LOOKING BACK

Looking back over the semester, which TWO films were your favorite ones to study? Which ONE film was your least favorite to study? No need for explanation, unless you wish to comment.

If there is a topic or film that you would like us to discuss on (Thursday) the last day of class, please make a recommendation. I can't make any promises but I will try to see what comes together. All you need to do is make a brief suggestion and maybe explain why you're interested in it.

Hollywood, 1980s

What is your favorite American film from the 1980s and why? Does the material you are learning this week--in terms of industry and historical context--help you to better understand this film  or your relationship to it? If so, how?

Manchurian Candidate

As our guest speaker suggested last week, The Manchurian Candidate makes many formal or cinematic choices in order to convey the protagonist's (Bennett Marco/Frank Sinatra) state of mind. For example, his mental confusion and instability might be seen in the blurry background of the scenery outside the train window. Can you think of another example in this film where a technical choice or cinematic decision helps to define Bennett Marco/Sinatra's state of mind? Or, if you can't think of a particular example, can you discuss any aspect of the overall film style and what you think it means?

GUN CRAZY and PICKPOCKET

We have been discussing the terms frequently used to describe these films, as "tours de force" or "instant masterpieces." We've also addressed their important influence on later filmmakers, considering the movie examples of BONNIE AND CLYDE or TAXI DRIVER.

Can you think of a more recent film from the past 5 or 10 years that is clearly influenced by GUN CRAZY and/or PICKPOCKET? Explain your choice.

Double Indemnity

This film contains heavy voice over narration. Do you think this is a useful device in the film? What is the effect of the narration? How would the film be different if there was no voice over narration? Or, if the narration was provided by someone other than Walter? Blog entry is due Thursday, Feb 9th.