Electives Survey

Please take the following survey, found here.

History of 1950s Cinema

On the Waterfront

If you missed any of the film, or if you'd like to review a scene, here is the film in its entirety.

Film Style Exam

In the video embedded below, you will find six clips from six different films. Each clip is labeled with the film title and year of release. Your task is to determine where on the film style continuum you believe each film clip belongs. Your will be graded primarily on the rational portion of each response. Write your responses in a Googledoc and share the doc with your instructor. Each of the six sections should include the following information:

1. Film Title
2. Film Style Scale Ranking
3. Rational

Remember to refer to the notes from unit one of the class - cinematography, editing, sound, and mise en scene. This is the language you will use to craft your responses. Also, include rich, descriptive details in your responses.

Because this is an exam, you are expected to work on your own and not work with your peers. You may, however, research as much as you would like. If you use material from your research, you are expected to cite this information properly.

The exam is due to your instructor via shared Googledoc by class time Thursday, Nov. 13.

Keep in mind that your goal here is to prove to your instructor that you've been processing all the material we've been tackling in class. This is the real deal. Pounding this exam out in twenty minutes is not going to cut the mustard. You need to observe, think, and reflect.

See your instructor if you at any time have any questions.

Use the following diagram for reference when determining the film style scale ranking for each clip.

Examples of Formalism

A Quick Editing Examination

In the Blink of an Eye

Psycho Cinematic Breakdown

Check out these three scenes from Hitchcock's Psycho. Definitely not the most famous of shots from the film, but still pretty interesting in terms of cinematography.









I take it back. That last one is pretty famous.

Here's your task:

Watch all three clips. Select one that you'd like to write about.

Using the 'Cinematic Breakdown' forms, break the scene down - moment by moment, frame by frame. Identify all of the techniques of cinematography that are used in the clip. For each technique, (A) describe the shot in detail, and (B) explain in detail what effect the cinematic choice creates for the viewer.

Hints - Use your notes! Use the precise terms! Use details in your descriptions and explanations!

If you have any questions, feel free to address them in the comments section below. Remember, your objective here is to demonstrate an understanding of how filmmakers use cinematography to manipulate an audience.

Good Luck. Have fun.

Hitchcock Goes Psycho

Now that we've viewed Hitchcock's Psycho, read the article entitled "Alfred Hitchcock Goes Psycho." As you read your copy of the article, annotate it: underline or highlight interesting or compelling facts and ideas, and write in the margin questions that the article raises. That's step one. You will be graded on the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of your annotations. You may not be allowed to move one to step two if you have not completed step one. So ANNOTATE.

Step two: In the comments section below, post a perspective/reaction you have not just to the film, but to the article. Your post should be thoughtful and thorough, and grammar and spelling counts. Once you've posted your comment, you're ready for step three: extra credit. You may comment on your peers' responses as much as you'd like. Feel free to agree, disagree, build, re-direct, etc. Just keep it friendly.

Once again, we are conducting a discussion here. Ask questions. Respond to others. Respond to people who have responded to you. Etc.

The 8th Wonder of the World

Let's talk Kong...

Welcome to Movies

Welcome to film studies. To start things off, we're going to look at a few short films. 

Your task is to watch the three following films and post AT LEAST ONE  response in the "comment section" below of each. Be sure to include your name to get credit for your contribution. 

What are we looking for in our online discussions? Observations, questions, opinions, interpretations, etc. The more specific, the better. This means you should respond to SPECIFIC moments of the films as well as to the films overall. Feel free to respond to your peers. Remember, our goal here is to have robust, thoughtful, challenging discussions. Also keep in mind that this online component is part of the CLASS EXPECTATIONS. That means that everything you enter on this blog needs to be CLASS APPROPRIATE. The more you contribute, the better your grade. The more thoughtful and curious your contributions, the better your grade.

We're probably not going to have as much formal homework as some of your other classes, so your online participation will certainly impact your grade. Plus, it's fun and interesting and it's about movies. And that's why we're all in the class, right?

Okay. Have at it...

This Is Spinal Tap

If you miss a part of This Is Spinal Tap, it can be found here.

Cinema of the 1980s - Part III

1982 - The Special and Visual Effects Revolution

Cinema of the 1980s - Part II

The Rise of the "High Concept" Blockbuster

Cinema of the 1980s - Part I

Landmark Films of the 1980s

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

If you miss a day, here is a link for the movie online.

70s Cinema Part III

The Height of the Exploitation Film

70s Cinema Part II

"Movie Brats" Make a Name for Themselves

70s Cinema Part I

Landmark Films of the 1970s

The Graduate

If you need to watch part of the movie you missed in class, it can be found here.

Cinema in the 1960s Part III

The Independent Movement and Cult Exploitation

Cinema in the 1960s Part II

A New Ratings System







Hollywood Loses Ground - Foreign Cinema

Hollywood Loses Ground - Hollywood's 'New Wave'

Cinema in the 1960s Part I

Landmark Films of the 1960s

On the Waterfront

If you missed any of the film, or if you'd like to review a scene, here is the film in its entirety.


Watch On The Waterfront (1954) in People & Blogs  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

1940s Cinema

Hollywood in the 1940s

Patriotism and Propaganda in the 1940s

Film Noir

The Hollywood Ten

Young Frankenstein

Bride of Frankenstein

If you miss any of the viewing in class of the film, it can be found in its entirety here.

Cinema in the 1930s

Gone with the Wind (1939)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

Horse Feathers (1932)

A DAY AT THE MOVIES

Movietone News (1935)

Moose Hunters (1937)

Flash Gordon (1936)

The Three Stooges - "A Plumbing We Will Go" (1940)

Dracula (1931)

Style Exam

Here are the film clips that coincide with the test form you're been given. Please follow the directions on the test form closely. Remember, you are required to work alone on this project.

UPDATE: I've replaced scene 4 (Scott Pilgrim vs the World) with one from the movie Baraka.

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

Scene 6

Cinema in the 1920s - The Silent Era and the Birth of Talkies

The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat (1895)

The Big Swallow (c1901)

The Great Train Robbery (1903)

Frankenstein (1910)




The Circus (1929)




Steamboat Willie (1928)




Metropolis (1927)




Nosferatu (1922)

One Week (1920)

Symmetry in Kubrick

Kubrick // One-Point Perspective from kogonada on Vimeo.

Rule of Thirds

Rule of thirds from Jayne Whitelock on Vimeo.


 

Captured by the Frame 1st Quarter Project

Follow these steps to complete your Captured by the Frame Analysis in which you provide insihgt into a frame of film. You will be graded on thoughtfulness,  thoroughness, your ability to use the elements of film we have previously studied, as well as grammar and mechanics. This blog is full of examples of what we're looking for, so feel free to poke around and see what you find.

Step 1 - Grab Your Image Using the SNIP tool.

Step 2 - Consider Your Frame

1. Review all of the elements of cinematography in your note packet, and consider how each applies to your frame, if at all. 
2. Review all of the elements of mise en scene in your note packet, and consider how each applies to your frame, if at all. 

Step 3 - Share Your Understanding of Your Frame

1. Paragraph 1 - State the title of your movie and establish the context/background story of the frame. In other words, what's been happening in the film so far?
2. Paragraph 2 - State the exact minute of second that your frame appears in the film, and provide and overview of what if occurring in the frame. Think of this as your THESIS.
3. Paragraphs 3 through ? - Each body paragraph will explore a different cinematic element as it is used by the filmmakers in the frame. (camera angle, costuming, contrast...etc.)
4. Final Paragraph - Summarize the overall effect created by the filmmaker with the use of the aforementioned elements.

Step 4 - Submit Your Project

1. Name your image and your text document with similar names - both including your complete last name.
2. Save them to Mr. Cowlin's 'toteach' folder - 'Captured by the Frame Period 5' folder.
3. Projects are due by April 18.

Style in the Wire

Now that we've watched the first episode of The Wire, watch this video essay. It does a great job of explaining just why The Wire is realism and just where the it deviates from the realistic style.




Style in The Wire from Erlend Lavik on Vimeo.

Mise-en-Scene in Night of the Hunter

The following images are for your reference as you complete you film reaction journal.

BEFORE AND AFTER

Before and After Sample A

Before and After Sample B

 

Before and After Sample C

SYMMETRY 

Symmetrical Sample A

Symmetrical Sample B

 

Symmetrical Sample C

CONTRAST

(The Light and the Dark)

Contrast Sample A

Contrast Sample B

Contrast Sample C

INNOCENCE

(Childlike Storybook)

Innocence Sample A

Innocence Sample B

Innocence Sample C

Here are a few clips to view. Use them to respond to the Run Lola Run Film Reaction Journal.

These first is the transition between Act I and Act II. The second is the transition between Act II and Act III.








These nest three are from Acts I, II, and III. They each depict a similar event: as Lola bumps into a woman, we see the rest of her life flash before our eyes.

Sound Editing Project

Here are a few websites that provide free, public domain sound effects. Please note that while some of the sites listed do have sounds for sale, they also have free sounds. This project should not cost you a penny, so don't agree to purchase anything.

Find Sounds
The Recordist
Partners in Rhyme
Free Sound Files
GR Sites
Free SFX
Sound Transit
Media College
Pac DV

Run Lola Run

If you missed part of the movie, it is available through Youtube... (At least for now...)

Psycho Breakdown

Check out these three scenes from Hitchcock's Psycho. Definitely not the most famous of shots from the film, but still pretty interesting in terms of cinematography.









I take it back. That last one is pretty famous.

Here's your task:

Watch all three clips. Select one that you'd like to write about.

Using the 'Cinematic Breakdown' forms, break the scene down - moment by moment, frame by frame. Identify all of the techniques of cinematography that are used in the clip. For each technique, (A) describe the shot in detail, and (B) explain in detail what effect the cinematic choice creates for the viewer.

Hints - Use your notes! Use the precise terms! Use details in your descriptions and explanations!

If you have any questions, feel free to address them in the comments section below. Remember, your objective here is to demonstrate an understanding of how filmmakers use cinematography to manipulate an audience.

Good Luck. Have fun.

8th Wonder of the World

Let's talk Kong...

Welcome to Film Studies

Welcome to film studies. To start things off, we're going to look at a few short films. All of the shorts below are currently playing at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.

From Wikipedia: "The Sundance Film Festival, a program of the Sundance Institute, is an American film festival that takes place annually in Utah. With 46,731 attendees in 2012, it is one of the largest independent film festivals in the United States. Held in January in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Ogden, as well as at the Sundance Resort, the festival is a showcase for new work from American and international independent filmmakers."

Your task is to watch at least two of the following films and post a response in the "comment section" below. Be sure to include your name to get credit for your contribution. What are we looking for in our online discussions? Observations, questions, opinions, interpretations, etc. The more specific, the better. This means you should respond to SPECIFIC moments of the films as well as to the films overall. Feel free to respond to your peers. Remember, our goal here is to have robust, thoughtful, challenging discussions. Also keep in mind that this online component is part of the CLASS EXPECTATIONS. That means that everything you enter on this blog needs to be CLASS APPROPRIATE. The more you contribute, the better your grade. The more thoughtful and curious your contributions, the better your grade.

We're probably not going to have as much formal homework as some of your other classes, so your online participation will certainly impact your grade. Plus, it's fun and interesting and it's about movies. And that's why we're all in the class, right?

Okay. Have at it...