I came into this semester taking two film classes: Cinematic Expression and Script Analysis. I assumed that Cinematic Expression would be really wacky and out-there (which it occasionally was, I'll admit), and Script Analysis would be this long list of regulations and God-alimighty decrees laid down by DeMille and Griffith who wrote them in a dusty book that is now kept on display the front parlor at House of Great Film. Right next a copy of "Citizen Kane." Obey and tremble!
In actuality, things turned out to be quite the reverse. There were a heck of a lot of right/wrongs in Cinematic Expression (Texture is texture, after all) and actually few to be found in Script Analysis. We usually had major differences on all sides of the spectrum when it came to screenplays such as Pulp Fiction and Do the Right Thing. From the guy in the back who had an opinion about everything (and rightly so, my friend!) to little old me who kept getting offended by content, the spectrum was astounding. So I guess that was the greatest, most wonderful thing about Script Analysis - my complete shock that you didn't have to play by hard and fast rules! Instead of being drilled on what must or should not be placed in a screenplay, we were given examples of popular works and were left to examine and explore for ourselves. How about that? We analyzed!
I definetely learned quite a bit using this method, especially about interpretation and differing styles. I didn't learn a whole brick load about critisism - critiquing comes naturally to the over-opinionated thespian in me! - but now I have been equipped to rise to the level where I can really analyze films - for a living.
Bethany Dickens
Discussion Questions:
1. After taking this class, would you ever want to write your own scripts? Or did you come into the class with that mindset? How did your ideas on the subject change as the class went on?
2. Was there a screenplay we read that was so amazing, the movie didn't live up to the page? Do you think you could have recognized the genuis of the screenplay wilst viewing the film or was it important to actually read it in print?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I would hate writing a script. I hate writing in general. I would despise writing something, and turning it in and no longer having any control over how it gets made. I came into this class with the mindset that I do hate writing, but want to learn how to read a script
Post a Comment