Choosing a film opening?

Are you having difficulty picking an opening? Remember that you are looking at around the first five minutes of a film-- the title sequence or maybe a bit of the first scene, depending on what you think is the most relevant and gives you the most information to analyse. You want an opening that has a strong, effective use of techniques (remember we studied these and even played pictionary with them) so you can achieve Excellence in your analysis. You want to pick a film that you enjoyed, because you will be spending a lot of time thinking about the director and their intentions, so it will be helpful if you are not already bored by it. Chances are, if you like it, there is something you can say about it. You cannot pick one that we discussed together in class (Dawn of the Dead, Catch Me If You Can, Napoleon Dynamite). You should definitely check out the Art of the Title website (http://www.artofthetitle.com/) if you haven't already. And if you're still stuck, here are some more sites with ideas about striking and thoughtful opening sequences:
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20186223,00.html 
http://theroxor.com/2009/03/14/10-awesome-opening-credits/
http://www.nerve.com/archived/blogs/the-twelve-greatest-opening-credits-in-movie-history-part-1
http://www.nerve.com/archived/blogs/the-twelve-greatest-opening-credits-in-movie-history-part-2
http://thefilmstage.com/2010/09/03/the-25-most-memorable-opening-scenes-in-film/2/


Switch that brain on and get thinking!

Even more about Facebook: A different perspective

Well, for every person and every viewpoint there is the other side of the story, supported by different research and statistics. Here is an article that suggests that since you create a "better" version of yourself on Facebook, looking at your profile can actually help your self-esteem, since you are reminded about all the best aspects of your life. Remember the article in Slate suggested that looking at other people's statuses and the very structure of the site itself (the like button, the photo tagging) created self- alienation and unrealistic expectations (leading to depression). How can we balance these two different articles? Is one right and the other wrong? Or can they both be right?

Here is the link to this new article so you can think about it yourself: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/facebook/visiting-your-facebook-profile-boosts-your-self-esteem/453

Are video games changing us?

Read this article about how video games encourage players to be "conservative."


http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=moral_combat

What do you think?

We discussed how the medium of Facebook changed the communication and the participants' experiences and world view. According to Monica Potts in this article, how does the medium of video games (some specific examples are given) change the players' experiences and maybe their worldview? How can games have a "conservative worldview"? WHY?

Your blogs- I want to see them.

So, I am optimistically thinking that you have all made a lovely blog site and started posting information about your chosen film opening. Right? Excellent. But I need to see them. Can you please follow my blog, email me your link or something so I can have a look at all of your amazing-ness. Thanks.

Facebook infographic

I know, I just can't get enough of thinking about facebook! Check out this awesome graphic representation of some interesting info about our favourite social networking site.

The World Is Obsessed With Facebook from Alex Trimpe on Vimeo.

Just for fun...

Yeah, life has been pretty serious lately. Take a break and check out how well you know famous movies with this quiz!! Maybe even think about how these different aspects of mise en scene contribute to the environment and mood of the film? Or just enjoy it. (click on the photo, guys)

Facebook and YOU!

We started the year by thinking about how Facebook is an emerging medium, and we looked how it shapes our communications and changes our interactions.

Here is the link to the Slate article that we read together in class:
http://www.slate.com/id/2282620/

Is this the REAL Facebook experience?


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