Please post your 100-word rationale here. Include the titles of your two films and your overarching theme.
If you would like some ideas for thematic overviews, check out Strictly Film School. Click on the Themes tab. Each theme gives suggestions for directors whose work may encompass the theme.
Due: Monday, March 8. Remember: You get a free 100 in my grade book if you get this done on time.
Many directors use the art of film to convey important messages and themes to the general public. One such theme that has driven many film makers is the sectionalism between social classes and how corrupted their relationship is. The two films I have chosen to support this claim are 'The Grand Illusion' and 'Metropolis'. In the Grand illusion all types of people from each social class are trapped in a jail together and must work together to get out but it is strange how the upper-class official, de Boieldieu, finds more companionship with their German captor than his countrymen. As for Metropolis, this seemingly perfect utopia has been built on the bodies of the working class who do not reap any of the rewards.
ReplyDeleteSounds good, but be sure to specify 2-3 cinematic elements you will focus on. Exclude the first sentence. Define "sectionalism" for your reader. In Grand Illusion, the men are not in jail--they are WWI POWs. Also, do not mention that it is "strange" that Boieldieu and his German counterpart are friendly--just mention that they are from the same social strata.
DeleteThroughout film history directs have portrayed war in both positive and negative lights. “Triumph of the Will” directed by Leni Riefenstahl is a classic example of a pro war movie. This film was made in the 1940’s, a time where the war effort of German forces is hugely supported by the public. On the opposite end of the spectrum is “Platoon” directed by Oliver Stone. Platoon displays some of the less glamorous aspects of war, and that war in particular. It was made about the Vietnam War, a war that famously lacked public support.
ReplyDeleteI like the topic--remember that Triumph is a Nazi propaganda film, so be sure to discuss as propaganda. Also, you need to focus on 2-3 particular cinematic elements.
DeleteWar films are a common form in today's world of movies. They excite with action, and often tend to be thrillers. However, there are war films that go beyond to depict the hardships of war, whether it be the a statement against the war, or more introspectively, what war does to the humans involved. In the films "Lebanon" released in 2009 directed by Samuel Maoz, and Saving Private Ryan directed by Steven Spielberg war is depicted in similar ways, but ultimately differs when it comes to what is being focused on. In "Lebanon", it's individuals new to war operating a tank, in Saving Private Ryan it's a group of men sacrificing for another. Both film's show intensity of war.
ReplyDeleteGood. But you also need to focus on 2-3 cinematic elements. You will examine how these films differ cinematically in how they depict war.
DeleteIn my documentary, I will explore the cinematic techniques used by directors to portray the points of view of children. Having a story be shown through this innocent perspective creates a strong response in the audience as it is something that most people find easy to relate to. The directors of "Beasts of the Southern Wild" and "My Life as a Dog" express this theme through their choices in lighting and camera angles.
ReplyDeleteExcellent!
DeleteIn this Independent Study I will be exploring the portrayal of women in film and it’s effects on film as well as its historical context. For this study i will be using the film Rififi directed by Jules Dassin in 1955 and the 1984 film, Blood Simple; directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Both of the above films have certain defining portrayal and views toward women and through this study I hope to reveal a general idea and also show the flexibility of stories towards women throughout cinema via the films’ mise-en-scene and narrative.
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in my documentary, i will be looking at how films portray children in different cultures. Children often portray a weak character and are immature, with no sense of structure but have a large impact on other characters. Showing how the kids are portrayed with lighting, camera angles, and in the films "Hugo" directed by Martin Scorsese 2011 and "Ladri di Biciclette"( the Bicycle Thief) Directed by Vittorio De Sica 1948.
ReplyDeleteMy Independent Study documentary will focus on two very different cinematic takes on alienation. Guillermo Del Toro's fantasy masterpiece, "Pan's Labyrinth", is initially a simple film about alienation in pre World War II Spain. However, early on in the film, the narrative turns into fantasy. I will focus on the way Del Toro uses costume design, special effects, and cinematography to express a child's view of alienation through fantasy. My other film, Taxi Driver, will focus on a more serious take on alienation. This film lacks the fantasy element of Pan's Labyrinth and I will draw comparisons between the two films.
ReplyDeleteMy Independent Study documentary will explore the deception of children during times of hardship. Adults often lie to children about the severity of a situation in order to protect them. In Roberto Benigni's "La Vita è Bella" (Life Is Beautiful) Guido Orefice tells his son that the concentration camp they are placed in during WWII is a game where the grand prize is a tank. In Mark Herman's "The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas," Bruno's father, a high-ranking soldier, moves the family to a new home near Auschwitz, which Bruno is made to believe is a farm while attempting to fill his head with antisemitist beliefs. Both films focus on lighting, shot composition, and mise-en-scène to convey the truth that the children do not see.
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