Here is a link to the article you need to read by Monday (9/29):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vBEZapnn0CN2F7o_ru8JIQrFG4Cv3Qw7k2RxTZG5cjM/pub
Here are the questions you need to complete by Monday (9/29):
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Introductions
Howdy, y'all.
Welcome to the Oakcrest High School Film Institute.
Let me begin this post by bidding farewell to Mr. Weisback, the second founding member of the Institute to move onto other things (in his case, the rigors of AP US History). We'll miss you!
New to the fold is Mr. Hearn. Let us welcome him!
Welcome to the Oakcrest High School Film Institute.
Let me begin this post by bidding farewell to Mr. Weisback, the second founding member of the Institute to move onto other things (in his case, the rigors of AP US History). We'll miss you!
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| File photo |
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| This was the most humorous photo of Mr. Hearn that I could find online. |
***
Today, we watched George Melies' "A Trip to the Moon." It is embedded below if you care to re-watch.
We also watched the Melies-inspired video for "Tonight, Tonight" by The Smashing Pumpkins. This is an excellent example of a film from 1902 resonating in the cultural echo chamber. See below.
If you enjoy this video (I prefer "1979."), please check out the documentary, Beauty is Embarrassing. The film celebrates the life and work of the wonderful Wayne White, the artist most famous for his contributions to Pee-Wee's Playhouse.
***
And now you write!
And now you write!
This blog is home to our on-going discussion of film, and like all of the other aspects of the Institute, it too is dependent upon your input and participation. With that in mind, I am operating under the assumption that you have seen at least two films this summer. In the comment section of this post, please post a reflection on two films you have seen this summer.
Two paragraphs should suffice.
Your posts must be submitted before Monday, September 8th.
To facilitate discussion, I will start things off.
Yes, I am a snob. I admit it. Despite having time off in the summer, I am not wont to frequent the theaters. Summer is blockbuster season, and I typically am not interested in today's big-budget moneymakers. Disclaimer: I am sick of superhero movies. (I thought The Dark Knight was ok. Please feel free to leave me hate mail in the comment section of this post.)
However, I did go to see Guardians of the Galaxy. This was prompted by two factors. Firstly, before the film's release, I argued its merits with a good friend of mine, a tried and true nerd. He simply cannot resist all things Marvel, but I was off put by the CGI raccoon voiced by Bradley Cooper. I arrogantly dismissed the talking creature as silly and as something that interrupted my suspension of disbelief.
To be a true naysayer, I would have to see the film. Secondly, the film generated enormous positive buzz. Many claimed it to be superior to The Avengers.
Thus, I went to see the film with an open mind and low expectations.
Guardians was excellent, and in my opinion, markedly better than almost all of the other Marvel movies (Iron Man excluded). The film was simply fun. Music, humor, and Star Wars-like world-building made this a truly a enjoyable cinematic experience. I attribute much of this to the star-making performance of Chris Pratt.
Grade: A
Before the summer began, I decided to upgrade to Amazon Prime, which includes a nice library of streaming film titles. Amazon has a fairly healthy selection of classic movies, and I decided to watch Hud, a Paul Newman picture from 1963. The film stars one of my favorite actors, and it is based on a novel by one of my favorite writers, Larry McMurtry.
Newman made some truly excellent films in the 1960's, but what separates Hud from Newman's other popular films is his turn as a charismatic yet chilling villain. Hud, the character, is pure Id: sexually promiscuous, prone to violence, greedy, and dishonest. The effortlessly charming Newman is disturbingly magnetic, and the audience can understand Hud's appeal to his innocent younger brother.
In the film's most memorable scene, Hud's father is forced to kill his stock of cattle after they have contracted a disease (Hud had wanted to sell the cattle regardless, despite the fact that their disease-tainted meat would have made people ill.). The cattle are herded into a ditch, and shot by Hud, his younger brother, and several other ranch hands. The scene is disturbing and deeply sad.
Though simple, Hud explores a damned father-son relationship and satirizes the success Americans experienced in the post WWII boom. It is a true modern Western, a film that depicts a dying breed: the heroic, ruggedly individualistic, yet selfless cowboy.
Grade: A-
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| Yet, I am strangely fine with this talking animal creature. |
Thus, I went to see the film with an open mind and low expectations.
Guardians was excellent, and in my opinion, markedly better than almost all of the other Marvel movies (Iron Man excluded). The film was simply fun. Music, humor, and Star Wars-like world-building made this a truly a enjoyable cinematic experience. I attribute much of this to the star-making performance of Chris Pratt.
Grade: A
Before the summer began, I decided to upgrade to Amazon Prime, which includes a nice library of streaming film titles. Amazon has a fairly healthy selection of classic movies, and I decided to watch Hud, a Paul Newman picture from 1963. The film stars one of my favorite actors, and it is based on a novel by one of my favorite writers, Larry McMurtry.
Newman made some truly excellent films in the 1960's, but what separates Hud from Newman's other popular films is his turn as a charismatic yet chilling villain. Hud, the character, is pure Id: sexually promiscuous, prone to violence, greedy, and dishonest. The effortlessly charming Newman is disturbingly magnetic, and the audience can understand Hud's appeal to his innocent younger brother.
In the film's most memorable scene, Hud's father is forced to kill his stock of cattle after they have contracted a disease (Hud had wanted to sell the cattle regardless, despite the fact that their disease-tainted meat would have made people ill.). The cattle are herded into a ditch, and shot by Hud, his younger brother, and several other ranch hands. The scene is disturbing and deeply sad.
Though simple, Hud explores a damned father-son relationship and satirizes the success Americans experienced in the post WWII boom. It is a true modern Western, a film that depicts a dying breed: the heroic, ruggedly individualistic, yet selfless cowboy.
Grade: A-
Silent Film Example from class
Welcome Back/Silent Film Challenge
Greetings, all!
Welcome to the new school year.
The embedded document contains a tentative syllabus for the 2014-2015 school year. I use the word "tentative" intentionally here: this document is subject to change.
Anticipate viewing films not yet included.
Remember: Your participation and interest will drive the direction of the institute.
The embedded document below contains the specifics for the Silent Film Challenge. As Mr. Lockwood said, "work to your strengths." Identify your best actors, cameramen, writers, editors, etc. and let them do what they do best. We want to see what you all can do!
Welcome to the new school year.
The embedded document contains a tentative syllabus for the 2014-2015 school year. I use the word "tentative" intentionally here: this document is subject to change.
Anticipate viewing films not yet included.
Remember: Your participation and interest will drive the direction of the institute.
The embedded document below contains the specifics for the Silent Film Challenge. As Mr. Lockwood said, "work to your strengths." Identify your best actors, cameramen, writers, editors, etc. and let them do what they do best. We want to see what you all can do!
Remember: Your silent films are due by the end of class, Friday, Sept. 5th.
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