Friday, September 12, 2003
Film Variations - Partial Filmography
To recap some of the forms and films that we've viewed recently and a few that are suggested:
Non Linear structure
The best contemporary reference is Christopher Nolan - he weaves tight suspenseful scripts with a motivated non-linear style. The finer is Memento but his early work in Following was solid (and a great example of DIY filmmaking). Another to consider is David Lynch - films for the seriously screwed up. Lost Highway is my personal favorite, but Mulholland Drive also has a structure that blends nicely with his strong visual sensibility. Linklater's Slacker and Figgis' Time Code also have much to recommend them.
Episodic Narrative
Two styles that we have looked at:
(1) Sequential: weaving story lines through structure based on theme, character or visual signature. Great examples: Pulp Fiction, Go, & Jarmusch's Night in the World. This last one is a particular favorite of mine.
(2) Flashback: using this reflective device to reveal inner conflict, drive character and give our audience multiple and simultaneous levels of interpretation. Check out The English Patient, Remains of the Day and The Sweet Hereafter for inspiration.
Looped Narrative
This structure closely emulates (and references) the video game paradigm and plays with modern sensibilities concerning fate and free destiny. "Playing again?" is an option we often wish we had in real life... here we can explore this. Check out Run Lola Run, Groundhog Day or select episodes of ST:TNG and the X Files.
Presentations are in-class on the 25th - please let me know of any tech needs you might have. Those of you who haven't pitched your concept need to contact me ASAP or bear the consequences.
And there will be consequences. Oh yes. Dire ones.
To recap some of the forms and films that we've viewed recently and a few that are suggested:
Non Linear structure
The best contemporary reference is Christopher Nolan - he weaves tight suspenseful scripts with a motivated non-linear style. The finer is Memento but his early work in Following was solid (and a great example of DIY filmmaking). Another to consider is David Lynch - films for the seriously screwed up. Lost Highway is my personal favorite, but Mulholland Drive also has a structure that blends nicely with his strong visual sensibility. Linklater's Slacker and Figgis' Time Code also have much to recommend them.
Episodic Narrative
Two styles that we have looked at:
(1) Sequential: weaving story lines through structure based on theme, character or visual signature. Great examples: Pulp Fiction, Go, & Jarmusch's Night in the World. This last one is a particular favorite of mine.
(2) Flashback: using this reflective device to reveal inner conflict, drive character and give our audience multiple and simultaneous levels of interpretation. Check out The English Patient, Remains of the Day and The Sweet Hereafter for inspiration.
Looped Narrative
This structure closely emulates (and references) the video game paradigm and plays with modern sensibilities concerning fate and free destiny. "Playing again?" is an option we often wish we had in real life... here we can explore this. Check out Run Lola Run, Groundhog Day or select episodes of ST:TNG and the X Files.
Presentations are in-class on the 25th - please let me know of any tech needs you might have. Those of you who haven't pitched your concept need to contact me ASAP or bear the consequences.
And there will be consequences. Oh yes. Dire ones.
