The '60s, AKA the Hollywood New Wave

We watched a couple of sweet films this week.  Definitely different.  Different because they were trying to be, because they were influenced by the French New Wave; different because they wanted to tell stories in new, original ways.

I'll be honest, I love the movies we watched, but both of them required extra effort from me to get into when I first watched them.  And, I think that is a good thing.  There is something to be said for relaxing, easy to watch entertainment... but there is also something important in giving focus, mental energy, and deep thought to participate in a film watching experience.  I think there needs to be a balance in both.  Just like we need a balanced food diet to remain physically healthy, so we need a balanced film diet to stay emotionally and mentally healthy.

I was really excited to share these movies with you.  I really do love them a lot.  But, I need to hear from you.  What did you think?

Did you like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)?   Why or why not?  What worked for you in the film, the way it was told?    Was there anything that really didn't work for you?  It is totally cool, just make sure you explain thoughtfully why it didn't.

And 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).  Wow.  Now, this is a motion picture.  I explained to you why it is so important historically, I explained to you why I like it, but I want to hear what you think, sincerely think, tell me truth, and explain to me why.  No holding back, let me have it.  Did you like it?  Did you absolutely not!?  Inbetweenzies?  Explain why.

Sweet.   Peace out.

  

The '50s and the French New Wave

So, what'd you think of the American film from the '50s that we watched?

12 Angry Men is important to me, I love this film, and ya'll know the story why.  This movie changed my close-minded attitude when I was a bratty teenage youth (unlike you guys, who are all incredibly awesome)!  It made me realize a movie from the era of, gasp, black & white, could be good.  Really good.  GREAT even.  Yet, when you sit back and think about it, 12 Angry Men doesn't have any big special effects, or effects at all.  It doesn't have amazing locations across the globe or sweet costumes.  In fact, 99% of it took place in one location.  A big, square room.   So, why is it so good?  Well, I know my answer - but I want to know yours.  Did you like this movie?  And, why?  Give me some good, thoughtful answers as to why you liked it if you did - what makes it so good in your opinion?  Or, if you didn't really like it, that's fair, but you gotta give me a thoughtful detailed answer as to why.

And, then, we stepped away from U.S. film history for a bit and experienced a taste of the French New Wave... speaking of bratty teenagers, haha, these guys grew up to cause a huge change in French cinema, which influenced the way movies were made here, in big ways.





So, Eyes Without a Face.   What'd ya think?  Did you like it?  Why or why not?  Give me a good, deep answer here.  What did think of this poetic French artsy horror film?

GENRES: Solaris, a Story of Copies

Solaris is a story about lots of things. In it's various iterations, it explores themes about the morality of cloning, the definition of life, curiosity, the value of science, the nature of alien intelligence, mourning, immortality, mortality, what matters, love, etc. But one thing that it is definitely about is copies. It's a movie about people getting copied. Maybe it is no coincidence then that Hollywood copied the original film. Hollywood is Solaris, making another version of the film. But how good is the copy? How could is the original?

This post is for two films so it is worth 20 points. Please think about both versions of the film that we watched as you answer TWO of the following questions:

• Which version of Solaris do you like better? Why? Which one explores more interesting philosophical questions? Why?
• In what ways do each of these films reflect the culture and values of the cultures that made them?
• Compare the main theme of each film. State what you think is the main theme of each movie. Which theme do you resonate with more. Why?
• As you watched each of these films, what did you learn that will help you write your own Sci-fi script?

GENRES: Sci-fi at Home

This is the place where you get to post about the awesome Sci-fi something that you watched at your house. For this assignment, you can either watch a feature-length Sci-fi movie you've never seen before or watch an episode from a Sci-fi TV show you've never seen before (i.e. you have never watched the series). If you choose to watch an episode, it needs to be at least an hour long (or two 30 minute episodes).

After you finish watching this lovely Sci-fi thing in your abode, please answer ALL of the following questions:

• What did you watch?
• Would you recommend that other members of the class watch it? Why or why not?
• What social or philosophical questions were explored in the movie/episode you watched?
• How did watching the movie/episode help you get ideas for the script you will write?
• If you watched a TV show, do you plan on watching more episodes? Why or why not?
• What other thoughts do you have about what you watched?

GENRES: Sci-Fi Television Shows

Think through the many television show episodes we've watched in class (e.g. Doctor Who, Twilight Zone, Star Trek: The Original Series, and Star Trek: The Next Generation) and answer two of the following questions:

Which TV show did you like best? Why? Which did you like least? Why?

What did you learn by watching these shows that will help you to write your own science fiction

script?

Did the essay we read about Star Trek: The Next Generation help you to see the show in a new light? If so, explain. If not, explain why.

Do you think science fiction works better as movies or as television series? Why?

Which of the social commentaries in the many shows we watched did you find most interesting / relevant / important? Why?

FILM HISTORY: Films in the '40s, a time of war and change

We start our decade of the '40s with the end of the '30s.  1939, the golden year of Hollywood.  That year, well, as it has been said, their must have been something in the water in Hollywood - they were pumping out thoughtful, well-made, well-acted films!  The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, Stagecoach,  and so many more.  My favorite of these stars my favorite actor of all time: James Stewart.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, makes me so happy!  Dang, Jimmy, not a huge actor yet, totally tore it up.  Corruption in the government, one small simple man against a an army.  Jimmy Stewart's character, Jefferson Smith, makes me feel good about being just a regular fellow, and he makes me feel I can accomplish great things.

• Sooo, did you like the movie?  Why or why not?  
• It was hugely successful in America in 1939, we hadn't gone to war yet, but things were heating up in Europe.  The Great Depression was still ongoing in the USA, people were still suffering, still hungry, still looking for work, still wondering where their next pay-check would be coming from.  Do you think that might have affected this movie's appeal?  Why?

Then, WWII happened... people came back scarred.  They came back depressed.  They came back dealing with their inner-demons, shell-shocked, having seen and done the worst of things.  And, films in America began taking a darker tone... Film Noir.

Double Indemnity (1944) is full of darkness, both in theme and in visual appearance.  Murder, double crossing, lies, affairs.  Dark shots, harsh lighting.  Man, this movie is awesome.  Film Noir is awesome.  And, its affects have lasted until today.  So many current filmmakers utilize elements from this genre (Chris Nolan being one of them, that dude loves Noir).

• Did you like this movie?  Why or why not?
• Did knowing a little history behind how the Film Noir genre came to be add to the experience?  
• Would you recommend this movie to someone else?  Someone who hasn't seen a Film Noir before, who hasn't watched a black & white movie before - how would you recommend it to them?  

Citizen Kane (1941)

The American Film Institute says this is the number one film of all time.  Its story telling structure was completely unique at the time, even if we see movies like it now - know this one was the first.  It used the camera to say things, low angles, high angles, wide shots, close ups, THE CAMERA was almost a character.  It used lighting, like no film ever before, to say things.  The Internet Movie Database gives it an 8.5 out of 10 (that's huge), Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 100% fresh.

Well, now you've seen it.  Congratulations!  I think it's important everyone who claims to love films sees this movie in their life time.  Now, the question:

• Did you like Citizen Kane?  Why or why not?
• And, do you think it is the masterpiece so many claim it to be?  Give a thoughtful response as to why or why not?

GENRES: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

This film is a classic of the Sci-fi genre! I hope that watching it was helpful to you.

Keep in mind, as we discussed in class, that this film was made during the Cold War and lots of fear about atomic war and the Russians destroying the U.S. behind the scenes is going on here.

As you write about this film, please answer TWO of the following questions:

• What is the theme of this film? Back up your theme by referring to specific moments of the movie.
• Does this film ask questions about the course of society. If so, what questions are they? Back up your opinion by referring to specific moments of the movie.
• Could we create the special effects in this film at East Hollywood High School? Which ones could we not create? Why? How could we change elements of the plot to make it filmable without seriously altering the spirit or purpose of the story?
• Some have described this film as a blend between Sci-fi and Film Noir. Do you agree or disagree with that? Why?
• How did watching this film prepare you to write your own Sci-fi script in this class?