The Notorious Cliff Hanger

I hate them. The cliff hanger that is. Sure I understand why the are utilized. The cliff hanger provides suspense and offers the audience to take the scene and scenario into perspective and form their own conclusions. I also can see why filmmakers would utilize the notorious cliff hanger. But that does not change my displeasure behind the cliff hanger. I like to have closure on a story and I tend to personally connect with the characters and to be deprived of any form of closure really frustrates me. My biggest frustration of late is Prisoners. A few weeks ago my family came down to Huntington and took me out to watch Prisoners and it was great! Except for the fact (spoiler) that it ended on a cliff hanger. I remember staring at the screen and whispering "turn around" to the cop on the screen. When he finally turned around what happens? The music escalates and the words Prisoner appears then the credits appear!! What is that! It leaves you completely hanging. What happens to Hugh Jackman's character? Does he go to jail? Be reconciled with his family? Its just an unacceptable ending! It does not satisfied my need for closure. As a strategic form of filmmaking ... it is brilliant because it allows the audience to engage in critical thinking and make inferences toward what occurs. As a filmmaking strategy the cliffhanger is a brilliant thing. It will make the audience want to watch a sequel or another work that the filmmaker creates. As a story element the cliff hanger just sucks!

List

My list of Top Movies and Television shows I enjoy

Les Miserables- Displays great emotion, composition, and storyline. It is a tragic film that is very enlightening and appeals to the sympathetic side of humanity. I cry throughout the entire movie and I am not afraid to admit it! Why? Because the filmmakers performed a splendid job at capturing the human experience in a dark, edgy film.

Vampire Diaries- By far my favorite television series. Vampire Diaries features several complexities in story line and contains relatable characters. The series contains several variables that had the possibility of messing up but it surpassed all of them!! First and foremost the series was based on series of novels and the television series far surpassed the books (and I read them all!) This series is one of the elements that influenced me to enter into filmmaking. I love film and I love books and I wanted to adapt novels into films and seeing this series succeed helped impact me. Also the idea that one actress can pull off two different characters in the same film was really remarkable.





This Means War- Actually at one time I believed this film to be my favorite chick flicks. It had enormous amounts of comedy and excellent performances. The comic aspect itself in which two friends compete for the affection of one female (Reese Witherspoon) by misusing their FBI equipment. If you haven't figured out yet I will tell you ... I am a big fan of story line. If their is an issue with the story line I probably won't like the film.

Big Brother- My FAVORITE reality show!! Actually it is the only reality show that I like! Seriously though Big Brother is amazing! Why? Because it follows 14 strangers who enter a house and live with each other for 3 months. Within these 3 months the house guests cannot communicate with the outside world that means no technology, tv, phone, internet, books, and so much more! The house guests compete against each other to acquire "power" and elect who gets to leave the house. The nominees then have one week to win competitions to stay in the house and manipulate the other house guests into keeping them around. The best player and typically the winner gets $1 million dollars. The show illustrates competitiveness and invades the privacy of all the house guests. The audience, as well as the house guests, have to "expect the unexpected!"


 
 




Arrow- Another television show that is growing on me. I started watching the first season this weekend and I am already three quarters of the way through the season. The show contains a compelling story and has very strange coincidences. I don't believe in coincidences and this film further implements my beliefs. This series contains excellent subplots and character development which makes me like this show. The fact that the hoity toitty billionaire is getting his hands dirty also makes the film a must see.












Dark Shadows- Okay you HAD to see this coming! Being a Johnny Depp fan I was ecstatic to add this film to my List. It is a hysterical parody of the vampire myth. It had a lot of great effects and an intriguing story. The villain, Angelique, even had character development. The audience was able to see the complexities behind her character and realize what motivated her actions-her jealousy. I especially enjoy the comic effects utilized in the film as well as Tim Burtons directing style.






Tangled- This Disney show is my happy film! When ever I feel stressed or sad or just in a mood I always put this movie in! Why? Because it instills hope. It makes me feel happy watching a girl achieve her dreams and reach a happy ending regardless of the fact that she has been sheltered and hidden away. Despite her circumstances she finds happiness. I love the fact that Flyn Rider has such a great personality and adds comic relief! The fact that the film contains songs makes it even better!!!







So that is my list of movies and films that I would take with me everywhere and anywhere! If I was stranded on an island with only a limited supply of films these would definitely make the list!!! 

Arrow

An edgy series that depicts heroism through unlawful practices. Arrow displays a unique story that circulates behind a billionaire who returns home after spending five years on a "deserted" island that is referred to as purgatory. The island isn't as deserted as the protagonist believes. In fact he spent five years on the island with several criminals. Except the audience was not aware of this fact until they got further into the series. The billionaire now masquerades around the city as a vigilante known as "The Hood."

The cool thing about Arrow is the fact that there are several flashbacks throughout the series and the audience is unsure of what exactly occurred on the island. Almost like the audience is as clueless as the other characters in the series. The exception is that we also get glimpses into Oliver Queen's head. The audience only sees what he wants us to see and not the entire story.
So in a sense two stories are unfolding at the same time. The audience observes a story where Oliver Queen tries to fix the city and an audience can see a sub plot that is composed of Oliver's time on the island and how the torture changed him.
 I love the fact that the audience is not all knowing and that the filmmakers reveal little glimpses of
the plots. I also love the techniques they use to illustrate the flashbacks. They obviously utilize an adjustment layer and filters to establish a hazy almost dream like quality. Overall I believe the two entwining plots create an excellent and intriguing story that captivates the audience through its mystery.

AVBYTE

So I thought I would share my favorite youtube channel. This channel happens to be created by two college brothers who attend the Film Academy at New York University. AVBYTE creates a new video every Monday, which they call musicals, and then proceed by making a behind the scenes video which is released on Wednesdays and a comments video which is released on Fridays. The comments video is an excellent way to expand their fan base because it is letting the people know that they are viewing the comments section on youtube and are open to answering question.

AVBYTE is a favorite channel of mine because of their dedication to their art and fans. First off they make short relatable musicals about Mundane things. Currently my favorite musical of theirs is Assassins Creed in which we have a special appearance from a realistic looking Jack Sparrow and if you know anything about me you know that Johnny Depp is my FAVORITE actor. This musical utilizes intense choreography, catchy music, and witty lyrics to portray a story. Personally I think that stories that are portrayed through song are some of the best kinds of stories. Just the thought that these brothers compose, film, and create these musicals by themselves is amazing! and I seriously thank them for it because these musicals entertain me! I have watched every single musical they have created. Some of them are not as great as the others but some of them really shine!

The Love Triangle Done Right

Vampire Diaries .... Enough said! This television show has done it right! The love triangle that is. Typically television shows that contain a love triangle also contains a fickle female protagonist and an obvious favored suitor. Vampire Diaries though illustrated an excellent love triangle by establishing relatable characters and by taking the time to create pros and cons to both suitors. The audience cannot help but love both suitors regardless of their flaws and that is because of the filmmakers excellent character development. The female protagonist? She is not the fickle female either. Elena is a strong women who stands up for what she believes in, protects her loved ones, and remains strong through all her trials.




Stefan Salvatore- The good brother who stands up for what is right and suppresses his vampire
nature. Or so it seems. When he finally succumbs to his "basic nature" he becomes lost and an unemotional "monster". Though he has his spells he would virtually sacrifice anything if it means Elena would be protected.

Damon Salvatore- The bad boy who attempts to win the lady. Damon is the brother who has the silver tongue and all the charm. He is the bad boy who ends up reforming but his past always stands in the way between him and Elena, as well as his brother Stefan.







Elena Gilbert- Initially loves Stefan Salvatore ... but that was before she met Damon and before
Stefan became unmanageable. When things go down it seems Damon is always there to fix the damage that Stefan did. So how can she chose? She loves both of them to the extent that "I don't want to loose either one of them by choosing."


The interesting thing about this love triangle presides within the fact that Stefan and Damon are brothers and have vowed that who ever Elena chooses should be happy and the loser would skip town so the couple could be happy. This selflessness implements the true love between the brothers, their connection with each other and Elena, the sacrifice they are willing to partake in, and the overall excellent character development of the series. Vampire Diaries is definitely my favorite television show!!

Car Scenes

My favorite car scene occurs in the movie Wanted  which stars Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman. The 2008 film features a group of assassins who kill based upon a list decreed by fate. The scene occurs as Angelina Jolie's character chases the main protagonist  for the sole purpose to take him to the leader of the assassins (Morgan Freeman). The fact that the audience receives several different perspectives through the shots is an amazing thing. The cuts are motivated by action as well as sound. The frantic scene occurs and is illustrated by the fast edits, quick camera movements, and ambient sounds. The reason that this scene is my favorite edited car scene resides within the fact that Angelina Jolie sweeps in and literally sweeps the male character off his feet. I have watched that section frame to frame and I cannot figure out how the filmmakers were able to create that look. I want to say that there were wires involved, an obvious stunt double, and more but I just don't know.

My senior year of high school I was received the opportunity to Skype with one of the producers of This Means War,which stars Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine. Michael Hendrickson revealed that in This Means War, which happens to be one of my favorite Chick Flicks, they performed their car scene utilizing a green screen and Toyota Toy Cars. I was flabbergasted! It was gorgeous and amazing and I would never have imagined that is what they did. So now I am back with the possibility that they did the same thing with Wanted I just do not know and it bugs me. But none the less it is still my favorite car scene!

Beautiful Creatures

Beautiful Creatures was a lovely film. It had a great and very creative cinematic effect as well as excellent post production effects. The lovely colors and effects really blew me out of the water. I was just so struck by how gorgeous the film was.

First and foremost I should mention the collection of poetry that Lena collected on her walls. It is a very simple transparent effect that really is a beautiful scene that highlights the importance of poetry toward the character.

Another beautiful scene occurs during a climatic point in the movie. This event in the movie illustrates how much Lena cares about Ethan. The gorgeous visuals are amplified during Lena's argument against her cousin Riley as they fight about Ethan. The spinning table is just wow!! I seriously want to know how they did it because it is amazing!!! If anyone has any ideas on how they accomplished this please share!!

Overall Beautiful Creatures had a great visual effect on the audience and contained a unique paranormal story. I loved the fact that the movie occurred in the south and the actor were capable of doing southern accents. Another effect that I absolutely adored was the fact that the female "dark casters" had eyes that would glimmer a dark brown. The effect had to have been added during post production in which the editor placed an adjustment layer over the clip. It was just really neat! This movie has been added to my frequently watch list because of the gorgeous effects!

 

Step Up

Step Up  starring Channing Tatum features a world of dance and danger. The characters are ambitious and choreography is intense. What more can you ask for? I will tell what. I believe the film lacked a realistic edge. Sure the setting was great and had some realistic events but not all of it felt real. The major thing that upset me was the fact that Channing Tatum's character always wore baggy jeans and the female protagonist Nora didn't force him into practical dancing pants. So here we have Channing Tatum performing fan kicks in a pair of baggy jeans. If you have ever danced or done a fan kick before you can realize the impossibility of performing a perfect fan kick in  a pair of jeans- make those jeans baggy and it becomes a disaster. In essence I believe that the wardrobe department of the film performed a mediocre job.



Seriously! Look at those jeans! Its impossible! This wardrobe inadequacy makes the whole film lose authenticity!


Other than the slight alteration in wardrobe I believe the film contained some intense moments. The final dance competition  was filmed very fluidly and utilized a very smooth pacing in editing. It felt as though there was no edits - which is great. I love musicals and dance movies and I have to say that this film was mediocre. The story line didn't really make a whole lot of sense at times but that could just be my lack of understanding too. I just felt as though it made no sense for Tyler to be hanging out with the wrong side of the tracks when he had a good back ground and younger siblings who looked up to him. But I guess that is how life can be too.

Character Development

(Warning contains generalities)
Most movies do not overly concern themselves with Character development. Sure they have a protagonist who has depth but you also have a villain and generically speaking the villain does not contain a lot of character development. The audience is made to believe that the villain is bad and disrupts the protagonist's life, thus we as audience members are moved to hate or even dislike the villain. This is a very narrow perspective and disallows complexity to enter the story. My personal favorite thing about movies presides within character development. Movies such as The Prestige, directed by Christopher Nolan, and Thor, Directed by Alan Taylor, are two films that illustrate excellent character development.

Although as an audience member you want to hate the villain you are not actually sure who the villain is in The Prestige. You receive an intricate display of character development in both characters and the audience actually receives the opportunity to understand their motives beyond pure greed. You receive the opportunity to see what drove the characters to do such harsh deeds to each other- which does not typically occur in some films.

And then you have Thor.  You desperately want to dislike Loki because you want Thor, the hero, to thrive and Loki seems to always stand in the way... but you simply cannot dislike Loki! He has some really memorable moments in the film. Loki frequently provides comic relief and yet as a villain the audience is moved to understand Loki's motives and because of Loki's excellent character development the audience does not view him as a villain per say but as a misguided and misunderstood man. The audience will actually view him as the underdog when he actually, in retrospect, is the antagonist.
I personally believe that stories that contain a villain/antagonist that has an intricate design of character development is the best kind of story.

Onslaught

 

Beauty Pressure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The short video we watched called Onslaught addresses a predominate issue in society. The video addresses beauty and its crippling affects on the female mind in a materialistic world. The video partakes in illustrating an "experimental truth" about the beauty and fashion industry taking advantage of young women. The fast cuts and edits through the montage present an intense short video, a video that "conveys emotions and meanings that were intended without actually having to say so." This film is significant toward the reading as it illustrates a unique sense of storytelling that infiltrates the audiences empathetic mind through the  utilization of a tangible representation of young women becoming corrupted by the beauty industry. By showing the little girl in the film the audience will associate a face to the "victim" of beauty making the issue appear
dire and in need of adjustment and action, while also implementing a basic truth. Not only does the film contain significance through storytelling, following the Pixar reading, but the film also contains importance through its "artistic flexibility and social significance" (Yuri Norstein Reading). The film could have been constructed through several different positions and yet it is constructed in a unique sense. Most importantly it is essential to discuss the young child portrayed in the film. In film and in theater an actor must NOT break the fourth wall but in this film the child does break the fourth wall ... but unlike common theory saying that breaking this wall makes the audience disbelieve the action, while feeling uncomfortable, this film deals a different hand. The act of breaking the fourth wall in this film establishes a social truth and seeks to challenge the audience... almost as if the child is daring you to succumb to the beauty industry and to remain unaffected. By allowing the child to break the fourth wall, to "penetrate reality," the filmmakers had to have a lot of artistic flexibility and the fact that they encourage a social truth establishes a social significance. This film is significant to me because I am tired of living in a world where beauty and materialism can allow a person to climb the steps of the ladder, to receive more opportunities, to become an "exclusive" member of society, and it saddens me to observe people who are oblivious toward the beauty God has bestowed upon them, people who only see the "ugly disfigurements" society proclaims them to be. I fear that the world will succumb to a standard definition of beauty and that what makes us unique and beautiful will be destroyed through materialism and the IDEA of beauty, therefore destroying the true beauty God has bestowed upon us. I weep for that loss and I weep for the clones the beauty industry seeks to create. I weep for the beautiful children of God who are told you are not good enough, you are not pretty enough, and that to lead a successful future you most be supermodel thin with pounds of makeup on your face and numerous cosmetic surgeries. A world in which the beauty industry creates clones, that is the world I fear. The film Onslaught provides awareness against some of these issues because a picture, or a video in this case, can indeed speak a thousand words.

                                                      Stay Beautiful and God Bless,
                                                                   Randi Orr

Social Media

I think it is important to impart on all aspects of media and this includes social media and the internet. Except I am not going to remark on the controversies behind social media and how it could possibly “ruin the world of communication,” rather I would like to illuminate some comic “musical” parodies about social media websites.

Facebook The Musical

 This entertaining video brings comedy to the table as we witness the erratic behavior of Facebook addicts. At the beginning of the film the characters sing as if Facebook is a benefit to their social life, yet as the film continues the characters spend more time on Facebook and become overly obsessed with this social media medium. In parallel, the ending of the film reflects upon the beginning of the film. There is a brief moment at the end in which the characters revert back to the original wonderment of Facebook before they became addicted. The musical aspect of this film increases intensity while juxtaposing music and emotion.
 

Twitter The Musical

    Contrary to the Facebook Musical, Twitter The Musical  illuminates a positive look upon social media. The cheery and chirping sound of the music creates an uplifting tone. The one character that initially opposed Twitter ended up altering her opinion of this social medium. This film illustrates the theme of peer pressure intertwined with  the delight of belonging to the "in the know" crowd. The animated bird that frequently appears throughout the film adds an element that increases the film. The animation allows the characters to interact with the bird therefore making it appear friendly and approachable as a social media medium.

Instagram The Musical

     Although this film is composed in an amateur looking technique the technique adds to the comedy of the film. At the beginning the male character takes a pic of the girl who has fallen down the stairs and then a clip is shown to the audience. What I find peculiar is the fact that the film is all about taking pictures yet the only one they actually show to the audience is the one of the fallen girl. I actually believe this to be a spectacular technique because all we hear is the girl falling and by seeing the "instagram pic" the audience receives a confirmation behind her injury rather than assume that this amateur film does not have style due to the lack of a resolution. The comedy in this film is furthered by the random appearance of batman and the ridiculousness of the subjects in their pictures. The adaptation of social media shows that these types of mediums are used to "make my life look cool."

 
Internet Olympics The Musical
  (CAUTION: contains discouraging language)

      This film by the AVBYTE brothers illustrates the competitive social media market. Whether Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube, and more- this film illustrates the variety of social mediums. The interesting thing about this video is that puppets are used to enhance the overall "reporting" look. Although the yellow puppet can be very offensive, the film adds this element and discouraging language to "penetrate reality" and to "assail us with it" (O'Conner, Frederick Buechner). By utilizing the puppet to illustrate trolling the emotion is built up against the puppet rather than a person and the puppet also serves as a real and tangible representation of the trolling that occurs in reality.

Not a fan of social media? Check out Google is Your Friend!

10/10/2013 Class Films

Films

                The films Rein and Man who Plants Trees implements important aspects of animation and storytelling that deserve discussion and commentary.

 

Rein

                This film illustrated the history behind the human race and tells a story of steward ship, yet also illuminates the wickedness of materialism. By illustrating man as a hunter gather and then showing them encompassed in the fur of their conquests the human race is portrayed negatively. The film reflected upon detail and shows how the plain can transform into beauty through the encompassment of detail. This observation is evident through the creator’s, who I like to refer to as Mother Therese, compassionate touch upon the starved and ill animals. Once Mother Therese laid a loving touch upon the animals, color, detail, and texture encompassed the animals. This technique is used in perfect contrast to the basic sketches of Mother Therese and the initial sketches of man and the world’s inhabitants. I especially enjoyed the fact that the music in the film motivated and accompanied the characters and the action of each scene. The excellent music synchronization made up for the absence of dialogue.

Man Who Planted Trees

                In contrast to Rein this film (Man Who Planted Trees) furthered the story and motivated the characters and actions of each scene through the pacing of the dialogue. I especially enjoyed the narration and the reflection it gave upon the story and also the narrator’s occasional entrance into the stream of conscious. The descriptive detail and the figurative language enriched the story line and allowed the audience to appreciate the eloquent dialect of the narrator. The story was organized in the basic beginning, middle, and end formant. The introduction was this elaborate affair in which the scene was established and details were portrayed. This technique offered the audience to become attached to the narrator in a sense of establishing credibility. The beginning introduces the Shepard, the middle illustrates the Shepard’s devotion to nature, and the end wraps up the story in a tight little bundle surrounding rebirth. The rebirth found in the story revolves around the theme of nature soothing tragedy. This observation contains relevancy based upon the Shepard’s tragic loss of his son and his wife and how he turns to nature to sooth him. Also the narrator seeks to “purify the air” after the war therefore the narrator seeks the Shepard and the nature his friend has created in order to sooth his troubles.

 

Both these films still contain aspects that I may not have touched on so feel free to add your thoughts J

God Bless,

Randi Orr   

Faculty Art Gallery Blows My Mind

         I was absolutely blown away with the artistic talent and beauty shown at the art gallery! I really appreciated the opportunity to observe the faculties’ art work and talent. As a student I have repeatedly been told the accomplishments and credentials of the faculty that teach within the DMA program, but hearing and seeing are completely two different things. Sometimes a person’s reputation exceeds ones actions and I am glad to report that this was not the case! The faculty did a superb job in their creations and I am so glad that I attended!

Films

In complete honesty I was anxiously anticipating observing Professor Dawn Ford’s work, and she did not disappoint! I had the opportunity to watch some of her PBS show dealing with gardening and I absolutely loved the cinematography and the various angles. Hell’s Bells poster attracted my immediate attention because the poster graphic resonated power and intrigue through the deliberate color and composition as well as the bold font. Upon watching Professor Ford’s video reel I was immediately captivated by the vibrant colors in Hell’s Bells and I have put this film in my top films to watch list. I am pretty giddy with anticipation to watch this film! I also enjoyed seeing images from Thieves Rush In and some behind the scene images with Professor Ford, it painted a picture of reality and implemented some of Professor Dawn Ford’s history. Her video reel spoke volumes! I also immensely enjoyed learning new techniques, had a very insightful conversation with Rich Ford, and talked editing, which if you know me I normally won’t shut up about that!

                I also got the opportunity to observe Dr. Lance Clarks wedding cinematography and enjoyed observing the different techniques and objects he focused on. His video reel implemented the idea of capturing memories while also capturing and noticing the small things in a ceremony, which is typically the most sentimental. He had some very powerful shots.

                                                               Animation

 

 

 

 

 

 

The simplicity of the character's action really struck a chord with me. I appreciated the complexity involved within such a simple action and the lack of a plot did not bother me. It actually epitomizes human curiosity which further captivated my attention.

 

 

 

On the other hand I am a sucker for a good plot and the storyboards I saw at the art gallery satisfied my need for a story. The illustrations were amazing and I am fortunate to have seen them! It was at this exhibit that Amanda and Rachel informed me about the differences between 2D and 3D animation.

 

I thought the puppets displayed in the video reel were composed very well and I loved the communication that occurred between the characters.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have to say I was also impressed with the clay objects. In the past I have attempted to create some kind of clay form and they have turned out pretty bad … I am not very good with play dough either, so I have a lot of respect for those sculptors out there! They were the perfect combination of delicacy and imagination.

 

 

I feel extremely blessed to have had an opportunity to attend the art gallery and observe the wonderful art. I also feel extremely blessed to be learning under the guidance of these great faculty members!

 Feeling Blessed,

Randi Orr

 

 

               

 

 

September 12, 2013 Class and Lecture

It's a Wonderful Life

I felt as though Geoffrey Hills analysis of the film It’s a Wonderful Life was quite refreshing. I admired his interpretation of literature techniques he found in the film and his eloquent speech. I actually enjoyed reading his review immensely. I have never seen the film It’s a Wonderful Life and after watching the clips in class I must say that I appreciated the constant relief and tension between the characters. By adding comedy, through George and Marys walk, and tragedy, through the death of Peter Bailey and the conflict between George and Mr. Potter, the director was able to spin a story that captivates and keeps the audience immersed in the plot. One quote in particular grabbed my attention and could relate to chapel. George Bailey proclaimed “I didn’t just make a wish, I made a whole hatful!” This quote directly relates to the chapel service that was provided on September 12, 2013 when the guest speaker asked “what is in your basket? What has God provided you with today?” Although some may view Geoffrey Hill’s analysis as “over done,” I felt refreshed to read his interpretation and see the relationship between Christian beliefs and this film.

 

St. George and the Dragon

This painting created a unique image of the archetype “knight in shining armor.” First and foremost the colors depicted in the painting had a darker hue and the images texture almost becomes a tangible feeling because of the illustrated patterns on the knight’s armor and the saddle pad, thus giving the impression of reality rather than the glorified version of defeat over Satan, the dragon. Another elemental technique is the over powering size of the “white horse”, actually it’s a grey horse because there is no such thing as a white horse due to the pigmentation around the nostrils, flanks, and fetlocks and also due to the fact that “white horses” have a lethal white gene meaning that if they are born they die within weeks of birth (anyways sorry for the digression). The little stature of the “quivering” dragon epitomizes Satan’s condemnation in God’s world. What I immensely enjoyed from this painting was the fact that the knight is shown in a violent situation without proper equestrian form thus implementing the imperfections and grittiness of true righteousness. The painting actually makes me recall the play The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The story follows the idea of Christians glorifying and painting Jesus’ birth as a proper and sophisticated situation when in truth he was born in a barn after Mary and Joseph traveled days in gritty rags. The story paints the birth of Jesus in reality and points out that he was a baby born to a mother and father and most importantly that he was flesh… a mortal born to this earth just like us.

 
                              I found both the paintings and the lecture in class both very perceptive.
                                                                 Thanks and God Bless,
                                                                        Randi Orr

September 3, 2013 Lecture and Films

After Thursdays class, I find myself paying attention to the Mythic Cycle and possible interpretations in films. Upon watching Pleasantville, in class on Thursday September 3, 2013, I first noticed the significance behind the black and white effect. I recall reading in The Gospel as a Tragedy “that if there is ever to be a true healing and helping, a true sheltering and clothing for any of us, it is with our nakedness and helplessness that it has to start. (32)” The statement refers to breaking down to the rawest form and vulnerability to expose the truth. I feel as though the black and white effect is breaking down the characters into a basic form where most people share the same difficulties in self-discovery. Whether it was self-discovery through art, beauty, love, or individual worth I felt as though the renewal of this revelation was excellently portrayed through the mythic cycle theme of spring. Although black and white often reflects winter, I believe that the element was used to intensify the contrasts between the characters, therefore increasing a feeling of pathos and infiltrating a healing aspect through the 3 stories. I got the vibe that it is okay not to know what you are doing.

Over the weekend I watched the movie Red Riding Hood, which stars Amanda Seyfried. Immediately I took note of the winter scenery and came to the conclusion that this movie follows the mythic cycle. During the film several villagers get murdered by the mysterious wolf, therefore, infiltrating the idea of death. The irony fluctuates within the film through the discovery of the wolf’s true identity and his relationship with Valerie, who is known for her red cloak. The constant mourning over the dead, and the existence of satire, satirizing the classic Little Red Riding Hood story, reinforces the idea of the mythic cycle.   Lastly, the movie features an elaborate and genius plot that keeps the audience guessing till the end! Plus who could ignore the twist?!What a great movie!

                          Thanks and God Bless,
                                   Randi Orr

August 29, 2013 Lecture and Consecutive Films

My Review and Ideas

 
 

The concept regarding a films purpose to challenge or delight is an interesting idea. By challenging the audience a fundamental truth is often revealed, a “penetration of reality” occurs, and a belief system is violated. Films constructed for the sole purpose to delight often involves humor or fairy tale endings. Both concepts I believe to be extremely fascinating and controversial based upon perception.

Devotion - Upon watching this clever and delightful film I kept pondering “what is the relationship between this Hank fellow and the woman?” The opening clip where Hank was restlessly playing with her slipper really puzzled me. I felt as though Hank contained characteristics of obsession, desperation, insecurity, and loneliness. Throughout the film I felt extremely cautious due to Hanks erratic behavior and I felt the pinnacle of the film and story was the revelation of Hanks true identity, the identity of a dog. Upon reflection the audio and mannerisms portrayed by both characters alluded to Hanks identity. I was so puzzled over the slipper that I didn’t even register that it sounded like a dogs tail hitting against the floor. The discovery of Hanks identity increased the humor of the film and served as comic relief for my perception of the film. I felt relief in knowing that Hanks erratic behavior is actually quite innocent rather than plain creepy. This film deconstructs man and dog relationships while also infiltrating a new meaning behind the epithet “man’s best friend.”

Routine- This film contained aspects of challenge and took a heartfelt approach. Being the empathetic that I am, I sincerely appreciated the film and the message. The absence of the husband and father figure in the family was a vital part in the story and really initiated appeal to pathos, especially upon the “routine” and devotion toward the missing family member. The empty dinner plate, the repetitive listening to the answering machine, as well as the daughter’s farewell, at the site of the Twin Towers, to her father really brought the loss of life, in the film, into a tangible concept. I feel as though the film radiated grief and emphasized a technique toward coping, while also deconstructing 911 from a national problem into a familial dilemma of loss.

Gay Boyfriend- Although most may view this film as a delight, I view Gay Boyfriend as a challenging film. First and foremost I believe the film exposes fundamental truths within our culture. I believe this short film deconstructs a stereotype based upon women’s egocentric ideals in which life would be perfect with a man who desired the same occupations and actions as women. I personally dislike stereotypes, and the implication that a woman can only find an estimable man with a “gay boyfriend” frustrates me. Although I did enjoy the truth portrayed in the film I highly disliked the message. The audio itself was extremely annoying and portrayed the desperation of women who have this mentality. I will admit I did enjoy some of the editing and green screening effects, but the message and stereotypes directed toward “gay boyfriends” did not sit well with me.

 

Thanks for reading my review and ideas on the subject. I would love to hear your thoughts too!

God Bless,

Randi Orr

Randi Orr

 

 

 An introduction ...

 

 

The thing about names is that they tell a story and create individualism among our peers, our community, our culture, and this world. What does the name Randi Orr signify? Well, how about I share my story and the significance of my name shall remain open to interpretation by my peers and by this world.

 

  I grew up on a beautiful and magnificent horse farm in Corunna Indiana where corn surrounds all four corners of our land. The sun would shine bright and I could feel the love of God. It is from my experience and observations at my country home that I began to associate the sun with God’s love, the rain with His soothing hand, and the night with His blessing of peace. I own 9 horses, I have a twin brother, and our family bond extensively flourishes through our love of animals and through the cinematic arts.

In high school I was committed in broadcasting, show choir, and amnesty international. At Huntington I hope to continue my passions by embracing God and the digital media arts program. I am a freshman at Huntington University, and I anticipate double majoring in Film Production and Broadcasting Fusion media in order to incorporate both my passion for storytelling and incorporating my passion to inform and expose the truth.

To me film is more than just a movie, it is more than pure entertainment, more than hanging out with friends, and more than filling time. Film is an art to be appreciated and deconstructed. I hope this year I can accomplish a deeper understanding of filmography therefore enabling me to grow unto unimaginable depths … with the Lord’s blessing of course.

So I leave you today hopefully with a better understanding about me as an individual and as a person. I cannot wait to establish a relationship with every member in this class and get to know you. My motto for this year is to “embrace your passion” and I will enthusiastically continue to embrace God and this department.

God bless,

Randi Orr

Ps. Johnny Depp is my favorite actor and I dislike spiders the following pictures explain both like and dislike.

 

A man of many faces

Warning:
Image does not include Indian (Tonto)  from Lone Ranger! Has anyone else seen Lone Ranger?

       Self
explanatory!