Question of the Week (4/26/12)

"Caught up in the entertainment, we sometimes don't 'see' the camera work, composition, editing, lighting, and sound. Nor do we 'see' the production struggles that accompany every film -- including the script's many rewrites..." (From Writing about Film the packet handed out in class).

Formal Analysis

A formal analysis of a film or films requires that the viewer breaks the film down into its component parts and discusses how those parts contribute to the whole. Formal analysis can be understood as taking apart a tractor in a field; you lay out the parts, try to understand the function and purpose of each one, and then put the parts back together.

In order to do a convincing formal analysis of your scene you'll need to use the terminology provided to you in the Writing about Film packet. Keep in mind that the more proper terms you use, the more you convince your audience that you are an authority of your topic.

PART I

Choose one scene from the many on You Tube and begin by conducting an annotated shot sequence -- a shot-by-shot analysis (see your packet and class notes for additional information). Be sure to name your shot sequence. Count the number of shots and identify each one in the scene. List them on your shot sequence worksheet provided, noting the type of shot and who or what is inside the frame. After you have completed the annotated shot sequence, identify the other production aspects of this scene by reviewing the scene again -- the costumes, lighting, set decoration, music etc. List them on your worksheet as well. What are they telling you, the audience, about the scene and the characters in the scene. Turn in your shot sequence and production analysis on MONDAY. This is worth 40 points.

PART II

Then, using what you know about the film's plot summary, analyze in depth in 750 words or less what is happening in the scene. What do the characters' facial expressions communicate to us? If there is dialogue, what does that communicate to the viewer? Conduct a formal and very in depth analysis of your selected shot. This short analysis is the ONLY thing you will post on the blog. This is due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday and you MUST respond to another classmates' response. Your analysis is also worth 40 points. Enjoy!

Question of the Week (4/6/12)

Post your written response to Sherlock Jr. It should be a minimum of 500 words and include specific examples from the film to support your analysis. The film can be found online and you can view it again for reference.
Please use the sheet you were given in class with the examples of written responses on it for reference. Post your written response to this film by Tuesday at 3 p.m. Don't forget to comment on another classmates' response as well. Happy Posting!

Question of the Week (3/30/12)

Write a short commentary of the play "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell. Be sure to reference at least 4  of the major images discussed in class and analyze them thoroughly.  This is your last blog post for quarter 3. No late posts will be given partial credit. Post your thoughtful commentary and a response to another classmate's commentary by 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Happy posting!

Studying Dialects

Choose three dialects and perfect them this week. They can be dialects with which you are already familiar or dialects with which you have no experience. Listen to the selected clips from the region of your choosing by clicking the link below and be prepared to share your perfected dialect on Wednesday. Choose three sentences that best exemplify your mastery of this dialect from The Rainbow Passage or Comma Gets a Cure. First you will play the recording (from the website) and then match it with your perfected dialect. Your three sentences can be written on an index card or memorized. Be prepared on Wednesday. This assignment is worth 50 points. 

http://web.ku.edu/~idea/readings/rainbow.htm

Here's another link to help you with your accents!

http://www.learntheaccent.com/

Question of the Week (3/8/12)

Post your final draft of your scene here. Describe in detail your ideal actor(s), set, costumes, lighting etc. for this scene. Post your scene and detailed response by 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Don't forget to respond to a classmates' post as well. Happy Posting!

Question of the Week (3/2/12)

Create a scene where a character is at a crossroads; this could be a metaphorical or literal crossroads. The scene should include why the character is at this crossroads and some type of resolution. Post your scene by 3 p.m. on Tuesday and don't forget to respond critically to another classmates' scene. Also, remember to bring a copy of your scene to class on Wednesday. Happy posting!

Question of the Week (2/8/12)

Post and analyze a monologue from any play or screenplay. Also, post a video clip of the monologe, if you can find one. Post by Monday at 3 p.m. and remember to respond thoughtfully to another classmates' response. What do you think of their analysis? Do you agree or disagree? If so, why or why not.


For example, in the film Sense and Sensibility, Elinor finally unleashes her emotions, that, unbeknownst to her sister she has been keeping secret for quite some time. She has been tending to her sister's broken heart solely until this moment. This is a powerful example of perspective as one sister, who is completely self-absorbed with her own misery, cannot see the exact same pain in her own flesh and blood.


Sense & Sensibility
written by Emma Thompson, from novel by Jane Austen

Elinor: [trying hard to be controlled] Edward made his promise a long time ago, long before he met me. Though he may harbor some regrets, I believe he will be happy in the knowledge that he did his duty and kept his word. After all - after all that is bewitching in the idea of one's happiness depending entirely on one person, it is not always possible. We must accept. Edward will marry Lucy - and you and I will go home.
Marianne (Kate Winslet): Always resignation and acceptance! Always prudence and honor and duty! Elinor, where is your heart?
Elinor: [Finally explodes She turns upon Marianne almost savagely] What do you know of my heart? What do you know of anything but your own suffering? For weeks, Marianne, I've had this pressing on me without being at liberty to speak of it to a single creature. It was forced upon me by the very person whose prior claims ruined all my hopes. I have had to endure her exultation again and again whilst knowing myself to be divided from Edward forever. Believe me, Marianne, had I not been bound to silence I could have produced proof enough of a broken heart even for you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5yp1RTbWkw (Click to see the scene!)

Happy posting!!