Welcome to Seminar – Unit 8‘Cinema’

DQ 1:

Watch the 20-minute short film “Plastic Bag.”

As you watch, evaluate how the film demonstrates elements from (at least two other units in) this course.

For example, Are there mythic elements?

How are images used as art? What is the story and can you relate to it?

Does the film offer a moral dilemma? How does music function in the film?

How is happiness is addressed?

DQ 1:

“Plastic Bag.”

The reply should explain how the unit concepts are present in the film and what we can learn from the analysis of film via other Humanities fields.

Be specific. Make the connections clear to the reader.

DQ 2

You have been hired as a film critic.  Choose a movie you have seen that either reinforces stereotypes about groups of people, or works to break down those stereotypes.

For example, what is the film’s portrayal of soldiers, nurses, minority groups, or members of certain religions?

You do not need to discuss these groups, but use this as a list to get you thinking. Take a critical view and discuss what evidence is presented that leads us to conclusions about one group of people in the film. It may be helpful to refer to “Notes on Critical Viewing” at the end of this week’s reading.

Write a brief review of this movie, including:• a summary of the plot, • discussion of the treatment of groups in the film, • an assessment of the overall message, • and a star rating (1 out of 5)

#1 meaning “Do not watch this film.” and #5 meaning the film is “Strongly recommended’.

There is not a set length, but you must give the reader a clear understanding of your point, the connections, and what you believe they communicate.

In your post, provide a link for the film you’ve chosen, such as Internet Movie Database, where your classmates can read more about the film.

Seminar

The chapter discusses a variety of genres in film.

genre;1: a category of artistic, musical, or literary composition characterized by a particular style, form, or content. 2: kind, sort

1.

Which genres appeal most to you?Horror, suspense, social commentary/documentaries; fictional biographies; comedy; romantic comedy; film

noir; musicals; westerns;

Are there some film genres that you have not seen?

Why do some genres appeal while others do not?

1.

Which genres appeal most to you?

horror, suspense,

social commentary/documentaries;

fictional biographies; comedy;

romantic comedy; film noir; musicals; westerns;

science fiction.

Are there some film genres that you have not seen?

Why do some genres appeal while others do not?

2.

What do you think the purpose of film is?

Should it communicate a moral lesson?

Should it merely entertain?

3.

What impact do special effects have

on a film?

Do you need a strong plot and characters,

or can special effects be sufficient?

1. Choose three film techniques that are used consistently in filmmaking.

2. Define these techniques in your

own words and explain what their intended effect is.

Cut – camera moves from one to another scene

or character

Dissolve – one scene fades and

another replaces it

Establishing shot – camera moves

from one to another scene or

character

1. Choose three film techniques that are used consistently in filmmaking.

2. Define these techniques in your

own words and explain what their intended effect is.

Freeze frame – camera stops

action and image becomes a photograph

Pan – camera travels from one

subject to another

Point of view – the vantage of the camera

indicating to the audience whether it is

the character or the director thinking

1. Choose three film techniques that are used consistently in filmmaking.

2. Define these techniques in your

own words and explain what their intended effect is.

Lingering take – camera stops on an object or face

for dramatic effect

Flip – screen image is turned over quickly like

a coin

Point of view – the camera (on rollers or rails) moves in for a

close-up and then out for a wide shot

‘Psycho’ directed by Alfred Hitchcock

‘2012’ directed by Roland Emmerich

Webliography

‘The Godfather’ Produced and directed by Francis Ford Coppola

‘Birth of a Nation’ directed by D.W. Griffith