- Watch either a War film made in the last 25 years or a Neo Noir film from the list, Neo Nior Films 1982 – 1999.pdf .
If you watched a War film, what does it have in common with the War films in the Week Five content? If you watched a Neo Noir film, what does it have in common with the Film Noir films in the Week Five content (other than being in color).
2. How does color play a part in the film you watched for this week? Identify at least three places that color stood out in the film.
3. Does there seem to be a predominate color or does a color seem to be missing from the film? If so, what is that color and do you think it had an impact on the film? If so how, if not why not?
4. If you did not see a predominate color or a color that seems to be missing from the film describe an addition place in the film where color plays a part.
Learning Resources for question 1,2,3 & 4
War Films
The reading for this week provides introductions to significant films and filmmakers who have made contributions to the war film. These readings also discuss some of the most significant moments in cinema during this period. This period has much to offer in terms of film movements, the influence of World War II, and the increased competition from television. Read Parts 1 – 5 to prepare for your discussion for this week. This reading should be referenced in the discussion.
http://www.filmsite.org/warfilms.html
War Film
What films can be categorized as a war film? Are these only combat films? Is a film set at home before or after a war considered a war film? Learn more about these designations and more in the second reading for this week. This reading should be referenced in the discussion.
Hollywood During WWII
Hollywood played a significant role during the war effort on the home front. Read this article to learn about the films, filmmakers, and Hollywood’s ties to government during World War II. This article should be referenced if a war film is selected for analysis in this week’s discussion.
http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/teachers/modules/ww2/wartimehollywood.html
How Pop Culture Helped Win the Cold War
Hollywood’s connection to politics exists beyond the combat years of World War II. Read about the influence of Hollywood films during the Cold War. This reading builds upon the previous readings for this week and prepares you to explore the Film Noir movement. This reading should be referenced in the discussion.
https://interactives.avclub.com/cold-war/timeline
Film Noir
Film Noir was one of the few movements which came to prominence organically. This reading defines the movement, its elements, style and the reasons for its popularity during the 1940s and 1950s. This reading should be referenced in the discussion,
How Color Changed the Movies
One of the more significant changes in cinema during this period was the nearly complete transition to colorized film to compete with the increasing popularity of television. You will learn of the role color played in cinema history and its powerful meaning when used in film. These should be referenced in in this week’s discussion.
https://the-artifice.com/history-of-colour-fil
The Hollywood Blacklist: 1947 – 1960
While Hollywood studios largely supported the war effort during World War II, they faced heavy criticism after its conclusion. Believing that Hollywood films contained hidden Communist messages, the House of Un-American Activities turned its attention to the silver screen. Targeting studio heads, directors, screenwriters, and many others in the industry, Senator Joseph McCarthy sought to reveal the suspected Communists in Hollywood. Watch this lecture to learn more about the history of the Hollywood Blacklist and the hearings that took place during this time. Learn the high costs of choosing to or choosing not to “name names”. This lecture builds upon the first reading for this week and the first and second readings of last week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIga_nUrpYg
Victims of Hollywood’s Blacklist
You learned about the history and origins of the Blacklist in the previous lecture, now hear about the experience from those affected. Learn about the personal and professional consequences they faced for having been accused of Communism. This lecture expands the knowledge you gained through last week’s first and second readings, this week’s first reading, and the previous lecture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUxdwFvwUTI
Origins of Film Noir
You learned about Film Noir in this week’s fifth reading. This lecture expands upon that reading to include some examples from Film Noir classics to trace the origins and the history of the movement. This lecture should be referenced if selecting a Film Noir or Neo-noir for Paper Two or the final essay. This lecture should be referenced if selecting a Film Noir or Neo-noir for this week’s discussion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i2CsU2ldQA
The Basics of Lighting for Film Noir
You have learned the origins and the history of Film Noir in the fifth reading and the third lecture for this week. One of the most recognizable elements of Film Noir is a distinct use of lighting. Watch this lecture to understand the importance of lighting in Film Noir and its intended meaning. This lecture builds upon the fifth reading and the third lecture for this week. This lecture should be referenced if selecting a Film Noir or Neo-noir for Paper Two or the final essay. This lecture should be referenced if selecting a Film Noir or Neo-noir for this week’s discussion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsmVL7SDp
The History and Science of Color Film: From Isaac Newton to the Coen Brothers
One of the elements you are addressing in this week’s discussion is the use of color in film. You learned the impact of the colorization of film had on the industry. Now, it is time to understand the important impact color has on the viewer. Watch this lecture to understand the use of color in various films and visual media throughout history. This lecture should be referenced if analyzing color for the final essay. This lecture should be referenced if selecting a Film Noir or Neo-noir for this week’s discussion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRheZ_MUYiY
The Changing Shape of Cinema: The History of Aspect Ratio
Another important development during the 1950s was the introduction to dramatic changes in aspect ratio. This lecture introduces you to aspect ratio and its history within the film industry. Watch this lecture to inform your viewing experience of this week’s screenings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CgrMsjGk7k
The Stranger (Welles, 1946)
Directed by Orson Welles, The Stranger (1946) stars Orson Welles, Edward G. Robinson, and Loretta Young. Be mindful of this week’s readings and third and fourth lecture while watching this film. Specific examples from this film should be included in your discussion for this week if a Film Noir or Neo-noir is selected.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-NcOfHh3E4
Week 6 Discussion
Watch a movie made between 1970 – 1980 that you have not already seen for this class and answer the following questions. (do not choose/watch Once upon a time in the west movie 1968)
- Describe at least three special effects, camera tricks, stunts or camera angles that caught your attention. Why do you think they were important to the story?
2. How does sound play a part in the film you watched for this week? Identify at least three places that sound stood out in the film.
3. How does color play a part in the film you watched for this week? Identify at least three places that color stood out in the film
Learning Resources for question 1,2 & 3
The History of Film The 1960s
This reading for this week provides introductions to significant films and filmmakers during the 1960s. These readings also discuss some of the most significant moments in cinema during this period. It is during this period where we see the rise of independent and international film movements that worked to counter Hollywood film. We also see the birth of the Blaxploitation film movement toward the end of decade. Read Parts 1 – 6 to prepare for your discussion for this week.
http://www.filmsite.org/60sintro.html
The History of Film The 1970s
The second reading for this week provides introductions to significant films and filmmakers during the 1970s. These readings also discuss some of the most significant moments in cinema during this period. Read Parts 1 – 6 to prepare for your discussion for this week.
http://www.filmsite.org/70sintro.html
Martin Scorsese – The Art of Silence
For this week’s first lecture, we refer back to director Martin Scorsese’s work. This short lecture is devoted to Scorsese’s use of music and silence in these works. We previously discussed sound during Week 3 where you learned of its importance and the significant changes that occurred to the film industry. This lecture should be referenced in this week’s discussion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUrTRjEXjSM
Feminist Cinema
Feminist cinema was not new to the 1970s, but it was extremely influential as you read in the second reading for this week. We expand upon this introduction to explore Feminist Cinema in more detail in this short article. This reading includes a list of notable Feminist filmmakers and films. This reading helps to provide further context of the significant changes that were occurring during the 1970s.
Martin Scorsese – The Art of Silence
For this week’s first lecture, we refer back to director Martin Scorsese’s work. This short lecture is devoted to Scorsese’s use of music and silence in these works. This lecture could be referenced in the final essay if sound is analyzed. This lecture should be referenced in this week’s discussion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUrTRjEXjSM
Film History: New Hollywood Film
Martin Scorsese is among an elite group of filmmakers to emerge during the 1970s who were so influential they became labeled as New Hollywood. This lecture builds upon that introduction to provide a better understanding of these filmmakers, their works, and why they remain influential and respected in the industry. This lecture should be referenced if you have selected a film made or influenced by New Hollywood for this week’s discussion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSJO5Kfe3AI
Super Fly Documentary – One Last Deal
Blaxploitation was an important film movement that began in the late 1960s and continued through much of the 1970s. It had its roots in independent film as it began with Melvin Van Peebles’s Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1969) as an effort to confront the Hollywood representation of African-Americans, their communities, and struggles. It quickly became co-opted by Hollywood and quickly shot, low-budget, and exploitative films were released in mass. While many of these films have significant technical issues, there are a few which have become quintessential viewing when discussing the movement. Super Fly (Parks, Jr., 1972) is one of these films. Watch this documentary on Super Fly to learn of the attempts to bring this message to audiences in a changing Hollywood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJEC-lJhXKc
The History and Science of the Slit Scan Effect Used in 2001: A Space Odyssey
We spoke of special effects during Week 3. Now, we will explore the advancements that occurred in the 1970s to bring some of the most iconic and visually stunning scenes in film history. This lecture takes an in-depth look at Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). Watch this film’s groundbreaking use of the slit scan effect and how this effect was accomplished. This provides a better understanding of the advancement of visual effects. This information in this lecture should be referenced in this week’s discussion if Special Effects are chosen for analysis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhRo2WbWnKU
Don Levy: A cinematic journey through visual effects
Working closely with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Don Levy takes us on a visual journey through special effects, from the fakery of early technology to the seamless marvels of modern filmmaking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4iRPytrnJo
Duel (Spielberg, 1971)
The screening for this week is Steven Spielberg’s early feature film, Duel (1971). The film precedes Jaws (1975), the film that established him as a much sought-after director. Note the use of practical effects, color, cinematography, editing, and sound. You have learned of these technical elements throughout the six weeks of this course and this is a good film to practice analyzing them.
For this film, please find an available version to watch. Available versions can be found by searching on YouTube, Vimeo, or Amazon Prime Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhRdsuln3J4
Week 7 Discussion
Watch a film that won an Oscar associated with its screenplay. The name of the film that won the Oscar is named Coda.
Write 3 – 5 paragraphs about why you think this film won an Oscar for its screenplay (do not choose a film that you have already posted on). Reference applicable concepts and vocabulary from this week’s course material. Make sure that the focus is on the screenplay, not the acting or directorial choices.
Learning resources:
1980’s Film History
The reading for this week provides introductions to significant films and filmmakers during the 1980s. These readings also discuss some of the most significant moments in cinema during this period. It is during this period where we see the film industry becoming very focused on Blockbuster entertainment and visual spectacle. We also see new additions to the ratings system that allow for more audiences to see films which would have been restricted. Read Parts 1 – 6 to prepare for your discussion for this week. This reading will help you prepare for this week’s discussion.
http://www.filmsite.org/80sintro.html
1990s Film History
The reading for this week provides introductions to significant films and filmmakers during the 1990s. These readings also discuss some of the most significant moments in cinema during this period. It is during this period where we see the rise of the Indie film movement and the powerhouse of Miramax, among others. We also see new advances in digital technology and visual effects. Read Parts 1 – 6 to prepare for your discussion for this week. This reading will help you prepare for this week’s discussion.
http://www.filmsite.org/90sintro.html
2000s Film History
The third reading for this week provides introductions to significant films and filmmakers during the 2000s. These readings also discuss some of the most significant moments in cinema during this period. It is during this period where we see some of the most innovative uses of digital technology to date with the first fully digital film and ending the decade with one of the most visually stunning uses of CGI to date. We also see the Hollywood film industry begin a significant transition from shooting on celluloid to digital cameras becoming the norm. Read Parts 1 – 6 to prepare for your discussion for this week. This reading will help you prepare for this week’s discussion and may be applicable for your final essay.
http://www.filmsite.org/2000sintro.html
2010s Film History
The reading for this week provides a brief overview of the 2010s. This short reading allows for some insight to where film has shifted in the 2010s. More than superheroes and adventure films, we see a resurgence in documentary. We also see some serious declines in the appeal of film to the mass audience. Read this short article to learn more about the reasons behind these declines and Hollywood’s strategies to lure audiences back to the theaters. This reading will help you prepare for this week’s discussion.
http://www.filmsite.org/2010sintro.html
Film History: Contemporary Cinema – Timeline of Cinema
The first lecture for this week provides a brief timeline of contemporary cinema. It expands upon the four readings for the week with clips to help you visualize some of the more complex films introduced in modern cinema.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FFpxGMu9x4
Fundamentals of Hollywood Screenwriting
The lecture for this week focuses on screenwriting. The writing of a successful screenplay is not a task that lacks difficulty. Learn about the basic aspects necessary for a screenplay and how to make an appealing screenplay that follows the Hollywood formula. This lecture should be referenced in the discussion for this week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrXBQJ8W3sA
Gone Girl — Don’t Underestimate the Screenwriter
The lecture provides a brief example of screenwriting in context. Using the film Gone Girl (Fincher, 2014), this video dissects Gillian Flynn’s screenplay to illustrate the effective use of dialogue and how the screenplay mixes the traditional storytelling methods discussed in previous lecture with the writer’s unique style. Use this short lecture as a template for analyzing screenwriting in this week’s discussion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF3lFPW4E1o
The Social Network — Sorkin, Structure, and Collaboration
The lecture continues to provide another brief example of screenwriting in context. Using another David Fincher film with The Social Network (2010). This video analyzes screenwriter Aaron Sorkin’s unique use of dialogue and structure. Use this short lecture as a template for analyzing screenwriting in this week’s discussion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IAGH6k17nw
Ex Machina — The Control of Information
The lecture for this week continues with the analysis of screenwriting in context with Ex Machina (2014) which was written and directed by Alex Garland. Garland’s modern science-fiction film shrouds the narrative in mystery. The characters are mysterious, the plot is masterfully unveiled through intense dialogue as if it were peeling layers away with each scene. This short analysis of the film’s screenplay provides a better understanding of how using restraint in the writing can help to build suspense. Use this short lecture as a template for analyzing screenwriting in this week’s discussion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ko9mWdqW-M
Hollywood’s History of Faking It | The Evolution of Greenscreen Compositing
As noted in this week’s third and fourth reading, Greenscreen is heavily used in modern cinema. It has allowed for graphic novel characters to come to life in Sin City (Rodriquez, 2005), the vast landscape of an ocean in Life of Pi (Lee, 2012), and has sent Sandra Bullock spinning into space in Gravity (Cuarón, 2013). Learn about Hollywood’s use of the Greenscreen while learning the basics of the technique.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8aoUXjSfsI
A History of CGI Characters
The final lecture for this week discusses the use of CGI characters in film. Understanding the skill needed to capture and create the character helps to enhance a better appreciation for the work when it is done effectively.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZqSAYE5Mrw&t=12s
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