Blog Response #12--Jean Renoir

Robin Wood wrote that there are many similarities between Renoir's The Rules of the Game (La regle du jeu) and Grand Illusion (La grande illusion). Wood states that in both films Renoir discusses the differences between people and what keeps them apart. "'How to belong, how to meet'--another way of putting it is to say that Renoir's perennial concern is with the boundaries; that keep people apart and the possibility of transcending them. The four-part structure [of both films] enables him to develop this theme through a network of shifting, interlocking relationships presented consistently in terms of difference and the overcoming of difference." He says of Grand Illusion: "The film's basic assumption--that 'difference' is socially constructed but so thoroughly internalized and so strongly institutionalized as to be very difficult to overcome..."

Think about the characters in each film and their relationships, and in 3-4 well-developed paragraphs discuss how they overcome or don't overcome their differences. Think cinematically, as well as narratively.

Bonus points (10): Add one well-developed paragraph that discusses a film you've seen (either in class or on your own) that examines differences and boundaries between people and how the director presents this theme.

Use this tool...

http://soshiku.com/

This is a tool to help you organize all of your assignments for your classes. I highly recommend you use this AT LEAST for IB Film. In fact, I'm going to require you all to get an account and put your analysis/research assignments and film production assignments into your account so you can keep on top of all of the work you have ahead of you.

Passion in Progress Needs Videographer(s)

If you're interested in working (filming) from 4:30-9:30 on Friday, March 25, get your name to me ASAP. Remember, this is a paid opportunity.

Renoir's Rules of the Game

Think about the way women are presented in the film. In at least 2 very well-developed paragraphs, analyze a 5-minute scene through a feminist lens. This does not mean to look only at the women as objects (of a male gaze), but to look at how women are treated as a whole in the film. Use specific cinematic examples.

DON'T FORGET!!

TO READ THE INDEPENDENT STUDIES THAT I GAVE YOU THIS PAST WEEK. Be prepared to discuss them on Monday!

Homework Assignment: Rome Open City

This is basically the same assignment I gave you for Rififi and The Bicycle Thieves, but now I want you to analyze a scene from Rome Open City. Remember to use the Internet sparingly--don't get caught up in what you read online about the film--the IB (and I) want to hear what you have to say!

OK. Remember, this assignment is MORE practice for the Presentation assessment next year. Choose a 5 minute scene in Rome Open City to analyze. Use the dubbed DVD I've made for you (sorry for the cheesy dubbing).

After you have your 5 minute scene chosen, analyze it completely. Remember that you need to mention why you chose the scene and this scene's relation to the film as a whole. In addition, pay close attention to: mise en scene, lighting, camera angles, shot types, etc. Here is a list of items to pay attention to when you are writing your 750 words (at least) and when you are doing your oral presentation:

• How well do I understand how meaning is constructed through the use of film language in this extract?
• How well do I understand the extract’s relationship to the film as a whole?
• How well do I understand the influences of the film’s genre?
• How well can I place the film and this extract in a broader socio-cultural context?
• How insightful is my analysis of the director’s intention?
• How coherent, incisive, insightful, and detailed is my evaluative interpretation of this contract?

Here is a list of "vocab" you can use:
narrative
direction
cinematography
mise-en-scene
lighting (which is often, but not always, considered part of mise-en-scene)
camera movement
editing
sound (diagetic and non-diagetic)

Be sure your paper is AT LEAST 750 words. Let your ideas flow. Don't keep counting words and they will come. I promise you. As you start talking about what you see and hear in the film, you won't want to stop!

Please see me/email me with questions if needed.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO DISCUSS IMPLICIT MEANING AS YOU ANALYZE THE SCENE!!!

This is due on Wednesday, March 9. Feel free to email me your completed essay when done. I will print it in the Library.