Touch of Evil

touch of evil was a well written script that had hints of film noir. it was slow moving for a preset day viewer but one can still appreciate the drama and thrill in the movies plot. Orson Welles genius shows brightly in this movie.

Morcheeba - Blood Like Lemonade (official)

A newer version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1978

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTSR6bu0Nq0

citizen Kane

Its brilliant. it encapsulates everything we have learned about. it shows why it was not considered amazing when it first came out to the public and now is considered one of the best all time movies that every film enthusiast needs to see.

The Seventh Samurai

Very interesting movie, I really liked how director showed the class differences between the samurai and the villagers who were just average peasants. Also this movie is a good story how an old hero protects average people from bandits.

Citizen Kane

I really enjoyed this movie. The story line is kind of slow, but the movie contains a very strong message which makes this movie brilliant.

TOP 200 FILMS

This list includes my favorites, a good representation of great directors, genres and styles, historically important films and titles that anyone seriously interested in movies should see at least once. It is not meant to be perfect, just personal.

2001: A Space Odyssey
39 Steps, The
8 ½
Adventures of Robin Hood, The
Akira
Alexander Nevsky
Alien
Alphaville
American in Paris, An
Annie Hall
Apartment, The
Apocalypse Now
Asphalt Jungle, The
Augirre: the Wrath of God
Bad and the Beautiful, The
Bad Day at Black Rock
Battleship Potemkin
Beauty and the Beast (’46)
Bicycle Thief, The
Birth of a Nation, The
Black Cat, The (Karloff/Lugosi)
Blade Runner
Blow-Up
Blue Velvet
Bonnie and Clyde
Brazil
Bride of Frankenstein
Bridge on the River Kwai
Bringing Up Baby
Cabinet of Dr. Calagari, The (‘20)
Casablanca
Cat People (’42)
Chinatown
Citizen Kane
City Lights
Clockwork Orange
Conformist, The
Conversation, The
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Crowd, The
Day the Earth Stood Still, The
Detour (’45)
Diary of a Country Priest
Die Hard
Die Nibelungen
Dirty Harry
Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, The
Do the Right Thing
Double Indemnity
Dr. Strangelove
Dracula (’31)
Duck Soup
Duel
Easy Rider
Eraserhead
Exorcist, The
Eyes Without a Face
Fall of the House of Usher, The (Corman)
Fantasia
Fargo
Flash Gordon (serial)
Fleischer Studios – animation
Footlight Parade
Forbidden Planet
Freaks
French Connection
General, The (’27)
George Meilies – films
Ghostbusters
Gladiator
Godfather, The
Gojira
Gold Rush, The
Goldfinger
Gone With the Wind
Good, the Bad and the Ugly, The
Graduate, The
Grand Illusion, The
Grapes of Wrath, The
Greed
Gun Crazy (’50)
High Noon
High Sierra
His Girl Friday
Hitch-Hiker, The
Hud
Hustler, The
I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang
Ikuru
In the Heat of the Night
Intolerance
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (’56)
It Happened One Night
It’s a Wonderful Life
Jason and the Argonauts
Jaws
Jules and Jim
King Kong (’33)
Kiss Me Deadly
L’Aventura
La Dolce Vita
La Strada
Last Laugh, The
Last Year at Marienbad
Laura
Lawrence of Arabia
Lord of the Rings, The (Jackson)
Lost Horizon
Luis Bunuel – early films
Lumiere Brothers – films
M (’31)
Maltese Falcon, The
Manchurian Candidate, The
Manhattan
Metropolis (’27)
Mr. Hulot’s Holiday
My Man Godfrey
Network
Night of the Living Dead
North by Northwest
Nosferatu (‘22)
Nothing But a Man
Notorious
On the Waterfront
Once Upon a Time in the West
One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest
Onibaba
Out of the Past
Passion of Joan of Arc, The
Peeping Tom
Persona
Phantom of the Opera (’25)
Place in the Sun, A
Playtime
Psycho
Raging Bull
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Ran
Rashomon
Rear Window
Rebecca
Rebel Without a Cause
Red Shoes, The
Repulsion
Road Warrior, The
Rome: Open City
Rules of the Game, The
Sacrifice, The
Salt of the Earth
Scarface (‘32)
Searchers, The
Set-Up, The
Seven Samurai, The
Seventh Seal, The
Shadows
Shock Corridor
Silence of the Lambs
Sin City
Singin’ In the Rain
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Some Like It Hot
Sons of the Desert
Spirited Away
Stagecoach
Stalker
Star Wars
Straw Dogs
Sullivan’s Travels
Sunrise
Sunset Boulevard
Taxi Driver
Terminator, The
Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The
Thief of Bagdad (’24)
Thief of Bagdad (’40)
Third Man, The
Throne of Blood
To Be or Not To Be (’42)
To Kill a Mockingbird
Top Hat
Touch of Evil
Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The
Triumph of the Will, The
Ugetsu
Unforgiven
Vampyr
Vertigo
Videodrome
Wages of Fear, The
Warner Bros. cartoons – Chuck Jones
West Side Story
White Heat
Wild Bunch, The
Wild Strawberries
Wind, The
Winsor McKay – films
Wizard of Oz, The
Wolf Man, The
Woman Under the Influence, A
Yojimbo

Great Acting

For those that love a great actor. Check out Matt Damon in Goodwill Hunting, he is amazing. But he also sucks in a lot of films so watch Team America to get a good parody.

some background is that matt damon's character has been in and out of jail for assault and other random crime, he is brilliant but he has some mental issues. That would also explain his split lip. Both he and robin williams do a great job in this film and i highly recommend it

Hardball trailer

this is a great example of a classical paradigm.

8 1/2

i found this movie a little disturbing and intoxicating. However, there were some elements to the film that were creative and imaginative. Over all my friends and i liked it!!

Ikiru

Fantastic movie of a mans journey in life. Very moving film that stresses the value and goodness of man-kind.

Ikiru (Doomed) (Living) (To Live) Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes

Ikiru (Doomed) (Living) (To Live) Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes

Suspiria

I really enjoyed the movie we watched in the theater last week. The music and overall low lighting really created an emphasis during the more shocking scenes as well as create this eery tone you could feel throughout the movie. Also seeing it on the big screen with full surround sound really made the movie that much better.

Film Noir

While we were watching Out of the Past it reminded me of a bit they used to do on Who's Line is it Anyway where they would act out a scene in the style of Film Noir. 

Untouchables Train Station Sequence

Here is a sequence from the movie The Untouchables. It is a great sequence that is a homage to Battleship Potemkin's Odessa steps sequence. I apologize the picture quality is not that good but still worth the viewing.

Heat Diner scene

here is a great scene from Heat a film by Michael Mann that features Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, two of the very best actors of their generation face to face. Hope u enjoy!!

On The Waterfront

I really loved seeing Marlon Brando as a young actor as opposed to when I saw him in The Godfather. He was a great actor when he was young as well and I felt that he did an amazing job in this role. On The Waterfront was overall a very good film with a good story line, a good message and a great ending.

Jurassic Park Theme song

Aside from being an amazing movie, Jurassic Park has what I believe to be one of the best musical scores. This particular song is the theme song that is heard at different parts throughout the movie. The music is very powerful and well composed. It definitely allows you to immerse yourself into the movie.

The Hidden Fortress and Battleship Potemkin

I really enjoyed this movie because it had a nice combination of action as well as plenty of comedic relief from the two peasants. I thought that the peasants were very funny and I enjoyed watching them bicker and their overall love/hate relationship. I though that the man who played the general was a very good actor and played his serious role very well. I was unsure about how the princess was portrayed however, she always seemed to be screaming when she spoke and it seemed quite odd to me. However overall it had good acting, a great storyline and a good ending!

I also thought that The Battleship Potemkin was a great silent film and great propaganda film. Although I don't normally enjoy silent films, the music really conveyed the emotions and point of view and I felt it was really powerful. This film is also a great example of using a montage technique.

On the Waterfront

Very interesting movie, good story line. Very good music by Leonard Bernstein throughout the movie!

Synchronous Sound

Synchronous sound - Sync sound (synchronized sound recording) refers to sound recorded at the time of the filming of movies, and has been widely used in U.S. movies since the birth of sound movies. The first animated film in which sync sound was used is Walt Disney's Steamboat Willie.

M

I have not got around to posting how i felt about M, yet.
This movie exceeded my expectations for being so old. i was held captivated for the majority of the film, it has mystery, suspense and flare. i really liked the beginning and how it tied into the end with the blind man remembering that whistle, creepy, love it

I enjoyed the hunt for M in that office building a lot and the public recreation of a court. this movie had a bunch of details that i picked up on and had a purpose unlike some other films we watched

^-^ cheers

Jump

Fight Club scene. The moment i am talking about is when Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt, flashes on screen while, Tyler Durden, also played by Edward Norton, is looking over the photocopy machine. It produces a jarring effect telling the audience that something is not quite right. It is also an example foreshadowing, and damn good acting.

On the Waterfront

Loved Marlon Brando is this film...what an incredible actor! One of my fav movies so far this semester...loved the story line; a strong man having to fight between family and duty...

Film Glossary #4

Synchronous Sound
Non-Synchronous Sound
Sound Editing
Sound Design
Soundtrack
Overlapping Dialogue
Sound Design
Sound Mixing
Diagetic Sound
Non-Diagetic Sound
Musical Score
Source Music
Production Sound
Camera Blimp
Sound Boom
Sound Effects
Voice-Over
Mickeymousing
Realist Musical
Formalist Musical
Musical Documentary
Music Video

Loving the Halloween horror month

Recently watched Day of the Dead and Nightmare on Elm Street. A few classic scares in these movies really pop into mind when I think of the horror genre.

A few faves

The Shining

The Thing

30 Days of Night

Devils Rejects

Jaws

The Strangers

American Psycho

Cujo

Carrie

The Blob

Alien series

Predators series (not the vss)

Dawn of the Dead

Evil Dead

Deep Blue Sea---hahaha

Quarantine

28 days later

The Omega Man

M

I just watched this movie earlier today, thought it was pretty good. I liked the story line, the actor who played the murderer did a great job in portraying his character. The moments of complete silence throughout the movie fit this movie perfectly!

expressionism example with crane shot

CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES
only watch first 3 mins
^^
This scene from "The Cell", one of my favorite movies, is pure expressionism. It about entering the mind of a schizophrenic serial killer. This is the director's attempt to express the insanity and instability of the tortured killer. There are some very nice shots incorporated in the scene. Especially the scene with the baptism, its a great crane shot. The establishing shot showing the surface of the man's brain gives good idea of what to expect in the brain. Clearly the movie had a pretty big budget, and i bet the majority of it went into the mental penetration scenes, further proof comes from the casting of Jennifer Lopez. Blarg.

Top Ten Horror (no particular order)

Nightmare on Elm Street

The Shining

Friday the 13th

Quarantine

IT

The Exorcist

Psycho

Dawn of the Dead

Jaws

28 Days Later

M

I thought that M was a great movie. The murderer was absolutely creepy, especially in the scene where he sees a little girl in a reflection and watches her with huge wide eyes. The actor did a good job portraying that character. I loved the idea of the homeless people acting as informants and holding a trial for the murderer at the end. I was shocked to see how many people were in that room. Overall, great suspense, great characters and very well made.

"M"

Its an impeccable film- the film grows more unsettling when you find out the killer in the movie can not help himself...great work!

HORRORS!!!

Halloween is coming up! It’s time to select your favorite fright films. We are studying film genres this term and horror is one of our stopping-off points. List the movies that scare you the most. If you are a real fan, you can put down your Top Ten. Photos and clips are welcome. We might even watch a full length feature in class before the fateful night itself.

Film Glossary #3

Continuity
Jump Cut
Establishing shot
Sequence Shots
Cutting to Continuity
Classical Cutting
Thematic Montage
Abstract Cutting
Master Shot Technique
Overlapping Shot Technique
Reaction Shot
Cut Away
Cover Shots
First Cut
Final Cut
Reverse Angle Shot
Cross-cutting
Parallel Editing
Flashback
Flash Forward

Film Glossary #2

POV
High Key Lighting
Low key lighting
High contrast
Low contrast
Fill light
Back light
Color
Cool color
Warm color
Rack focus
Mise en scene
Montage
Aspect ratio
Masking
Iris
Pan
Tilt
Crane
Dolly
Zoom
Zolly
Handheld

Film Glossary #1

Realism
Classicism
Formalism
Expressionism
EXLS
LS
FS
MS
CU
EXCL
Deep Focus
Establishing Shot
Over-the-shoulder Shot
Wide-angle Lens
Telephoto Lens
Fish-eye Lens
Zoom Lens
Prime Lenses
Bird’s-eye View
High Angle
Eye-level Shot
Low Angle
Dutch Angle

Battleship Potemkin

This is my second time watching this movie. The music is great creates a sense of rebellion, fits this movie perfectly. The movie itself conveys a strong message and shows a lot about what was going on in Russia at that period of time. I think it is a good movie and would definitely recommend watching it.

Cross-cutting

Cross-cutting - The editing technique of selecting shots, cutting back and forth between actions taking place at two or more locations. This usually implies that the events are happening simultaneously, creating a sense of parallel action.

Examples of continuity errors

Momento, flashing forward into the past

I recently watched the movie Momento. This movie utilizes flash forwards that technically are also flashbacks. The plot line is very unique because it begins at the end and works its way to the beginning. During the movie Guy Pearce plays the role of a short-term memory impaired man named "Leonard". Leonard takes pictures with his polaroid camera and makes vital notes as the day progresses, some notes so worthy of remembering that he has them tattooed all over his body. The movie flashes backward chronologically, but forward into the plot development. This was an amazing movie and I really recommend watching it.

CLOSE UP

A wonderful close up is at the beginning of pirates of the Caribbean, at worlds end. It basically shows an extream close up of Johnny Depp's nose, sniffing as the camera lens pans forward along with the nose, so close up many black heads can be seen. I remember this close up because i thought it was a cool way to start a movie, and my mom said NO WAY WOULD I LET SOMEONE FILM THAT CLOSE TO MY NOSE! his nose eventually runs into a peanut.

Crappy pixels on youtube show this under (pirates of the Caribbean, funny peanut)

Battleship Potemkin

The soundtrack was fantastic. The lighting and images communicated a lot emotion. It really is a fantastic silent movie.

The Hidden Fortress

Very good movie, I enjoyed watching it yesterday. Not to much action, but there were a bunch of funny moments through out the movie. A good movie, I was surprised when I found out it was made in 1958, looks a lot newer than that. Definitely the best movie I have seen this far for this class.

Hidden Fortress

I enjoyed this movie. First I was shocked to learn that the great George Lucas directed the film. The comedy added to the film was a perfect touch. there were some laugh out load moments. it was not a typical samurai movie i am accustom to. great film!

The Rule of Thirds

Eraserhead

I watched this movie last night with a couple of my friends. Personally I did not get this movie at all. I did not understand what was going on throughout the whole movie, could not understand the plot at all, if there was one. Did not enjoy the movie at all, a really confusing and weird movie.

Response To Films

The movie Eraserhead was interesting, and not in a good way. I felt disturbed, bored and disgusted all at the same time. All of these emotions might have been acceptable if I understood, even remotely, what was going on. Instead, I was completely confused. I did not understand the characters, the plot, or any of the ideas the movie was attempting to convey through symbolism. If people were to ask me to explain to them the meaning or significance of this movie I would not be able to tell them anymore than I knew prior to viewing it.

On the other hand, The Seventh Seal has been the best movie we have watched so far in my opinion. I thought this film contained an enjoyable combination of drama and humor. I also thought that the characters were more developed, likable, smart and amusing than others we've seen. The story line was also very good and I enjoyed the concept of exploring the mysteries of death as the basis of the plot, even having "death" as a character. I found myself intently watching during the serious scenes where their were dialogs about God, the devil, religion and death, and then laughing at the characters in more lighthearted scenes such as the quarrel at 1:03. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this film, especially in comparison to Eraserhead!

Wide Angle Lens Test

Point of View/Dolly Shot

Rack Focus

Eraserhead

I will have nightmares for weeks after watching this sick and twisted movie. Not one thing made any sense. The only thing descent in this film was the hot neighbor across the hall from him.

The seventh Seal

the film portrayed haunting images of what the plague represented back then. The character of death was rather interesting. Loved the chess scenes. The ending when they were dancing behind death was the cherry on top. great movie

"Stalker" - Russia 1979

Director Andrei Tarkovsky's science fiction film is an example of filmmaking dominated by mise en scene and not montage.

"Kiss of Death" - USA 1947

It's hard to see how this escaped the censors of the Hays Code in 1947 who had a contract out on brutal violence in the movies. Richard Widmark as the psychotic killer, Tommy Udo, is one of Film Noir's great bad guys.

Zolly Shot (Zoom/Dolly)

Several filmmakers, starting with Hitchcock, have used this shot to great effect. Here are examples from "Vertigo", "Jaws", "Poltergeist", "Goodfellas" and "Lord of the Rings".

The Cabinet of DR Calagari

Im going to watch this movie tonight in my room at 8 for anyone who wants to watch it. iota byers 202. call me at 206-930-7009

"The Great Train Robbery" - USA 1903

In America, Edwin S. Porter, was taking film to a new level of entertainment. With imaginative camera placement and editing, the narrative cinema had taken a great leap forward.

"A Trip to the Moon" - France 1902

In just a few short years, film had gone from the moving pictures of everyday events that the Lumiere Brothers were busy cataloging to the full-fledged fantasy of George Melies. Although each shot was a long, static setup, stories were being told by putting strips of film together, also know as "editing".

The Lumiere Brothers - France 1895

The earliest films were simple representations of everyday life, taken with one camera set-up, one short roll of film, and no edits. Audiences, who had never seen pictures move before, were transfixed.

UPDATED SYLLABUS

Elements of Film
Fall 2010
Tom Hammond

This course is an introduction to film analysis and criticism. Being able to identify and interpret the various components of a film is vital to understanding the most important and influential art form of the last century and this one as well. We will watch clips and scenes in class. You will be assigned feature-length films to watch as homework as well as readings from the required text. There will be a class project and an individual project.

Class Blog: http://filmelements.blogspot.com. You will be invited to post on this website.

Instructors Contact Information – phone: 813-900-4759, email: hammontm@eckerd.edu
Face to face meetings can be arranged before or after class.

Required Text:

Louis Giannetti, “Understanding Movies”

Netflix – A monthly subscription is a good idea for the semester. All assigned movies are “streamable” on Netflix. It costs $9 per month and the first month is usually free. You can obtain all the films at the library, but availability might be a problem with 25 students and a limited number of copies on hand. You can rent or buy, but Netflix is easily the most convenient and affordable method. If you subscribe, you can receive the films by mail as well as streaming. Turnaround is about 3 days.

Course Requirements and Grading:

• Attendance & Participation 25% of grade
• Weekly Contribution to Class Project 25% of grade
• Midterm & Final Exam 25% of grade
• Final Project 25% of grade

Attendance & Participation – Every class covers a component of film history, theory and criticism vital to your overall understanding of the subject. If you can’t avoid missing a class, let me know in advance. Any pattern of absence or chronic lateness will be noted and will adversely impact your final grade. Speak up in class. If that is difficult for you, bring in something that will inspire discussion. The Blog is a component of participation. Contributing to it will generate interest in the class and good grades for you.

Class Project – We will assemble and complete a Film Glossary in this class. You will be given a terminology handout every week. What definitions we don’t cover in class, you will supply at home and turn in at the next session. I will make selections from this work and post it on the blog. Examples through still images, videos and sound clips should be part of this project wherever appropriate. By the end of the Semester we will have compiled a comprehensive and, hopefully, entertaining presentation on film and filmmaking terminology.

Mid-Term & Final Exams – You are responsible for knowing the vocabulary defined in our Class Project, the content of the assigned readings, and being familiar with class and required viewings. The exams will be a combination of objective and short essay questions.

Final Project – You will create and present to the class, a story told in pictures. You will take 12 photos (no more, no less) that tell a story or convey an idea. If you wish to shoot a video project, you must limit yourself to 12 shots (4 minutes or less total combined running time). Either way, the project must be done with a CAMERA. Whether photos or video, music can be added but not dialog or narration. You should employ as many of the ideas and techniques we have covered in class as is possible or feasible. You will present your work to the class on the final day and be prepared for a short Q&A/critique. A paper (1000 words minimum) explaining your choices will be due at the same time.

Academic Integrity – If you use an idea from another source, you can quote it or paraphrase it, but please CITE IT. Failure to do so will be a violation of the Honor Code.

The Eckerd College Honor Code: “On my honor, as an Eckerd College student, I pledge not to lie, cheat or steal, nor to tolerate these behaviors in others.”

To affirm this, you will write, “Pledged” followed by your signature on all assignments, papers and exams.

Assignment Schedule:
• All readings are chapters in the required text, “Understanding Movies” by Louis Gannetti.
• Assigned Viewings are films you are required to see outside of class (all “streamable” on Netflix).
• In class we will watch scenes and clips from various movies and documentary material on filmmaking. Much of this will also be posted on the Blog for your further study.
• The completed handout on the Class Project from the week before is due at every class session.

Week 1: Introduction

Week 2: Photography
Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 1
Assigned Viewing: “Metropolis” (1927), “The Cabinet of Dr. Calagari”
Class Project: completed handout due
Week 3: Mise en Scene
Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 2
Assigned Viewing: “The Seventh Seal”, “Eraserhead”
Class Project: completed handout due

Week 4: Movement
Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 3
Assigned Viewing: “The Hidden Fortress”
Class Project: completed handout due

Week 5: Editing
Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 4
Assigned Viewing: “Battleship Potemkin”
Class Project: completed handout due

Week 6: Sound
Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 5
Assigned Viewing: “M”
Class Project: completed handout due

Week 7: Acting – MIDTERM EXAM
Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 6
Assigned Viewing: “On the Waterfront”, “The Passion of Joan of Arc”
Class Project: completed handout due

Week 8: Drama
Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 7
Assigned Viewing: “Ikuru”
Class Project: completed handout due

Week 9: Story
Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 8
Assigned Viewing: “8 ½”
Class Project: completed handout due

Week 10: Literature
Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 9
Assigned Viewing: “Shoot the Piano Player”, “The Killing”
Class Project: completed handout due



Week 11: Ideology
Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 10
Assigned Viewing: “The Third Man”, “The Battle of Algiers”
Class Project: completed handout due

Week 12: Theory
Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 11
Assigned Viewing: “The Seven Samurai”
Class Project: completed handout due – last in the series

Week 13: Thanksgiving – no class

Week 14: Synthesis – FINAL EXAM
Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 12
Assigned Viewing: “Citizen Kane”, “Touch of Evil”
Individual Project Presentations due


EMERGENCY INFORMATION

In the event of an emergency or campus shutdown, class work will continue online at:

www.filmelements.blogspot.com

You will be invited to contribute as a blog correspondent at the beginning of the semester. This is part of the participation segment of your grade and the location for all information if class can’t be held as scheduled. Assignments will be posted there as well as suggested readings. Video lectures will be available if a shutdown continues for more than one week. You may also post any written assignments on the blog or send them to my email at:

hammontm@eckerd.edu

You can contact me by phone at: 813-900-4759

Be sure to review the school handout on procedure in the event of a hurricane.

Two Very Different Expressions of German Expressionism

"Metropolis" (Germany, 1927)

"The Cabinet of Dr. Calagari" (Germany, 1919)

Course Syllabus

Elements of Film

Fall 2010

Tom Hammond

This course is an introduction to film analysis and criticism. Being able to identify and interpret the various components of a film is vital to understanding the most important and influential art form of the last century and this one as well. We will watch clips and scenes in class. You will be assigned feature-length films to watch as homework as well as readings from the required text. There will be a class project and an individual project.

Class Blog: http://filmelements.blogspot.com. You will be invited to post on this website.

Instructors Contact Information – phone: 813-900-4759, email: thammond1946@yahoo.com. Face to face meetings can be arranged before or after class.

Required Text:

Louis Giannetti, “Understanding Movies”

Netflix – A monthly subscription is a good idea for the semester. All assigned movies are “streamable” on Netflix. It costs $9 per month and the first month is usually free. You can obtain all the films at the library, but availability might be a problem with 25 students and a limited number of copies on hand. You can rent or buy, but Netflix is easily the most convenient and affordable method. If you subscribe, you can receive the films by mail as well as streaming. Turnaround is about 3 days.

Course Requirements and Grading:

· Attendance & Participation 25% of grade

· Weekly Contribution to Class Project 25% of grade

· Midterm & Final Exam 25% of grade

· Final Project 25% of grade

Attendance & Participation – Every class covers a component of film history, theory and criticism vital to your overall understanding of the subject. If you can’t avoid missing a class, let me know in advance. Any pattern of absence or chronic lateness will be noted and will adversely impact your final grade. Speak up in class. If that is difficult for you, bring in something that will inspire discussion. The Blog is a component of participation. Contributing to it will generate interest in the class and good grades for you.

Class Project – We will assemble and complete a Film Glossary in this class. You will be given a terminology handout every week. What definitions we don’t cover in class, you will supply at home and turn in at the next session. I will make selections from this work and post it on the blog. Examples through still images, videos and sound clips should be part of this project wherever appropriate. By the end of the Semester we will have compiled a comprehensive and, hopefully, entertaining presentation on film and filmmaking terminology.

Mid-Term & Final Exams – You are responsible for knowing the vocabulary defined in our Class Project, the content of the assigned readings, and being familiar with class and required viewings. The exams will be a combination of objective and short essay questions.

Final Project – You will create and present to the class, a story told in pictures. You will take 12 photos (no more, no less) that tell a story or convey an idea. If you wish to shoot a video project, you must limit yourself to 12 shots (4 minutes or less total combined running time). Either way, the project must be done with a CAMERA. Whether photos or video, music can be added but not dialog or narration. You should employ as many of the ideas and techniques we have covered in class as is possible or feasible. You will present your work to the class on the final day and be prepared for a short Q&A/critique. A paper (1000 words minimum) explaining your choices will be due at the same time.

Academic Integrity – If you use an idea from another source, you can quote it or paraphrase it, but please CITE IT. Failure to do so will be a violation of the Honor Code.

The Eckerd College Honor Code: “On my honor, as an Eckerd College student, I pledge not to lie, cheat or steal, nor to tolerate these behaviors in others.”

To affirm this, you will write, “Pledged” followed by your signature on all assignments, papers and exams.

Assignment Schedule:

· All readings are chapters in the required text, “Understanding Movies” by Louis Gannetti.

· Assigned Viewings are films you are required to see outside of class (all “streamable” on Netflix).

· In class we will watch scenes and clips from various movies and documentary material on filmmaking. Much of this will also be posted on the Blog for your further study.

· The completed handout on the Class Project from the week before is due at every class session.

Week 1: Introduction

Week 2: Photography

Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 1

Assigned Viewing: “Metropolis” (1927), “The Cabinet of Dr. Calagari”

Class Project: completed handout due

Week 3: Mise en Scene

Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 2

Assigned Viewing: “The Seventh Seal”, “Eraserhead”

Class Project: completed handout due

Week 4: Movement

Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 3

Assigned Viewing: “The Hidden Fortress”

Class Project: completed handout due

Week 5: Editing

Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 4

Assigned Viewing: “Battleship Potemkin”

Class Project: completed handout due

Week 6: Sound

Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 5

Assigned Viewing: “M”

Class Project: completed handout due

Week 7: Acting – MIDTERM EXAM

Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 6

Assigned Viewing: “On the Waterfront”, “The Passion of Joan of Arc”

Class Project: completed handout due

Week 8: Drama

Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 7

Assigned Viewing: “Ikuru”

Class Project: completed handout due

Week 9: Story

Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 8

Assigned Viewing: “8 ½”

Class Project: completed handout due

Week 10: Literature

Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 9

Assigned Viewing: “Shoot the Piano Player”, “The Killing”

Class Project: completed handout due

Week 11: Ideology

Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 10

Assigned Viewing: “The Third Man”, “The Battle of Algiers”

Class Project: completed handout due

Week 12: Theory

Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 11

Assigned Viewing: “The Seven Samurai”

Class Project: completed handout due – last in the series

Week 13: Thanksgiving – no class

Week 14: Synthesis – FINAL EXAM

Reading: Giannetti, Chapter 12

Assigned Viewing: “Citizen Kane”, “Touch of Evil”

Individual Project Presentations due