Alexandra Coppolo: Film Genre: Drama: The Count of Monte Cristo

In our last film presentation of this third quarter, Alexandra has presented us with an interesting representation of the genre of "drama" which often has a blurring of the boundaries among other genres. A drama film is a film genre that depends mostly on in-depth development of realistic characters dealing with emotional themes.  Your task is to relate how the film, The Count of Monte Cristo has accomplished this.  How has the presentation by Alexandra enabled you to understand the distinction between drama and other genres of film? 

Kathyrn Ordiway: Genre (Musical): The Phantom of the Opera

After being introduced and entertained by the film version of the Phantom of the Opera, we are left pondering the numerous parameters of such a fine production.  One of the areas that might be valuable to explore are the multi-layered points associated with the psychological appeal of the production.  Consider how the audience psychologically responds to the film and/or the stage production if you have seen both.  Also, consider the psychological extremes that are evident on the part of the phantom himself.  How does his psyche contribute to his own failure to "force" Christine to love him?  Finally, how does Kathyrn's presentation unveil the characteristics of a musical production and how has your understanding of a musical production been enhanced as a result of her choice in film?

Nick Skok: FILM GENRE: Epic/Historic

In the historic type of film, the viewing audience is presented with generally a realistic situation or event that is highlighted with the blending of other genres or elements of fiction to create a foil for the emotional reaction to the often horrific reality of the story.  For instance, although Pearl Harbor is certainly a historic film genre, there are elements of the Romance genre incorporated in it. Your task for this discussion is to discuss your observations of Nick's presentation as it relates to the film, Pearl Harbor.  Keep in mind that historic films generally rely on elaborate props and sets, a variety of actors, heroes, and a large budget. We often wonder after the viewing of such films as to how accurately they may have depicted the historical event on which they are based.  You might also want to respond to one of the quotations made from the preview of the film: "we keep building refrigerators while our enemies build bombs."

Samantha Hoh: SHERLOCK HOLMES (Mystery)

Those from the last few generations have been entertained by the exploits of the famous British detective, Sherlock Holmes.  As the decades pass, new films depict the same character with the benefit of newer technology to appease the more contemporary audiences.  As part of one of the newer audiences, your task is to relate some of the elements of the "MYSTERY" genre discussed by Samantha, to the film.  It is valuable to note any specific techniques used by the director or choreographer too.  One often used devise is to transition one scene to another just as witnessed when Blackwood was hung and died.  The last scene shows Blackwood, eyes closed and dead.  The immediate next scene opens with Sherlock Holmes asleep, but waking.  Discuss Samantha's presentation, her choice of film to illustrate "mystery" as a genre, and your observations about cinema as it relates to this film.

Ryan Struble: FILM GENRE: ROMANCE

Ryan presented a wonderful film, "The Titanic" and provided an interesting background to the film.   Your task is to use some of your notes from his lecture and from what you witnessed in the film to elaborate on the finer points of the "romance" genre.  Likewise, this film could easily cross borders into another genre.  You might want to approach this discussion too, setting up specific parts of the film that might lend themselves to another genre.  Give your feedback to Ryan and write a well-developed analysis from your perspective, of the film and how it fits so properly into the genre of "Romance".

Sophie Herzing: FILM GENRE (Thriller)

Many genre-specific terms and characteristics were discovered this week through Sophie's week-long presentation on Thriller-type of films.   With the application of this genre to The Spiral Staircase, we have a realistic sense of some of the complexity involved in the film industry.  Creating a film certainly consists of more than a few actors and a realistic setting.  Using any of the material you learned this week from the presentation, focus on one or two elements and develop a blog that extends the definition of "thriller" movies.  You may have a favorite thriller film that you may mention and apply some of the elements of this genre to that film. Finally, explain how Sophie's presentation has enabled you to review thriller films in a perspective you have not done previously.

Science Fiction as a Genre

What is Science Fiction?   Explain some of the elements that distinguish this genre from others.  Certainly we cannot reply totally on The War of the Worlds for our definition of Science Fiction, although the literary account and the original film have illustrated some of the features we find in the genre.  Explain your experience with Science Fiction - what are some of the stories you've read - what are some of the films you have seen?  Does Science Fiction have any redeeming qualities as far as social or political significance or does Science Fiction simply entertain us?