"Citizen Kane" or "Notorious"?

Of the two films we have viewed from the 1940s ("Citizen Kane" and "Notorious"), which one do you prefer and why? Refer to the quality of film techniques used by the directors at least once for each film in your answer..

Citizen kane

I think the film is an extremely excellent film because of its bold narrative structure and flashbacks, especially deep focus. I surprisingly know it was the first film by a young man, Orson Welles. I admire and respect Welles genius and innovative brave to open up my mind. The first, I still don't understand the reporter’s efforts to search for the answer to the “Rosebud” even though I have watched it twice. It's a depth film. It's a worth film for watching again and again. Whenever I watched it, I emerge different feeling and thinking about the film. I will always remember is Kane indignantly destroys every precious thing in his luxurious main bedroom, until he finds the crystal globe and mumbles, "Rosebud." It seems tell audience what he exactly want. The scene is deeply touch my heart; however, I am not easy to understand his physical manifestation that time. Also, I will understand Charles cannot stand his wife's chatter when they eat dinner every time and Kane quits Susan's vocal music teacher when he teaches her singing severely. After I read the commentary by Roger Ebert, I better understand the representative meaning of “Rosebud.” it is the most meaningful for him, so he spend his life to pursue and to seek his security, hope, and content. After I watched this film, I passionately shared with my son. He said the film is famous with its deep focus. I would like to recommend the film for my son's friends who graduated with a film degree. I hope they will learn more from "Citizen Cane.

Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane

I personally don't think that Citizen Kane deserves to be "the greatest film of all time". I think the issues are from the phenomenon of American-concentric point of view. “Our information of the cinema is too much based from American's point of view.” my son told me.

 In the film, Citizen Kane, I was impressed by the unique technique that the director has used in the film, in which called "Deep Focus."My son is a filmmaker; we had a discussion about why it's a unique technique for that time. It was one of the first times when filmmakers used deep depth of field that keeps everything in focus. In this sense, if everything is in focus, we can have actions happening simultaneously in the foreground, mid-ground and the background. By doing so, many stories can be told at the same time within one single shot. I believe this would be very hard to direct. This was found very clearly in the scene where the child was playing with the snow outside of the window while conversations were going on inside the house. 

I would recommend the film for my friends because I think “Citizen Kane “has its own unique approach in film making that is very important for the film history. 

Homework for "Citizen Kane"

After viewing the film and hearing some of the commentary by Roger Ebert, what do you remember the best (and what is most important for you about the film?). Does it deserve its status as one of the greatest films of all time? Would you recommend it to a friend? Why or why not?

The Wizard of Oz

"The Wizart of OZ" fills such a large space in our imagination" as Ebert said in his review. I agree with what Ebert view point. I was attracted to Dorothy’s character, played by Judy Garland. I could not stand to see it again and again at home. Dorothy hits tornado and see some person, animal, and furniture is flying in the sky. Then the house flies in the sky, too. She drops into the wonderful OZ. She meets a number of strange characters, for instance, Scarecrow, Tin man, Cowardly Lion, the Good Witch of the North, The Wicked Witch of the West, and Professor Marvel.

At first, she meet a Scarecrow without the brain. She meets a Tin man without the heart and a Cowardly Lion without courage. How can you image the big Cowardly Lion without courage? Moreover, A kind girl Dorothy helps Scarecrow, Tin man, and Cowardly Lion, to find their shortages, such as the brain, the heart, and courage.

In the begin, Dorothy felt timid, curiosity and longing. In the end, she full of joyful and confident because her the best friends, Scarecrow, Tin man, and Cowardly Lion  overcome his weakness. Ultimately, Dorothy lay on bed and see every person in her dream. Is it a real journey or a strange dream? “The Wizard of Oz” furnishes “a large space in our imagination” for kids and adults.

“The Wizard of Oz”

“The Wizard of Oz” is thought of as a children’s film. “A wonderful surface of comedy and music, special effects and excitement…” as Ebert said in his review. He also indicated: “As adults, we love it….” I agree with Ebert’s view point. “The Wizard of Oz” is not only for children, but also for adults. Undoubtedly, many of us have similar experiences from our childhood. Sometimes we wanted to run far away from home, especially when we felt our thoughts were not accepted by adults. In this film, Dorothy's Aunt tells her to "…find yourself a place where you won't get into any trouble". In the same situation we might have the same idea as Dorothy, to run away from home, protect her pet Toto, and to find "'someplace where there isn't any trouble”. But when Dorothy left her family after a tornado, her only wish was “go home”. Her journey to get back home is an adventure that she takes with her new companions, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. In spite of many unexpected challenges on the way, they sing and dance forward to achieve their goals. These scenes “remind us of a journey we have taken.”

Moreover, the film’s famous song, "Over the Rainbow", was sung for adults rather than children. The song was sung by actress Judy Garland, and was used in the film when “Dorothy experienced an unpleasant incident involving her dog”. The song goes: “…Someday I'll wish upon a star…..Where troubles melt like lemon drops…”. No wonder Ebert said “Judy Garland had, I gather, an unhappy childhood” and “When she hoped that troubles would melt like lemon drops, you believed she had troubles.” Therefore, as a parent of two sons, I prefer this movie just as Ebert told us: “That is why any adult in control of a child is sooner or later going to suggest a viewing of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Responding to Roger Ebert and "The Wizard of Oz"

Read Roger Ebert’s review of “The Wizard of Oz” and respond to one or two things he says about the film. Be specific when you mention Ebert’s ideas and agree or disagree (say why you do) with him. Write your answer in a paragraph and post it to the blog before coming to class next week.

Wizard of Oz

Wizard of Oz

It is so amazing! The movie “Wizard of Oz” made me very similar. It seemed talking about a beautiful dream which happened in every little girl’s childhood-- she played with her pet normally. Incidentally, she left her family relations with threats. On the rough road she tried to back home, she met series happening. A strawman, a tinman, a lion, they were all huge and strong than the girl, but they had been getting friendly caring from the little girl with her pure insides. Then they would like to be governed under her and did their best to protect her as if she were their princess. Certainly, there was a ugly witch who was jealous against the little girl and tried all ways to kill her, robbing the girl’s magic slippers. Justices eventually defeated evils. Whole world supported the girl no matter in the past or nowadays! Unbelievably, in that old days, with poor technics the narrator could film a girl’s fairylike dream with fantastic scenes. Perfect color matching. Dreamful scenery. Vivid dialogue of personification. I love this story which reminded me somewhat.

(178)

The Great Dictator

The Great Dictator is a great film of Charlie Chaplin. The 1940 American satirical political comedy-drama film starring, written, produced, scored, and directed by Charlie. He is an incredible talent genius in this field. Wearing a tight dress, over sized trousers and shoes, holding a walking stick, along with his typical bowler hat and mustache, Chaplin successfully created a unique image in his movies that is remembered by his audiences. “Chaplin” stands for humor, satire, and comedy.

In The Great Dictator, Chaplin used lots of strategies to create ridiculous effects. The clumsy soldier makes many mistakes that cause lots of funny combat scenes during the battle. The marching of the soldier with the enemy and the reversed flying of the airplane interested us for they do not make sense. Some scenes are surreal, such as the auto turning bullet of the canon, and the status of Venus and Rodin’s The Thinker raising its arm to show respect to Hynkel. Another interesting scene is when Chaplin shaves a customer to Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 5. His actions which matched the musical rhythm are incredible.

Chaplin making us laugh on the screen is not just for entertainment. He may be attempting to have us think deeply with his artistic combination of comic effects and serious issues. An example of this is when he makes a long final speech in this film: “…We are coming into a new world, a kinder world, where men will rise above their hate, their greed and brutality…” Even though seventy years have past, the speech of Fight for Liberty is still powerful to me.

The Great Dictator

My heart filled up with complex feelings: sweetness, delight, pride, and emotion after I saw the movie, “The Great Dictator”.  The fake dictator’s speech was full of wise and powerful words.  Every word aroused the soldiers and everyone else. Those words encouraged the soldiers and the people to unite together and pursue freedom and democracy for their country. Those words also won over the dictator's lover’s heart.

 Greed is the biggest enemy of humanity. It urges a great leader to pursue his desires and power so that he eventually loses his humanity and gentle nature. Dictators strive to gain more power to rule the whole world. The dictator played with the balloon globe in the hands, however, the globe burst. This symbolised that his hope would be shattered.

I love the music at the barber shop when barber shaves the customer’s beard along to the music of Brahms' Hungarian Rhapsody No. 5. His shaving actions matched the music very well. It was pretty interesting and funny. I prefer the music at the end. I feel that is full of joy, peace, and hope, especially with Hannah’s sad, but smiling face. That scene deeply touched my heart. This humour comedy is like the brilliant sun to arouse glory of humanity.

Responding to "The Great Dictator"

Write a paragraph or two that discusses your personal reaction to seeing Charlie Chaplin’s film, "The Great Dictator." Please post your response as a comment and bring a copy to class next week for us to discuss together.

On the Bridge

This is the picture that I toke this week in Bont Zen Lake from my friend . I tried to consider a balanced composition in the picture. I decided to use the camera in vertical position . I toughs it may be better to have a good composition from the bridge. In my opinion the lady in the fare background gives a symmetry to the main character and gives a kind of missing or separation of a relationship between characters. Also I decided to use the bridge's rim as frame for the picture. 

 

A Favorite Silent Film: Keaton’s "The General”

          

The F. W. Murnau’s masterpiece silent film “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans”, is amusing for the effects of its songs and the mood of humanity. But I think the plot of the film is too obvious and preaching. I prefer “The General”, for the style of Keaton's comedy. The plot is very simple but full of surprise and is funny. It’s a story of a railway engineer, Gray, using his locomotive to chase the enemy to rescue his girlfriend. Gray is too concentrated on his work and often overlooks the circumstances. For example, he makes many mistakes during the train chase and under the table in the enemy’s house. But fortunately, the mistakes he has made, like the poorly aimed cannon, the broken sword, and wearing the wrong uniform often cause a lot of unexpected and funny results. Keaton's comedy is not just for fun. Many actions have his serious thoughts behind the humorous activities, such as, Gray doing his job on the train in spite of the Northern army teams passing by. He also set the marvelous scene of the bridge collapsing with the train. That was incredible at that time. Therefore, I realized that Keaton, the Great Stone Face, might want to show us many deep meanings through his unique silent language in "The General”. 

The Song of Two Human!

         It's hard to compere between two different genre of the movies and even any other artifacts but if I have to choose among “The General” and “Sunrise the Song of Two Human” I will select the Sunrise. My selection isn't because of their technique and creativity of directors, it's because of my personal interest in drama and tragedy movies and stories, specially the family drama. I liked the Sunrise the song of two human because of its story, acting and the way and method of directing. There is a role for the classic stories that a good story and movie is that who can introduce the main characters and the subject in five- seven first minutes. In the sunrise, when the city girl are going behind the window and whistling we know the story and in the one of the best scene of the movie we know the man, the main character, is struggling between infidelity and fidelity inside the house.  The theme of the movie is; this is the life and story of all human in all the time but the differences is how different people and characters are ending a tragedy. In this movie the main character has been chosen the kindness and loyalty of his wife and family and trying to pay his infidelity price and repair his relationship. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GnLVMREVA6M

A Favourite Silent Film

Buster Keaton's “The General” is an attractive movie with its simple story and humorous actions and expressions. However, I prefer the dramatic and dreamlike movie, F.W. Murnau's “Sunrise : Song of Two Humans” fulls of humanity. The story is very simple, but it has power. After I saw this movie, I couldn't stop thinking about some scenes: A woman who loves to work in the city and falls in love with a village man persuades the man to drown his wife, so they can live in the city together. His wife is extremely hilarious to take a vacation with her husband, but she scares and weeps when she find her husband’s abnormal behavior on the boat. When the man looks at his wife's timid and sad face, he could not do it. The man and villagers search the waters for the wife and find her floating in the bulrushes. This breaks his heart. Even though I know the man regrets by his infidelity, I still remember those scenes because they touched me deeply. It is specifically worth mentioning that this silent film seems like a sound film, for its wonderful music makes an emotional atmosphere. When the scene is joyful, you can hear the graceful and light music in the movement. When the scene is frightening, suddenly you can hear terrible and odd sounds. The music is the soul of the film, and it makes this film come alive. This is an awesome film.

A Favourite Silent Film: Buster Keaton's "The General" or "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans"

Write a paragraph or two to explain which of the two silent films ( "The General"; "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans") you prefer and why you prefer it. After you finish your writing, please post your work to our class blog. Bring a copy to class for my evaluation and our discussion next week.

Be specific in your comments by referring to, for example, how the story is told to us, the importance of characters, the way the film communicates to us emotionally and so on. Remember that you can see these films again by visiting Archive.org

Creating an Image: The Cranberry Festival

I captured the scenery at a Cranberry Festival. The Cranberry Festival is held each year on the Saturday of the Thanksgiving weekend in the heart of historic Fort Langley to celebrate the harvest and history of the cranberry in Fort Langley .It was the first time I visited the amusing events even I have lived in Langley for more than 8 years. Through the zoom lens of my Canon XTI camera, I set the squatted boy beside the field on the below third of the photo to make the main subject on an interest point. The red colourful field approximately occupied 90% space of the picture express the result of simplicity. The shadows on the field may point out the people behind the camera. Almost the shapes of the shadow seem toward to the direction of upper left side that leads us to another interest point of the photo that shows the effect of wide space and asymmetrical balance. The photo reminds me the great day in the Cranberry Festival again and again. 

Creating an Image : An Artist Creating

 My husband, Jackson, sat on the bench beside the Ganges harbour. Jackson's face and the tree opposite him are located on the top of centre of interesting. This shapes a symmetrical balance. You can see some of the boats behind of the tree. The boat are located on the top of centre of interesting, too. The interesting matter is that Jackson and the boats form an asymmetrical balance. Then you look at his eyes. What does he look at?  

In addition, Jackson's arm is on the bottom of centre of interesting. When you look at his arm, you can pay attention to his hand, pen brush and sketch book. At a moment, you may guess what he look for.

In the distance, the shapes of the sky and two mountains make a triangle. Three triangles shape into a rectangle. Moreover, the water, the table, the bench and the land are rectangle. This composition seems more interesting. Taken in September.

A Memorable Image: Oh! Good Job!

A Memorable Image: Oh! Good Job!

Chih Kai Lee of Taiwan competes on the parallel bars during the artistic gymnastics at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, on Sept. 21. ( Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA)

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2014/09/asian_games_2014.html 

  A Memorable Image: “Oh! Good Job!”

The effect of this picture by a tele photo lens shot is very simple but strong. A Taiwanese athlete competes on the parallel bars during the artistic gymnastics at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, on Sept. 21. The low viewpoint of the picture leads us to look up at the subject, so we can see the face, arms, and hands of the man very clearly. It also makes the effect of simplicity on the background. The two hands extend to two sides of the picture. The different shape of the arms and palms form an asymmetrical balance. The most interesting point is the facial expression, especially the big mouth and two open eyes. “Good job!”  We seem to hear the voice from the image and the echo of our hearts.

Qin's photoes

Creating an Image: A Walk on a Prairie Road

Taken in July, my brother and my cousin's son (second cousin) walk on a typical prairie road. The horizon line is approximately on the upper third of the photo, with my brother and the boy on an interest point as well. The two look into the distance, which shows a strong dynamic symmetry with the road and the two fields forming a series of three triangular shapes. I also like the parallel body language of the two as they walk together. The field to the right was homesteaded by my Grandfather in 1905. The field to the left shows how wet the spring had been that year. This is the landscape I was born in (about 100 kilometers from this site) and one that always brings me pleasure, especially the immensity of the sky. What you cannot see are the mosquitoes, which kept us moving quickly and hoping for more wind!

NOTE: click on the picture to see a larger version.

An Extra Heavenly Meaning!

Ultra-Orthodox Jews reflect on a car window

I selected this picture as the best among all others. I know this picture looks messy and difficult to understand at the first glance, but it has a lot of meaning and drawing our attention to take it seriously. For me normally meaning is more important than just formula; so, the reflection of the religion people in the car and the low level of the camera got them extra heavenly meaning. Plus this, the composition is also good for example the tallest man with the hat located in the third left gold point and the forearm of the car in the right side. This two role gives a balance to the picture. The color is also interesting. The gray and brown color is adding a mysterious feeling to the picture, which gives it more meaning. Finally and regarding to the religious’ believe that human has two life; one in this world and second in another, in  this picture wich divided in two part; the men in the tup and their reflection in the bottom are imagining this believe, isn’t it?

Picture source :http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2014/10/observing_rituals_of_faith.html     

qin's photo of asia game

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2014/09/asian_games_2014.html

A Memorable Image

Qin's Photo

A Memorable Image
                                                       

This picture is taken from a low viewpoint that lends strength and dramatic effect to the subject. Especially, the athlete’s face shows the most strength and a dramatic expression. In addition, it is a symmetrical balance. The picture has an air of dignity. The photographer rapidly caught a scene when the weight lifter was lifting up a 98 kg weight and failing. How amazing!

新增說明文字

Thailand's Gulnoi Rattikan fails a 98kg lift as she competes in the women's 58kg snatch weightlifting competition at the Moonlight Festival Garden during the 17th Asian Games in Incheon on Sept. 22. (Jason Reed/Reuters) #

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2014/09/asian_games_2014.html

A Memorable Image

A man practices capoeira, a Brazilian form of martial arts, on the Futuro beach in Fortaleza, Brazil, Wednesday, July 2. Fortaleza is one of many cities hosting World Cup soccer matches this month. (Felipe Dana/Associated Press)

Reacting to "Fast & Furious 6"; John's Choice

What was your reaction to viewing “Fast & Furious 6”? Explain why you have the reaction and, using Neil Genzlinger’s review as a guide, comment on something he has said in your reaction.

Reacting to "I Saw the Devil" Spike's Choice

What was your reaction to viewing "I Saw the Devil"? Explain why you have the reaction and, using Jeannette Catsoulis's review as a guide, comment on something she has said in your reaction.

Reacting to "The Tree of Life"

What was your reaction to viewing “The Tree of Life”? Explain why you have the reaction and, using Roger Ebert’s review as a guide, comment on something he has said in your reaction.

Please bring your copy to class, word processed. You can wait until the week after next because of the length of Spike's film choice for next class!

The Best of Excellent Television

Of all the TV shows we watched, which one was your favourite? (you can include the episodes we saw earlier from “Freaks and Geeks” and “Enlightened” in the ones to choose from)

When you choose your favourite, comment on what makes the show interesting (characters, how it is filmed, the story and so on). Be specific and defend your choice of favourite.

The Best of TV: Your Suggestions

Suggest, by March 31st at the latest, a TV show that we should view and discuss in class. A pilot episode (as in "Freaks and Geeks") would be a good start to see how the show establishes character, setting and style.

I await your suggestions!

"Spirited Away" Reactions

Respond to one or two of Roger Ebert’s comments from his 2002 review. 

What is your own overall reaction to seeing “Spirited Away”? Bring your printed work to class this week.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" Reactions

What is your reaction to seeing the film, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest"?

 Did you like the film? 

Discuss why you feel the way you do at the blog and bring a printed copy of your comments to class.

Three in Black and White

We've now watched three films shot in black and white that come from an era where colour film was the normal choice. Choose one of the three (“Some Like it Hot”; “Psycho”; “Dr. Strangelove”) and comment on how being shot in black and white suits the film and its subjects.