?

The Beats are Back In Town

"I'm Not There", a film about Bob Dylan and the different aspects of his musical life and work, grossed over $11.5 million in 2007. The success of this movie was attributed to the unique storyline, which reeled-in even the slightest of Dylan fans. Or could it have been because it featured five A-list actors such as Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, and Heath Ledger (in one of his last films)? (link)


I was thrilled when I first read about Francis Ford Coppola producing an on-screen version of "On the Road", to be released in 2009 and directed by Walter Salles, the Brazilian-born director responsible for 2004's "The Motorcycle Diaries". (link). And now, after scouring around on imdb.com, I have come to find that James Franco will be playing Allen Ginsberg in the Gus Van Sant-produced biopic "Howl", a drama centered on the obscenity trial Ginsberg faced after the publication of his poem--also to be released in 2009. Franco is said to be playing alongside actors Paul Rudd, Jeff Daniels, and Oscar nominees Alan Alda and David Strathairn (link).


So my question stands: are these two movies coincidentally intertwined with similar story lines, or are the Beatniks making a comeback as the next profitable genre in Hollywood?

The Oakcrest Film Institute: Funniest Bunnies ever!!

http://www.angryalien.com/

Tis the Season -- Oscars Season

2 fiesty new addition to our links page are screaming for your attention...both are really well-done film blogs, one from the Times, the other by Roger Ebert.

Slumdog Buzz

SLUMDERFUL!

Check out this review site: www.metacritic.com/film/

This site has thousands of reviews - check it out!

www.metacritic.com/film/

My Favorite Artists on La Blogotheque

The Arcade Fire

Beirut

Architecture in Hesinki

Of Montreal

Andrew Bird

The Shins

Grizzly Bear

The Kooks

The Spinto Band

Youth Made Film Festival 22 and younger submissions from dec. 5-jan. 30

------ Forwarded Message

CALL FOR ENTRIES | YOUTH-MADE FILMS | 22 AND UNDER

The National Film Festival for Talented Youth – NFFTY (pronounced nifty) includes juried screenings of over 75 youth-made films in a state-of-the-art theater, filmmaking workshops and panels, and a gala opening night. Submissions are open to any filmmaker 22 years old or younger. NFFTY 09 will be held April 24-26 in Seattle, Washington.

The next deadline is December 5th. The final deadline for submissions is January 30th. We offer group submission discounts to schools and youth media programs submitting multiple entries. A limited number of travel scholarships will be available.

Young filmmakers who attend NFFTY unequivocally agree that it is one of the most valuable experiences of their lives - meeting industry professionals, networking with other young filmmakers, and receiving valuable audience feedback on their films. Students can download the official rules and submit here: http://www.nffty.org/submit.html

A flyer that can be posted or forwarded can be found here: http://nffty.org/NFFTY_09_Call_for_Entries.pdf

An overview of NFFTY and sign up for our eNews can be found on our website: http://www.nffty.org




------ End of Forwarded Message

star gazers all over the world...

will witness this...right now the moon, venus and jupiter are making a triangular alignment. it has been happening for the last hour and a half. This will not happen for another 50 years. enjoy this phenomena...
hmmmm although its just two planets and a moon making a triangal, it made me happy inside. witnessing something so rare, it made me think of my friends. what if i don't see anybody for a long period of time. like i will only see this happen one more time in my life. it makes me feel like life is too short

So in fifty years when you see

it for probably the last time in your life remember me

Remember all the friends you had the

first and last time

you saw this phenomena

Black Friday Blues

Waltz with Bashir

Don't know how many people know about this, but I found it recently while searching through Newgrounds and found it very interesting.

The movie, Waltz with Bashir, is a 90 minute film made entirely with flash and some 3D animation. (Yes, flash! Like - http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/ ) The film is considered an animated documentary and is based on the personal life experience of writer/director Ari Folman. It also won a handful of awards, including best director, best screenplay, best art direction, and others from the Israeli Film Academy.





The release date in Israel was in June, and the release date for the USA is scheduled for December 25th, but I'm not sure how correct that is or not.

Speaking of The Wizard Of Oz...

Anyone see the Thanksgiving day parade and how bad the performance was of the Wizard of Oz cast?


I wanted to punch a small child.

Anyone else feel differently or the same?

TURKEYT DAY

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

THOSE AREN'T PILLOWS!

Thanksgiving is an oddity as far as holidays go. While it is most certainly a big day in the American calender as far as holidays go, it seems to be used very rarely in movies as anything more than a moment of exposition in what becomes a Christmas movie. So I've been racking my brain trying to come up with a real, good, Thanksgiving movie and the onlt thing that comes to mind is Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.

A film from the days back when Steve Martin was funny, and John Candy was, well, alive. Don't be fooled by the R rating, this films keeps the humor a lot more clean than much of what Hollywood throws at us today. As a matter of fact the R rating is based entirely on one scene in which Steve Martin's character uses the "word" we talked about in class the other day around 18 times.

The humor of this film though comes not from the bad language but from the outlandish situations that Neil Page (Steve Martin) enounters in his attempt to get home in time for Thanksgiving. While the film is prone to have its fair share of bawdy, ridiculous humor, it manages to maintain a distinct heart to it throughout. Even when Neil is at his most angry, and Del Griffith (John Candy) is at his most annoying, they both maintain an air of lovability, making a movie that not only makes you laugh, but pulls at your heartstrings at a few points too.

Now here are my real questions for the class: are there any other really successful Thanksgiving films you can think of? And if you can't think of any, why is it you think Hollywood ignores this holiday so much? Do you think that maybe its just less bankable holiday then Christmas? Have you tried the Turkey Gobbler at Wawa? Do you have any ideas for a good Thanksgiving movie?

-Happy Turkey Day

Jon Henry

Festival @ the Oakatorium

The Festival is on hold for now. Unfortuneately, the Oakatorium was denied due to Choir practice. Therefore the veiwings will have to wait until another date when it is approved. I know we could use other rooms, like the DLL or 222, but I say we wait and use the Oakatorium. The films deserve to be used in a large area. I am resubmiting for a new date.

If I Was....

If i had to be any character from a movie or TV show i would be Chubaca!!! all he does is fix the ship, kick butt, and do his battle cry. No one gives him any atitude and at times SOLO can't control him. HE is totally B.A.

if you had to be any character from a movie or TV show who would it be?????

Entourage

Entourage anyone?

Armando Presentation Post-poned

The pep rally would not permit us the time necessary for Armando's talk, so I have invited him back later in the month. Any alumni interested in coming to speak to our students is welcome. Contact me with details, and I will arrange a date and time.

'Do the Right Thing' - Dialogue

From the very beginning of Spike Lee’s ‘Do the Right Thing’, dialogue seems to take a racial stance; from Buggin’ Out’s “Stay black!” comment to the three unemployed men on the corner (Sweet Dick Willie, Coconut Sid and M.L.) talking down to the Korean corner-store owners. Spike Lee uses dialogue to his advantage to illustrate reality. Lee’s film depicts a typical Brooklyn neighborhood in the late 1980s and the problems facing its interracial residents. Personally, it is hard to relate to this film. I am a 90s-child, and since my very first day out of the womb, I’ve been rockin’ the suburbs with the rest of my generation. However, my eyes have truly been opened to facing of racial degradation after watching ‘Do the Right Thing’.
The profanity, vulgarity, and rudeness in this film, makes Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” a far leap from joining ‘Cinderella’ or ‘Finding Nemo’ in the Disney vault. It can be expected that in every scene, curse words delicately fly around as if they are terms of endearment. The films message is not to offend with improper words, but to emphasize the outrageous truth of unsuccessful communication between the races. In several scenes, disrespect takes the stage as the people of different races argue over simple matters. Spike Lee used these scenes to depict the severity of racism leading to violence.
Despite the over use of every other known profane word, the “N-word” is not a common word used. Society throws a plethora of combined words and racial slurs, some worse sounding then others, but the “N-word” is kept silent. A great depiction of this in the film is when each member of a different race or ethnic background rambles off about someone of a different race or ethnic background other than their own. Stevie, a Puerto Rican living in the small suburb, passionately describes the Korean store owners, as well as the entire Korean race, as, “me-no-speak-American, own every fruit and vegetable stand in New York, Reverend Moon, Summer Olympics ’88, Korean kick-box(er).” Then oh-so friendly police officer responds, describing the Puerto Rican as, “Goya bean-eating, fifteen in a car, thirty in an apartment, pointed shoes, red-wearing, Menudo, medameda Puerto Rican(s)...” Spike Lee, shows the diction that the society uses to show the audience the reality of not only what people actually think and say but to also show them how words cause stereotypes and segregation.
Senor Love Daddy, the commentator of the story and the MC of LOVE radio, is the peace maker of the small suburb of Bedford-Stuy Brooklyn. His diction in the opening scene creates the tone of the film, giving the viewers a half open eye of what to expect. Spike Lee uses Senor Love Daddy to depict racism in the society, giving a buffer and a safety zone to fall back upon when things get rough. “Cool Out,” a phrase often used to keep the peace has a stronger meaning then the actual definitions within. As a watchful eye over the popular hangout and eating place, Sal’s Pizzeria, Senor Love Daddy see’s all and tries to keep control of things. Though when things begin to get out of hand and the glass shatters, Senor Love Daddy is stuck behind the glass and is left to observe the falling out of the small suburb. From his window at the radio station, he witnesses the riot and sits in outrage not knowing how to react. “My people, my people, what can I say, say what I can. I saw it but didn’t believe it, I didn’t believe what I saw. Are we gonna live together, together are we gonna love?” After the riot, Jackson says this quote in disbelief of the outcome of the community’s hatred. It seems that through the film his messages go unheard. He tried to keep peace between the races but their hatred had overpowered their sense. Whenever Jackson spoke, the views could sense his desperation for love and acceptance and when he speaks after the riot; his feeling of defeat is very evident.
Radio Raheem, another central character of the film, carries around a large stereo which constantly blares Public Enemy’s ‘Fight the Power’ while Raheem blares out on his own toward some of the neighborhood locals, such as Sal and the corner-store Korean’s. Mid-film, Raheem releases a power-house on his friend Mookie when he tells his story of ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’ (taken directly from 1955s ‘The Night of the Hunter’)…

“RADIO RAHEEM: I just copped them. Let me tell you the story of Right-Hand--Left-Hand--the tale of Good and Evil. HATE! (He thrusts up his left hand.)It was with this hand that Brother Cain iced his brother. LOVE! (He thrusts up his right hand.)See these fingers, they lead straight to the soul of man. The right hand. The hand of LOVE! The story of Life is this... (He locks his fingers and writhes, cracking the joints.) STATIC! One hand is always fighting the other. Left Hand Hate is kicking much ass and it looks like Right Hand Love is finished. Hold up. Stop the presses! Love is coming back, yes, it's Love. Love has won. Left Hand Hate KO'ed by Love.”

It is this speech which projects throughout the rest of the film, bringing up several questions about the neighborhood and their actions.
“Fight the power” is the popular song played many times throughout this Bedford-Stuy Brooklyn set film directed by Spike Lee. “Do the Right Thing” is an ethnically diverse film based on the differences of race and extremities of hatred. When Sal, the local pizzeria owner, is harassed by Buggin-Out about his all-Italian Wall of Fame, Buggin-Out decides to protest against it with his only follower, Radio Raheem. Violence soon erupts at the restaurant as Sal, and his sons are pushed to their boiling points as well as their breaking points. Once the cops arrive, chaos breaks out and Radio Raheem is killed. Left in disbelief, the riot continues and the angry citizens of this community burn down the pizzeria. Hate and racism takes over their lives and defeats all forms of love.
Through ‘ Do the Right Thing’, Spike Lee gives his audiences the chance to make their own decision of what the ‘right thing’ is by using dialogue as an aid for understanding the meaning behind his films immense diversity. At the end of the film, two quotes appear on the screen; one by Martin Luther King Jr. and the other by Malcolm X. Martin Luther King explains that violence leads nowhere, where as Malcolm X says violence is okay as long as it is self defense. Two completely different quotes, yet both are ever so powerful. Lee uses these two quotes, allowing the audience to judge what the right thing to do really is.

I typed this up. It is a combination of Cassie, Erin and my paper, with a few added ideas from Sam and Brittany's.

Do The Right Thing - The Symbols

            Do The Right Thing, another ‘Spike Lee Joint’, tells the tale of racism in the Bed-Stuy section of Brooklyn during the late 80’s. Each character tells their own story throughout the film, representing different parts of mainstream society at the time. The struggles that the characters face against themselves, each other, and society over the course of the film leads up to a riot at the end of the movie, leaving many people questioning “did they really do the right thing?” More importantly, the film has many underlying meanings that are represented through the characters and the music played throughout the film.

            Mookie, the pizza delivery boy for Italian Sal’s long time pizzeria, holds some kind of relationship with every character. Buggin Out represents the outspoken, radical black man that will do anything to be heard. He complains to everyone and anyone that will listen to him. He stands for the loud voice that speaks out, but somehow always manages to go unheard. Radio Raheem, on the other hand, arguably the “quietest”, carries around a boom box that constantly plays “Fight the Power” everywhere he goes. He doesn’t say much, but he doesn’t need to. His music speaks for him. When Sal smashes the boom box, it symbolizes the loss of control in the community. This is when the riot, a quick solution to a long time problem, finally breaks out. When Radio Raheem dies, it confirms the defeat over any type of control whatsoever. His infamous Love/Hate knuckles stand for the fight between the two words and the actions that go along with those words. Another character along the lines of music is Mister Senior Love Daddy. He plays the local DJ and through this character we see community togetherness. Everyone listens to him, and the music he plays almost narrates the film. Sal, his family, and his Pizzeria are all viewed as the economic success of the Italian Americans in the community, except for the fact that the people in the community feel as if this franchise profits at their expense. The minorities in the city feel walked all over. Thus, creating rising racial tensions throughout the film.  The Korean family is just a new race coming into the neighborhood trying to fit in and get by without causing too much of an uproar, even though it seems near impossible as person after person causes some sort of argument with them. The Mother-Sister character is portrayed as the woman of peace and doesn’t approve of the violence that she witnesses throughout the day. She even takes in Da Mayor at the end of the film. Da Mayor is the town drunk who is ridiculed in almost every scene he is in. Although he may come off as the character no one appreciates, he is the unspoken one who is actually one of the wisest men in the film. Each character brings a different aspect to the film and without even one of them, the cast of characters would not be well-rounded.

            The song ‘Fight the Power’ opens up the movie with Rosie Perez dancing very passionately.  The song continues playing throughout the film – a constant reminder of the inequality in the community that these people have all called their home for so many years. The song encourages these people to fight out against what they think is wrong and achieve respect and equality through whatever means possible. It’s no coincidence that this song plays during the riot at the end of the film, either. The song was written for this movie in particular, and no other song could have captured the essence of the film any better than ‘Fight the Power.’

            Everything that happens in the film happens over the course of one day. The sweltering heat along with the continuous rising tension amongst the members of this community both lead up to one of the most memorable riot scenes in cinematic history. The symbols and metaphors throughout the film are controversial and leave audiences wondering if the right thing truly was done at the end of that day. Lee’s film is not one for people who are unsatisfied with the ‘what-if’ factor. The film raises questions, rather than answers them. “Do The Right Thing” encompasses what happens when the heat gets hotter, temperatures sky rocket, and people lose their cool.

My group was Rickie, Jeff, and Kayla. This was mainly my paper :).

MUSIC Criticism for "Do the Right Thing"

I wasn't sure if this was needed for Tuesday night or for Tuesday class, so I'll just post it now to be sure.
My group was Darrell, Zander, Alex, and me: Robin. This is mainly my paper.


“A jumping beat can be heard as two performers ready themselves by dancing on a makeshift-looking stage situated in the middle of a sea of dark hair and over-sized sunglasses. A chant begins in the crowd while signs supporting Black equality rise from the depths of the sea. One message becomes clear as the entertainers perform: 'Fight the Power.'” The music video for the song only amplifies what Public Enemy meant when they wrote it. “Fight the Power”(1989) was written to encourage African Americans opposing the White upper hand of society. The idea of Blacks fighting White supremacy excites many of those in the African American population. But the song isn't just an excuse for uprising, it is a cry for attention, a punch in the side of the majority, an alert signaling to look out for the minority. The fact that Spike Lee made the song so prevalent in “Do the Right Thing” along with the character Radio Raheem makes one wonder what he meant by it. Did he mean the same as Public Enemy did when they wrote the song, or is the point on a much deeper level?

One notices that when Radio Raheem walks into the scene, most of the time he is told to turn down his blaring music so that those around him may hear themselves think. When asked to play something else other than “Fight the Power,” he replies, “I don't like nothin' else,” with a stoic glare. Most people around him find him annoying and obnoxious because of his pounding radio and the single song that he plays over and over in his patrol over the city, including those he is trying to rouse into rebellion: the Blacks. Spike Lee wanted to show that although White supremacy and racism are both a problem in the city to a certain degree, Radio Raheem brings an amount of that oppression upon himself by irking everyone out of their minds with his not-so-silent rebellion of White owned businesses and things of the same nature. One example can be found in the scene where Raheem walks into Sal's Pizzeria expecting to buy a slice of Pizza with his music disturbing the entire restaurant. Sal refuses to sell Raheem Pizza until he turns off his music and deals with the matter civilly. This turns into a shouting match not only because of the blaring music, although it is an underlying cause. Raheem creates the oppression because of his own inability to order a slice of pizza from a vendor rationally. This paints a bigger picture than that of Sal and Raheem's struggle. It shows that some racism is only in the minds of those who feel oppressed for no reason. Even today, there are those who will not deal rationally with those from other races because they think that everyone will oppress them. There will, of course, always be some, even many people in the world who still have the white supremest views but the oppressed still should keep an open mind, as there are many who take the opposite stand and believe the same as they do in wanting racial equality. They set themselves against a world that may or may not be racist, but they will not be civil enough with it in order to find out which it is.

One other way Lee uses the song is just after Mookie dedicates a song on the radio to his girlfriend, Tina. A group of guys on the street somewhere in the city are listening to the song rather loudly. Then, Radio Raheem enters the scene, radio in hand as always. Since his radio is blaring as usual, the guys protest at him, only to receive his stony glare back. In retaliation, they turn their music up, after which, Raheem does the same. This battle represents an internal struggle of Mookie's. The song Mookie dedicated represents his home life with Tina and his son, Hector, while “Fight the Power” shows his want to be one of his people in a way. This is why he never puts his whole self into either side throughout the movie.

One last thing that must be mentioned is the way the song is used at the end of the destruction of Sal's Pizzeria. When the pictures on the wall are shown burning, a ghostly “Fight the Power” can be heard as if rising from the anger of the people. This shows that it was never just Radio Raheem or Buggin' Out. The Black population of the city as a whole felt the oppression in their own way, they just never expressed it in the way that Raheem chose to, in the way “Fight the Power” was able to.

The way “Fight the Power” is used in “Do the Right Thing” shows that it can mean much more that what its original creators intended for it to. It shows a lack of open-mindedness in the oppressed in that Radio Raheem refuses to deal with Sal civilly in turning off his music. It shows Mookie's internal struggle as well as an internal anger of an entire people. The way Spike Lee was able to mold the song in so many different ways is extraordinary and astounding.

Hear Ye! Here Ye!

The Oakcrest Film Institute 1st in house film festival will take place on Monday, December 1st, starting at noon in the Oakcrest Auditorium, which I'm petitioning should be officially called the Oakitorium.

Film Institute & Media 3 projects will be screened. For alumni/gues (non-student) admittance, contact me via e-mail.

Gypsy Punk: A Culture Defined

"Gogol Bordello is a multi-ethnic Gypsy punk band from the Lower East Side of New York City that formed in 1999 and is known for its theatrical stage shows. Much of the band's sound is inspired by Gypsy music, as its core members are immigrants from Eastern Europe ... Phill Jupitus has once described the band as "a bit like The Clash and The Pogues having a fight" ... while Kenneth Partridge of The Hartford Courant described lead singer Eugene Hütz's voice as "somewhere between that of Borat and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog""
- http://www.gogolbordello.com/

Gogol's music has been featured in several independent films, which ultimately paved their way to fame. "Everything is Illuminated" (2005) made famous the song, 'Start Wearing Purple', from the LP Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike. It also gave lead singer, Eugene Hütz, a change to showcase his ability as an actor by playing 'Alex', the hip-hop oriented cousin of 'Jonathan' (played by Elijah Wood). Sundance Film Festival nominee,"Wristcutters: A Love Story", (2006) whose leading character 'Eugene' is loosely based off of Gogol front-man, Eugene Hütz, features hits such as 'Through the Roof n' Underground' and 'Bulla Bulla' and 'Punk Rock Paranada' from their album Multi Kontra Culti vs. Irony.

Since the band's formation in 1999, Gogol Bordello has been at the top of their game, creating new fan bases via films, late night television performances and over-the-top live shows. Even Madonna saw the potential in this young, but fresh, punk band from New York's lower East side. On October 17, 2008 Madonna's directorial debut film, "Filth and Wisdom", released limitedly throughout the nation. In 'Filth', Gogol front-man, Eugene Hütz, gives another outrageous performance as 'A.K.', "a gratingly boisterous Ukrainian gypsy with a Joseph Stalin mustache, who turns to the camera to say that ''filth'' and ''wisdom'' are just alternate paths to the same Truth." (Entertainment Weekly)

Gogol Bordello is a wonderful band, full of life and a tremendous sound. They are power-house performers and are still striving to reach the peak of their careers through both music and cinema. But believe me, we haven't seen the last of them yet!


...Last summer, Gogol Bordello played at Philadelphia's 3-day 'Popped! Music Festival 2008' at Drexel University, along-side The Ting Tings,Vampire Weekend, Mates of State, and Crystal Castles (and 12 others--2007's 'Popped!'-fest also featured Dr. Dog at the Starlight Ballroom on 9th street).


If you haven't gotten your fill of Gogol Bordello, then here are a few links for the MP3's to some of their biggest hits to date...

Start Wearing Purple MP3
Through the Roof n' Underground MP3
Wonderlust King MP3
Ultimate MP3
Ameican Wedding MP3
Not A Crime MP3

'Start Wearing Purple' Live @ Coachella 2008




NEW YEAR'S EVE: Gogol Bordello is Live at the Electric Factory (N. 7th Street) in Philadelphia!!!(All Ages!) (Live Nation)

The Pope, a Beatle and lots of angry Southerners...

So, apparently the Vatican has FINALLY forgiven John Lennon for his "Beatles are bigger than Jesus" comment. Nice of them to do so now, 28 years after the man's death.

Still, the pronouncement bothers me. They describe Lennon's comments as "boastful," but misguided. This is not true. Lennon wasn't being boastful or misguided. He was being satirical. He wasn't "grappling" with his sudden fame, he was mocking it.

The Vatican still doesn't quite "get" the statement, and if they were to be so understanding of the statement as misguided, why didn't they forgive him in the 60s when he publicly apologized and explained himself?

All I am saaaaaaaaaaaay-ing, is give irony a chance.

Early Oscar Predictions

http://www.incontention.com/?page_id=2996

Don't Forget What's Due This Week...and your little dogs too

Ok, my little pretties...don't forget the assignments due this week (cackle, cackle, brandish fist!)

Monday: Mr. Sera & Populism in Oz (Emerald Production one pager due)

Tuesday: DTRT criticism review/ review The Game assignment (DTRT criticisms due, one per group posted to blog)

Wednesday: Armando talks about cheap ways to film/ "The Dark Side of Oz" if we have time...HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Read this...very interesting

The funniest part about this article is that it appeared on the 1st page of today's Times. Which leads me to believe its a "leak story," in other words, the Times has something that will be potentially damaging to the the power couple, but is yet unprintable, so they take what they DO have, though a lesser news item, and escalate its placement in the paper so as to establish the story initially...or maybe it's just a slow news day.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/21/business/media/21angelina.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

From Your Friendly Neighborhood Mr. Thomas

If you get a chance, check out the following website for Doritos current contest at http://www.crashthesuperbowl.com/#/gallery/video/298/
Its good publicity for the type of video production work media does here at oakcrest and it gets us noticed by people around the world. The more hits it gets, the more of a chance it has to become an actual commercial on the superbowl. The top 5 commercials win $25,000 and the top one wins 1 million! Check it out and get us noticed.
Thanks

Insomnia meets Somnia?

Dear Insomnia Participants,

Due to unexpected challenges we are postponing the 2008 Insomnia Film Festival. We understand the inconvenience and disappointment this change of schedule brings to those of you who have been preparing to participate.

Our plan is to reschedule the festival for after the holidays. If you have already registered on the Insomnia Gallery we will automatically contact you when the new festival dates are scheduled. Sincerely,
Apple Insomnia Team

Enter: Film Institute(Stage Left)

This is a very unfortunate turn of events, aster all the hype from the completion of our silent films I was chomping at the bit to start on a new project. For some reason, unlike any other class the Film Institute has reached into by brain, spreading out like a root finding hold in the fertile ground. My ground? My mind! For the past couple of days the only thing I have caught myself doing is writing scripts, premises, ideas, anything to keep my creative juices surging. To satisfy my quench for results I am hoping to put into action an idea of any ilk. Here is my proposition to you, our class: Lets do an out of class insomnia festival. I know that i am willing to challenge myself with creative storms captured by the pulchritude of film. My original thought is to see what you guys think about an idea to create a short film by Christmas break, which is an abundance of time to complete said project. I think it will be cool to make one now, with a little more understanding of the camera an process of making a film and then compare them to our final projects. Supporters? Opposer's? Questions? Comments? Concerns?

To all you screenplay writers

Hello here is some free software for writing screenplays, its legit and helped me get the formatting down. It also exports into rich text format.
http://www.mindstarprods.com/cinergy/ScriptEditor.html
For samples of actual Hollywood scripts go to this site if you haven't already. It will give you a good visual of the universal screenplay format.
http://www.simplyscripts.com/

2009 Philly Film Festival: Films Due 12/31/08

Check this out: www.phillyfests.com/pff_submission_info.cfm

Maybe we can submit a film or two from our silent films - I'll pick up the fees!

The NEW Road to Thanksgiving

Wednesday, Nov. 19: 9/10: Criticism writing time
11: Intro to screwball comedy & read articles

Thursday, Nov. 20: 9/10/11: Wizard of Oz prep

Friday, Nov. 21: Special Presentation in DLL: 9/10/11: Mr. Monroe presents about the structure, hypocrisy & intricacies of 1930s Hollywood: The Golden Age/The Studio Era

Monday, Nov. 24: Guest Speaker 9/10/11: Mr. Sera will show you the Wizard of Oz again...for the first time. See how the movie symbolizes the financial struggles of 1930s America.

Tuesday, Nov. 25: 9/10: DTRT criticisms
11: IHON intro & begin watching

Wednesday, Nov. 26: 9/10: discuss the Game final prep
11: finish watching IHON

Thanks from Mr. Rockelman

Thanks for having me over at the Oak. It’s always a pleasure meeting with people who have a genuine interest in the arts. Your questions were engaging and your comments insightful and encouraging. I wish you all luck in your future endeavors and hope to keep track of your progress via this nifty blog. I’ll also check in once in a while just to chat about film and TV. BTW, saw Paranoid Park last night and while I can’t officially consent to you kiddies watching an R rated movie, I can say that Gus Van Sant captures the sentiments of a disillusioned youth better than any other. Thanks again and talk to you soon,

Mr. Rockelman

In response to The Communication Crew here last week

Ok...first of all..this is dripping with super cheesy-ness, I know. But the other day, when the Rowan Communications kids were here, the blonde one made a comment about how you "don't HAVE to just be a teacher." She didn't mean to offend with the comment, but the honesty of it resonated with me. When I was in her shoes, 20 years old, nearly completed college degree, young and full of ambition...I too despised the idea of the teaching profession. I hated to think of the sorrow that surely must be associated with working at a high school. Why would anyone drag themselves into the mediocrity of high school life...as an adult...willingly...everyday? Why work in a school when there are exciting cities, offices...the great big world...to work in? Why would someone choose to go to a place inhabited by a majority of people who are only there because they HAVE to be? I was going to be a journalist. An author. A broadcaster. An airport ranger...anything but a teacher!

The great irony of this sentiment is that I was an education major! I would have told you it was just to "fall back on." My journalism minor...that was my focus. So many college students today tell me that "if they HAVE to...they will 'fall back' on teaching." Many of these former student have since fallen back, others have not. But as I reflect on how unglamorous this profession of mine is...when I think about how much I swore I would never fill the cheap, sensible shoes I now walk in, it only makes me love my job more!

I am most thankful that my gut instinct was to despise teaching and teachers and everything about them as a young man. This hate is exactly what makes me good at my job. For me, the teaching profession is like Marisol Fernandez. Yes, Marisol Fernandez. She was the meanest girl in my fourth grade class. She used to stick her tongue out at me. She always ratted me out. She would point out inacuricies in my wardrobe (what? orange and red don't match?) I always hated her. I told people she was smelly. Yet, in hindsight, I realize that I didn't hate Marisol...I secretly loved her. I was just too young to understand the complexities of that emotion. Being a teacher, for me, is like finding myself happily married to Marisol Fernandez. Because now I know myself better. I understand that I am attracted to challenging, difficult things. I believe it is these things--not glamour, or power, or high-paying jobs -- that make us most human. It is these things that bring us closest to joy. I am attracted to challenges -- like teaching, writing, comedy, parenting, marriage, The New York Mets -- to name only a few. So whether you are heading off to college, already there or already out, don't discount how important a role the things you hate will play in your lives. Like the blonde girl in class the other day said, "I know I can do anything." So do I. That's why I do this.

Here's the article on teaching that prompted this tirade:

Teachers... they are as varied as crayons in a Crayola box. Some are bright, some neutral, some new, some seasoned--but for all their differences, they share the same goal--their life's work is dedicated to imparting knowledge as they challenge their students to learn and grow. It is hard to believe that teachers really do have lives of their own, for they arrive at school when morning has not yet fully come awake, and they stay while the darkness of night descends on the playgrounds outside their windows.There was a time when they only had to worry about failing grades and poor conduct. Like worn-out history books, those days are gone. Today's teachers are expected to be surrogate parents, psychologists, part-time policemen , nurses, comforters, and miracle workers. The importance of the basic 3 R's have been replaced by the reality of the new 3 D's: Drugs, Divorce, and Despair. And yet, through it all, and perhaps because of it all, teachers keep right on teaching, trying harder than ever before to "gift" their students with solid educations, self-worth, opportunities to excel and to believe in themselves by discovering their talents and ambitions, whether in the classroom, on the playing field, in music and art classes, or soaring to new heights when their imaginations and dreams are encouraged.On any given schoolday, teachers open up, for a lifetime, the magnificent gift of reading, the ongoing pleasures of math, the adventures of geography and science, the legacy and lessons of history, the enthrallment of music art, literature and languages, the demands and accomplishments of physical education and athletic competition. Teachers are loved and scorned, respected and derided, remembered and forgotten. They are laughed with, laughed at, and laughed about. They raise their own families and are devoted to someone else's children. They pay for the stickers that delight a little child's heart, slip warm mittens into the pocket of the student that has none, provide a classroom of security and safety when home is a battleground, tutor after school, guide the pregnant teen, cheer at games, counsel anxious hearts, and fall asleep wondering why they feel so tired.Teachers are the reason why airplanes fly, computers program, ballets are danced, novels are written, cancers researched, lawsuits won, skyscrapers built, and "art" decorates refrigerator doors. Life's biggest, boldest, brightest ideas--life's honors, achievements and accomplishments occur because somewhere, sometime, someone touched our lives--and it all began with a teacher.

Comic book adaptations

I find myself somewhat concerned with these.

I am a tremendous, tremendous nerd. With that out of the way, I think it's safe to say that I am a big fan of comics (or "graphic novels" to those that want to seem less like a neckbearded basement-dweller.) A few favorite heroes are Spider-Man (but everyone loves him anyway), Iron Man, and Rorschach (see: Watchmen), and I've been a fan of them even before their transition onto the big screen.

However, with the ongoing rise in popularity of comic book movies, it seems as if the material for them is getting more and more scarce. This isn't like taking ideas from novels, where you have near infinite material. There are only a handful of really recognizable/popular superheroes, and only so much you can do with them.

Watchmen, the 12-issue comic written by Alan Moore, is currently in post-production and should be out sometime next year. For those who don't know, Watchmen is often heralded as the end-all-be-all for comic book fans. It's a masterfully written, beautifully drawn, very thought-provoking piece of work, one which almost any comic-enthusiast would call a masterpiece (and also my absolute favorite, as far as graphic novels go.) From what's been shown so far, the movie promises to be both entertaining and very true to the material itself.

With that, though, where will things go? After Watchmen, this acclaimed pinnacle of the comic book industry, how much material will be left to continue the trend? Sure, Nolan will have another Batman, there may be a series of Avengers movies (god I hope so), but how much longer before they start beating a dead horse?




also if it seems like i am just a little bit excited for watchmen it's because i am just a little bit excited for watchmen

MEH!!!

I found this on yahoo homepage!!

LONDON – At least someone is excited about "meh."
The expression of indifference or boredom has gained a place in the Collins English Dictionary after generating a surprising amount of enthusiasm among lexicographers.
Publisher HarperCollins announced Monday the word had been chosen from terms suggested by the public for inclusion in the dictionary's 30th anniversary edition, to be published next year.
The origins of "meh" are murky, but the term grew in popularity after being used in a 2001 episode of "The Simpsons" in which Homer suggests a day trip to his children Bart and Lisa.
"They both just reply 'meh' and keep watching TV," said Cormac McKeown, head of content at Collins Dictionaries.
The dictionary defines "meh" as an expression of indifference or boredom, or an adjective meaning mediocre or boring. Examples given by the dictionary include "the Canadian election was so meh."
The dictionary's compilers said the word originated in North America, spread through the Internet and was now entering British spoken English.
"This is a new interjection from the U.S. that seems to have inveigled its way into common speech over here," McKeown said. "Internet forums and e-mail are playing a big part in formalizing the spellings of vocal interjections like these. A couple of other examples would be 'hmm' and 'heh.'
"Meh" was selected by Collins after it asked people to submit words they use in conversation that are not in the dictionary. Other suggestions included jargonaut, a fan of jargon; frenemy, an enemy disguised as a friend; and huggles, a hybrid of hugs and snuggles.

cheap things you can do for films

http://www.instructables.com/id/Kipkays-Video-Tips--Tricks/
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Macro-Lens-made-from-Binoculars_1/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Wide-Angle-and-Fish-Eye-Camera-Lens-Adaptor/ (you can model the pvc casing for the one above)
http://www.instructables.com/id/PVC-FIG-RIG/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Installing-a-CVS-RiteAid-camcorder-in-a-Zagi-400/
http://www.instructables.com/id/16-feet-pan-and-tilt-camera-crane-for-%2460/

From....Armani...not the one Mr. Rockleman spoke of, but check it out anyway

Calling all student filmmakers!The Ivy Film Festival is holding its 3rd annual 48-Hour Film Competition, beginning Friday November 21st. It's open to all students, entrance is free, and teams compete for cash prizes of up to $300. To participate, teams must register BEFORE FRIDAY by emailing programming@ivyfilmfestival.com with the name of their film, their team leader/director's name, additional group members' names, and their school. Please send this email from a school account to verify status as a student.Here's how it works: This Friday, November 21st, at 8:00pm (Eastern time), a list of rules and requirements for the films will be sent to registered teams. After that, all that's left for filmmakers to do is write, shoot, edit, and upload their films before 8 pm on Sunday!Once completed, the films should be uploaded onto Youtube; after this is done, students should email the URL toprogramming@ivyfilmfestival.com before 8:00 pm Eastern time on Sunday. Submitted films will then be available for viewing on our website, where visitors will vote for their favorite films.Grand prize winners will receive a cash prize of $300, and the audience choice prize of $150 will go to the team with the most online votes. Both winning films will be projected on the big screen in the Ivy Film Festival in the spring.All filmmakers interested in participating should stay tuned to the website for rules and details. On the night of November 21st, 2008 at 8pm, the requirements for the films will be announced and you may begin your film.Please compete!For further information and to see past winners, visit www.ivyfilmfestival.com/48For more information about the greater Ivy Film Festival, visit http://www.ivyfilmfestival.com/

The Master WOULD approve...I think

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/09/arts/television/09dave.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

KILLERS OF A GOOD MOVIE

i'm watching the x-men the last stand, from the sounds of everything it sounds like the last x-men movie of its series. i exspect this movie to be amazingly done like the previous x-men movies.This storyline of the Phoniex is being drawn out, the x-men are freaking out, what are we going to do against the bad guys and BAM!!!!!!!! i'm not going to say who but EVERYONE YOU THOUGHTS WAS THE BEST CHARACTER DIES!!!!!!!!!!!! well not everyone but the main x-men. this ending crushes all hope of me ever watching x-men the last stand, again... the movie i admit is a good movie but the ending just crushed it for me. it went from so-so to plain poop.... I often judge movie based upon the ending, A movie may be incredibly incredible but if it just has a bad, cliche, or stupid ending then it drops in opinion to me...the list impression i have of a movie is possibly the most important to me...

What truly kills an amazing movie for you? beginning, middle, end, storyline, believeable acting, guns, love, sex, humor, Chuck Norris deciding the factor of a dodgeball competition...

The Road to Thanksgiving

As you are now aware, the OHS Film Institute will be as busy as Britney Spear's nanny in the days leading to Thanksgiving....here's a calendar/reminder list to guide you through Turkey Day...

Friday, Nov. 14: FOOTBALL FRIDAY:
9/10: Presentation by Mackenzie Eagen and co. about Rowan University's communications department

11: Death of the Game/Catch-up on Reading

Monday, Nov. 17: Guest Speaker in DLL:
9/10/11/12: Mr. Rockelman, Gami teacher & amateur film-maker, shows his films and discusses his craft (Silent Films Test due today)

Tuesday, Nov. 18:
9/10: Finish working in criticism groups
11: Finish readings/discussion on screwball comedy/Intro to Frank Capra

Wednesday, Nov. 19:
9/10: Read DTRT reviews...discuss
11: begin It Happened One Night (DTRT criticisms and postings due today before class)

Thursday, Nov. 20:
9/10: IHON
11: Wizard of Oz/allegory for American economic crisis prep and discussion

Friday, Nov. 21: Special Presentation in DLL
9/10/11: Mr. Monroe presents about the structure, hypocrisy & intricacies of 1930s Hollywood: The Golden Age/The Studio Era

Monday, Nov. 24: Guest Speaker
9/10/11: Mr. Sera will show you the Wizard of Oz again...for the first time. See how the movie symbolizes the financial struggles of 1930s America.

Tuesday, Nov. 25 & Wednesday, Nov. 26: Housekeeping?
9/10/11: finish up all outstanding business: discuss projects, finish watching Wiz & IHON (The Game final project due TUESDAY --- see subsequent posts)

Changeling was Kind of Lame.

As a part time bartender, I spend a lot of time talking about new movies with my regulars, and Changeling was a movie that was being mentioned frequently. After a couple people had said that they liked it, I toyed with the idea of going to see the movie myself, (it takes a lot for me to go to the theatre because they are always so cold) but made my decision when my mother, who sees about one movie every two years, said that she would like to see it too.

We went to a matinee and sat amongst the elderly folk. I have a tendency to gage whether or not I'll like a film according to the type of people in the audience, and evidence has shown that I have similar tastes to those of the average seventy-two year old, so the prospects looked good. The quality of the previews that precede the film also often determines how I will enjoy a movie. For instance, if the previews are highlighting the latest Vin Diesel movie (or Beverley Hills Chihuahua) I can reasonably surmise that I've wasted nine dollars. The previews, however, looked good. (Particularly, the preview for Earth, a film coming out in the spring.)

Now comfortable and brimming with high expectations, I sat back and watched the film. It started out okay, but there were a couple of things I couldn't get past. First of all, Angelina's wig was so terrible it was distracting, I just wanted to rip it off her head. Couldn't she have bobbed her hair for the movie? Actors make far greater "physical sacrifices" these days than cutting their hair and there's no excuse for a bad wig in a big budget film. Second, I just can't imagine a modest, single-mother running around during the day (in the late twenties no less) with the bright red lipstick and distracting eye makeup they painted her face in. Angelina's character had a job at the telephone company but she wasn't a "working girl."

Many of the people I had spoken to about the movie had said, "When you're watching the movie just remember that it's a TRUE story. It makes it all the more powerful." Well, the film DID get pretty intense at times, but for the most part I was continually struck by the cheesiness of the dialogue. I found myself predicting much of it-it was that cliche. And there were a few instances in which characters would make lame assertions, or obvious statements, while speaking to themselves. Obviously, writers employ this tactic in order to allow the audience a glimpse of the character's state of mind, but these weren't glimpses into the state of mind, they were just glib one-liners.

My final criticism is that the film was just too long. There were several instances in which I felt the movie could and should end, yet it kept on going, perpetually teasing the audience. Will the son return? Will he return now? Will he ....? Oh, screw it.