Week 3 Tuesday

Introduction to Film Studies

• Overview of the course structure:

  • Class covers 100 years of global cinema but condenses into 10 weeks.

  • Future split into two sections: Film History and Film Technique.

  • Focus on key concepts like parallel editing and montage, inspired by German Expressionism.

Recent Film Reviews

• Mentioned recent cinema experiences:

  • Attended a matinee for cost-effectiveness.

  • Positive review of Robert Eggers' recent work, noting visual composition and relatable themes.

• Discussed leading actress Anya Taylor-Joy, highlighting her past roles and current popularity in Hollywood.

Personal Insights and Experiences

• Instructor shares personal fitness journey:

  • Stays active by weight training and running.

  • Demonstrated dedication and achievement in running events.

• Importance of maintaining physical fitness related to age and film roles, especially discussions around aging in cinema.

Themes in Film

• Citizen Kane and Vertigo:

  • Engage students in understanding narratives and character dynamics.

  • Emphasize the significance of early plot reveals, like Citizen Kane's Rosebud.

• Discussion about characters defying traditional roles and representations of age and generational conflict.

Class Structure and Expectations

• Instructor clarifies course communications:

  • Weekly summaries of class content will be sent to ensure students catch up, especially those absent.

  • Emphasizes class organization structure to improve comprehension and retention.

Visual Composition in Film

• Importance of visual composition in films:

  • Explanation of key concepts like mise-en-scène, deep focus, and the rule of thirds.

  • Tips on photography and videography to create more engaging images and narratives.

• Examples include techniques used in historic films:

  • Low angle shots and their emotional power.

  • Methods of achieving deep focus shots, common in classic cinema.

Impact of Filmmakers

• Recognized contributions of Orson Welles and Greg Holland:

  • Enhanced discussion about creative teams behind impactful films.

  • The tension between artistic vision and commercial viability in film production.

  • Importance of collaboration between director and cinematographer.

Historical Context of Films

• Overview of how films like Citizen Kane changed public perception through innovative storytelling.

  • Historical impact and retrospective appreciation of films after critical acclaim and audience reception.

  • Referenced literary parallels with authors like Melville and Faulkner regarding posthumous recognition.

Questions on Characters and Plots

• Students encouraged to engage with character relationships:

  • Acknowledged specific character roles and their significance in audience perception.

  • Encouraged comfort with ambiguity in plots and character motivations, particularly in complex narratives like Vertigo.

Conclusion and Future Directions

• Preparation for upcoming lessons:

  • Future classes will examine different cinematographic techniques and how they shape storytelling.

  • Expect explorations of visual language in film and its emotional effects on viewers.

• Continuous engagement and discussion encouraged throughout the semester to enrich understanding of cinematic art.