anyone still out there?

a recommendation from a friend that reads as follows:


there is a great documentary playing on pbs-- "cinema's exiles: from hitler to hollywood" about exiled jews in the film/entertainment industry (and some non-jews who couldn't stomach the reich) who came to the u.s and transformed the film industry here, with a few barriers along the way. while the general fact is certainly not unknown, the details are amazing and fascinating and educational. i didn't know that "the wolf man" was an allegory about the third reich! or that billy wilder, who lost much of his family in the camps, was the person who filmed many of those scenes of the rescues and carnage at the end of the war. the characters span peter lorre to bertolt brecht. and great ironic bits-- like when goebels called a meeting of all jewish filmmakers early the nazi days and said he was taking over the industry because jews didn't make films that reflected real german life. he cited for them, as evidence, 12 films he considered great. 11 were made by jews! needless to say, they didn't waste time laughing at him. they headed for france!

hope you're all having lovely holidays.
Happy New Year One and All,

yours humbly,
LH

11:11 Project

Be sure to use at least ten (better:eleven) sources from your peers for you final project.  We'll see about making more room on the server.

Installation Project

Ely is now spearheading this.  You are no longer responsible for this, but if you'd like to be a part of it, see Mr. Wilbur.

We should meet in the PC lab at the beginning of class for L'Experience: "WinkWink".  (french for the experience).

Le voila: High art. ...

Final Spoutfest - Final Week

Write your two paragraph+ review of the VERY BEST movie (in your opinion, of course) of the 2000's.  Include in your discussion some comment on how the film relates to our times, or advances us into new states (and describe).  -- In other words, answer: how does the film relate to the zeitgeist of our times?  

(that's okay.  look it up.  then don't forget it).

Hey You Guys - Almost Done!

This weeks movie (90's) chosen for its microscopic camera technology and its insight, therefore, into lives unlike our own (and because you might not likely see it if I don't assign it): "Microcosmos". (1996)

ps.  The more of you that can do your final presentation this Thursday, the better.  Then you'll all have more time for extra credit that I'll assign at that point.

Justin and Ely.  If you guys could both bring to class Quicktimes you could get to each participant, that would be great!!  You don't need to edit further than that.  

We'll talk about that installation project on Thursday too.  It would be perfect if we'd have time to pull that together this week, but it's doubtful.  We'll discuss.

Also, finally, everyone remember to remember to bring some recording device to class.

See you then, then.

Yours humbly,

LH

80's Movies

Well, okay. Since we've kinda thrown it open to watching different movies (something I'd change if I do this course next time, but won't worry about now), here's a list of some choices for this week's film. If you've seen one of them, that doesn't count. Be honest and watch something new.

"The Killing Fields" - devastating but powerful.
"Platoon" - the same.
"Raging Bull" - very violent, but an important film. (I hated it the first time I saw it - was amazed by it the second)

On the quieter end:
"Wings of Desire" - (as per the syllabus) a special, philosophical film - one you might not likely watch otherwise.
"Brazil" - a surrealistic, funnybutnotfunny feat of invention.

so many more, but stick with these.

I'l be writing back here in a bit with extra credit options and directions for our avant garde video installation (that we'll likely be running when the school's accreditation officers are about)! Good art is ever a bit dangerous.
So stay tuned.

Email me if you need input/approvals on the final presentation.
Don't forget your recording devices for next week.

Fa,
Lala

Who am I Post

Post here a link (and a wee comment thereon) to any early 60's/70'ish film or artwork about an 'identity' group you belong or relate to.

Also, we didn't get to follow up on the "Do Something Bold (when you're sober) and Buck Convention or Social Norms - Just to See If You Can and How It Feels" double-dog dare.
Give it a try and share a tale here??

Enjoy your holiday all.
You're a great class and I'm thankful for you!

Yours humbly,
LH