لوكان عندي وقت أكثر، سأفعل أشياة كثيرة ! في الصباح، أنا سأقراء قصاص عاطفية في سريرتي و سأنام غيراً. سأقراء الجريدة و مقالات جاصة. سأجري كل صباح في منطقة صغيرة مع زاميلة غرفتي. سنفطر جميعاً زميلات شقتي. سألعب كيتار و بيانو كل اليوم. لو كان عندي وقت أكثر، سِاستطيع أن أكل الغداء مع أصدقاأي. سألعب قرة القدم و تينيس في نادية الجامية. أنا سأرسل رسالة إلا إسرتي كل أسبوع. سأزور أقاربي في ولاية "ميشيجان". أظن أن أنا سأكون أحسن طالبة في فصولتي لأن فالحقيقة ما عندي وقت مناسب لِالدرس الأن. في الجمعة و السبت صديقة مها وآخرين بنات سنذهب الا سينيمة و سنتكلم مع أصحاب. يا ترى هل لو كان عندي وقت أكثر سيكون حبيب في حياتي؟ سأعيش حياة جميلة و سعيدة جداً! أنتمنى أن أحب الشية التي أفعل في وقتي. ولكنني طبعنة احياناً بسبب وقت صغير. من الازم أن أجد وقت أكثر فعلاً
Clip Presentation : Hable Con Ella
The scene beings with a medium shot of just Lydia and oscillates between shots of bull and Lydia to create suspense as the music heightens in volume and speed. The non-diegetic music is a string quartet which highlights one single, high pitched violin. The close ups of Lydia are strangely masculine and it is ironic that she kisses her medalion for good luck because she is perceived to be fearless. Lydia and the bull are shot through separate lens’ as the bull charges her. Slow motion for effect (mounts the tension and anticipation for action). When we see and hear Lydia’s cloak fly up into the air, we only hear the crowds reaction and think she has succeeded (this is emphasized by Marco’s face). But, the first scene with Lydia and the Bull together we immediately recognize she has been hit. This scene could be a representation of her defeat by her previous lover (where in the last bullfighting scene she was torturing the bull, she was in control.) Regular speed picks back up as soon as Lydia is hit, again we see Marco’s reaction and he’s reacting strongly and quickly, making the viewer more anxious. There is birds eye view of Lydia laying on ground with blood contrasted with brown sand. She looks so weak, appears to be dead as 4/5 men come and carry her away, which is another irony (she’s tiny, if it were a heavy many being carried away, yes) There is one final, subjective shot of the bull, he appears humanlike and that adds to the eerie, suspensful mood.
Reflections
Today we edited and discussed in length our reviews for Salut Cousin! by Allouache. It was a difficult movie to talk about seeing as everyone in the class did not like the story. I was not particularly interested in the film but I do think I gave it more credit and attention because I am analyzing it for my final project.
The reviews read aloud were very analytical and deconstructed the film in a comprehensive and intelligible manner. Each person that did read, however, maintained their own style. It is interesting to hear how people take specific aspects of the film to focus on. Our reviews and ability to discuss a film have improved dramatically! Reflecting back on Maymester and how much everyone has learned is mind boggling.
I have learned how to analyze a film for its objectives, moods, identities, characters, and narrative elements. Now I can recognize a films entertainment value but deepen my appreciation of the cinematography.
The reviews read aloud were very analytical and deconstructed the film in a comprehensive and intelligible manner. Each person that did read, however, maintained their own style. It is interesting to hear how people take specific aspects of the film to focus on. Our reviews and ability to discuss a film have improved dramatically! Reflecting back on Maymester and how much everyone has learned is mind boggling.
I have learned how to analyze a film for its objectives, moods, identities, characters, and narrative elements. Now I can recognize a films entertainment value but deepen my appreciation of the cinematography.
Response: Battle of Algiers
Five individual voices commenting on the resonance and meaning of the european film, "Battle of Algiers" brought the film into context for me. Here is a compilation the directors responses: while the film is based on history, there is a sense of staging a documentary, a naturalistic feel. This is an important bridge between a feature film and documentary and realistically captures all aspects of protests and bomb scenes. The film catches the "complexity, power, and wisdom of the people of Algeria," the unselfishness of the bombers. Director, Pontecorvo sketches people while making an impression. The characters are not actors, they are people who have been through similar situations so they react to their environment, not imagine it. Pontecarvo shows that grief is something that has not nationality, it is universal. The heavy tragedy in this film is shown through the most simple human circumstances. Finally, Pontecorvo creates this film with an obvious Algerian bias and voice but it does not skirt the issue of French people dying during the bombing.
European Identities
What defines european identities in Europe?
I find that a character's true identity is defined when they are confined to stereotypes. A characters will to act as an individual from one country and not as a national symbol allows the viewer to see how they identify with their homeland.
Film can delve into an individual's personal connection with their Nation. Film can construct a specific environment to portray underrepresented identities or a directors vision of an identity. The viewer is guided towards specific emotions, reactions, and understanding of a certain topic by a film. There is a distinct relationship between the viewers knowledge and expectations about a culture and how a character conforms or resists these preconceived notions.
I find that a character's true identity is defined when they are confined to stereotypes. A characters will to act as an individual from one country and not as a national symbol allows the viewer to see how they identify with their homeland.
Film can delve into an individual's personal connection with their Nation. Film can construct a specific environment to portray underrepresented identities or a directors vision of an identity. The viewer is guided towards specific emotions, reactions, and understanding of a certain topic by a film. There is a distinct relationship between the viewers knowledge and expectations about a culture and how a character conforms or resists these preconceived notions.
Response: La Haine et Salut Cousin
Je viens de finir La Haine et Salut Cousin et franchement, c'était un sujet trop lourd pour le weekend. J'essaie de ranger toutes mes idées mais je pense que mes émotions sont mélangé aussi. Je voulais aider les personnages dans les deux films. Les jeunes dans L'ésquive étaient si mechants avec leurs amis et leurs familles. Mais cette méchanceté m'a frappé. C'est completement different de ma vie et je comprends plus chaque jour comment j'ai beaucoup de chance avec ma vie. Je veut continuer d'étudier ce conflit pour peut-etre la rest de ma vie. Je veut avoir un role en France ou en Afrique.
Response: 9'11''01
Je crois que ce film commence a changer ma vie. Je ne suis pas sur si je peux écrire effectivement a ce sujet et le but de "9'11''01. Je n'avais pas beaucoup a dire a ce sujet de 9/11 presque toute ma vie, mais maintenant je suis en train d'examiner mes pensées et franchement, c'est difficile. Je me sens un peu triste et méloncholique. Au meme temps, je me sens fiere de mon pays et trouve quelques extraits du film bouleversant. Je veux bien trouver une raison pour laquelle ce film me frappe et me bouleverse. Mais il faut comprendre mes avis sur la politique et le gouvernement et bien plus avant que je puisse savoir ce qu'exactement je pense.
Elite Eight
Eight questions that are fundamental to me in analyzing a film:
1. What message is the director trying to convey--in whole--and to what extent do they achieve this objective?
2. What is the mood and how does this attribute to the overall theme?
3. How is music and sound employed?
4. How is the cinematography constructed? Aesthetic value of the film.
5. What is the diegetic context of this film?
6. How is the narrative developed, i.e. through sound, character traits, desires...etc?
7. Can I identify with a character? --characterization
8. Is there a resolution to the film that leaves the viewer with closure.
1. What message is the director trying to convey--in whole--and to what extent do they achieve this objective?
2. What is the mood and how does this attribute to the overall theme?
3. How is music and sound employed?
4. How is the cinematography constructed? Aesthetic value of the film.
5. What is the diegetic context of this film?
6. How is the narrative developed, i.e. through sound, character traits, desires...etc?
7. Can I identify with a character? --characterization
8. Is there a resolution to the film that leaves the viewer with closure.
Response: Sex is Comedy
The filming of a kiss represents the climax of a romantic movie. "Sex is Comedy" is about the filming of a love scene. There is irony in the cold, detached kiss that takes place on screen. The kiss is simplified to a mechanical, body movement and undermines the traditional, subjective values of a kiss. Director, Catherine Breillat parodies the hot, beach environment with realistic cold, rainy weather. The slow action taking place on the film creates tension with the coming rain storm. This movie presents filming as having many constraints, both financial and technical.
The male actor does not distinguish between his real life and acting. He goes against what traditional viewers search for in a film, a relatable, genuine character. Breillat deconstructs the viewers image and impression of a kiss. She compels the viewer to question the quality of acting, specifically in the case of love. While there is not one character the audience can identify with, they can see the humor and irony.
The male actor does not distinguish between his real life and acting. He goes against what traditional viewers search for in a film, a relatable, genuine character. Breillat deconstructs the viewers image and impression of a kiss. She compels the viewer to question the quality of acting, specifically in the case of love. While there is not one character the audience can identify with, they can see the humor and irony.
Quatre.
Aujourd'hui, nous avons regardé Paris, je t'aime. Je pensais que ce film montrait des themes d'amour, des relations sexuelles et l'esprit de Paris. Je me suis frappé par des themes de la tristesse, de la nostalgie et des gens limites entre les cultures. J'ai trouvé des scenes courts intéressants mais difficile a comprendre. Il y avait beaucoup d'histoires et d'idées montrer pendant le film. J'avais deux scenes préferés: l'un au début du film avec une jeune fille Musulman et un jeune homme Parisen et l'un avec deux garcons qui parle un peu, puis il n'est pas clair s'ils sont interressés par l'autre. Je regarderais Paris, Je t'aime une deuxieme fois, si j'avais du temps. Franchement, je n'en ai pas maintenant mais jele garderai pour un soir avec quelques amies.
Trois.
Donc, je viens de finir mes travaux écrits pour le week-end et je suis vraiment contente des idées que j'ai explorées. Au début, c'était vraiment difficile pour moi a décrire le role du son dans "L'Odeur de la papaye verte." Pourtant, apres avoir discuté du film un peu en classe, je pouvais voir les raisons pour laquelle le réalisateur a utilisé quelques techniques. J'ai mis l'accent sur un contrait entre l'identité du Vietnam puis l'influence de l'Oeust. Hier matin, j'ai vu "Born on the Fourth of July" avec l'acteur Tom Cruise. Franchement, je pense que le film était mélodramatique mais j'ai compris que le réalisateur voulait montrer une perspective des Vietnamiens entre les actions et la voix de Tom Cruise et sa protestation apres qu'il revient de la guerre.
Response: The Scent of Green Papaya
While the sound does not appear to have a direction and is extremely dissonant, it is a powerfool tool in The Scent of Green Papaya. The unconventional and at times unpleasant music creates a suspicious, unsettling mood. The viewer perceives a tension surrounding the household. We are first introduced to the sound of crickets and a traditional stringed instrument. Sound dominates action in this film. At first, the music seems non-diegetic, but the viewer is soon introduced to a man playing the instrument. The high pitch and close proximity of crickets show the dominance of nature at nighttime. The unidentified stringed instrument represents a part of Vietnamese culture. The filmmaker also highlights rhythm through the Grandmother's prayer beating. Each time the viewer hears this sound, they are taken to a non-diegetic space of the Grandmothers room in their minds. The constant beating of her prayer rock symbolizes her unwillingness to let go of the past and this haunts those characters living in the present.
Deux.
Je m'assieds dans ma salle de classe pendant qu'on regarde un extrait du documentaire sur "the Berlin Wall." On vient de regarder des extraits de "la bataille d'Algiers" et j'ai quelques idées sur le film comme documentaire et fiction. D'abord, il est clair que Pontecarvo employait la musique et le rythme pour augmenter la peur et le suspence du film. Il examine le role des femmes dans la guerre de l'independence d'Algerie. Je trouve que le style du cinema suit les conventions d'une narrative mais les personnages sont les vrais battants de la bataille d'Algiers. Aussi, il est interressant de regarder le stlye du son. J'ai noté qu'il y a pleins de rthymes traditionelles qui jouent aux moments de tension.
Un.
Voila, Je viens de finir mes deux premieres jours du cours! Je comprends bien que j'ai beaucoup de travail a faire pendant ces deux semaines mais je suis vraiment ravie d'appendre comment écrire sur le sujet du film. J'ai déja appris des nouveaux sur le sujet du documentaire puis la narration. Aussi, j'ai vu un documentaire s'appelle "the gleaners and I" hier apres-midi. L'histoire était vraiment bizarre mais j'ai examiné le documentaire avec les nouvelles idées comme "cinéma direct." Aussi, j'ai remarqué l'influence que la musique avait sur le rythme du documentaire et quand la musique augmentait le ton du film. Ce soir je vais regarder "goodbye lenin" et définer la construction du film avec des termes comme "le début, l'exposition, et le climax." Demain, je vais écrire ma réaction et ce que j'appris sur le sujet du film fiction.
