CATFISH

So what did everyone think of Catfish? I thought this was a suitable movie especially because social networking is such a huge part of our everyday lives. The story that they capture on film is almost unbelievable (and there are some skeptics who believe this movie is actually fake, but the creators swear it is 100% true).

TARNATION "sequel"

Hey everyone! In case some of you are interested, I found this "sequel" to Jonathan Caouette's Tarnation while I was working on my documentary paper. The film is called Walk Away Renee, and it tells the story of Caouette's cross country trip with his mother Renee. In the film Renee is off to enter an assisted living complex because she is diagnosed with acute bipolar disorder. And so Caouette documents his experience with her. This is a trailer/clip of the film. I hope you all like what you see. (Justin Blau Edelstein)

Trollhunter, Winged Migration, American Mystic, etc.

I'd like to hear any responses or thoughts you have regarding some of the film clips we watched in class this week. We should have a chance to watch more clips on the male-up day (May 9th) since we will have to have the exam on May 16th as originally scheduled. I'm hoping to show clips from Sweetgrass, Exit through the Gift Shop, Wasteland, and some others.

Tarnation

We didn't have time to discuss the film after viewing, so I'd like to hear your reactions and thoughts. Did you enjoy the film? Was it upsetting or hard to watch? What about the unusual techniques used by the filmmaker?

Second Essay Assignment

The topic is more or less open. But some guidelines:

1. Focus on ONE documentary film. I'd prefer it to be one we've watched in class, or talked about in class, or perhaps one made by one of the filmmakers we've studied. Other acceptable titles include:
Breathing Lessons
Sweetgrass
Wasteland
Exit Through the Gift Shop
Winged Migration
Man on Wire
Project Nim
Food, Inc.
Supersize Me
The Class
Capturing the Friedmans
anything by Errol Morris
anything by Frederick Wiseman
anything by Michael Moore
anything by D. A Pennebaker
anything by Bruce Sinofsky/Joe Berlinger

To help guide your choice: ask yourself if you could legitimately defend this film as a milestone in documentary...

Everyone MUST at the very least let me know beforehand what film you're writing about! Better to send me a thesis statement (see #5).

2. You can discuss the film in general, or choose a specific element (such as the positioning of the camera, or the function of location). But try not to focus too much on the content alone, i.e., what the film is "about." Of course all films tell a story, but the focus of this paper should go beyond that. Consider instead how the film approaches its topic, what kind of documentary it is (does it correspond to any of the five modes?), what its impact or influence has been, what may be unique about its origins, why/how its subject matter is unique, what may be unusual about its production values, etc. Perhaps you want to consider the film's aesthetics, entertainment value, or other factors related to its audience appeal. Make sure your topic is focused and specific.

3. Length: 1200-1500 words. Use double space or 1.5 spacing.

4. Citations/research. Please use at least TWO outside sources in writing your essay. Be sure you properly cite your sources for any quotes or any paraphrased ideas not original to you. You may use internal footnotes or endnotes, or a Works Cited page if you credit the author.source within your essay itself.

5. Have a solid topic or thesis before you begin. You can bring in or email me a two sentence topic or thesis statement (no more than 200 words) and I'd be happy to weigh in.

6. Essays are due in class May 2. I prefer printed essays, not emailed assignments. Don't miss class just because your essay is not ready; let me know the situation.

The Blair Witch Project: more thoughts?

There is a great deal of information online about this film, if you're interested in finding out more. The original official website has evolved in recent years but still looks much the same as it it did in 1999. There are a number of scholarly articles (and at least one scholarly anthology) about it as well. The one I mentioned in class, on the film's influence on aesthetics in contemporary horror cinema, can be found here. For an interesting feminist analysis, this essay by Linda Badley is very interesting. The DVD contains yet another "fake documentary" which explores the folklore of the Blair Witch, in "Curse of the Blair Witch."

How does this film hold up as a milestone in documentary? Is it possible to see it as a groundbreaking film both for the horror and documentary genres?

Living for 32

Hey guys!

This Monday is the 5 year anniversary of the Virginia Tech shooting. Schools all across the United States, including SUNY New Paltz, are going to honor those whose lives were lost by screening the documentary, Living for 32. This film follows one survivor of the shooting, Colin Goddard, as he takes his blessing of being alive to honor those who didn't make it.
The screening begins at 8PM this Monday in LC104. After the screening, there will be a live Q&A with Colin Goddard with remarks by the producer, Maria Cuomo Cole. Students across America will be able to ask questions by either submitting them at the event or by tweeting them with the hashtag, #livefor32.
It would be great if you all could come. At the very least, come for the pizza which will be given out after the film and before the Q&A.
Watch the trailer below!