The Story of Qiu Ju

Think about the presentation of Qiu Ju and Meizi in the film. In one paragraph, discuss how both of these women are represented cinematically. In your next paragraph discuss how the countryside and teh city are represented cinematically. In your last paragraph, tell me what you learned and what you liked best about the film. Include also any films or filmmakers you would compare it to. I will give extra credit to anyone who watches another film of a fifth generation director and writes one paragraph on their film of choice.

Rebel Without a Cause

Please read Roger Ebert's Great Movies essay on Rebel Without a Cause. In 2 paragraphs, please discuss the following quote:

"Like its hero, Rebel Without a Cause desperately wants to say something and doesn't know what it is. If it did know, it would lose its fascination. More perhaps than it realized, it is a subversive document of its time."

Also, early in his essay, Ebert claims that "the film has not aged well." Do you agree or disagree? Give me one paragraph that tells me why (with evidence from the film).

Production Portfolio

Here is the link for Incoming. On the left hand side you will see other samples of assessments.

Trailer Advice

First, WATCH A LOT OF TRAILERS. As many as possible!

Trailer Techniques
1. Long shots to establish character, setting and the ‘dilemma’
2. Fades to black that suggest shifts in time
3. Transitions accompanied by booming SFX, building tension and placing significance on the text on screen – often white on black
4. Short shots and quick cuts of some of the most exciting moments from the film, the ‘events’ that lead to resolution but not necessarily in chronological order
5. Quiet music to establish story, menacing music to highlight villains, build to a crescendo
6. Sudden moments of quiet and silence between and after music and SFX, which have equal impact on mood and pace.

Besides these persuasive features however, the language on screen and in the voiceover can also establish the narrative. Words chosen can suggest key themes and summarize the plot in a grand way to suggest the plot is timeless and universal. Some clichéd examples are:
• They will find hope where they least expect it
• One man’s destiny…
• She will face her biggest challenge
• It will change their lives forever!

Plan your film trailer – Storyboard, Shot List. Ask yourself the following questions:
1. What clips should I include in order to give a really good sense of the film’s style, content and genre?
2. How will I create mood? What mood(s)?
3. How will I create pace? Can I vary pace to make it more interesting?
4.What is the plot of my film? What particular hooks can I create? How?
5. What should I leave out in order to maintain some sense of enigma which can only be resolved by watching the whole film?
6. At what point should I include the film’s title?
7. How can I design the trailer so that it draws attention to my technical role in the film’s production?

How will your trailer fit into the history of trailers? Will it be typical of a particular style? Will you challenge conventions?

http://www.microfilmmaker.com/tipstrick/Issue14/Edit_Trl.html

This Is Spinal Tap

Please write one paragraph (make it something you'd be proud of, please), and discuss how This Is Spinal Tap contributed to television shows today. Think about shows like The Office. Extra credit to anyone who adds their favorite Tap lyrics.

Grey Gardens

Read the following essay...http://documentary.net/direct-cinema-and-cinema-verite-guide-to-the-genres/ and use at least one quote in your response.

Discuss in at least two paragraphs how the Maysles cinematically depict Grey Gardens (the home) and Mrs. Beale and Edie. Mise-en-scene, shot types, lighting, etc. all play into how they are represented.

In a separate paragraph, give me your response to the film as a whole.

Due Friday, January 24.

Harlan County USA

Discuss in two paragraphs how filmmaker Barbara Kopple cinematically represents the miners, the coal executives, and the union leaders. Be sure to use specific cinematic elements in your discussion. What were your impressions of the film as a whole?

Due Wednesday, January 22.