Romantic Comedy

As we finish 500 Days of Summer, let's compare it with When Harry Met Sally. How does 500 Days compare? How does it fit the mold of a Rom-Com? How does it break the conventions?

Here is a plot outline of both films...

Psycho Assessment/Romantic Comedy

Today, we wrap up our Psycho Assessment...

...Then move on to a genre study of "Romantic Comedy."

As we analyze the genre of "Romantic Comedy," we will of course look at film techniques and elements, but we will also analyze the conventions of the genre, and look at how Hollywood romanticizes the above ideas about love.

BRAINSTORM:

• What films do you know that can be considered "Romantic Comedy?"
• What quality do many of these films possess that make them “Romantic Comedies?”
• What things show up again and again?
• What kinds of characters do we see? How do they interact with each other?
• What happens in the plots?
• What are the settings?

Here are some notes on tropes and cliches of the genre...As well as a blurb about the "Meet Cute."

...And now we can start watching Rob Reiner's When Harry Met Sally, which is considered the blueprint for the modern romantic comedy. 

Psycho Analysis/Assessment

Today, we will finish the viewing guide, and perhaps get to our assessment for Psycho. This involves watching three scenes from the film; your task is to write a paragraph on each. Remember what makes a solid analysis paragraph: Topic sentence, evidence, concluding sentence. This will be graded using the adapted (film-specific) school-wide writing rubric. I have also provided a solid example of an analysis paragraph. You may use the viewing guide and any notes you have taken for the film.

Short Films/Psycho

Terms quiz tomorrow!

Our assessment for this mini-unit on short films is to choose one of the films we viewed and write an "analysis paragraph." Check out some tips on writing about film. 

We'll transition to our first feature-length film: Alfred Hitchcock's classic Psycho. 

• Check out some notes on Hitchcock; a more comprehensive look at him can be found at "TV Tropes."
• The man is iconic, and one of the most important figures in film history. He was also extremely charismatic, which helped audiences connect with him, as can be seen in this fun compilation of all the set-ups for his show "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."
• Here is a nice little clip that analyzes Hitchcock's view on suspense.

Short Films

To get used to responding to film in an analytic way, we will practice note-taking. While plot is important (it provides a basis for understanding the story), we want to focus on the film form. Remember those film terms we went over? Take notes on things like lighting, camera movement, colors, sound, music, and editing. From there, (after viewing) we try to go a little deeper--what was the filmmaker trying to achieve? What is s/he saying?

Use the handout to take notes. After we watch four films, there will be an assessment where you choose one film and write a paragraph answering this question: What is the filmmaker trying to achieve and how does s/he achieve it?

Film Terms Quiz on Wednesday.

Film Terms and Cinematic Language

As we move forward with beginning to look at the film form ("Formal Analysis"), it's important to be familiar with the form itself. We need a base shared language from which to start. That's where "Film Terms You Should Know" comes into play.

This will be quizzed next week. But before we can really dive into watching films, we have to go through and learn these terms. I've created a slide show to go along with this list, and that is what we will be going over the next couple of days.

Film Analysis Day One

Welcome to Film Analysis with Mr. Bujold! My hope is that you come out of this class with a deeper understanding of the film form, and the ability to look at films with a more critical eye. This blog will serve as a place for you to get handouts, find links to fun things, and get the daily agenda. Go to the "Units/Handouts" tab to download any documents I hand out in class.

Today's Agenda:

• Fill out "Get to know you" sheet
• Go over the expectations/syllabus/permission slip
• Accessing prior knowledge: What do you know about the technical aspects of film?
• Class Brainstorm
• What are the qualities of a "great" movie?
• What are some of your favorite movies?
• If there is time: "Looking at Movies" DVD-"Film Analysis" (15 minutes)

LA Confidential

Since the film is very complex and layered, check out a detailed review of the first hour of the film.