"The Comedy"

I have been intrigued by this film. Seems to embody the generational concepts we have discussed in class (but we were applying to zombies, not to the more explicit idea of a dark comedy character sketch). I think it would be an excellent "philosophical" companion to DOS, but there is a lot of talk of "being shocked" and "disturbed" by the film. On one hand, that's the kind of "avant gard" art that the film institute aims to expose you to. On the other hand, it seems way too explicit for a high school class. So....I dunno. See if it's your cup of tea. I don't think we will watch it in class, but I do think it's worth keeping an eye on. I need to see it first. For now, here's a trailer and an interview (I love the filmmakers in this clip, but the interviewers stiiiiiinks).

Fun with Diagetic and Non-Diagetic

The Game: Press Conference #1

First, Journal #7: Listen to this NPR report on the changing trends in television. Weigh in on this trend. How does it affect your life? Which of these products do you use/like/dislike? Which will be "the future of TV?" Why or why not?

Today's Film trailers coming out in THE GAME:

Fritz Lang's M (1931)

10/18 & 10/19:  Viewing M

The first film about a serial killer set against the poverty and despair of Weimar Berlin.  When this film was released the Nazis held the second most seats in the German Reichstag or Parliament in 1931, and this film's sinister brooding elements foreshadows the rise of Hitler and the destruction of Germany - along with most of Europe.  Three years after this film was released Fritz Lang arrives in America and is one of the key influences in the development of film noir.  If you were scared watching The Silence of the Lambs or Psycho it all starts with this film.

Whose Up for Pooling Our Money and Donating?

The Goon!

Now Here's Dedication to German Expressionism

If I Were You...Which, Of Course, I'm Not

If I were you instead of me. If I were sitting on buckets of time, a youthful countenance and some disposable income. If I had a girlfriend instead of a wife. If I rolled with a big gaggle of loud, single friends instead of a big gaggle of loud, single kids...I might consider going to the movies all three nights of this weekend. Here's what I would go see:

1. Argo: As I said in class, I have not seen this much early Oscar buzz since Slumdog Millionaire, which was a fine film, but not my favorite of that year. Affleck has yet to make a bad film. Also, I find him to be one of Hollywood's most likable men. I root for him to succeed. I don't know if that makes me naieve or stupid or what...but I, well, I just like him. I liiike him.

The Questions meant to inspire writing on "The Lottery"

1. Were you surprised by the ending of the story? If not, at what point did you know what was going to happen? How does
Jackson start to foreshadow the ending in paragraphs 2 and 3? Conversely, how does Jackson lull us into thinking that this is
just an ordinary story with an ordinary town?

More Information on Fritz Lang

German Expressionism had a huge influence on film and Fritz Lang was a key director of the movement.  Lang and other German Expressionist directors laid the foundation for the film noir and horror genres; influencing Welles, Hitchcock, Kubrick, Burton and more.  Here's more information on Fritz Lang:

http://sensesofcinema.com/2002/great-directors/lang/

Metropolis (in case you miss some)

Please watch any episodes you missed in class.

Metropolis + Radiohead part 1 from Chris Ayers on Vimeo.

Right After Metropolis: Lang & Yorke: The Synchronicity

I provided some resources for those of you who found this fascinating. There is a rumored synchronicity between Metropolis and Radiohead's Kid A that is further explained on the link at the bottom of this post. Below you can also find an embedded link to the Kid A album in its entirety. For your further reference and/or enjoyment.

http://dugrionodirgunden.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-03-07T15%3A22%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=10

Reading Assignments for Genocide Celebration Weekend

'Tis the season to be going to the movies. The award movie season opened with the Toronto Film Festival. A great primer for the "movies to watch" this awards season is Roger Ebert's journal from the festival, conveniently linked in five easy installments below:


http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2012/09/toronto_1_good_films_are_back_.html