A Comment on "Tokyo Story"

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

Reaction to Viewing "Aguirre, Wrath of God"

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

The Best of Excellent Television: Your Choice?

Of all the TV shows we watched, which one was your favourite? (including “Freaks and Geeks” of course)

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 Television: Your Suggestions?

I can see our tastes in TV drama differ; however, I am very interested in the kinds of drama or comedy that you like to watch. Because of the nature of shows such as "The Amazing Race" (reality TV), I would prefer to hear about fictional shows like the "Freaks and Geeks" we watched on Thursday.

Please post a comment that suggests a show you have found to be of good quality and interesting. If not, I will bring some others for us to see next Thursday instead.

Links for Learning Video Basics

Take the time to view and read in the next two to three weeks.

Beginner's Guide to Making a Video

Transitions

The Different Styles of Documentary Storytelling

Seeking Great Ideas

"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

Man on Wire

Post comments or notes from watching here. We will discuss them on April 9 in class.

Your Favourite Mid-Century Film

Of the four mid-century films we have viewed—“Notorious”; “Singin’ in the Rain”; “North by Northwest”; “Some Like it Hot”—which do like the best and why? Answer at the blog before coming to class next week. Mention at least one specific scene in your answer.

“Citizen Kane” Or “Notorious”

        It's difficult to choose between "Citizen Kane" and "Notorious." “Citizen Kane” has wonderful camera shots. Welles was one of the first to use the famous deep focus technique in his film. Using this shot, the spectators could clearly see every actor scattered at different depths within the scene. These deep focus shots are extremely unique and technical. When Charles’ parent discusses with Mr. Thatcher, I could clearly see young Charles and the sled through the window behind them. Next, I love the use of the crane shot. I was like a bird flying in the sky looking down at the warehouse, then flying down to see the “Rosebud” in the fire.  

        On the other hand, “Notorious” has a beautiful shot that passes the faces of Devlin with Alicia, Alex, and Alex’s mother down to the three spies. Another interesting shot is when the camera goes past Alicia's face, changes to her perspective, then rotates to show Devlin standing beside the door.

         "Notorious" uses many close-up shots to create tension and direct the audience's attention. There's a close-up shot of a key in Alicia's twisting hand, which then moves to her husband's face when he holds her hand. Another example is when the camera focuses close on the solemn face of the spy. I felt very nervous during the dolly shot moving across the labels of the wine bottles because of the anticipation of him discovering the swapped wine bottle. The camera then stopped on a close-up of a bottle with a label of 1940 instead of 1934. Hitchcock also used close-up shots to show the emotion between the characters. At the end of the film, there is a close-up of Alicia's smiling face when Devlin prevented Alex from getting into the car. These close-up shots deeply touched my mind. Moreover, I find it delightful to watch romantic shots with kisses between Alicia and Devlin. I love that Hitchcock's movie is full of romance and emotions. Therefore, “Notorious” is my favorite film.