Blog- Realism/Classical/Formalism Oh my Blog Post

Notes on Realism/Classical/Formalism
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dygw82ry-03AwyTVdmbnYMSjgCwHGhdSzh3TR1bzPh8/edit#


Realist Film 

Blue Valentine

1.How would describe the characteristics of the camera camera work: composition, angle, movement?

The camera work is very simple, it does not consist of many complicated or intricate composition of shots.The scenes usually consists of one long shot or establishing shot  that is held throughout the scenes and restrains from any close ups of the actors even when many emotions are being conveyed.The first ukulele scene is a perfect example, where there is an action occurring, but no cuts in the shots to further expose or detail the action, instead the shot remains at an establishing shot and does not change throughout the scene.  

2. How would describe the difference in the edit?

Many scenes have rarely any cuts, instead the shots are based on movement, the camera follows the actors to avoid making any cuts. This occurs both in the first ukulele scene and the dancing scene. While the ukulele scene has no cuts, the dancing scene has two. Both relatively connecting to the realist style of long and lengthy shots.  

3. How would describe the quality of the story being told/narrative?Though realism in film can be obviously be quite restrictive, this film does a great job in portraying the focus of each scene, which contributes to the excellent storyline. The first example scene is all one shot, the audience feels the chemistry between both characters, despite the fact that the audience can only observe several feet away from the action in the scene. The second example, yet still few cuts still is able to demonstrate that time has passed, yet the couple still finds themselves in love and dancing.

Classic Film

Terminator 3

1. How would describe the characteristics of the camera camera work: composition, angle, movement?

The camera works consist of a magnitude of shots, not only because of it’s classicism, but also because it is a action movie as well. Every significant object or person deserves it’s own shot. Shots in the example scene range from the expression on each character's face to the minute details of the alarm system going off. Many of these shots originate from classicism and are essential shots that causes the excitement in audience, this includes  the shot when the terminator has grabbed John Connor by the foot, this little action is able to give so much awe to the audience because it signifies that the female terminator is still alive, a full shot that would have been used from realist would not have cut it and would have left the audience unsatisfied.   

2. How would describe the difference in the edit?

I chose an action film to for classic film because this is where classic cutting can be easily seen.Several scenes have cuts to show  a cause and effect relationship throughout the film, highlighting this scene from Terminator, the constant cuts between the female terminator coming towards characters after she has crashed the helicopter and reaction shots of the two characters create a sense of urgency. Around 1:00 minute in the scene you see the characters amazement and then it cuts to the next shot is of the massive fire from the second helicopter that has crashed. Constant cutting not only allows for fast paced action but it also helps the audience focus on the detail of the scene and actors.

3. How would describe the quality of the story being told/narrative?

This film has won many awards and is truly an American classic.Despite the amount of action going on the film, the narrative is still comprehensible and the story being told is thrilling. The audience is able to absorb all significant information in the film, while still being able to focus on the excessive amount of detail being portrayed.   

Formalist Film

The Naked Gun

Warning:*skip to 0:40

1. How would describe the characteristics of the camera camera work: composition, angle, movement?

Though this film is not completely formalist, each film Naked Gun 1,2, and 3 all use formalist styles, in particular the use of montages.For example, this part in the film uses a montage to show the couple doing activities over time, the composition consist of several scenes that contain simple shots. The shots are filmed from one angle and particularly focus on one action or detail, such as getting cotton candy, participating in a rodeo and getting tattoos.

2. How would describe the difference in the edit?

Each cut in the edit transitions to another shot from a different scene, it does not follow continuity of one individual scene, but instead shows the audience several scenes and shot to push the idea that time has passed where couple are together and are enjoying themselves. These shots are held just long enough for the audience to understand what is occurring in the montage and be able to comprehend the joke that is also being portrayed in the shot. This would emphasize the use of the content curve, that each shot transitions before the audience becomes bored of the actions of the couple.

3. How would describe the quality of the story being told/narrative?

Though the montage does not follow the principles of continuity the audience is still able to make sense of the ideas and actions being portrayed.The narrative is meant to be humorous and the montage is able to do this because these hysterical actions are quick and simple and do not need a lot of time,so  a montage fits perfectly for this section in the film. The purpose to create the emotion of humor, and directing emotions through film despite weather or not it relates to the story is also the purpose of formalism.  

Location as Character Project- Director's Commentary

(Shots in order of how they appear in film)

1st Flower Shot

I first used this shot because it was quite sunny that day and it was the best establishing shot I had where the sun wasn't overpowering.I also didn't want to reveal  the whole garden at once, but instead focus on the small details of the garden to make up the final project To the left you can see the reflection of  a little kid running, and I slowed down the clip to demonstrate that this is a public garden where  many little kids roam, including me when I was younger.

Tall Lantern shot

It was really sunny that day, so I had shot this from the shadows, and it ending up giving the shot more focus on lines and I was able to use the rule of thirds.

Fish Shot

Japanese Garden  most commonly known for there Koi fish, these are beautiful fish that are often times quite large and definitely interesting to gaze at, so I followed this one.  I used selective focus on the fish because I want all attention direct towards them and their action of swimming

Ceramic stone lamps

This is object was filmed  with selective focus to bring out the texture of the decorations.

Rock Shot

For this shot I wanted to add perspective so I actually put my camera in the ground to capture the rocks in their natural environment

Spiderweb Shot

Also using lighting for effect I thought this spider web would be a perfect example. The light was shining on the web so that it gave the appearance of it almost glowing.This  giving a peaceful mood.

Mushroom Shot

Since flowers are ALWAYS in japanese garden, thought I put some variety and focus in a mushroom,this shot has perspective as well as selective focus on

1st Ripples on pond

My main focus of the project was to create a peaceful and serene mood so recurring shots include ripples within water.To focus on the texture of the ripples I shot at 60 frames and slowed this down in the edit.This slow motion would allow for relaxation as well as the audiance being able to focus on the small, but simple details.

2nd Rock Shot with Stream

This shot also has perspective because the shot is so close to the ground where the rock lays. I also wanted to focus on the light reflecting water so I color corrected this and made the shot look darker so the water appeared more luminescent, making the shot seem more serene.This would contribute to “lighting for effect”,

Fish Shot

This shot is somewhat abstract and also adds texture

Light Stream on Trees

This shot  would go under the category of lighting for effect. This shot was also shot at 60 frames, so in the edit I could slow down the shot where it almost looks like the light it crawling on the trees. I also had color corrected by making the shot darker to the light was more visible on the tree.

Bamboo Fountain Shot

Bamboo fountains are not only also part of japanese gardens, but also very nice to capture both in film and photography. For this shot, I used  selective focus on the fountain , I shot this at 60 frames so I could slow it down in the edit, so the audience is able to focus on the water running, and this creating a mood of serenity.

2nd Ripples on pond

In this shot I wanted to focus on the reflection of the pond as well as the ripples forming, this would provide visual movement as well as framing.

2nd Flower Shot

I used Selective focus and subtle dead space for this shot to focus on the color and the beauty of the flower.This also emphasizing the shape of the flower as well.

Leaf Falling Shot

The last shot uses the rule of thirds to focus on the subject of the rock, to continue the mood of serenity I also slowed down drops falling on a puddle. I thought that the leaf falling would signify the end of the segment so I used it as my last shot.

Director's Commentary 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcLQmepREbE&feature=youtu.be

Original Project 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYqFY22c0aw

Location as Character

1. Location
   The location I chose was a Japanese garden in San Mateo Central Park.
2. List of 2-3 Emotions we would like to capture:
   Japanese gardens are known to create a peace and serenity, so these would be best to try to convey in creating this project 
3. Minimum of 10 shots "dream shots" you would like to capture or experiment with that addresses the "mood" or "feeling" of the location.

   
   

   1. Japanese Garden are known for several things,one of the most common are there Koi also known as carp, these are beautiful fish that are often times quite large and definitely interesting to gaze at. Within this shot I would like to have selective focus on the fish because I want all attention direct towards them and their actions.
   

   

   
   
   

   
   

   
   

   2.One other thing that these gardens are known for are their ceramic stone lamps. This is object would be filmed also with selective focus to bring out the texture of the decorations. 

   

   
   

   3. Of course flowers can not be forgot in a garden. Rack to focus in flowers in the garden would be best for one of my shots and selective focus and a lot of dead space would be ideal for this shot to focus on the color and the beauty of the flower.This would also emphasize the shape of the object,

   

   
   

   4. Bambo fountains are not only also part of japanese gardens, but also very nice to capture both in film and photography. For this shot, I will again use selective focus and focus on the water coming from the bambo fountain, running will help in creating a mood of serenity. 

   
   
   

   

   
   

   5. Trees make up alot of a japanese garden, so one shot should focus on the leaves of the trees. The "dream shot" would include using the rule of thirds and dead space around the leaves.This would also be shot at an angle to give some dimension.

   

   
   

   6. Any building or house in the garden should be included. This would also add to an japanese garden them. This shot would be a long shot, with the house to the left using the rule of thirds.

   

   
   

   7.Rocks both big and small are often found in japanese gardens, this would be a significant shot to use. It would also be selective focus on the rocks and a pan to show all of them. This would also create texture 

   

   
   

    8.Bridges are also a key factor in japanese gardens. A shot that would include a bridge would be a long shot with deep focus of the rest of the garden, such as trees and plants

   

   
   

   9. Any wildlife would also make the project more interesting. A butterfly would futher push the mood of a peaceful location. If this were possible to capture, the shot would have selective focus in the butterfly with dead space around it. 

   

   
   

   10. The last shot would be a full shot of the whole garden, the garden was slowly reveled through selective focus shots, now the last shot will show the garden as a whole. This would give the audience the whole perspective of what the garden looks like.

   

     

   
   

   
   

Contemporary Media Analysis

1. What does the media say about the world we live in?

From many of the presentations one of the most reappearing aspects about media was that it is constantly mirroring our society. Many times media will either explore or mock issues within a society that is occurring at the time. One example discussed by a group was the issue on homosexuality in the well known television show in Glee. This show has been in the spot light for teens in our nation in among the recent years, it expresses high school students who are both straight and gay. These students are portrayed in a positive manner with their sexuality making them no different then any other kid.The show further imitates reality when depicting the issues that the teens must face. In addition media also feeds on what an audience craves weather it's a super man or the opulent lives of the Kardashians or the humors and adventitious events of a modern family. Media is based on what the "people want too see" and this is what makes television and films enjoyable because it is shaped for audiences. Furthermore to push the idea that an media fills the need of audience, is through the idea of escapism, where audiences escape their reality and enter one that is far more exciting and pleasant. However in contrast their are also films that handle a struggle of people, that an audience watches to relate and are able to understand a television show or film because their experiences are some what similar.Media will always emulate the interest of the audience therefore our world will always long for media because it fill our needs of what we want reality to be and or what our reality is. Media is absorbed in our world because it is a reflection of it.

2. Do you notice any one trend that keeps resurfacing through multiple media forms?

A reoccurring theme I saw in multiple media forms was the "blurred lines" in characters. When a person is indistinguishable in weather they are good or bad. It was discussed how this character of good and bad has been around for several decades, however only in the recent years has media been able to portray such a character that is on the border. One example that was in several presentations was the television show Breaking Bad. The main character, Walter White is so well developed, he is not simple expressed as good or bad. but instead the audience understands the struggle of the character and why he took certain actions . For example the character is a manufacturer of drugs, however his motives are only for the welfare for his family, to leave them in good fortune, this line is blurred when good motives and bad actions are intertwined. This is also seen in media shown by the news, another example that was also in many presentations was Edward Snowden who was leaked secret US. surveillance information in order to protect liberties of the people. The controversy is weather this man is "a hero or a traitor", a blurred line that people have been questioning currently.

3. What do you see as the best and worst of what media portrays?

Media can be an art, where people can create all sources of entertainment and masterpieces. It can be a way to exchange ideas and information as well as showing significant aspect of our society. However there are also many down sides of our usage of media. This includes the constant stereotypes and expectations we are able to put on people. Media can give us the wrong perception of our own reality and distort how we not only see others but ourselves. It quite obvious that media has known to objectify women and make the men rich and strong and as well as one to flock and to be flocked by women. Often people find themselves to be faulty or less then because of how they are shown in the media. We influence media, however media may also influence us as well, it may give us the wrong or impossible guidelines to follow.

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4. Where do you see yourself contributing to the conversation?

Media has been any important tool our society has utilized not only for entertainment but to better understand our society and the people in it. Despite the many flaws in media I do believe it is essential to how we live. There is a recent realization that media is able to break down the walls that it has put up for so long.Though it is a slow development every step is closer to a more liberal and understanding world.As an individual I see myself in full support of this evolution of the media. A new media in which is true and can aid us instead of hinder the progress to an overall better world.

Top 5 Films of All Time

Five is nearly not close enough to the amount of movies that I would watch over and over again, however for this blog post I chose the films (in no particular order) that first came to mind as well as ones I still love watching today.

 A film of science fiction directed by Steven Spielberg, in which portrayed a time of brotherhood between two different worlds, when a child meets no more then a friend who is just a tad different then him. This film is ET(1982) When I think of the epitome of childhood I think of the principles of E.T. This film offered a story line that digged deep into every child's and even adult's heart. One of the important aspect of the film that I favored was that an alien expressed as nothing but gentle and curious, unlike the many alien invasion films that came before it. The film's story line between the connection between ET and Elliot, the boy who found ET was what made the film engaging to watch. The greatness of this film's cinematographer is shown through the fact that it's still widely known, even for people who haven't watched the the actual film can recognize some of these beautiful shots.

Another film I constantly find myself reaching for is The Truman Show (1998). This is truly a film I will never get tired of. It has one of the most  unique story lines, it conveys a story in which a man lives by the the rules of TV producers, directors and ratings.They have created a utopia in which Truman Bunker, lives a public life and is filmed 24/7. This movie can be quite funny, but also touches on important aspects of entertainment industry. One of my favorite actors, Jim Carry plays the main character of Truman spot one and he definitely makes the film. Truman proves to be an extremely likable character, in the beginning of the film he has somewhat of a cheesy, but fun personality. Though as the story progresses we do see another side of him as he starts to find his surroundings suspicious, he begins to develop what seem like insanity, however he is reaching closer to a truer existence. This developing of a character is what also makes this film so engaging.This unique film also has unique cinematography to add on to it’s greatness. The film uses an array of camera angles giving the appearance of an hidden cameras to really get across that Truman is unawareingly on a TV.

One of my favorite genres is action and this film has honorably set a high bar. Die Hard (1988) made every American audience gaze in awe at the the abilities of this badass cop named John McClane. This film also incorporates humor in a dangerous setting where terrorist hold hostages to rob a vault.Like most actions movies there's a large amount of explosions and gun fights, however there is one feature that makes McClane quite different from normal heros in action movies especially during this time and this is his mistakes. Many times we see the hero of American action movies know exactly what there doing, but it's not very realistic because not many people are prepared for the situation their put in, such as a terrorist attack in this film. It gives a "lets figure it out as we go one" type of mood which is defiantly expressed by the character.

A movie that will always linger in my favorites forever is Schindler's list(1998) I read both the novel and watched the film through eyes of tears. The film evokes emotions that no other film can, many of the times when we are faced with a sad story or film we like to tell ourselves its not real in order to separate ourselves from the horror, but unfortunately we are not able to this with this film. Every character represents a real soul that lie victim to the Holocaust.The film is not just a story, but part real years of suffering in Germany and this is what makes the film so meaningful. Schindler's list is a true masterpiece and will never be worth just Academy Awards because it speaks volumes of truth. I can honestly say that this film will change your life.

Lastly, though I do not follow a religious cult following of these novels or films, I do consider the film series one of my favorites. This would be "The Lord Of The Rings" (2001-2003). This film is obviously one that is both creative and complex which is what makes it entertaining. This fantasy adventure films keeps the audience interested throughout Frodo's adventure. One of the aspects that are inspiring is the production design. This detailed designed put in the film makes it that much more enjoyable to watch . No other film looks or feels like Lord of The Rings.