In my last post I introduced who Samuel Beckett was-a 20th century playwright-and the work he did that was transformed into film by various directors. The only piece that I talked about was "Breath" that was directed by Damien Hurst-a contemporary artist.
The next film we watched from Beckett on Film was titled "Act Without Words-1", directed by Karel Reisz. Karel Reisz is also a film wrighter. Again this film did not have any speaking and there was only one actor. The audience had to rely on setting, the actors actions and expressions, and props, to get an idea of what was going on. The actor was like a mime. In this film this man was stranded on what looked like a deserted island and he desperately wanted things that would help him survive. The audience might consider there to be a second character in the film. This character would be the whistle. The class decided that the whistle was like a God type figure. He distributed and took away the tools for survival to the man. The giving and taking away of the survival tools from the man was an example of process of learning through trial and error. It shows how the human mind works in the survival nad learning process.
Monday, April 21, 2008
The Interesting World of Samuel Beckett
On April 17th in Visual Culture class we got to experience the wonderfully interesting world of Samuel Beckett. He died recently but he was what seemed to me a brilliant 20th century playwright. I thought it was cool that we were able to tie in/see relationships with a 20th century playwright and the 1910s and 1920s work of actors Chaplin and Keaton. Beckett was influenced by both of these actors.
The class and I got to view a collection of his playwrights put to film by many esteemed directors. The title of the collection is called Beckett on Film. Beckett found the THEATER OF THE ABSURD which deals with ECCENTIALISM. Eccentialism is the belief that civilization is nothing more than a joke. Everything that we know and believe in is false and we cannot even trust the church or politicians or entities of the like. I think that this is a very cynical way of viewing society but I do believe that there is some truth in eccentialism, seeing as I have a really hard time trusting people, even my close friends. It is sad, I know. Eccentialism also explains that because we cannot trust these institutions, we can only rely on ourselves and our experiences and point of views. This way of thinking is not to promote narcissism but instead a sort of philosophy in which people only trust themselves.
These types of views were incorporated in Beckett's avant guarde cinema. The first film we watched of Beckett's was titled "Breath", directed by Damien Hurst. What is most interesting about this film is that it is like a minute long but I feel like the images and message is so powerful that it works and leaves quite an impact on its audience.
The class interpreted as someone taking their last breath and their spirit was leaving their body perhaps in a hospital. There are hospital materials around presented in a chaotic manner. Of course it is a non-narrative film seeing as how there were no words and no scenes, no real plot. There was only the sound of this terrible breath being taken in a drawn out manner. It definitely sounds like the person taking the breath is in pain. That is why we decided it was a last breath. The important thing about this very short film is use of form, sound, and imagery-very effectively I might add. This short film kind of scarred me a little but I was intrigues about this Samuel Beckett and what else he had to share with the world. I will talk more about Beckett and his other films next time.
The class and I got to view a collection of his playwrights put to film by many esteemed directors. The title of the collection is called Beckett on Film. Beckett found the THEATER OF THE ABSURD which deals with ECCENTIALISM. Eccentialism is the belief that civilization is nothing more than a joke. Everything that we know and believe in is false and we cannot even trust the church or politicians or entities of the like. I think that this is a very cynical way of viewing society but I do believe that there is some truth in eccentialism, seeing as I have a really hard time trusting people, even my close friends. It is sad, I know. Eccentialism also explains that because we cannot trust these institutions, we can only rely on ourselves and our experiences and point of views. This way of thinking is not to promote narcissism but instead a sort of philosophy in which people only trust themselves.
These types of views were incorporated in Beckett's avant guarde cinema. The first film we watched of Beckett's was titled "Breath", directed by Damien Hurst. What is most interesting about this film is that it is like a minute long but I feel like the images and message is so powerful that it works and leaves quite an impact on its audience.
The class interpreted as someone taking their last breath and their spirit was leaving their body perhaps in a hospital. There are hospital materials around presented in a chaotic manner. Of course it is a non-narrative film seeing as how there were no words and no scenes, no real plot. There was only the sound of this terrible breath being taken in a drawn out manner. It definitely sounds like the person taking the breath is in pain. That is why we decided it was a last breath. The important thing about this very short film is use of form, sound, and imagery-very effectively I might add. This short film kind of scarred me a little but I was intrigues about this Samuel Beckett and what else he had to share with the world. I will talk more about Beckett and his other films next time.
ESCAPED IMAGES AND A FAREWELL TO GINGER
Last weekend I had the pleasure of performing in the Escaped Images dance recital. I helped my friend Rebekah Perkins out by being in her choreographed dance for the production. The name of the piece was "Lu Rigonne". I am pretty sure I messed up the spelling on that but it means "hurricane" in french. The dance was supposed to portray images and interpret thoughts attitudes, and feelings of the citizens of New Orleans during the events of Hurricane Katrina.
There were three dancers including myself. At the beginning of the dance we were dancing as if we were on the streets of New Orleans right before the Hurricane wreaked havoc on the city. The dancing is supposed to portray the citizens who are still going on about their business, still smiling, not panicking because they don't feel that the hurricane is going to harm New Orleans. We are wearing bright colored vest colored purple, green, and gold as in homage to Mardi Gras. We also dance with different props including a clarinet, handkerchiefs to represent the Second Line tradition, as well as parasols for the same reason, and a cane. Being a New Orleans native, I believe that these were all appropriate props. The music is an instrumental of "When the Saints Go Marching In". It is upbeat and fast pace. The lighting is colorful with a backdrop of the skyline of New Orleans' business district at night. It is very fitting for the mood and sets the tone for this portion of the piece.
The next part of the piece is supposed to interpret the aftermath of the hurricane. We are wearing black and white and dancing with black umbrellas. We are the dance moves have a somber quality to them. The music is slow and the lyrics deal with the flooding of Louisiana. The umbrellas represent the flooding of the streets due to the storm waters and the breech in the levee. The slides for this portion of the piece
Next, the dance tries to interpret life a year or so after the hurricane. We come marching in wearing large men's collared shirts. The attitude for this portion of the dance is that yes New Orleans and its citizens were ravaged by the storm and they are struggling but we are a strong city and we will rebuild and make it through this. The music is like marching music. I like to interpret it as the people of New Orleans are like soldiers that just went through a war of a storm but they are survivors.
This dance was a serious one. It had a very different tone to it separate from the tap piece or the comical "Paper Pushing" that dealt with the mundane-ness of everyday life with careers. However, being a born and raised in New Orleans, I found Rebekah's dance uplifting. Depending how you look at it, it can give one hope that they can pick up their lives after such a tragedy. I thought that the costuming was abstract but it worked well with the choreography and music, you just have to have an open mind. The music was not abstract it had lyrics or rhythm that were supposed to arouse certain feelings and I think it did. The same with the slides as the back drops.
There were three dancers including myself. At the beginning of the dance we were dancing as if we were on the streets of New Orleans right before the Hurricane wreaked havoc on the city. The dancing is supposed to portray the citizens who are still going on about their business, still smiling, not panicking because they don't feel that the hurricane is going to harm New Orleans. We are wearing bright colored vest colored purple, green, and gold as in homage to Mardi Gras. We also dance with different props including a clarinet, handkerchiefs to represent the Second Line tradition, as well as parasols for the same reason, and a cane. Being a New Orleans native, I believe that these were all appropriate props. The music is an instrumental of "When the Saints Go Marching In". It is upbeat and fast pace. The lighting is colorful with a backdrop of the skyline of New Orleans' business district at night. It is very fitting for the mood and sets the tone for this portion of the piece.
The next part of the piece is supposed to interpret the aftermath of the hurricane. We are wearing black and white and dancing with black umbrellas. We are the dance moves have a somber quality to them. The music is slow and the lyrics deal with the flooding of Louisiana. The umbrellas represent the flooding of the streets due to the storm waters and the breech in the levee. The slides for this portion of the piece
Next, the dance tries to interpret life a year or so after the hurricane. We come marching in wearing large men's collared shirts. The attitude for this portion of the dance is that yes New Orleans and its citizens were ravaged by the storm and they are struggling but we are a strong city and we will rebuild and make it through this. The music is like marching music. I like to interpret it as the people of New Orleans are like soldiers that just went through a war of a storm but they are survivors.
This dance was a serious one. It had a very different tone to it separate from the tap piece or the comical "Paper Pushing" that dealt with the mundane-ness of everyday life with careers. However, being a born and raised in New Orleans, I found Rebekah's dance uplifting. Depending how you look at it, it can give one hope that they can pick up their lives after such a tragedy. I thought that the costuming was abstract but it worked well with the choreography and music, you just have to have an open mind. The music was not abstract it had lyrics or rhythm that were supposed to arouse certain feelings and I think it did. The same with the slides as the back drops.
Shhh Silent Films!
I thoroughly enjoyed Charlie Chaplin's silent film "A Dog's Life". Even though there were no words in the film, the facial expressions accompanied with the music told the audience the story. "A Dog's Life" is considered narrative cinema. I enjoy the fact that Chaplin was a very rich man at the time he was creating these films yet he understood the plight of a down-trodden man. He has a poor background. He played the role of a tramp very well. He also used movement very well along with his facial expressions to further tell his story. Movement and body language played a major role in this film and I like how the movement correlated with the music. The camera use also assisted with the cinematography even though it is simple. The camera is used conventionally and straight forward.
Chaplin films like "A Dog's Life" look like just another funny silent film but o'contrar. Well, at least I just thought that all silent films were just on the surface supposed to be funny silent films. However there are some thematic issues that Chaplin tackles in his films. In "A Dog's Life" He deals with HUNGER, ATTRACTION, ROMANCE, SENTIMENT, and even such serious/depressing issues as SEXUAL VIOLENCE. It is assumed that Chaplin has experience with all or most of these different issues before he became a movie star. It is interesting how he is able to tackle such issues yet do it in a humorous way. The ending is a happy American Dream one which I appreciate for its simplicity.
Then we watched a Keaton film which I really enjoyed. I enjoyed it more than the Chaplin film. He too was a comic that tackled serious issues /themes. Like Chaplin he had the "elements" of CRIME, LAW, SOCIETY, WEALTH, WOMEN, MARRIAGE AND ROMANCE in his film that all came together to create a plot. Unlike Chaplin the ending to the film that we watched of his was not a happy one. His leading lady wanted a business man and not just someone to love as with Chaplin's lady. Since his "business" venture does not work out, he does not end up getting the girl. Instead of perpetuating the American Dream, he critiques it by not being able to live it at his film's conclusion. He actually ends up giving up his attempt at obtaining the American Dream. However in between the plot line like Chaplin, Keaton uses a lot of movement to convey what is going on. Yet in contrast with Chaplin, he uses little facial expression which I particularly found hilarious. Camera movement and visual tricks help tie everything together.
Chaplin films like "A Dog's Life" look like just another funny silent film but o'contrar. Well, at least I just thought that all silent films were just on the surface supposed to be funny silent films. However there are some thematic issues that Chaplin tackles in his films. In "A Dog's Life" He deals with HUNGER, ATTRACTION, ROMANCE, SENTIMENT, and even such serious/depressing issues as SEXUAL VIOLENCE. It is assumed that Chaplin has experience with all or most of these different issues before he became a movie star. It is interesting how he is able to tackle such issues yet do it in a humorous way. The ending is a happy American Dream one which I appreciate for its simplicity.
Then we watched a Keaton film which I really enjoyed. I enjoyed it more than the Chaplin film. He too was a comic that tackled serious issues /themes. Like Chaplin he had the "elements" of CRIME, LAW, SOCIETY, WEALTH, WOMEN, MARRIAGE AND ROMANCE in his film that all came together to create a plot. Unlike Chaplin the ending to the film that we watched of his was not a happy one. His leading lady wanted a business man and not just someone to love as with Chaplin's lady. Since his "business" venture does not work out, he does not end up getting the girl. Instead of perpetuating the American Dream, he critiques it by not being able to live it at his film's conclusion. He actually ends up giving up his attempt at obtaining the American Dream. However in between the plot line like Chaplin, Keaton uses a lot of movement to convey what is going on. Yet in contrast with Chaplin, he uses little facial expression which I particularly found hilarious. Camera movement and visual tricks help tie everything together.
Environmental Portaitor
I really enjoy the environmental portaitor, especially when it is a self portrait of the photographer. In class we saw an environmental portrait of Neil Johnson who does a lot of Photography for Centenary. In our photography class, Spring semester last year, we had the pleasure of visit Neil Johnson in his studio. He also does photography for local businesses, publications, and even for plays.
I should probably explain what environmental portraitor is when the subject's picture is taken in the environment that they are normally in or associated with. Neil Johnson's environmental portrait was in his studio and I am pretty sure he had accessories in the photo that are related to his career.
I should probably explain what environmental portraitor is when the subject's picture is taken in the environment that they are normally in or associated with. Neil Johnson's environmental portrait was in his studio and I am pretty sure he had accessories in the photo that are related to his career.
LUST, CAUTION
Lust, Caution is a Taiwanese film directed by Ang Lee it was originally a novel written by Eileen Chang. Like all Centenary Film Society films-I would use the word movie as to not sound repetitive but I hear this degrades the artistry of the film- the ritual begins with the gathering of the film-goers in 3rd floor Jackson lecture room. When it's time for a lecture this room certainly feels like a classroom but when it is time to watch a film the room feels like a theater. Because of the type of movies that are shown and also because of the appearance of some of the audiencem, I always feel as if I am there for a film screening at a film festival. Hopefully one day I will actually attend one of those events.
The film begins with a woman in the cafe on the phone. Because of the way she is dressed I immediately conclude that she is a woman of importance and of a high class standing. After this first scene, I have a feeling that flashbacks will be a common motif throughout the film. Films usually use flashbacks because obviously time is of great importance to the storyline. It is probable that most of the important action that takes place, that is important to the film took place in the past. Wong aka Mrs. Mak becomes friends fast with a guy in school of course because she is an attractice woman and that is how it works.
I think that this is a very beautifully shot film. The footage is so clean and crisp and the colors while they are not vibrant and terribly colorful but they were bold. It added to the intensity of the subject of war, conspiracy and patriotism. Yet I don't think the director wanted to many colors for the same reason. The issues were of serious matter: war and politics. It is hard for me to describe but the way the film is shot and the score really puts you in the mood of watching a suspense or serious action about to unfold in front of your eyes. I totally got caught up. The cinematography is great. Sex of course played a major role in the plot of the film. We had to have some major seduction scenes to show the sexuality of Mrs. Mak and how she would be able to seduce such a powerful man.
The film begins with a woman in the cafe on the phone. Because of the way she is dressed I immediately conclude that she is a woman of importance and of a high class standing. After this first scene, I have a feeling that flashbacks will be a common motif throughout the film. Films usually use flashbacks because obviously time is of great importance to the storyline. It is probable that most of the important action that takes place, that is important to the film took place in the past. Wong aka Mrs. Mak becomes friends fast with a guy in school of course because she is an attractice woman and that is how it works.
I think that this is a very beautifully shot film. The footage is so clean and crisp and the colors while they are not vibrant and terribly colorful but they were bold. It added to the intensity of the subject of war, conspiracy and patriotism. Yet I don't think the director wanted to many colors for the same reason. The issues were of serious matter: war and politics. It is hard for me to describe but the way the film is shot and the score really puts you in the mood of watching a suspense or serious action about to unfold in front of your eyes. I totally got caught up. The cinematography is great. Sex of course played a major role in the plot of the film. We had to have some major seduction scenes to show the sexuality of Mrs. Mak and how she would be able to seduce such a powerful man.
An Introduction to Visual Culture
Even though I have made posts prior to learning the basics of Visual Culture I thought it would be important to go back a blog about the basics of the subject. In our first lecture we talked about what it meant to LOOK and what it meant to SEE, as you see they are two different things. There is more meaning behind the action of each. LOOKING is the physical act of vision. SEEING is finding meaning behind, and comprehending what you are seeing. These two acts are very important in the study of visual culture. After we see and look at a visual representation of art we try to interpretate it and find meaning behind it related to our culture or the intended culture of the artist.
There is like everything else you study a process to interpretation, especially of something as visual as art. I understand art to mean visual culture, so sometimes I may use the interchangeably. Interpretation is the way we begin to look at something and try to figure out what its purpose and function, it is like solving a puzzle. The process of interpretation begins with the artist/creator and what they have produced also known as the object or art work. Then there has to be some type of cultural interaction with the object or artwork such as an audience or consumption of the created product. When someone is interpretating something they are attempting to construct that something's meaning. You cannot fiiind the meaning, you create it yourself. That way there is no right or wrong interpretation! It is also cool to think about how there is no meaning to something until someone interacts with it. That pretty much sums up the CONSTRUCTIONISTS MODEL. This is all very interesting to me. I can also see it coming in handy when I go to art shows, purchase art, or attend a smart dinner party with my classy friends after college!
There is like everything else you study a process to interpretation, especially of something as visual as art. I understand art to mean visual culture, so sometimes I may use the interchangeably. Interpretation is the way we begin to look at something and try to figure out what its purpose and function, it is like solving a puzzle. The process of interpretation begins with the artist/creator and what they have produced also known as the object or art work. Then there has to be some type of cultural interaction with the object or artwork such as an audience or consumption of the created product. When someone is interpretating something they are attempting to construct that something's meaning. You cannot fiiind the meaning, you create it yourself. That way there is no right or wrong interpretation! It is also cool to think about how there is no meaning to something until someone interacts with it. That pretty much sums up the CONSTRUCTIONISTS MODEL. This is all very interesting to me. I can also see it coming in handy when I go to art shows, purchase art, or attend a smart dinner party with my classy friends after college!
"NUOVOMONDO" THE GOLDEN DOOR
I really really enjoy finding time in my schedule to see the week's film society film. Seeing the films were a lot more convenient last semester but for the sake of five points, I compromised a few hours of sleep to catch the last film of the year.
The last film was title "Nuovomondo" in Italian translated to the Golden Door. It was written and directed by Emanuele Crialese and characterized as a drama and World Cinema. Even though I have previously had and currently do, classes that meet in the room where the films are shown, it always feels like a theater when I step inside. The lights are still on so that people may find their seat. This is most definitely for the best considering that most people that attend the film society showings are people above the age of 50. My friend LeeAnn Rossi and I would sometimes be the only students when we would frequently go last year and last semester. I do not know why more students do not take advantage of this organization. It is my favorite!
After everyone has settled in their seats and the clock strikes about 7:05 one of the Communication majors who is in charge of the film society makes a brief speech at the front of the room and then he turns out the lights for the theater effect. The screen in this classroom is also large helping to add to the theater effect.
At the beginning of the film there were a lot of close-up shots as well as a lot of aerial shots. The director I guess wanted to show you the vast space the action was taking place and where the characters were coming from. It appeared as if there were going to be two separate stories because of how we would see 3 females in a house setting then it would cut to 3 males navigating some mountains. The scenery was dull and there were not too many colors or things that would stimulate the eyes. It was a rural setting. However further on in to the film their began to be some visuals illusions which became a major component or motif of the film. The characters were also poorly dressed to help demonstrate their economic situation. The meat of the movie is witnessing this families journey from Italy to the United States or what they refer to as the New World.
The last film was title "Nuovomondo" in Italian translated to the Golden Door. It was written and directed by Emanuele Crialese and characterized as a drama and World Cinema. Even though I have previously had and currently do, classes that meet in the room where the films are shown, it always feels like a theater when I step inside. The lights are still on so that people may find their seat. This is most definitely for the best considering that most people that attend the film society showings are people above the age of 50. My friend LeeAnn Rossi and I would sometimes be the only students when we would frequently go last year and last semester. I do not know why more students do not take advantage of this organization. It is my favorite!
After everyone has settled in their seats and the clock strikes about 7:05 one of the Communication majors who is in charge of the film society makes a brief speech at the front of the room and then he turns out the lights for the theater effect. The screen in this classroom is also large helping to add to the theater effect.
At the beginning of the film there were a lot of close-up shots as well as a lot of aerial shots. The director I guess wanted to show you the vast space the action was taking place and where the characters were coming from. It appeared as if there were going to be two separate stories because of how we would see 3 females in a house setting then it would cut to 3 males navigating some mountains. The scenery was dull and there were not too many colors or things that would stimulate the eyes. It was a rural setting. However further on in to the film their began to be some visuals illusions which became a major component or motif of the film. The characters were also poorly dressed to help demonstrate their economic situation. The meat of the movie is witnessing this families journey from Italy to the United States or what they refer to as the New World.
Documentary Photography
In March we were on our photography unit. I took the Intro to Photography course last year so I kind of have a little bit of background about the subject. But not much seeing as how the class was more about learning the techniques of photography in terms of using the camera, instead of more about learning the history behind the art.
We learned about why people document the world using photography in the first place. This is when flashbacks to my Greece module start to occur. The word is MIMESIS and it means how we have this impulse to capture/document/record "the world" which we know to believe as "the real" which could also be interpreted as "nature". While it is true that photographers have this basic impulse to capture the world, it is probably a particular moment that they may try to recreate. Perhaps in an attempt to understand why/how something happened/happens. Also because the world is always changing some may feel the need to capture it in that moment before it changes again so that we may remember how it once was. Or like I said maybe its all an attempt to pull meaning out if anything and everything we can.
The imitation that photography produces is very accurate. It only becomes inaccurate when we start to use programs such as photo shop or even when the film is black & white or sepia. Other than this it is a complete depiction of the mind sends to the eye to see. When documentary photography becomes popular in the 1800s it is art trying to go for the general characteristics of "the world". I take this to mean that the images are not posed. The photographer is not trying to lighten the images that they are taking. They are giving the images to you raw. I appreciate this form of photography.
The Progressive Era also falls under documentary photography. It took place during the 1890s and the 1910s. It was also known as the muckraking era. This is when photographers tried to use their images to stir issues in their attempts to crusade for uncorrupted world. The images were also attempts at making the world, especially the rich, politically and socially conscious. Which I am all about. I will enjoy learning more about this.
We learned about why people document the world using photography in the first place. This is when flashbacks to my Greece module start to occur. The word is MIMESIS and it means how we have this impulse to capture/document/record "the world" which we know to believe as "the real" which could also be interpreted as "nature". While it is true that photographers have this basic impulse to capture the world, it is probably a particular moment that they may try to recreate. Perhaps in an attempt to understand why/how something happened/happens. Also because the world is always changing some may feel the need to capture it in that moment before it changes again so that we may remember how it once was. Or like I said maybe its all an attempt to pull meaning out if anything and everything we can.
The imitation that photography produces is very accurate. It only becomes inaccurate when we start to use programs such as photo shop or even when the film is black & white or sepia. Other than this it is a complete depiction of the mind sends to the eye to see. When documentary photography becomes popular in the 1800s it is art trying to go for the general characteristics of "the world". I take this to mean that the images are not posed. The photographer is not trying to lighten the images that they are taking. They are giving the images to you raw. I appreciate this form of photography.
The Progressive Era also falls under documentary photography. It took place during the 1890s and the 1910s. It was also known as the muckraking era. This is when photographers tried to use their images to stir issues in their attempts to crusade for uncorrupted world. The images were also attempts at making the world, especially the rich, politically and socially conscious. Which I am all about. I will enjoy learning more about this.
YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN!
I went to see You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown with three of my good friends. For some reason I was expecting an adult twist to a classic Charlie Brown and friends tale. I saw a Charlie Brown tale but it was 100% child friendly.
It was really amusing to see some of my classmates attempt at transforming their adult forms in to seemingly animated children. There was hair dye, curls, wigs, and children's clothing made to fit college students. I was really even impressed with the human form of Woodstock. Human Woodstuck as I will refer to her, was very graceful in her movements unlike how I remember the animated version. The character of Charlie Brown was also very different from the version we are used to seeing. I didn't think the costuming was all the great but I did enjoy all of the bright colors. They were particularly stimulating and I think it even added to the effect of the acting. I think the visual aspects of the set made the actors appear more animated. Or maybe they were just that animated. It was after all a children's play. However usually when something is advertised as being for kids, it is usually riddled with adult humor. I unfortunately did not pick up on any adult humor.
Aside from the actual stage setting of the bright scenary the atmosphere in the audience played a role in the viewing experience. The majority of the audience were kids with their ages ranging from infants to...I would say 8 years old. Of course, like most kids are many of them were restless in could not keep still in their seat. Apart from watching the action on the stage, it was hard not to shift my eyes to the kid in the row in front of me staring at my friend seated next to me. There was also a lot of talking between the kids in the audience and their parents about what was going on in the play and how much longer they were going to have to stay there. It was distracting and amusing at the same time. Most of the children were with their mothers but many were there with both parents. That kind of reiterated the role of parents that is based on gender. To relate it back to our studies in class, gender is often a topic of art in visual culture as we saw with Cindy Sherman.
The music also played a major role in the atmosphere of the play and the effectiveness of the message to the audience. Of course the music was accompanied by dancing during which the lights the lights in the house changed colors and danced. The bright lights were really a nice touch to the action of the play. A play like this was produced for children and I think mainly the children of the audience enjoyed it best. Of course it could have taken some adults back to being in elementary school and that is where they could have found a connection. I personally did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would and I am a person that is still entertained by the brightness and the escape from reality of animation and musicals.
It was really amusing to see some of my classmates attempt at transforming their adult forms in to seemingly animated children. There was hair dye, curls, wigs, and children's clothing made to fit college students. I was really even impressed with the human form of Woodstock. Human Woodstuck as I will refer to her, was very graceful in her movements unlike how I remember the animated version. The character of Charlie Brown was also very different from the version we are used to seeing. I didn't think the costuming was all the great but I did enjoy all of the bright colors. They were particularly stimulating and I think it even added to the effect of the acting. I think the visual aspects of the set made the actors appear more animated. Or maybe they were just that animated. It was after all a children's play. However usually when something is advertised as being for kids, it is usually riddled with adult humor. I unfortunately did not pick up on any adult humor.
Aside from the actual stage setting of the bright scenary the atmosphere in the audience played a role in the viewing experience. The majority of the audience were kids with their ages ranging from infants to...I would say 8 years old. Of course, like most kids are many of them were restless in could not keep still in their seat. Apart from watching the action on the stage, it was hard not to shift my eyes to the kid in the row in front of me staring at my friend seated next to me. There was also a lot of talking between the kids in the audience and their parents about what was going on in the play and how much longer they were going to have to stay there. It was distracting and amusing at the same time. Most of the children were with their mothers but many were there with both parents. That kind of reiterated the role of parents that is based on gender. To relate it back to our studies in class, gender is often a topic of art in visual culture as we saw with Cindy Sherman.
The music also played a major role in the atmosphere of the play and the effectiveness of the message to the audience. Of course the music was accompanied by dancing during which the lights the lights in the house changed colors and danced. The bright lights were really a nice touch to the action of the play. A play like this was produced for children and I think mainly the children of the audience enjoyed it best. Of course it could have taken some adults back to being in elementary school and that is where they could have found a connection. I personally did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would and I am a person that is still entertained by the brightness and the escape from reality of animation and musicals.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
The Beginnings of Film
Our new unit has taken us to the beginnings of film/cinema. Today we actually got to watch some early examples of film, which was exciting. But before we could watch we first we had to learn a little bit about it. Film/cinema was born in the 1890s with what was called Pictorialism in photography. In the first half of our unit which was on photography, we learned how Eadward Muybridge was known for his early use of multiple cameras to capture motion. I believe he was able to capture the movement of a horse while it was running. I will admit that learning about that was to me, one of the highlights of the unit on photography.
Film during the 1890s were characterized as popular drama and melodrama was the mode of comedy as we see with Charles Chaplin movies. We know him as Charlie. We watched a Charlie Chaplin film titled "A Dog's Life". This particular film is a good example of narrative cinema. Other characteristics include the use of straight forward and conventional movement of the camera. We talked about how films gave the illusion of reality and in this film Chaplin plays a tramp/scoundrel who is poor and looking for work and a companion. During this time work was hard to come by. This is a big issue that Chaplin addresses in this film as well as others. We also learned the characteristics of early narrative Chaplin films such as these. They are: MOVEMENT, SOUND/MUSIC, MAKE-UP, COSTUMES, and ACTING STYLE. I really enjoyed the Chaplin film.
Film during the 1890s were characterized as popular drama and melodrama was the mode of comedy as we see with Charles Chaplin movies. We know him as Charlie. We watched a Charlie Chaplin film titled "A Dog's Life". This particular film is a good example of narrative cinema. Other characteristics include the use of straight forward and conventional movement of the camera. We talked about how films gave the illusion of reality and in this film Chaplin plays a tramp/scoundrel who is poor and looking for work and a companion. During this time work was hard to come by. This is a big issue that Chaplin addresses in this film as well as others. We also learned the characteristics of early narrative Chaplin films such as these. They are: MOVEMENT, SOUND/MUSIC, MAKE-UP, COSTUMES, and ACTING STYLE. I really enjoyed the Chaplin film.
Film: A New Unit!
We have started our unit on film. I really enjoy watching films of all kinds so I think I will be better able to understand this section. We learned the basic components of a film. This first thing about films is that they are mostly narrative. They tell a story. They also deal with what is known as a psychological identification. This means that films give off the illusion of reality which is why I think people enjoy them so much, because they can relate to them. However there are times when some of us want to escape reality and that is when I think we opt for the ridiculous comedy options i.e. Will Ferrell and his crazy antics. The illusion of reality is partially created through the illusion of time. This is partly why films are kind of similar to dreams. They are also related to dreams because you can analyze and interpret their meaning like dreams. Other characteristics of dreams include movement/energy, shot-which we know as a single take in a scene before you edit to another shot-, sequences-shots put together-, and lastly Classic Hollywood Cinema. I am really interested in the last component of films. When I think of the term Classic Hollywood Cinema Clark Gable, Orson Welles, the channel TMC, and the Oscars comes to mind. I enjoy watching old films so I am excited to see what we will be watching. An official description of Classic Hollywood Cinema is an economic mode of production designed to make money. It can also be an art (the way I picture it) but most people in Hollywood view it as a business. This idea is very Marxist in nature.
Once we get the basic concepts of film down it will be fun to watch some examples of different types of film. I am sure we will go in order of how films were developed, such as starting with silent films. Silent films are not my favorite but it is how it goes. Like the saying goes (I think): You have to know your history to know where you’re going. Like I said, I am really excited to see where this unit takes us. I am really interested in learning more about the psychological identification and how films attempt to imitate life.
Once we get the basic concepts of film down it will be fun to watch some examples of different types of film. I am sure we will go in order of how films were developed, such as starting with silent films. Silent films are not my favorite but it is how it goes. Like the saying goes (I think): You have to know your history to know where you’re going. Like I said, I am really excited to see where this unit takes us. I am really interested in learning more about the psychological identification and how films attempt to imitate life.
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