paper topic and dwarf hitman

ok so i know its a little late but i wanted to post that the topic of my paper was going to be based on freeway, and how there are two truths. the truth of what actually happened event wise, and what should be done, and then the truth of reality, and who believes what. hope it came out well, and will be seeing everyone in class today to watch the movie with the dwarf hitman

Free way

I know this is crazy late but the internet isn't working at my house. I really enjoyed freeway and it’s probably my favorite movie we have watched throughout the whole semester. I think if I were to have watched this on my own I wouldn’t have gotten that it had to do with red riding hood. I actually thought this movie was really entertaining and ridiculously funny. I really like how Reese Witherspoon played Vanessa I’ve never seen her play such an interesting character. It’s weird because Vanessa was very innocent and naive in my opinion but still very intense and vulgar. I guess it was like a child she didn’t have a filter when she saw Bob’s mutations she hysterical laughed and made fun of him or when she was talking to the cops she just said whatever she wanted. I also liked how she just goes into the diner no problem after she murders someone and orders food like it was no big deal she just killed someone. I found her honesty very entertaining. I also enjoyed how unlike the original little red riding hood Vanessa manages to hold her own throughout the entire movie and it was nice to see after she kills Bob the cops show up and it’s kind of like ha she didn’t need you to show up anyway. This movie was a good laugh and I really enjoyed it.

I kind of can’t believe the semesters over it seems like yesterday we were watching La Jetee. I really enjoyed this semester. I have seen many movies I would have never picked up to watch if it wasn’t for this class. I’m excited for the movie today I am sure it is going to be something very crazy and entertaining just like the rest of the films.

Hamlet

Real late. I really didn't find this movie interesting. I have seen the true story of hamlet before and i found myself loving the story line and all the twists and turns. I felt that the new modern day twist they threw into the movie really scewed it. i think that this is a story that has tried to be redone over and over again, and just almost shouldn't be touched. The language really threw me off. I know that this is a characteristic that is normally kept, and is part of the stories true roots, but it really deterred me. i was not satisfied with this movie and most definitely will not be writing my final paper on it.

posting comments

i dont know whats going on but i cant post comments under anything.>>>>>>ughhhhhh
Anyway, i cant beleive this semester is over and im graduating>>>> happy happy joy joy

I did find the final paper to be somewhat challenging, but i enjoyed writing it surprisingly.
and watching the film again was interesting and i noticed things that i didnt notice the first time.

Well this semester has come to an end to quickly. To be quite honest this class has been one of my best classes this semester and i enjoyed the experience. Throughout all the films we saw in class I prefer the last one Freeway because it did give a little twist to an old folk tale that i have heard a million times. But any way over all I enjoyed this class and it made me have a better appreciation for films in general.

Last class

Alright, well tomorrow is our last class. I have to say I remember meeting at the honors advisement office to pick this course and when the adviser named another teacher I asked if you were teaching the course because I remember you'd always bring up your film class in our english class. Any way, just as I expected, this class was awesome. I learned a lot about the different types of movies out there and that theres more to a movie than just the plot and the characters playing their role. What an awesome class and experience. As for the paper, I think it went well and I have I feel as if I definitely covered the topic of Truth as well as I could in my paper.

Freeway

I was finally able to get a hold of a copy of Freeway and I have to say that this was my favorite movie that we saw all semester. I loved the films twist on the classic Little Red Riding Hood and the humor it added to the plot. I really loved Vanessa's character because she was so honest about everything and she was able to take care of herself. Its not too often that you see a women in a movie now a days who isn't playing the damsel in distress. Vanessa was definitely not the damsel in distress when it came to defending herself. I do have to agree with the fact that I don't think a scary looking Bob would have been better for the film and that because he looking so trusting that makes him all the more scary. Because of this he was able to lure Vanessa into his car, which I don't think would have happened if he was a scarier looking man. I have to say my favorite part of the movie was when she went into the diner covered in blood and said "I must look a fright" only after the waitress looked at her like she was crazy. All in all I really did enjoy the movie.
Its hard to believe that the semester is already over and that my tie at Nassau is over as well. I really enjoyed the class and I have to say that this was probably my favorite class all semester. Not only because we got to watch movies but we watched movies I probably would not have watched on my own. also that the class challenged us to take a deeper look at how films are made and the different elements used. I really enjoyed being able to share my thoughts on the blog because I'm not a very talkative person and class and this was a way for me to be able to share.
I look forward to our last class and watching the final film, which I have seen parts of but have never been able to watch all the way through.

the finale

i must say that i am sadden that we are having our last class. I really enjoyed this class and all the movies that we have watch. The movies arent ones that i would have chosen on my own, but am glad that i got to see what else is out here beside the same old media movies that are put out in theaters, with the same old boy meet girl, girl falls in love and the end. They are starting to get played out. I especially enjoyed freeway once again and will be looking more into exploitation films. I also like the fact that we are able to express our feelings and though on the blog ( even though i did get a little behind) its in a way more comfortable especially for the people who are shy in the classroom. Am looking forward for this bittersweet tuesday but cant wait to see the last movie either.

Dammit Wolverton! Keep your pants on....

Throughout this semester, ive been intrigued by the extremely random films we've watched. I totally have enjoyed this class because it has opened my eyes to a new way of looking into films. i look to see how narrative elements are used to prove a point or to symbolize something else. In this film Freeway it took a childrens story and made it into a more sexy and interesting film. Matthew Brights mashup of this film has made me interested in more films such as these. I like the idea of taking a storyline that we all know, and changing it up and or altering its meaning. Brights version of Little Red Riding Hood was a bit modified for the modern day viewer. For someone who wants to see a bit more skin than usual. For someone who wants to see violence and drugs. This is what our society asks for, we enjoy watching a gorey film compared to a film that is slow and very literal.
In class we discussed the version of the wolf being the way he was. For some people said that we were expecting a more grizzly looking man who looks somewhat intimidating. But i wasnt waiting for "24"s own Jack Bauer playing the predator killer. I guess for women its different, he did have a creepy look to him and the glasses and the monotone voice can be a perfect fit for this role, but i think a larger, more scary guy would of done justice.
Matthew Bright used some iconic visual effects of the little red riding hood with the Red Hood and the basket. I enjoyed making the connectiosn with the film and story. The name of the predator Bob WOLVErton was also genius. (With the exeption that Prof. Estevez had a bad experience with one Bob Wolverton) thats just ironic though. But he did get everything he deserved. I enjoyed ending the semester and having a film such as this one to write and discuss about because i felt like the other films we watched this semester were a bit depressing. Freeway had more of a comedic factor to it.

I was absent the tues. we watched free way, and after our discussion last tues. I was really curious to watch it. I think this is my favorite movie of the semester. It was so cool to see the little red riding hood story line made horror film. I found it to be really funny, and couldn't believe Reese Witherspoon actually played this tough, rebellious, prison girl. It's so not her. She's usually in all the cute chick flick movies with the perfect hair haha. I think the element of truth was the clearest in this movie. There's so much to write about on it. It's also sad to think that there are a lot of innocent people in jail and a lot of killers out there living freely because the truth wasn't told. I really enjoyed this movie and am looking forward to next weeks final movie. I can't believe its the end of the semester already!

Freeway

I know, I know, light years late on this post... but I really did have a response I wanted to share! First off, I thought it was so hilariously awkward to see Reese Witherspoon play such a role and I loved how the movie had a humorous take. The "Hey officers, what's up?" line killed me. In class, we ( and by we, I mean everyone else... my lack of extensive film knowledge often inspires me to keep quiet ;) ) discussed how a more grizzly looking wolf could have been appropriate. I disagree completely. I find the Bob Wolverton-type predator to be the scariest of all. It's much more unsettling to imagine that some people who appear put together and trustworthy could secretly be dangerous. (I thought the Ted Bundy comparison was spot on.) Also, I think that whole type of predator is the basis of the original Little Red Riding Hood. The wolf in those stories IS well spoken and IS often dressed in gentleman's clothes to show that you can't trust appearances. If the wolf was portrayed simply as grizzly and obviously dangerous, LRRH would be seen as a much more gullible (and stupid) character than she really is, which would change the moral of the story. The original LRRH builds around the concept of "not everyone is who they appear" and I think Freeway did a good job of doing the same.

SOMEONE STILL HAS MY FREEWAY DVD

AND THEY BETTER TURN IT IN QUICK IF THEY DON'T WANT TO END UP LIKE BOB WOLVERTON!

Exploitation films

Unfortunately i was not able to see the video because of copyright claim. I never knew that " exploitation films" were a type of gene in the movie industry, but now reading more about it i can see how a lot of the Quentin Tarantino are definitely "exploitation films". I guess i like these type of films because of the few tarantino movies ive seen and freeway, I've enjoy watching them. As much as Freeway is very over the top, its in a funny way which makes the movie that much better.

hamlet

i found it very funny that they have even made x rated shakespearian themed porn videos. people don't know what to invent now in days. in my opinion Shakespeare is more appropriate for the classrooms then anywhere else.

I found the movie more interesting the fact that it had actors of our generation in it. The same old hamlets with the setting being in shakespearian era gets old after watching it so many times over in high school english classes. the fact that they were able to put in a new york city setting made the movie alot more intriguing. Now if they are able to tone down the shakespearian language would be great because as many times as we watch the movie, it still gets confusing.

Freeway

When I first watched the film it dawned on me that I saw this film before but a long time ago. I liked the fact how they had Reese Witherspoon characterized as sweet young girl but she also had a mean streak. For example she arrives at the diner after trying to kill Bob and sits down to order food and does not notice she has blood all over her hands. Until the waitress comes over and looks at her strange so then she goes in the bathroom to clean her self and comes back to continue to order. As if nothing just happened that was the funny part. Thereafter she proceeds outside where police are waiting for her and she says "I did not do nothing." It showed that she did not have remorse but if many people were in her shoes and had her state of mind i would not expect anything less.

Freeway

I am not going to say that Reese Witherspoon's acting is the best thing I have ever seen, but it does show the character she would come to perfect. She can manage to shoot and slash her way into our hearts while exemplifying the idiot savant. This ability is fundamental to the direction of this movie. Without it we wouldn’t have bought the plot moving as it did. Of course it helped the level of comic violence given to those serious brutal moments. Her innocence as opposed by the disingenuous environment she comes from and those around her attempting to take advantage of her apparent naivety. Keifer Sutherlands character is the perfect example, the wolf in the hen yard that causes fear to compensate for something lacking inside. The movie does a great job of not taking itself too seriously while maintaining some level of realism. That quality is what keeps it moving towards something plot wise while giving a chuckle here and there. Looking forward to seeing the last piece you have chosen.

PS: Although I haven’t seen this yet, it’s been recommended heavily, including a Netflix suggestion that will never give up until I watch it… Is the last movie In Bruges?

fin de Cinema

I was trying to post a comment under evryone else, but i wouldnt let me.
i cant beleive the semester is coming to an end already. i really enjoyed this class and cant wait to see what the final film will be. As far as the final paper, i find that it has been challenging so far for me, and i would like to think that i haven just been " occupying a seat" LOL, but its been great.

FFFFreewaYYYYYY

im struggling to think of which movie i liked better, memento, story telling, or this. probably this one because the comic and over-the-top feel to it. the 3 have the same feel of being double crossed and taking it to an extreme. and i can't really disagree with vanessa and some of the things she does. although its taken to an extreme, she really doesnt have another choice, like bob said his word will be held over hers.

its a crazy movie, and i think i need a second watch of it.

its definitely all shakespeare to me

sorry for the late response once again but been busy or i just say im gonna get to it and i never end up getting to it. This production of William Shakespeare Hamlet was a typical modern transformation of a Shakespearean theme into a film. Shakespeare and I have had our differences, but i understood this version of hamlet more than any other modernized shakespeare film. In this version Almereyda transcends the empire of Denmark as Denmark Corporation. They were fighting off a corporate takeover by their upcoming competitor Fortinbras. Elsinore is modernized into a hotel.
SInce this film was released in 2000, it was the turn of a new century, Y2K was in full effect. A new age of technology started. I like how Almereydas version uses the dominance of media, of visual culture, of communications technology in contemporary life. The way they use fax machines and emails for communication, and surveillance cameras and video/film clips for way of gettin their point across.
i was never a big fan of Shakespearean language. I never really understood dialogue throughout the play of hamlet, but in this film the modern filmmaking made me understand more. Most directors and filmmakers do not adapt any play by shakespeare. Its like in a way frowned upon to do it. I feel like since he was such a reputable author and playright that people try not to adapt anything else. its very unconventional to do something like that.
overall this version of hamlet is one of my most enjoyable film because of Bill Murray. he is a great actor and one of the most talented comedians in the film industry. To see him play a somewhat serious role was interesting to me. He played such a geniune role of a father and very sympathetic character. He loved his children very much and all he did was for him, well atleast thats what i got from it.

I saw freeway when i was in high school i think? well it was on regular tv and i watched it, and honestly until last tuesday when you presented it in class i had no idea it was the same film. I never never never never would have made that connection (little red riding hood) back then! I love how it feels its almost enlightening...i feel like i know something the rest of the world doesnt LOL

I left this same comment on the main page under the bonus!

freeway..

really enjoyed Freeway.. but still think Memento was my favorite movie....
Freeway was funny and I kept wondering how it related to little red riding hood. but as u continue to see the movie it comes together .. The end def. gave it all away with Bob being dressed up as his grandma. Found it funny that Vanessa did a lot to get to her grandma's house .. even prostitute her self away .."SEXO BUENO". All around good movie and was kinda suprised that ive never seen the movie before.

Freeway

This movie was a very pleasant surprise. It was violent, very profane at times, energetic and a very entertaining movie. I never thought that the fairy tale of 'Little Red Riding hood" could be so provacative and so scary. i found the film to be very funny (not sure if it was intentional or not)and disturbing, whimsical and scary, and totally, totally original. I think the best way i can describe the movie is as a very twisted black comedy. It is actually very hard to determine when the story is meant to be taken seriously and when the film expects us to laugh and that is part of the movie's appeal to me.

Freeway!

Freeway is certainly my favorite movie this semester. Reese Witherspoon ha not aged a bit since her role as Vanessa. I thought this movie has dark comedy molded into the film.

I enjoyed Vanessa is young but is still able to defend herself; for example, when she is in jail and she attacks another inmate with barely having any confrontation with the inmate. Vanessa is a very witty character, that not only thinks of her own best intentions, but also the intentions of others. One example of how Vanessa thinks of the intentions of others, is her reason for (attempting) killing Bob; she thought that if she didn't kill Bob, he would continue to kill other innocent girls in the future. Although Vanessa is as young as she is, she was a very independent girl; when her parents were arrested for prostitution and drug use, Vanessa did not even seem surprised or upset.

Throughout the movie, there were many relations to little red riding hood; when Vanessa outsmarted Bob so she was able to get her gun relates to how little red riding hood tricks the wolf in order to escape. Another relation to little red ridding hood was when Bob dresses up as Vanessa's grandmother to trick her. Overall Vanessa plays an innocent little girl just like little red riding hood does in her story.

I really enjoyed this movie Freeway, i thought the story was great while having dark comedy to relieve tension.

Semester ending

Cant believe the semester is coming to an end. I feel that i have gotten the chance to experience and view many movies that I'd never dream of seeing. Each movie had their own unique way of telling a story. Free way, also had a unique way of telling a story. The way it plays on little red riding hood was pretty cool. I like the fact that the main character is pretty but not "smart" or well educated as the "real" red riding hood was portrayed as. I like the cartoonish feel to it. It makes its views on society and also gives us this comedy to go right aside with the blood and violence. Great movie again. I will probably have more questions that I will post iup after our class discussion today in regards to our essay.

I haven't been able to see Freeway yet, but after reading the student logs and the log on the main class blog about exploitation of film, it sounds like a good movie. Based on what I've read, the plot of the story sounds very interesting and the Little Red Riding Hood theme sounds like it will add an even more interesting twist to it. While I was reading the class blog on the exploitation of film and the description of Vanessa's character I found it interesting that she is the ethical character in the movie even though she is so violent and sexual. I can't wait to watch the movie so I can write more about it and get to see how the story unfolds for myself.

I wanted to watch the clip for Machete, but the link isn't working. It says the video is no longer available. It sounds like an interesting bunch of actors though! And if its anything like the other Quentin Tarantino movies I've seen I'm sure the movie itself will be pretty interesting too!!

I really loved the final reckoning link on the last class blog. I can't believe there's only one week of classes left!

Freeway

Out of all the movies we've seen in class, I really enjoyed this one the most :). I think the name of the movie suits it perfectly becuase one of the highest points in the movie was when vanessa got stuck on the freeway. And I also saw the title Freeway, as Vanessa's lifestyle was a Freeway in itself. She had a very strong personality with a very innocent face and didnt worry about the consequences and just spoke her mind. The movie compared to the typical story of little red riding hood, adds a fun twist to the story. I like how in the beginning of the Film your introduced with the story of little red riding hood through cartoon images, but almost in a "Adult" cartoon version because little red riding hood had a sexy red corsette versus the innocent little red dress. The part of the movie that reminded me a lot of the original "R.R.H" was @ the end when bob is hiding at her grandmas house and he's dressed as grandma hiding under the covers. I was a little confused in that part because how did Bob know she had escaped from jail and was at her grandmas? I liked the ending how the two investigators just both laughed with her, almost as if they were solving this case with her all along, and that the Truth had come out. I do believe though that Vanessa should have behaved a little better though after she had shot bob because i felt like her shooting the sheriff at the gas station and then the scene where shes a prostitute and demands the guy to go in the trunk just gave her more reason to be in jail, but yet again thats the image the producer wanted to bring out in her.

Little Red Riding Hood

I apologize for this blog being so late, it was just such a crazy weekend!!


While reading the history of Little Red Riding Hood, I was very shocked to read that the meaning behind it has to do with sexuality. Especially the 1697 version, where it was a play on her losing her virginity and that the red cape symbolizing blood and sin. I find it very interesting the double meaning behind the story. Follow the rules and be a good little girl, and if you give into temptations along the way and "sin" you will be punished, in this case killed. I guess it shouldn't be to shocking that this children's story should have a double meaning because there are a lot of of children's rhymes and stories that aren't as sweet and innocent as they are made out to be. For example, Ring Around the Rosie is a song about the the plague. I just find it very interesting to learn that a lot of the stories and rhymes that you love as a kid have such different meanings behind them. I really loved the YouTube video of the Red Hot Riding Hood twist on the age old story. It was very funny to see almost the same basic plot with some of the roles reversed. Instead of the Wolf eating the Grandmother, The grandmother is a man hungry women trying to get the wolf.
After reading about Freeway and its twist on the character of Little Red Riding Hood I watched the trailer just to get a glimpse of the film and I think the twist on the story looks really interesting and I can't wait to watch it.

Hamlet

Sorry I'm so late wit the Hamlet i couldn't make it to last class and completely forgot about the blog. I found Hamlet to be alright. I've read the book and I'm not sure what it is but I felt like it was missing something. I felt that because it was a modern day take that it was odd that at the end of the film Hamlet and Horatio had a sword fight i thought they would have done it differently. I did like how instead of being the king and prince and have a castle of Denmark they used a big corporation in ny and hamlet was more like the heir of the company and even though they called Claudius the new king he was more like the CEO and when the company gets taken over by Fortinbras. I thought that was a great concept. I also like the way Hamlet did his to be or not to be speech how it first starts with the gun in his mouth because it is all about him contemplating suicide and then how he’s in blockbuster in the action aisle. I've seen a few hamlet films and usually I don't like the character Polonius but in this film I really liked Bill Murray playing him. What i also thought was different and i've never seen done before in a Hamlet film was at the end of the film they made it like his mother drank the poison on purpose and she knew it was poison but every version I've seen she drank the drink by accident and had no idea there was poison in it. I also liked Ophelia in the story some people said in class she was a little boring but in the play she doesn’t really have any personality and she’s just really odd and just listens to her dad and brother. Oh and I was reading the blog I was actually surprised and found it pretty funny that there are Shakespeare porno’s and I’m really excited for Freeway it looks to be very interesting and I love Reese Witherspoon.

my internet is finally working after two weeks! so im sorry for the super delay. I enjoyed Hamlet. I found it interesting, the whole NYC setting with old shakesperean language. It was very creative and it made sense to make the king the CEO of a company. I think that would be the closest relationship a modern day king would have to the modern day world. I found it alittle more confusing than the actual story. If i hadn't read Hamlet before the movie i would've been some what lost. It's a tragic story with a tragic ending, and it really shows how important the truth is, and how everything in life comes back to haunt you. And of course the famous "to be or not to be" scene which is the first thing i think most people think about when they hear Hamlet. The only character i was alittle disapointed by was Ophelia. She was too bland. I was expecting more drama, more emotion out of her. But I guess we do realize the exent of her emotions when she kills herself at the Guggenheim.

Im realy interested and excited to watch Freeway. Every movie we've watched so far in this class has been really interesting. Which is somewhat refreshing, it's always good to watch or see things in a different perspective. Little Red Riding Hood was my favorite story as a kid, and i remember watching the movie i had obsessively evry day. I haven't watched Little Red Riding Hood in 15 years so I'm excited to see a grown up perspective on the film, and I'm sure Reese Witherspoon will be good in this movie. The Betty Boop cartoon was adorable.

Little Red Riding Hood

I found it very interesting that the meaning behind " little red riding hood" story is really about sexuality. I always though that the reason our parents would tell us that story was to teach us what would happen if we don't follow the rules, a way to scare us into listening to our rules that were set. It makes more sense to me now though, seeing it in that way. The meaning each character has in the story, and even though the story is told in many different ways around the world they all have the same meaning. I really enjoyed the video clip of he cartoon. It gave me a sense of when i was younger watching cartoons like those. The way they did a different twist on the story i found quite funny, how now the grandmother is the one after him. I also wasn't able to attend class last tuesday so i didnt get a chance to see Freeway but from what i have read on the blog i am upset to have missed it. It seems like it somewhat like the cartoon clip. Also reading the Red Riding Hood Teasers, it reenforces that many people have different views of the story. I really like the animated school assignment. It pretty awesome how they were able to tell the whole story without any sound and pictures only.

Hamlet

Hey have not been on blog in awhile but happy i am back on. The film Hamlet that was shown in last class was good. Its been a while that I have seen Hamlet or read the book but the modern film was interesting even though i was trying to keep up with the dialogue. I guess that i am not used to shakepeare's way of conveying his messages through all the characters but after i seen it for the second time in class. It started to make more sense to me. It reminded me of the modern day R0meo and Juliet. Hamlet was one of the good films that we have seen in class so far. And how they incorparted Bill Murray I have always watched him in films and he plays more of a comedian so it was weird to see him in a more serious atmosphere. Hamlet and his over dramatic way of dieing was interesting but in a good way. I want to see the film again so maybe i can raise some more questions about this modern Hamlet.

hamlettttttttttttttt

as someone else said it reminded me of the new romeo and juliet, and its very cool in that respect. it uses traditional older language with new age visuals to draw you in, and give a sense of relevance. but what i dont like about these is that the language is too detached and scripted, never seems natural to me. espicially in our new age world, people think and take time before speaking in much simpler terms, but speaking with such speed and in an adamant way, seems super out of place in our time.

again i expected bill murray to be funny, and since it isnt a funny play in any way it was disappointing to me. ophelia was very bland and a confusing character.

and again with the language i was totally lost, i couldnt keep up. but select words and their actions are what allowed me to piece together the plot.

hamlett

I liked the movie, it reminded me of the newer version of "Romeo and Juliet".. Kinda wish they made more Shake Spear movies into modern movies. I get a sense to understand them better. I was kinda wondering about the whole deal with Ophelia as an actor. Was she suppose to be on drugs or somtin? Was Julia Styles suppose to lose it as she did in the movie or was that somtin just added. That's about the only part im confused with. Really liked how it was modern and how basic things like cell phones and laptops were used in the movie.

Hamlet

To tell the truth, I am not a big Shakespeare fan because the stories, I feel, are difficult to understand unless told back to me in everyday English. After awhile I got use to the language and could somewhat recognize the message and storyline. The fact that the movie wasn't the really old movie, but a newer version, also helped. There were a few captivating scenes in the movie that stuck out in my mind. One of scenes that was intriguing was when Ophelia was burning pictures and the burning pictures turned into another scene. That to me is genius. I enjoy seeing those kind of traits used, very clever. The music that was strategically put in each scene really captivated the mood for that moment perfectly.

I really like the scene where Hamlet puts a gun to the man's head and quotes the infamous "to be or not to be" line. One thing I noticed was how Ophelia never really was able to speak up about her true feelings for Hamlet. It's like one of those things were you watch a movie and you keep kind of telling the character in your head "Come on! Speak up! Do something!" But of course they can't hear you, it's a movie. The end of the movie was tragic as many of Shakespeares stories are. I never thought I would enjoy a movie like this, but I truly did.

Hamlet

When I first heard that we were going to watch Hamlet with shakespearean dialog, I was not looking forward to it. In all honesty I thought even though I having trouble understanding the language at times, the modern setting really helped me better understand certain situations; while having a cast of actors that i am familiar with that would also catch my attention, actors such as, Julia Styles, Ethan Hawke, and Bill Murray

A scene that was able to help me better understand the dialog, was when polonius was talking to laertes; Bill Murray was able to pull off a concerned father figure to Laertes, like when he sneaks money into his jacket pocket. I felt that Julia Styles character Ophilia was very a very closed character in the film. Although she had strong feelings for Hamlet, she always obeyed her father even though it seemed as if she never really wanted to.

Another scene i found to be interesting, was when Hamlet was in the movie store, in the "Action" section and contemplating to himself about what he should do to avenge his fathers death. And as he is contemplating revenge, the movie "The Crow" is playing on the tv's in the background, which also happends to be a movie about revenge.

My favorite scene from the movie is the ending of the film. I thought it was the most exciting part of the film which caught my attention most. Something that confused me though was if Hamlets mother, the Queen, purposely drank the wine with the poison. Her facial expressions made it seem as if she purposely drank it, but i really wouldnt understand why she would. This scene actaully had me feel the tension rising between each character, until they eventually all "snapped".

I didnt expect to enjoy this movie as much as i actually did.

Hamlet

I have seen many versions of Hamlet especially the Kenneth Branagh version and I have to say that I liked this version the best. I think it is because of its use of modern technologies and the fact that it takes place in modern times, it uses things that we can all relate to even though it still uses the language Shakespeare had written it in. I really liked how Almereyda made use of things like fax machines and e-mails to send messages, also how he uses times square and that giant screen to show certain things (Denmark Corporation). I also felt that I was better able to understand some of the dialogue with a ll the visuals that he used. As far as Almereyda's choice of actors I have to say that I thought they were good choices, as they were able to put their own sort of twist on the characters. At first I thought Bill Murray was going to make his character into one big joke, and when he didn't I was very surprised. To me he made the character a loving father just trying to look out for the best interest of his children. I also really enjoyed Liev Schreiber as Laertes. What I enjoyed most about this film was the way Hamlet was portrayed. There was definitely a different feel to Ethan Hawke's portrayal then what I have seen in the past. I liked that fact that he was a film student and that he was doing a documentary on his life, I felt that some of the clips you see on the TV screens helps you understand what he is seeing, what his perspective is. I found it very interesting that Almereyda chose to put the to be or not to be soliloquy in a blockbuster, right in the middle of that action section. I felt that, that scene gives you some insight to his character and whats he's thinking about at that time, whether to take action and seek revenge or not to. I also thought showing the Crow in the background of the scene was a great idea because that move is centered around seeking revenge for someone who was killed viciously just like Hamlet's father was.
Overall i really enjoyed this version of the film. I do have one question about the last scene that i wasn't able to figure out from other versions of the play that I have seen. In this film I felt that Gertrude knew that Claudius was going to poison Hamlet and took the wine to save him, was she supposed to know?

Hamlet 2000

I think analyzing the dialogue in a film such as this would be a silly waste of time. The methods used to convey that language, or the delivery on the other hand are paramount. Ethan Hawke definitely gave a very different feel to the character than Kenneth Branagh did to be sure. What I feel is often lost in modern telling of Shakespeare, is the lowbrow undertone. Hamlet is not intended to be as difficult to understand as it is. New English was the common speech when this was written and much of the humor, vulgar and easily understood. The fact that we have such refined actors portraying these parts may sometimes take away from it, though many compensate. The usage of non-Shakespearian actors gave a different view on things. Ethan Hawke’s Jersey upbringing shows when placed next to several British born actors with vast stage-experience under their belts. The lack of accent alone changes the inflection for many of these characters, but Hamlet stays as introspective and frustrating as ever.
The transformations are actually done with a deft touch. The changing from rulers of a nation, to CEO’s of a corporation seems to fit quite well. Hamlet as an aspiring indie film maker is perfect for a guy that lives in his head and fails to act. Ophelia’s artistic streak compliments him well. The play turning to an amateur film functions well to send Hamlets message. Almereyda uses Copy Machine, Video Camera, Pixel-Vision, Desktop Computer, Laptop, Television, Landline, Car-phone, Answering Machine, Photographs, Payphone, Facsimile, and Teleprompter in place of many monologues and soliloquies or to show distance between characters. The replacing of Fortinbras with a Newscaster was executed well, but not something I like to see lost. I suppose old home movies are meant to replace yoricks skull, but again I think it fails to fully capture the feeling completely. The limousine seems a sensible replacement for a businessman’s private chapel, though I should think his office more fitting.
The usage of modern landmarks and stereotypes is utilized well, if not a little over the top. Ophelia living across from a Key Foods with glaring price reduction signs might be a bit much, and the run down building might be downplaying her status a bit much, though her handwritten name on the doorbell is a nice touch. The citadel which is the main building is a properly imposing sight with a convenient rooftop to match. The Hippie Goth club was an amusing tough to compliment the always goofy Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Blockbuster in this story functions as good as any place would for hamlet’s Soliloquy, the Crow a sensible film, and the action section key. I think the film over-simplifies a lot of the lot, and is forced to omit much that makes the play so intricate, but does provide a different view on Hamlet for once. It is worth watching, but against the spirit of what Shakespeare did to hold onto a dialect unspoken for a few hundred years.

Storytelling

First and foremost i have to say that this movie is another crazy pick, but i loved it. It took me a while to realize that the film had two stories in it. In the first story the young girl i feel is looking for some sort of validation for her writing and self worth that she allows herself to sleep with her teacher so that he can have a different opinion about her writing. The shocking thing is that the experience gave her something to right about that had character, depth, and full of emotion. and the teacher even says its better than her last work.
the second part of this film to me shows more about the art of storytelling and how people perceive your story and what you can turn one story into. Scooby wants to tell his story and the sensitive side of it, but at the end he realizes that Toby has turned his story into something totally different. i cant wait to talk about this film in class to see what everyone has to say.

Storytelling.... Gone Bad **(and late)**

This film Storytelling was an interesting film. The first thing id like to bring up is the fact that there are two different stories in this film. The two different sections of the film is an interesting tactic to use in film. This gets the audience thinking and wondering if there is any sort of connection between the film. While watching this film, i thought that there was going to be some sort of connection between fiction and nonfiction parts, but they were two different stories with no correlation with each other. In terms of film making, this film did leave us with a sad and in a way can be described as a cliffhanger.
Vi was an interesting character. She was a weak character and only thought people were out to get her. Her boyfirned marcus was a character that wanted sympathy. I didnt like his character at all, but yet again shaped Vi into her character. The professor had a rugged appearance and was a very intimidating character. He was a prestigious writer with his own personal opinions that would affect his students so much. He also had a very cocky character, and that side of his character would take advantage of his students. I think the professor had the most interesting character because they showed us who he really was. He secretly was a perverted rapist that knew he would get away with anything with his students who look up to him. His feedback to his students papers or stories are very on point and he tells it as it is.
In the non fiction section of the film, the main character scooby was a very interesting and timid character. He wasn't really sure what he wanted. He was very indecisive character and had no real care for the world. The film had a typical family. A mother and father, a son who was confused and messed up, a middle son who was athletic, funny and cool, and then the youngest son who was curious, honest and smart. This collaboration of characters are used in many films, to show an "ideal family". The filmmakers character is out for himself and has no real care for the family or even Scooby. HIs film was about scooby and how H.S students are so stressed about college and what not. The non fiction part has a beginning (introducing the characters and family), a peak(Scooby finding out that someone is willing to help his dream of becoming a Late night talkshow host) and an end (Tragic ending of his family being killed). The ending of this film is perfect for the sequence of events that are going on. The main character Scooby is not motivated by anythign and thinks that he doesnt need college to become what he wants to.But when he realizes things, his life starts to fall apart, His brother gets sick, the documentary was a sploof and did nothing to help him.
Solondz idea of blocking out the sexual part was genius, It did not show anything but we still were effected greatly by what was going on. We still were cringing at what was going on. It satisfied the ratings compnay, and it satisfied and fullfilled his set of mood he was trying to make us feel.
Overall this movie was interesting and different than most. Id like to see some more of Solondz films and see his style of film-making.

Hamlet

Overall im not a shakespeare fanatic, perhaps because it's so difficult to comprehend. I've seen romeo and juliet as a film before and the style is very similar to that of Hamlet's Film. Im still a little confused on what exactly was going on in the hamlet film because at the same time your trying to understand or translate what the character is saying and put it together with the image or scene your viewing at the moment. The good thing about watching a shakespeare film versus reading it is that the images help you sort of put a story together of what is happening. I read on the main class page that you said, the film used various forms of communication through out such as, email, fax etc. I didn't notice that until you mentioned it and it is interesting. One of the scenes that stuck through my head was the scene where Ophelia was in the bathroom and she begins to burn the pictures and then the flames turn into another scene of the film. Also the images and quotes being said through the fisher price machine was captivating. I hope that we can discuss the film more in detail :)

Hamlet

To tell you the truth, Hamlet was difficult for me to understand! The way they were speaking was a bunch of gibberish to me, they were talking way to fast and low. The part that interested me the most is when Hamlet was killed Ofelia brother. I have to watch the movie again so that I can understand it better and enjoy it, and this time I'll watch it with subtitles!

Storytelling, a little bit late

What I find most fascinating about the first half of this film, 'Fiction' is how easily it manipulates our feelings. I am inclined at times to pity Vi and Marcus based on how it is shot, and at other times to be disgusted by them. In my opinion not a one of the characters is likable overall, nor do I believe they are intended to be. Each character represents a certain stereotype or the antithesis to one. The sheltered white rich girl from suburbia is looking for her next cause to make her life mean something. The crippled guy being coddled into believing he has ability with overly sappy sentiments. Then there is the narcissistic older black professor standing above all these sheltered ignorant white students toying with them at his leisure. The film has some success in showing us that each of these characters has reasons for their actions, and feelings to coincide. This makes the characters a little more relatable.
The 'rough sex scene' is definitely a raw scene. It is pivotal to manipulating our emotions and honestly sickened me a little. This man holds a position of authority in the classroom, has years of experience and is far more confident in himself then any of those students. This girl is no true victim though. She is not stupid, but is so wrapped up in her idiotic principles that she just goes along with the situation. He stays as clothed as possible, all in black, following his calm drink of what is probably scotch, and proceeds to mentally degrade Vi as he physically dominates her as well. The giant scarlet box only lightens the scene at all because it gets you thinking about the ridiculousness of the censorship in the first place. Mr. Scott does nothing illegal, but I hold it to be unethical and immoral.The Livingston’s represent the very definition of Suburban Jewish stereotypes, their selfless charity work with no real knowledge of its uses, and their using gifts as bribes to get those donations. The young jock so concerned for his image, and the intelligent young brother with his pure vile innocence. The father that worked to get where he is, and the underappreciated Latina maid working even harder coming from a large family with a convict son further this. Scooby represents the born jaded, never worked a day in his life confused teenager.
Just as Vi has the ability to act better, so does Scooby. He makes choices to be as unmotivated and lethargic as he is. To be so lazy and numb as to enter into a sexual relationship with someone of a gender you don't even appear interested in is clearly not healthy. This is moments after he points a gun at this character. The film begins to use Toby as a method of drawing out more from him and his family. Much as Mr. Scott does, Toby thinks himself superior to these people, and exploits them on an even grander scale. Toby exhibits many of the same traits he seems to condemn in Scooby, having no noteworthy accomplishments.
The movie is enjoyable and has its merits. The shifting of perspectives and characterization is used very well. In Fiction the characters are all unlikable, but have their moments that engender sympathy. In Nonfiction the characters develop a little more and give you a more concrete view. The in film documentary helps to show angles of the parents otherwise unseen and a clearer understanding of the reason for exploitation. The two halves work quite well together in exploring stereotypes and exploitation.

Sidenote: On IMDB.com when you look up Storytelling, the first recomended movie is Freeway.

Storytelling

Fiction- I didn’t really care for this part of the film. I didn’t like the main character Vi, I found her very two faced and full of it. Vi is all upset about what went down with her and her professor and writes a story to make people feel sorry for her and she kind of insinuates that what happened to her was rape. I don’t feel sorry for her at all and don’t believe what happened with her and the professor was rape. I think she knew what she was getting herself into the second she sat down with the professor at the bar and she may not have liked how he treated her while they were having sex but she knew the kind of person he was when she saw the pictures of the other girls he’s been with in the bathroom. If she didn’t want to have sex with him she could have left and I don’t think it would have been racist. I just think Vi tries to play this cool persona but really she’s just trying to get attention.

Non-Fiction- I liked this part of the film a lot better than Fiction. I found the characters a lot more entertaining and the ending of the film was deffinatly very unexpected. I thought the best part of the film had to of been the little brother. The things that came out of his mouth were so rude and ridiculous it was like he had no filter. The movie was different at some parts I couldn’t stand the family especially the way they treated the maid she would cook them dinner then sit in the kitchen and eat alone while the family ate together and then at the end of the film I felt sorry for the family. The family was snobbish and treated their maid poorly but they didn’t deserve to all be murdered. I especially feel sorry for Scooby the director of the documentary made him out to look stupid and he has lost his entire family.

I’m excited to watch hamlet this week I have read the play and have seen a two different films portray the book. I think it will be very interesting to see a modern day take of a classic Shakespeare novel. I saw the modern version of Romeo and Juliet and liked it a lot so I’m hoping for the same experience in this film.

unfortunately i wasn't in class last week. had to get the car fixed ... again... i figure i'll find out any missed information tonight in class. from the way the blogs looked we didnt start anything new so i think i may be ok

Storytelling

I was finally able to see Storytelling this past week and can finally catch up on my blog.

After watching Nonfiction I didn't know what to think, it left me thinking did that really just happen? I couldn't believe that Consuelo would kill all of Scooby's family like that. I do have to say the I did feel sorry for Scooby. He was kind of the disappointment or the different one in his family, he wasn't popular like Brady or Smart like Mikey, he didn't know what he was or what he wanted to be and his father pushed him a lot to try and get him to do what he wanted Scooby to do. I think he was looking out for his best interest and his future but I don't know if he did it the right way. When Scooby finally does figure out what he wants to do with his life, he gets the opportunity, and he's finally a little more content about his life, but then he gets made a fool of by Toby and his dreams are crushed. Then to top it off he goes home to find his entire family dead. You can see Scooby's pain in the scene where he sees the screening of Toby's documentary, at first he thinks this is going to be his big break and he's finally going to get what he wants, then as he's watching he sees how Toby made him and his family out to be a joke, and you see how humiliated he gets, and than finally he just looks so sad and crushed.
I'm not sure how exactly I feel about Toby, but I think I'm leaning towards not liking him. I think he takes advantage of this family, especially Scooby, and exploits them turning them into a joke just so he can get ahead in his career. I think what Scooby says to him at the end of the movie when he says that Toby can use the death of his family to make his movie a hit, so how betrayed and crushed Scooby felt.
I just have to say that Mikey really irritated me throughout that whole part of the movie!
I felt that Fiction was very dark and depressing. I'm not sure I believe that Vi was raped, she knew what she was getting into when she walked over to her professor and she knew what she was looking for. But I don't feel she deserved to be so humiliated like the way she was. When the professor said to Vi that once you write something down it becomes fiction, I thought it was a smack in the face to Vi because they both know very well that it happened.

I look forward to watching Hamlet in class tomorrow, I just hope we get to watch it this time without those stupid subtitles.

Storytelling: Fiction and Nonfiction

Okay. Bottom line is that Vi was definitely NOT raped. She was in awe with her professor and wanted his attention. She wanted to have sex with him. These kind of people who make up stories for whatever sick reason is ridiculous. This shows what kind of twisted people we have in our world. The ones who make up lies and do whatever necessary to get what they want. This movie seemed to be very depressing and showed that life isn't always rainbows and butterflies so to speak, life can be werid, and everchanging.

In NonFiction, I was shocked. The ending of the movie was very upsetting. I felt kind of sorry for Scooby because he had attained everything he ever wanted. He had fame and wealth, but it all came crashing down. He lost all that had true non-materialistic value to him. The youngest son was all too brutally honest, but I guess in a way it's a good thing to be so blunt, though certain times call for certain attitudes. He was clearly the most curious and the most assertive in this film. I could tell he had a good head on his shoulders and destined to do great things possibly.

I would also like to like to add that I am looking forward to watching Hamlet. I've read the book and I am curious as to what the movie is like.

storytelling

after watching Storytelling, it made me think about how much power people in authority have over us, like in the part 1 of storytelling which the professor Mr. Scott basically took advantage of Vi. He was able to convince her to have relations with him even after she started doubting herself. The vibes that he gave out was very controlling even from the beginning of the movie. Vi was also a vulnerable student that want the acceptance of anybody, including Mr. Scott. The most distrubing part of the movie was that after the incident happen, and she was telling the story in class, he was able to tell her that she was wrong and the feelings that she felt were wrong because deep down she wanted to be with that man again. To me it felt like he was raping her again but emotional by disregarding her feelings on it.

Part 2 wasn't as emotional. The whole movie your heart goes out to scooby because you see how toby repeatedly takes advantage of him and poor scooby never even notices it. The fact at the end that after the family passes away because of the maid, scooby showed no emotion beside the fact that he gave toby a great documentary.

Storytelling: ficton non ficton

Going back to the things we discussed in class about vi and scooby how they were both in a way vulnerable and didnt know better, i'm going to disagree. I don't feel the least bit bad or sad for Vi. She is an adult and knew what she was getting herself into. She is the one who went out looking for sex that night, and she is the one who made the first move on her professor. Knowing that his status in the University would get him whatever he wanted, was possibly a turn on for her, besides the fact that he was black, she admitted she admired his work. She was NOT raped, nor was she forced to do anything.

Scooby wasnt vulnerable either. He agreed to do the documentary and although he was younger, he chose to exploit himself. I disagree with the comments made in class that he was lost and did'nt know what he wanted in life. He knew what he wanted, he wanted to be on tv, be a tv host, he knew he didn't want to go to college, he knew his sexual preference and he knew what he was doing with the other kid. Vi knew what she was doing also, but when it didn't turn out the way she imagined she turned and blamed someone else. She is the one who is lost, who doesnt know what she wants or who she is. Scooby knew all along.

Storytelling: Fiction/ Nonfiction

I'm sorry I'm late!!! I think Fiction was very interesting because the girl who was in the seminar class wanted to be "liberal" in a way. She wanted people to know that she doesn't discriminated against anyone. She wanted the professor to know that she doesn't discriminate, in a way I knew that the professor knew that she was a type of person that likes to express she is open minded or else she would think that people will look at her as a racist or prejudice. The professor had other victims like her in his writing seminar class too, which he likes to take advantage of their vulnerability. Nonfiction was a typical rural suburban rich family, some of the scenes was unexpected. At first I was thinking that this movie is boring but then it got interesting because as he was getting documented his life became more interesting. And the whole thing about the lady Consuelo killing the family for revenge was funny.... well not funny but unexpected again.

Back to class

Its nice to get back to class today, I haven't really had a pleasant vacation. Any way, I just wanted to write something to start to get back on track with my blog. I havent found story telling the movie any where in montreal so I hope to get the movie here today and watch it.

i found the little clip on the main class blog interesting. Reality shows are everywhere now and i dont think that they will be going away in the near future.

Hamlet

I am very excited to see this movie actually. this happens to be one of my favorite shakepheare plays. Ive actually a couple of plays and ive seen this movie already but it was so long ago. so i cant wait to revisit all the plot twists that im sure the movie entails, if its just like the play. Now that i am fimiliar with the way of narrative structures and the treatment of characters i just might be able to have a full understanding of the film...lol

Storytelling
We watch very interesting movies in this class. Storytelling was strange and sort of depressing. I think it showed the ugly side of life and how everything isn't always sugar coated. Like Vi sleeping with the writer who basically raped her, thinking it would be something positive, turned out being a complete nightmare. And Scooby's life was a mess, and how there are alot of evil people in the world who could care less. I dont know how many people could identify with the problems the characters faced, but the director definitely got his point across. Racism was depicted really well. He pretty much got all of the stereotypes people generally associate races with. Like the rich Jew, the agressive sexual black guy, the stupid naive white girl who will do anything, the pot head with no ambitions in life, the Spanish cleaning lady, etc. The red box in my opinion was a great way to mock the rating system.

Camera Eye
Its so true people do change in front of a camera!! I dont know what it is, i guess its fun to want to be observed. It's like we become someone else, someone we want others to like. poor kid who was getting beat up thats terrible.

Hamlet
Im interested to see how this movie is made. I like the idea of turning something "classic" into something modern. It will probably be more interesting to watch no offense to Shakespeare movies. I cant wait to see how Hamlet can be portrayed in a NYC life style.

also professor is there any way to make up for not so good grades on our papers?

story telling

fiction: i wasn't a fan of this part of the film, in actuality i disliked all of the characters. the kid with cp for trying too hard to get sympathy and really making vi feel like crap. vi was two faced to both her bf and the professor and in hte end trying to stir up sympathy too. she tells the story as if it was rape, but shes the one who approached him and went through with everything without fighting back or saying no. the professor really manipulated vi, but can't say he was horrifically wrong because she let him, she approached him.

non-fiction: i liked this part of the film because of its comic nature, but it was a little rediculous at times and the ending with the house being blown up is horrible. we spoke how mikey the little brother was pure evil, but i dont think so. he may have been offensive to the maid, but he was only telling the truth, and when he hypnotized his father, right before it the father told him it wasn't going to be ok and that they were lying to eachother saying it will be to not depress each other. so i don't feel that the hypnosis was too wrong. the father was pushing scoob to go to college and used his influence to make him do so, but he only wants him to wise up and have himself a future.

a common trait between the two films is people being people. in both films each character was either portrayed as both innocent, and wicked, but in actuality its just human nature where they are both. except for the maid ... she blew up a house so to hell with her.

the red box scene i wanted to say was only disturbing at close up when u saw her face, in agony and having to say what he wanted her to say, and the box i feel did make it worse. but its the dialogue that made the scene bad in my opinion, especially given what she chanted to herself 2 minutes prior to her self in the bathroom

wanted to throw this out there in a totally unrelated note. i was watching the show "everybody hates chris" with my little brother the other day and well there was an episode where he convinces his teacher to have the class watch movies and write papers on those as opposed to reading books ... i said thats a great idea! and then i realized im already taking that class!

Camera Eye

The short story on Camera Eye, was pretty funny and like other people in the class have said very true. It shows just how obsessed with fame and wanting to be a star people can be. Like how, in the video clip, all the kids wanted to been in front of the camera reporting about different things that were going on. What I thought was a little sad though was when the kid was being beaten and instead of one of the other kids trying to help him, they all stood there "reporting"and "filming" what was going on. It just showed how much this trend that had been started got out of hand, like most media today.

I also began reading the information on the Hamlet we will be watching next class. I love Shakespeare and have seen many of the film adaptations of his works, but I have never seen this one. I feel that this interpretation of Hamlet, will be very different from most of the films I have seen. From what I have read the setting of the film, modern day New York City, and the use of modern technology should be very different. I think it is very funny that the director of the film decided to put the famous "to be or not to be..." scene in a Blockbuster. I have seen the version of Rome and Juliet that is supposed to be more modern replacing swords with guns, horses with cars,etc. But I feel this version will be different because again, from what I have read, it focuses more on the use of everyday technology. I look forward to seeing it.
I unfortunately have not been able to get a copy of storytelling yet which means I cannot comment on it yet, but I am working on it.

Camera Eye

Haha this video was funny, but true. everyone has become obsessed with reality and being the star. I found the way they showed this through the video pretty funny though. All the different cameras, and all the different stories that they were reporting. The kids seemed to get so entangled with their new hobby that even when they saw a fellow student being pummeled, they just stood there trying to get the best shot. In the end though I'm not totally sure if the kids are into the reality shows, or into getting the best shot.

Fiction

I felt like these were two tottaly different movies at first, but then as we began to talk and speak about them i started to realize all the familiaralities they had with eachother. In fiction the main character seemed very sympethetic, but i feel like it was only to make her feel better about herself. She had a boyfriend with C.P, and i felt like the relation was just out of pitty and that she was almost using him to inprove her image. In the bar scene you can see that she just wants to please anone, because she admediatly throws out what ever she said to her boyfriend and totaly sides with her professor. The sex scene was deffinantly awkward, but i feel like she has it coming to her. she is deffinantly not in control at all, and just has to go along with what he says. As for the red box. It seemed unecacry, not because that scene didnt need to be cencored, but if they were gunna cencor it they might as well cencor the scene that it kept flashing back too, where she is being pounded up against the wall, because that scene seemed just as offensive.
In Non Fiction, there seemed to be a troubled man whos dabbled in a little bit of everything, tryng to find and fufill his dream. so he sets off to document the present day teenager, and on his journey finds scooby. Scooby is a very bland character, who seemes to be lost in his own body. He's not really sure what he wants to do with his life, he just knows that he wants to be on t.v or slightly famous. the camerea fallows him around documenting his choices and decisoins, kind of turning the story into a comedy. The reality of the story was that scooby was just totaly and utterly lost, and just falling deeper and deeper in despair.
I enjoyed the movies as a whole, scoobys story more then fictions. i found myself feeling bad for scoob and the way his parents treated him. In fictions i felt that she got what she deserved and that there was no way to get around it.

When I was taking a glance at the blogs I was surprised to read about the red box in fiction. I did not think the scene was that bad without the red box; actually, I felt that the red box made it worse. I was thinking about how censorship has changed in only a decade. In 2009 film The Last House on the Left, there was a graphic rape scene. I believe that this demonstrates an improvement on how film makers can express their creativity in the views without being limited.

Camera Eye Documenting our Lives

The clip on Camera eye was comical and informational at the same time. I like how in the beginning of the clip it shows how the first camera was and how it was such a big commotion and trend! Its unbelievable how far we've gone in technology with cameras where as before they had to use a simple camera and focus more on techniques and certain angle shots, today many producers still use the old methods but through the use of computers and high advanced cameras they are able to do so much more in a scene. I also liked the scene in the end where the little boy gets beat up becuase everyone is focused on their fake cameras. the narrator states that cameras have been destroyed and that everyone wears a mask when they are behind a camera, meaning that no- one shows who they really are when a camera is present even if its fake. Just like reality tv today, is most likely not even reality.

the camera eye posting was interesting because he says something along the lines that the memory of that fight and everyone recording it with a toy camera and no one stopping to help the kid is something that still disturbs him. That people behave in a different way infront of a camera whether its real or not. Thats true. The things that are out there especially now in todays world are people who portray themselves to be something that they are not. MTV had a true life episode the other day of 3 people who are completly lonely and depressed in real life...over the internet they are porn stars, and rock stars. the same concept as the camera, you behave a different way than who you are in real life.

I didnt see my post from tarnation up there?? I honestly thought tarnation was one of the deepest films i'v seen. The original $218 budget and the significance of the events in the film is nuts. Every scene is strong and almost disturbing, which in my opinion most of the time are the films that you will remember. Putting his life events out there like that is to me admirable. We have a tendancy to disclose only what we want people to know about us...or share only the happy times but in reality life isnt always happy and the things that happened to him in his life does actually happen all the time around us. Human nature is to supress painful memories and painful events, he actually put his pain and suffering out for the world to see, almost like a huge billboard "this is who i am" i definately respect that. As twisted as it all was, i was speechless and honestly thought it was one of the best films ive seen, true life and the way he put the spotlight on his experiences definately woke me up.

Documenting Our Lives

i though the little clip that was on the blog was so cute, and its true now all you find on television is reality tv. The whole world is so facsinated by being able to watch other peoples life. Also i found every rasict that they would make him take the initmate scene out because it was two people of different race. Am glad that he made put in his contract that he can put that red box in because everyone should be able to see what America think is "acceptable" in movies.

Storytelling

I began reading the information on storytelling and I think that the concept of having two different stories in one movie is going to be a little different than what we're used to. Especially two stories that according to what I read are supposed to have nothing to do with each other. I have seen movies where there is more than one story but they usually relate to each other in some way. Which is why I feel this movie will be different. I love the fact that the director chose to cover the "inappropriate" scene with the red box to mock the people who decide what rating the movie should receive. In a way it was his way of throwing it back in their faces and saying he thought it was ridiculous. I will not be able to make it to class to see the film, so I was wondering if the movie was easy to find so I can watch it on my own.

Special job opportunity for Yianni

Get paid to talk on Chatroullette!

Or at least play that Chatroullette bingo card!

Tarnation

I feel that in every post I say this movie is something that I have never seen before, but Tarnation was without a doubt the craziest and most messed up film I have ever seen. I’m not sure if it’s because it was very graphic or the fact that this was Jonathan reality and he had gone through all of this his entire life. I couldn’t imagine going through all the terrible things he has gone through especially his terrible childhood. Watching him as a young boy you can tell how disturbed and messed up he is and what’s amazing is he manages to rise above his upbringing and environment and becomes a successful person for himself. I honestly don’t think if I was brought up the way he was if I could have made something for myself. One part of the film that I still can’t get out of my head is where there are four different shots at once and in one corner he’s always singing the lyrics to the song that is playing and the other shots change around throughout the song. It’s almost as if it’s a really strange music video. The whole film plays into sound and at times I feel parts of film are just there to make the audience to feel uncomfortable. For example the scene when Renée is dancing and joking around with the pumpkin, I felt that scene to be very hard to watch and for some reason I felt it was taking forever for the next scene to begin. Over all, the movie was very different then what I am used to and it definitely put me outside my comfort zone, but I don’t think I will be watching it in my spare time anytime soon.

TARNATION

What the F*$*!!! haha. This film was wild. The boy to me seemed beyond troubled. I coulnd't imagine having to grow up in a house hold like that or going through the events thats this young boy did. I feel that the events of his early child hood really created the blue print for the rest of his life. He seemed to know he was gay from a young age, which might have actually helped him growing up because he obviously wasn't hiding anything. He seemed to be infatuated with the video camera, and obviously clocked in many hours behind it. I'm sure that if he knew his father throughout child hood he might have been brought up differently. But he still couldn't have been normal with a mother like that. Throughout the film you start to feel bad for the character, because of the way he is treated by others. In one scene he is taken advantage of by a drug dealer and sent through a "trip" that has definitely scarred him for life. I felt more attached to the film in the earlier scenes because the footage that he had of himself as a child were just so interesting. He documented himself and had an unbelievable amount of footage.
The way the film was put together was pretty incredible. To be able to just throw these shots together on a normal computer is pretty amazing. I really like how the narrations were put together like slides, and were just righting on the screen. you find your self reading them in your own voice and really changes the effect of what is being said. You feel as if you are narrating the story for him.

What in TARNATION..

The film Tarnation was unlike any other film i have seen. It captured my attention from the get-co. The fact that the narration was in text form also helped with the emotional factor of this film. The way the video cuts and music played hand in hand to build up the story line was perfect. Although the film was very disturbing and left me in awe, it was a great film and did deserve to win an independent film award. Some may think this film was too long for what it was describing but this young man has gone through alot and wants to show us(the audience) what kind of life he has lived. His passion for film-making started from a young age, and sometimes the clips are confusing or disturbing. What most dont understand is that disturbing and confusing makes the audience think more into the film. At times i find myself at the end of films and curse myself for sitting through a certain movie. But with Tarnation, i sat through the whole thing, wondering what was going to happen to this young mans f***ed up life(only way i could describe his childhood). Another aspect of this film that i want to bring up is that his extreme love for his mother. A mother figure is a very important and significant character in any sort of film. A mother-son relationship will cast attention by most and to see his devotion to her makes us all think what would we do in this kids situation. The emotional aspect of Tarnation was the biggest aspect of this film. The music in my opinion didnt really play a major factor, although at times it did play sort of depressing music when it was supposed to. All in all this film, Tarnation, will be a film that i will never forget. I have discussed this film with all my friends and family this past weekend and i described it as the most interesting/brutal film i have ever seen.

tarnation

in all honesty tarnation is not a movie that i ever want to see again. it was very graphic and almost painful. does stir up a lot of emotions, questions, and thoughts but can't say they are all good. i do truely feel sorry for the life he lived, having to go through abusive foster care, a crazed mother who conjured stories. and him having to live through all of this without a stable father who could have been able to help significantly in his life.

the only positive feeling i got out of this is john's persistance and victory over life. he never let all these horrible things in his life ruin him. he kept going against everything and is a functioning part of society, and is able to tell his mothers and his own life story, and the hurdles they overcame. personally dont feel this was a documentary on a horrible life, but a success story over life. john overcame life and is in control. his mother on the other hand is still in a horrible situation but john is doing his best to controlling it.

i also find it amazing that he had all this footage to piece together his own life, put it together so professionally.

I wasn't able to blog last week, on account of the 80 foot tree that fell on my house and took out my power for almost a week, but now I can finally catch up!
Just some quick thoughts on Memento, I have to say that I really enjoyed the movie. It was very different from any movie I have seen. I really loved how the story worked backwards and kept adding on different memories. It was kind of like being in his shoes in a way. At the end of the movie I do have to say that there were definitely some open ends to the story that led you to believe one thing and than another. Up until Teddy said that the story of Sammy was actually Lenard's, i really thought i had the movie figured out. But they way he said it was so convincing that it instilled some doubt in me an that Lenard really might have killed his wife because of his memory. I'm still not 100% sure what the real story is, which i think is the point.
Tarnation was also a very different film. I'm not a person who usually watched documentaries because i just cant seem to get into them for some reason so it was a little harder for me to watch. I do have to agree that I was very shocked by some of the things i saw and that there were scenes that were very long and uncomfortable for me to watch. Especially that one scene towards the end where his mother was dancing with the pumpkin. I couldn't believe some of the things that had happened to him and his mother, it was just so sad that because of really bad advice this families lives were ruined. But I do think he was able to overcome these hardships and work around them to get where he wanted to be in life. I thought Jonathan's use of sound and the movie clips were very interesting. That one sequence where there was the four different picture, there was a lot of different movies clips. I wasn't sure what the purpose to them was, if there was any, but some of the movies clips i caught i thought were interesting choices for him to make.
I really enjoyed the section on hypertext because as you're reading you never know where the next link we'll take you. some of them were funny and others were really interesting too.

Tarnation

Well, all I can say is that I was absolutely shocked at the movie "Tarnation". You go to a movie theater at times to watch a scary movie, and yet, no movies really scare you or freak you out. But, last Tuesday was the day I saw a movie that freaked me the hell out. I liked the movie alot, I thought it was well put together. The songs went perfectly with the clips and each clip told a story within it self of this mans life. Yet, still I cannot get over the fact of how crazy that movie was. It was like a reality horror film and to be honest, I think thats why every one was so freaked out. We were freaked out because it was true, not "The texas Chainsaw BS True" but this was documented truth, it was all really happening in front of our eyes on that screen. Thats why I believe every one was a little weirded out. Any way awesome movie again.

so many feelings

i though tarnation was a very interesting movie even though it was a little disturbing. some of the scene of his mother in the end was especially disturbing. I think it was good that they would make a documentary about that what happens when you have bad advice from doctors. Also the way he used the music and the scenes in the documentary is very well put together. It makes the viewer more intrigued. This movie gave me many different feelings through out the film but definetly left an impression on me.

Tarnation

OK, well where do I start? First of all, the movie Tarnation by Jonathan Caouette, was basically a documentary of his life. The entire film consists of home made footage taken by Jonathan throughout his life. The movie used sequencial order from past to present. I personally felt Tarnation was disturbing and extremely graphic. The movie starts of with Jonathan as a child. His Father had not known that he had even existed because his Mother had never told him. Eventually later in the movie he contacts his Father and all goes well. His Mother on the other hand, was a very disturbed individual. She had fallen off of a roof when she was younger and was not mentally disabled, yet, but she did however get injured. The doctors thought shock treatment would benefit her and it did, but than she became mentally paralyzed. She took drugs and was constantly in and out of Jonathan's life. She was just a completely unstable adult figure to him. I also caught the part where he said he had bought tried either PCP or LSD that was laced. He had bought it from his Mother's drug dealer. I feel the reason that he tried the drug was to in a sense "step in his Mother's shoes". Maybe he wanted to see how she felt due to the fact that she wasn't really able to be there for him.

He was sent off to live with foster parents who had molested him. This I feel was where he met his true character. It is so unfortunate that there are these sick and twisted individuals in this world that have to ruin other people's lives and make them have to suffer for they're own demented enjoyment. Jonthan states that he knew at a very young age he was homosexual. He was not afraid or ashamed at all to share this to the world. His boyfriend David was a symbol of the complete opposite of Renee (his Mother). He was a stable loving person to Jonathan and was always there for him it seemed. David I felt was his rock to all of the mass chaos in his life. Though his Mother was not there to care for him and see him grow into a young man, you could see he loved her very much. What was ironic was that though Renee wasn't there to care for him, he in turn had ended up caring for her towards the end of the movie.

Tarnation was a great documentary of the imperfections in our society. It portrayed not only Jonathan Cauoette's life, but it also gave us a glimpse of what dark demons there are in this world.

Tarnation

This film was quite different from what i am used to watching but after i seen the film i kind of felt bad for the guy. It sad to have to come to find out that a parent of yours is sick and can't help for being that way. And the troubles he had to face growing up with a mother being absent.
I would not wish that on any one. I think it was bold of him to be able to put his life out there for everyone to see. I guess that helped him face reality and come to grip with his mother illness. Most of the images in the film were disturbing but i guess it showned the aspect of the life he had to adapted to.

weirded out

When i left class on Tuesday i have to admit i was still kind of shocked at the images that i saw on the screen. Well its been about a day and now that the shock has worn off a little i think i actually liked it. I really loved how at 11 years old Jonathan new how to set up the right lighting and new the best place to shoot his skit of the "crazy women". He is a very brave individual to actually let viewers into his reality and what he had to deal with growing up.

i really liked the part of the four images on screen with the music and the movie snippets incorporated into them. i also liked his use of light, and the dullness of the pictures when there were emotional parts. I cant believe that this movie only cost pennies to make. The shot that i found to be very endearing in a way, was the long shot of his mother at the end. To me i felt like he was trying to have us really take a good luck at her just being silly and playful like some "normal people". Its just so sad that these people are in a constant state of damnation all the time.

Tarnation

I think everyone in the class probably felt the same way about this movie. I have mixed emotions. I think its evident in Caouette's work that he is very talented, and that this is his area of expertise. The mixture of autobiography/biography was so interesting. I didn't think it could intertwine and become one solid story that actually made sense. He was clearly born with this talent, and that's evident in his home videos. I think his impersonation of the southern woman who was beaten by her husband was amazing. He was born to have star power, what eleven year old boy can impersonate a grown southern woman so good?! From watching all of the home movies, I thought that maybe in the back of his mind even at an early age he thought about making a movie. It was really original and refreshing, which is something viewers look for in the entertainment industry. There are many ways we can relate to this movie. Like the professor said, especially now we really have so much technology at our fingertips. We share so much about ourselves via Internet with people all around us. We have powerful enough tools to even make a movie. We can also relate to the character Jonathan because like him, we are influenced and are a product of our family members, and the people who have raised us. It's so sad to think that so many children have had such a hard and painful childhood. It's mind boggling to think that they gave Renee all those shock treatments. We have come so far in the medical field, and unfortunately doctors learned from the mistakes they made on patients. The must disturbing part in the movie, was the uncut long shot of Renee laughing with the pumpkin during Christmas time. It was so sad to see her look crazy. That scene was one of the few scenes that exposed her illness, and didn't try to make her seem as normal as she possibly could be. The grandfather always seemed to be the most put together one in the family, and didn't think his family had a problem. I think it really showed a fathers love when Renee is cursing him out, and he's trying to calm her down and tells her that she's too pretty to talk like that. He also denies Renee's accusations of her parents beating her, and says it's her illness and that they've tried their best. I have mixed emotions with this movie, but overall i think it's my favorite so far.

Tarnation

A few words that can help describe how Tarnation made me feel: shocked, awed, uncomfortable, moved. I thought this movie was not like any other movie i have ever seen. The begining of the movie, when john was showing a collection of home made movies of him at a young age, helped illustrate how disturbed Johns childhood really was. I mean dont get me wrong, almost all of us played around with a camera to make home movies when we were young, but not to the degree john did. I thought it was funny and really clever how john cross dressed to be able to get into 18 and over bars. I also felt that John gained a particular artistic view at a young age, could it have been from smoking pcp laced weed? Something else i really enjoyed about this film, it was an autobiography and a biography at the same time. I think John did a perfect job at exposing the mistreatment of his mother, ultimatly driving her to insanity. He helped show the audience that the people you are grown up learning to trust (Doctors, Therapists etc.) could actually be the people that can hurt you most.
I really enjoyed how John used all different clips of home made films, movies, and different music all throughout the film. I felt John used certain clips or music that may have influenced or impacted his life in some way?
But overall I really enjoyed this movie, it was a diefferent experience for me.

Tarnation Continued

Just wanted to add something to my original post that’s two posts down. Above all, I believe the film is about who we are. We’re products of our families and our past and no matter how far we may try to stray from that- it’s embedded within us. Over the years, Jonathan may have unknowingly searched for an outlet through his acting. In his teenage home movies we see him repeatedly act out different characters and storylines, perhaps as a temporary escape from his life. It’s as if he inevitably realized that there was no better story or more challenging of a role than his own. The ending interview when he describes all the places his mother is within him (“She’s behind my eyeballs.. She’s under my skin”) isn’t just to gain viewer emotion. It shows that no matter what she’s put him through, and while he can’t seem to explain why, he’ll always love her. I think that’s a feeling that can resonate with a lot of people. Tarnation is a picture perfect example of not being able to run from who you are. Jonathan could be a different character; he could find exile in New York; but he couldn’t change where he came from. Instead, he showcased it, subsequently OWNING it- flaws and all.

Tarnation

Wow! where do I begin?, I think I enjoyed this film the most so far out of all the films, in a weird way lol. John has definitly had a harsh, wrecked life, and the way he put his life into a film was awesome. I can't believe it was done with just $300.00. One of the scenes I liked was the imaging cut out in 4 boxes format and then at the same time it had different colors, it reminded me of the artist andy warhol and how he did his art work, John might of been inspired by him?? Another one of my favorite scenes is when you hear johns voice over images. I believe john starts talking about what he's been through sort of in a whispering voice? Some of the images in this film were a little to daring for people to see, but i guess john wanted to just really get into people's minds with certain images. One line that struck through my head was when the grandpa said, " You knew of heaven before you were born, and god put that mark above your lip so you could forget heaven once you were born" that could've meant so many things, maybe possibly referring to renee that she was in heaven before she was born, and when she was brought into this world she knew nothing of heaven, because she was put through so much pain through most of her life.

Tarnation

I had to cut out early for work so I missed the class's discussion but here's my two cents (so far.) I didn't really get into the film until the midpoint/ending. Although I got the point that it was supposed to be biographical, I felt the beginning seemed like self-promotion... more about who Jonathan was rather than WHY he was that way. I definitely was wanting to see more of Renee and how her presence in his life affected him. However, after letting the movie sink in, I realized that might be the exact point Jonathan was trying to make- her lack of presence. He had to establish the influence this had on the way he spent his childhood/teenage years. His theatrics and creativity definitely were a product of his surroundings, an escape. As the film went on, I loved that Jonathan's boyfriend David was included. Aside from the fact that I'm sure he is a huge part of Jonathan's life and therefore a necessity to the storyline, his "character" serves as such a contrasting figure to Renee's. He appears to be the stabilizing "rock" in Jonathan's life. The scene of the two of them in their new apartment, with the absence of any acting or dramatics, was so heart-warming. In fact, the film, as a whole, succeeded mostly due to how raw and real the home videos are. It really taps into the viewers emotions and makes them feel invested in the story. One of my favorite scenes had to be near the ending, when Adolph tells Renee that "she's too pretty to talk like that" when she swears. She responds with "Fuck you." It doesn't get more authentic than that.

Memento/Tarnation

Memento and Tarnation both were very interested to watch and both deal with psychological problems. In Memento, Leo character deals with anterograde amnesia and it's very fascinating how he spent his life searching for the killer of his wife. And it is very interesting how the movie was set chronologically everything was backwards. In Tarnation Jon mother became mentally ill because of the shock therapy she had after her accident. It's incredible how a person can change in a instinct because of accident. And Jon also encountered a very challenge life because he was put in a foster home and was abused. Both films deals with challenges of life and how people try to overcome them even if problems come their ways.

I didn't post anything last week I forgot but I wanted to mention 99 ways to tell a story was very entertaining. Even though it was in French it was still interesting to watch. It's cool how many different genres and music selection there is in one short film. My favorite one was the last scene, when everything was scary and gory.