Rupture with Tradition: Make it new by using anti-traditionalism. Attack the tradition set by the institutions of Art and Literature within bourgeois society. Reject all absolute aesthetic conventions and considerations of taste. Characterised by mystification and intellectual playfulness.
Formal Subversion: Culture and its norms are viewed as an artificial arrangement that can be transgressed. Shock tactics and anti-art gestures used to shake public out of its apathetic acceptance of outmoded values. Avant-garde art decomposed old frames of reference. It value fragments, curious collections and unexpected juxtapositions. Erotic, Exotic and Unconscious. Spontaneous, primitive and the irrational were prized. Blurs barriers between conscious and unconscious and liberates the imagination bringing about new perceptions and new social relations.
Thematic Nihilism: A general loss of faith in absolutes: God, Man, Reason, Truth, Beauty, Honour, Authority, Logic, Language and accepted social values were all rejected. Define themselves in opposition to the dominant conservative forces within society often seeing themselves as aesthetic terrorists antagonistic to accepted social ideals and values.
Friday 9 January 2015
Wednesday 1 October 2014
FM3 - Kevin Smith Presentation Script
Projector: Clip from Clerks where Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes give Dante advice (2)
Speaker:
Kevin Smith is an American filmmaker who creates most of his films in what his fans call the "View Askewniverse" which is named after his production company. Most of his films are set within the View Askewniverse. You are able to recognise Kevin Smiths films through his use of recurring characters and his ability to integrate them within a variety of current social issues as well as his outstanding use of humour to convey opinions of the ignorant and the rational being.
I believe these factors make Kevin smith an Auteur especially using Sarris' Notes on the Auteur Theory "The auteur theory emphasises the body of a director's work rather than isolated masterpieces, it is expected of great directors that they make great films every so often"(12) using his criteria you can easily see that Kevin Smith fits perfectly within the category. Not only is his ability to merge the controversial with blockbuster cinema but he is also very well known for the passion given throughout his films. His love for his work can be seen through his individualistic directing and his ability to provide an audience with personal messages littered throughout his films.
Roger Leenhardt and Andre Bazin provides the theory that "It is the director that brings the film to life and uses the film to express their thoughts and feelings about the subject matter as well as a world view as an auteur." I think using this theory can provide a very clear insight in favour of my strong belief that Kevin Smith is in fact an auteur. Using this definition provided it is very clearly seen that he uses film to express his thought and feelings about every subject matter that is of popular discussion in the world and can use these matters whilst also giving the audience a film full of life. (15)
Projector: Clip from Dogma Jay and Silent Bob's first introduction(1)
Within this clip from Dogma you are able to see the clear satirising of social issues within the narrative with the use of a satirical notion that places drug dealers as prophets of God which is in itself a contradiction this successfully allows the viewer to witness his unique, individual style throughout his work which appeals to the fans of Kevin Smith. Time Magazine publicises Kevin Smiths clever use of satirising social issues by publishing "Dogma - a satire in which God is a woman, Jesus is black and drug dealers return as prophets."(4) This unique style is easily recognisable to be Kevin Smiths work as he is very typical in using a comedic setting to unleash highly controversial topics in order to make spectators laugh but also he states "I've got em sitting there whip a little message at them, whip a little moral at them, whip a little of what my message of the world is because that's what a good film maker does"(5) In his interview with Stroumboulopoulos he states that through the satire and controversy of his films, most specifically his work on Red State and the provoked religious grouped it had enraged (9), it actually attracts more people to watch his work and critique it by giving an opinion on things that are hard to talk about.
Kevin Smith is very well known for using controversial topics within his films such as his ability to manipulate the philosophical interpretations of religion, most specifically his work on Dogma which provides a handful of contradiction, God being a woman, alongside a tremendous amount of insensitive perspectives in that God is so easily 'beaten' by evil (1) and to compliment him further if we were to look at Truffaut's "Une certain tendance du cinéma francais" it maintains that a good director provides such a distinctive style and promotes consistent themes that their influence is unmistakable in the body of their work." (13) It is clear that Kevin Smith follows Truffaut's understanding of an auteur as you can see, throughout his works he promotes consistent themes, mostly personal to him, for instance he states that the movie Dogma comes from a childhood catholic who 'hit a wall' and doesn't know if he can believe in that anymore. (6)
Projector: Clip from Clerks '37 Partners' (2)
As you can see, Dante in this particular scene tackles the inferiority complex by being told his girlfriend has had a lot of sexual partners that eventually leaves Dante feeling inferior and the prospect of being stuck in the same dead end job as hinted at by the customer. The inferiority complex stems from Dante's curiosity with his girlfriends previous sexual partners and while it's a fairly exaggerated view point he uses this to address the issue that men are not comfortable discussing previous partners. Another great example of this that also follows the idea that an auteur provides a distinctive style that promotes consistent themes throughout their work, 'Chasing Amy' considers the inferiority complex in which the main character also feels intimidated by his girlfriends sexual history so much so that it is used to drive the narrative throughout both films. (2)
Projector: Clip from Red State of Protesters at funeral (3)
Red State does however, provide a different 'style' of film making that Kevin Smith is not very well known for tackling. It's described as a horror film whereas Kevin is distinctively known for creating comedy films. The change in technique does not warrant change in theme though as he remarkably submerges the entire film in very controversial aspects that are very well versed in today's society. He bounces from the fictitious fundamentalist church goers, that are based on the Phelps family, that protest funerals to the issues of homosexuality within the police force to even the almost conspiracy theorist view of the covering up of crime scenes by the government. Within Red State the controversy and satire is quite clearly there, for example, there are Christians murdering infidels and the exploitation of homosexual blackmail. The film really outlines the religious hate for homosexuality and how unreasonable it is as most characters speak against the main antagonists and offer, quite reasonably, Kevin Smiths own view point on the matter. Most filmmakers would find to tackle such topics would be very daunting however Kevin Smith is well versed in this 'genre' of film and uses controversy and satire to further the narrative of his creations. (3) In a Q&A featuring Kevin Smith named 'Burn in Hell Louder' he states that by making Red State and the comparison of the Phelps family within the film he had been contacted and labelled a 'Fag enabler'. There is risk in making controversial films in the real world and I believe that through this provoking of fundamentalist groups it can be said that Kevin Smith is very much an Auteur due to his motivation in publishing his work while disregarding the threats that he receives. He clearly cares about the work he makes and is happy defending it. (9)
Kevin is also interviewed by Empire Magazine in which he further reinstates that the religious fanatics within the film are a reference to the real life Phelps family but most specifically notes that, while religious fanaticism is a huge topic of controversy that he wished to tackle he also wanted to highlight the 'shoot first ask question later' mentality of the government forcing the FBI to shoot and kill everyone within the church vicinity. I believe that throughout his films and very clearly within Red State he uses controversy and social issues as a predominant theme no matter the genre of film.(10)
Projector: Screen shot of Kevin Smith from An Evening With Kevin Smith (5)
Out of one of many Q&A's Kevin Smith does I have decided to use a specific extract from 'An Evening with Kevin Smith' in which he discusses his films with his fans and the general public in which a lesbian comes and asks him specifically about his work on Chasing Amy and that she had distaste for it due to one of the comments coming from Banky. He states that "All lesbians need is a good deep dicking". Kevin Smith's response is why I have included this within my argument for him to be an Auteur. He states that in all of his films there is the message that he wants to get across hidden in plain sight but masked to the unseeing eye and he uses Banky, in this scenario, because he is portrayed as the idiot thus deflating anything he says. I feel as though, throughout his films, he is able to provide a strong insight to a certain controversial subject that is personal to him but is also able to provide the contrasting opinion often placed in the dumb character which gives a clear bias of the Auteurs opinion. An Evening With Kevin Smith is, as previously mentioned, one of many Q&A's which I had the liberty to watch. The way in which Kevin Smith discusses film echoes passion in a great deal but also looks at the absurdities of other directors or writers, most specifically when he begins to belittle Jon Peters, for instance, on his lack of knowledge of Superman and wanting him to make a Superman film that would leave him without his ability to fly and not use a superhero costume.(5) His common passions are what drives him to be who he is and that passion is what has lead him to become a prime example on an auteur, a character who is invested into every film in a very personal level. If we look at Sarris' Notes on the Auteur theory he states that "Although the auteur theory emphasises the body of a director's work rather than isolated masterpieces, it is expected of great directors that they make great films every so often" Not only is Kevin able to provide a great example of creating what he wants to be made with the ability to provide alternative techniques whilst ultimately ascertaining the fact that it is his work he is also praised for creating films that will go down in history. (12)
Projector: Scene from Dogma - Jay and Silent Bob talk John Huges(1)
In conclusion, I believe by following the Auteur theory and all standard definitions created by those who study Auteur theory be it creating great films, displaying personal thoughts and feelings through visible personification on the screen. Kevin Smith uses controversy and social issues in order to create a strong narrative that is driven on personal issues, thoughts and feelings and world views.
Speaker:
Kevin Smith is an American filmmaker who creates most of his films in what his fans call the "View Askewniverse" which is named after his production company. Most of his films are set within the View Askewniverse. You are able to recognise Kevin Smiths films through his use of recurring characters and his ability to integrate them within a variety of current social issues as well as his outstanding use of humour to convey opinions of the ignorant and the rational being.
I believe these factors make Kevin smith an Auteur especially using Sarris' Notes on the Auteur Theory "The auteur theory emphasises the body of a director's work rather than isolated masterpieces, it is expected of great directors that they make great films every so often"(12) using his criteria you can easily see that Kevin Smith fits perfectly within the category. Not only is his ability to merge the controversial with blockbuster cinema but he is also very well known for the passion given throughout his films. His love for his work can be seen through his individualistic directing and his ability to provide an audience with personal messages littered throughout his films.
Roger Leenhardt and Andre Bazin provides the theory that "It is the director that brings the film to life and uses the film to express their thoughts and feelings about the subject matter as well as a world view as an auteur." I think using this theory can provide a very clear insight in favour of my strong belief that Kevin Smith is in fact an auteur. Using this definition provided it is very clearly seen that he uses film to express his thought and feelings about every subject matter that is of popular discussion in the world and can use these matters whilst also giving the audience a film full of life. (15)
Projector: Clip from Dogma Jay and Silent Bob's first introduction(1)
Within this clip from Dogma you are able to see the clear satirising of social issues within the narrative with the use of a satirical notion that places drug dealers as prophets of God which is in itself a contradiction this successfully allows the viewer to witness his unique, individual style throughout his work which appeals to the fans of Kevin Smith. Time Magazine publicises Kevin Smiths clever use of satirising social issues by publishing "Dogma - a satire in which God is a woman, Jesus is black and drug dealers return as prophets."(4) This unique style is easily recognisable to be Kevin Smiths work as he is very typical in using a comedic setting to unleash highly controversial topics in order to make spectators laugh but also he states "I've got em sitting there whip a little message at them, whip a little moral at them, whip a little of what my message of the world is because that's what a good film maker does"(5) In his interview with Stroumboulopoulos he states that through the satire and controversy of his films, most specifically his work on Red State and the provoked religious grouped it had enraged (9), it actually attracts more people to watch his work and critique it by giving an opinion on things that are hard to talk about.
Kevin Smith is very well known for using controversial topics within his films such as his ability to manipulate the philosophical interpretations of religion, most specifically his work on Dogma which provides a handful of contradiction, God being a woman, alongside a tremendous amount of insensitive perspectives in that God is so easily 'beaten' by evil (1) and to compliment him further if we were to look at Truffaut's "Une certain tendance du cinéma francais" it maintains that a good director provides such a distinctive style and promotes consistent themes that their influence is unmistakable in the body of their work." (13) It is clear that Kevin Smith follows Truffaut's understanding of an auteur as you can see, throughout his works he promotes consistent themes, mostly personal to him, for instance he states that the movie Dogma comes from a childhood catholic who 'hit a wall' and doesn't know if he can believe in that anymore. (6)
Projector: Clip from Clerks '37 Partners' (2)
As you can see, Dante in this particular scene tackles the inferiority complex by being told his girlfriend has had a lot of sexual partners that eventually leaves Dante feeling inferior and the prospect of being stuck in the same dead end job as hinted at by the customer. The inferiority complex stems from Dante's curiosity with his girlfriends previous sexual partners and while it's a fairly exaggerated view point he uses this to address the issue that men are not comfortable discussing previous partners. Another great example of this that also follows the idea that an auteur provides a distinctive style that promotes consistent themes throughout their work, 'Chasing Amy' considers the inferiority complex in which the main character also feels intimidated by his girlfriends sexual history so much so that it is used to drive the narrative throughout both films. (2)
Projector: Clip from Red State of Protesters at funeral (3)
Red State does however, provide a different 'style' of film making that Kevin Smith is not very well known for tackling. It's described as a horror film whereas Kevin is distinctively known for creating comedy films. The change in technique does not warrant change in theme though as he remarkably submerges the entire film in very controversial aspects that are very well versed in today's society. He bounces from the fictitious fundamentalist church goers, that are based on the Phelps family, that protest funerals to the issues of homosexuality within the police force to even the almost conspiracy theorist view of the covering up of crime scenes by the government. Within Red State the controversy and satire is quite clearly there, for example, there are Christians murdering infidels and the exploitation of homosexual blackmail. The film really outlines the religious hate for homosexuality and how unreasonable it is as most characters speak against the main antagonists and offer, quite reasonably, Kevin Smiths own view point on the matter. Most filmmakers would find to tackle such topics would be very daunting however Kevin Smith is well versed in this 'genre' of film and uses controversy and satire to further the narrative of his creations. (3) In a Q&A featuring Kevin Smith named 'Burn in Hell Louder' he states that by making Red State and the comparison of the Phelps family within the film he had been contacted and labelled a 'Fag enabler'. There is risk in making controversial films in the real world and I believe that through this provoking of fundamentalist groups it can be said that Kevin Smith is very much an Auteur due to his motivation in publishing his work while disregarding the threats that he receives. He clearly cares about the work he makes and is happy defending it. (9)
Kevin is also interviewed by Empire Magazine in which he further reinstates that the religious fanatics within the film are a reference to the real life Phelps family but most specifically notes that, while religious fanaticism is a huge topic of controversy that he wished to tackle he also wanted to highlight the 'shoot first ask question later' mentality of the government forcing the FBI to shoot and kill everyone within the church vicinity. I believe that throughout his films and very clearly within Red State he uses controversy and social issues as a predominant theme no matter the genre of film.(10)
Projector: Screen shot of Kevin Smith from An Evening With Kevin Smith (5)
Out of one of many Q&A's Kevin Smith does I have decided to use a specific extract from 'An Evening with Kevin Smith' in which he discusses his films with his fans and the general public in which a lesbian comes and asks him specifically about his work on Chasing Amy and that she had distaste for it due to one of the comments coming from Banky. He states that "All lesbians need is a good deep dicking". Kevin Smith's response is why I have included this within my argument for him to be an Auteur. He states that in all of his films there is the message that he wants to get across hidden in plain sight but masked to the unseeing eye and he uses Banky, in this scenario, because he is portrayed as the idiot thus deflating anything he says. I feel as though, throughout his films, he is able to provide a strong insight to a certain controversial subject that is personal to him but is also able to provide the contrasting opinion often placed in the dumb character which gives a clear bias of the Auteurs opinion. An Evening With Kevin Smith is, as previously mentioned, one of many Q&A's which I had the liberty to watch. The way in which Kevin Smith discusses film echoes passion in a great deal but also looks at the absurdities of other directors or writers, most specifically when he begins to belittle Jon Peters, for instance, on his lack of knowledge of Superman and wanting him to make a Superman film that would leave him without his ability to fly and not use a superhero costume.(5) His common passions are what drives him to be who he is and that passion is what has lead him to become a prime example on an auteur, a character who is invested into every film in a very personal level. If we look at Sarris' Notes on the Auteur theory he states that "Although the auteur theory emphasises the body of a director's work rather than isolated masterpieces, it is expected of great directors that they make great films every so often" Not only is Kevin able to provide a great example of creating what he wants to be made with the ability to provide alternative techniques whilst ultimately ascertaining the fact that it is his work he is also praised for creating films that will go down in history. (12)
Projector: Scene from Dogma - Jay and Silent Bob talk John Huges(1)
In conclusion, I believe by following the Auteur theory and all standard definitions created by those who study Auteur theory be it creating great films, displaying personal thoughts and feelings through visible personification on the screen. Kevin Smith uses controversy and social issues in order to create a strong narrative that is driven on personal issues, thoughts and feelings and world views.
RE: First Exam Mock
How far does the impact of the films you have studied for this topic depend on distinctive uses of film techniques.
La Haine is a 1995 film directed by Matthieu Kassovitz set in Paris. La Haine translates to The Hate which hints at the social problems surrounding this film.
The film technique that impacted me the most would be the use of Black and White. This highlights the conflict between race and also provides the idea that we as an audience see everything in black and white but as we can see in the film there are a lot of 'grey areas' both physically through the use of black and white and also through actions such as the Police brutality scene in the interrogation scene. The three protagonists are from a cosmopolitan background that seemingly sound like a joke at first. A jew, an Arab and a Black man live in the suburbs of Paris, the projects. What is interesting is that the actors and director lived in the projects for 6 months in order to gain a more realistic performance.
Another technique that impacted me highly would be the use of camera angles in order to show conflict between characters often combined with the mise en scene. Specifically one scene in which there is a physical barrier held between Vinz and Hubert illustrating conflict between the two, a physical divide. There is one scene in particular, the bathroom scene, in which conflict is shown through a clever use of mirrors that positions Said between Vinz and Hubert. The three shot is often used placing Said in between the other two who can be seen as two very drastic opposites in how they deal with their problems. This film could actually be seen as an argument of how you should react in times of hardship, the calm, distant Hubert style or the aggressive explosive way of Vinz.
We can see through the use of non-diegetic sound another impactful use of film techniques. Throughout the whole film there is a large use of music which often tends to be Westernised. Specifically the scene where Vinz and Said go to a hangout you can hear a recurring word which is 'California'. This strongly highlights the fact that the music doesn't represent France or it's culture but the domination of Western Culture. However, the scene where a DJ uses his turntables to literally mix the cultures of France and America through the use of MWA and Edith Piaf show a strong integration between Westernised culture and the projects of France. It is also highly noted that there is breakdancing in the 'hangout' scene which originated in the 70s from America; this just furthers the fact that they are lacking their own culture. Kassovitz, could however be trying to highlight the idea that they had just lacked the opportunity to acknowledge France's culture due to being lower class.
Through the use of the film Techniques I've highlight that are used by Mathieu Kassovitz you can see they are specifically chosen in order to create reactions and emotions from the audience. He does this by filming in black and white, which is definitely considered uncommon, especially within modern cinema. He also uses non-diegetic sound in order to portray the lack of culture in the projects.
La Haine is a 1995 film directed by Matthieu Kassovitz set in Paris. La Haine translates to The Hate which hints at the social problems surrounding this film.
The film technique that impacted me the most would be the use of Black and White. This highlights the conflict between race and also provides the idea that we as an audience see everything in black and white but as we can see in the film there are a lot of 'grey areas' both physically through the use of black and white and also through actions such as the Police brutality scene in the interrogation scene. The three protagonists are from a cosmopolitan background that seemingly sound like a joke at first. A jew, an Arab and a Black man live in the suburbs of Paris, the projects. What is interesting is that the actors and director lived in the projects for 6 months in order to gain a more realistic performance.
Another technique that impacted me highly would be the use of camera angles in order to show conflict between characters often combined with the mise en scene. Specifically one scene in which there is a physical barrier held between Vinz and Hubert illustrating conflict between the two, a physical divide. There is one scene in particular, the bathroom scene, in which conflict is shown through a clever use of mirrors that positions Said between Vinz and Hubert. The three shot is often used placing Said in between the other two who can be seen as two very drastic opposites in how they deal with their problems. This film could actually be seen as an argument of how you should react in times of hardship, the calm, distant Hubert style or the aggressive explosive way of Vinz.
We can see through the use of non-diegetic sound another impactful use of film techniques. Throughout the whole film there is a large use of music which often tends to be Westernised. Specifically the scene where Vinz and Said go to a hangout you can hear a recurring word which is 'California'. This strongly highlights the fact that the music doesn't represent France or it's culture but the domination of Western Culture. However, the scene where a DJ uses his turntables to literally mix the cultures of France and America through the use of MWA and Edith Piaf show a strong integration between Westernised culture and the projects of France. It is also highly noted that there is breakdancing in the 'hangout' scene which originated in the 70s from America; this just furthers the fact that they are lacking their own culture. Kassovitz, could however be trying to highlight the idea that they had just lacked the opportunity to acknowledge France's culture due to being lower class.
Through the use of the film Techniques I've highlight that are used by Mathieu Kassovitz you can see they are specifically chosen in order to create reactions and emotions from the audience. He does this by filming in black and white, which is definitely considered uncommon, especially within modern cinema. He also uses non-diegetic sound in order to portray the lack of culture in the projects.
Wednesday 24 September 2014
First Exam mock
How far does the impact of the films you have studied for this topic depend on distinctive uses of film techniques
La haine depends on distinctive uses of film techniques such as the use of camera to display a variety of emotions, symbols or meanings. For example, the use of the three shot whilst Said, Hubert and Vinz are sat in a shopping mall watching TV. The three shot is used to show equality and brotherhood between our three protagonists. The three shot highlights equality as throughout the film the camera is used to show the groups current feelings towards each other often showing Hubert apart from Vinz and Said or placing a physical barrier between them and when we are brought to this specific scene we see that they are currently equal in positioning.
Through the use of the mise en scene we are granted a brief foreshadowing of Vinz' death. We see in the dream sequence a circular halo, which is a recurring theme of repetition and circularity, above Vinz' head which highlights the idea of justification, righteousness or even Martyrdom. The Circular theme is repeated constantly throughout the film to show the aforementioned feeling of repetition and what comes around goes around, the idea that things won't change if we are just walking around in circles. Even the journey of the three protagonists is circular as they start of in the projects, go to paris and then come back home, the significance of the clock is also very heavily referenced. This is to show that the struggles of French colonisation are a consistent problem that will always come back. ( I need to further this point )
It is possible to argue that we, as an audience, are encouraged to see the world within 'La Haine' through the eyes of Hubert by using many film techniques. Most specifically Huberts positioning within most scenes position Hubert further back and away from the group, specifically Vinz who is very hot headed throughout the movie, Hubert is often shown in a close up closing his eyes to Vinz' actions almost as if to dismiss them with disapproval. While Hubert conforms to the archetype of 'American hood subculture' where it is typical of young men from ethnic minorities to reject a life of crime and escape the trappings of their surroundings and most specifically the 'banlieues' that surround them. This allows the message sent to an audience that the film actually portrays a debate between how we as a populace should deal with the issues seen within the narrative. Vinz' hotheaded approach or Huberts calm, distant viewpoint. We can see the difference between Vinz and Hubert especially in the breakdancing scene due to there being a physical barrier between them in which the barrier represents an issue with each other.
Again through the use of the mise en scene and sound we are shown just how French 'hood culture' is very heavily influenced by American Culture. Specifically one scene where we see a DJ mixing his turntables for everyone in the centre of the projects to hear it. There is a strong message of multiculturalism through the use of the cosmopolitan area, a DJ literally mixing ( giving the message of mixing ethnicity ) and mise en scene again highlights the fact that the DJ is wearing a Cyprus Hill shirt which references a western cosmopolitan band. Through the use of Diegetic sound we are also shown a very strong American influence within French culture as the DJ mixes MWA and Edith Piaf providing a cognitive integration between both cultures. This is all used to give the message that people influenced by this American culture give those in the projects a strong message of how life should be lived.
La haine depends on distinctive uses of film techniques such as the use of camera to display a variety of emotions, symbols or meanings. For example, the use of the three shot whilst Said, Hubert and Vinz are sat in a shopping mall watching TV. The three shot is used to show equality and brotherhood between our three protagonists. The three shot highlights equality as throughout the film the camera is used to show the groups current feelings towards each other often showing Hubert apart from Vinz and Said or placing a physical barrier between them and when we are brought to this specific scene we see that they are currently equal in positioning.
Through the use of the mise en scene we are granted a brief foreshadowing of Vinz' death. We see in the dream sequence a circular halo, which is a recurring theme of repetition and circularity, above Vinz' head which highlights the idea of justification, righteousness or even Martyrdom. The Circular theme is repeated constantly throughout the film to show the aforementioned feeling of repetition and what comes around goes around, the idea that things won't change if we are just walking around in circles. Even the journey of the three protagonists is circular as they start of in the projects, go to paris and then come back home, the significance of the clock is also very heavily referenced. This is to show that the struggles of French colonisation are a consistent problem that will always come back. ( I need to further this point )
It is possible to argue that we, as an audience, are encouraged to see the world within 'La Haine' through the eyes of Hubert by using many film techniques. Most specifically Huberts positioning within most scenes position Hubert further back and away from the group, specifically Vinz who is very hot headed throughout the movie, Hubert is often shown in a close up closing his eyes to Vinz' actions almost as if to dismiss them with disapproval. While Hubert conforms to the archetype of 'American hood subculture' where it is typical of young men from ethnic minorities to reject a life of crime and escape the trappings of their surroundings and most specifically the 'banlieues' that surround them. This allows the message sent to an audience that the film actually portrays a debate between how we as a populace should deal with the issues seen within the narrative. Vinz' hotheaded approach or Huberts calm, distant viewpoint. We can see the difference between Vinz and Hubert especially in the breakdancing scene due to there being a physical barrier between them in which the barrier represents an issue with each other.
Again through the use of the mise en scene and sound we are shown just how French 'hood culture' is very heavily influenced by American Culture. Specifically one scene where we see a DJ mixing his turntables for everyone in the centre of the projects to hear it. There is a strong message of multiculturalism through the use of the cosmopolitan area, a DJ literally mixing ( giving the message of mixing ethnicity ) and mise en scene again highlights the fact that the DJ is wearing a Cyprus Hill shirt which references a western cosmopolitan band. Through the use of Diegetic sound we are also shown a very strong American influence within French culture as the DJ mixes MWA and Edith Piaf providing a cognitive integration between both cultures. This is all used to give the message that people influenced by this American culture give those in the projects a strong message of how life should be lived.
Friday 8 August 2014
Satirising social issues are predominant in Kevin Smith's films, does this make him an auteur? DRAFT 1
Satirising social issues are predominant in Kevin Smith's films, does this make him an auteur?
Films -
Item 1
Dogma- (1999) - Director + Screenplay Written by Kevin Smith
I've chosen this film as my focus film as it provides significant evidence of Kevin Smiths auteur presence as it deals with the theme that is - his use of Satire and Social issues. In this film he uses controversial ideas to progress the narrative such as the immorality of the rich and it also looks his other auteur themes such as the use of recurring characters, racism and feminism. This film also explores the relationship between Kevin Smith and the genre of Controversial Comedy films that has established his distinctive style. The immorality of the rich is most clearly shown within the 'Voodoo' scene it therefor makes an ideal example for close study.
Item 2
Clerks- (1994) - Directed + Written by Kevin Smith
Clerks, a satirical comedy and starting point for Kevin Smiths work is extremely useful when answering my question. Throughout Clerks we see the beginning of Kevin Smiths unique style and approach to films which he uses to highlight his typical auteur themes such as lack of achieving ambitions, being stuck in life, failure to move on and my main focus the inferiority complex a real 'Slacker' mentality. This is most clear in the scene in which the main male character enquires about his girlfriends sex life. His individualistic work ethic is illuminated from shot to shot most frequently placing the audience as a customer, as if the conversation would be happening even if the camera wasn't there and by this I mean his clear cut and unique way of cinematography is outstanding. Through the use of Clerks you are able to see his auteur roots take place as most of the themes he touches in this item are also found in his other movies.
Item 3
Red State- (2011) - Directed + Written by Kevin Smith
I've chosen this as my third film as it is very useful in displaying Kevin Smith as an Auteur. It shows a very noticeable contextual social issue provided in an over exaggerated action horror film unlike his usual use of Genre 'comedies'. The contextual social issue I've highlighted is the very close representation of the religious fundamentalists to that of the real life family the Phelps family. Other social issues provided are the discrimination of gays and police brutality. I believe through the use of this film 'Social issues' can provide groundwork for an entire film and Kevin Smith does so brilliantly.
Magazines-
Item 4
Time Magazine Page 68 June 9, 1997 Generation X Gets Real
I'm using this item specifically due to one of it's paragraphs which highlights beautifully each element of satire in that Jesus is black and God is a woman which sums up what Dogma was supposed to be in Kevin Smiths eyes. His use of pure satire that would anger some people who watched it and would make the others think while hiding the message alongside the typical conventions of a comedy. I would say this paragraph perfectly describes Kevin Smiths use of satire to not only form a script but to carry his films to the great success that they are.
Live Talk Shows-
Item 5
An Evening With Kevin Smith -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpyeI_Gurxw&list=PL3CFC069C77B0AD4C
Kevin Smith is often open to discussing his films with his fans and in one particular instance he states that many of the characters who provide a radical view point or something that the audience doesn't agree with is often considered to be the dumb character but as with every Kevin Smith film he succeeds in hiding his messages in plain sight. He states his feelings about his true message how the idiot in the movie state that message thus deflating the argument. I'm using this item due to his explanation of his use of the current ( at the time ) social issues directed towards the gay population he states that he includes some gay content within his films due to his love for his gay brother and to also include a message within his films and for these reasons I find this to be very helpful in answering my question.
Item 6
Kevin Smith Bryant Park-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRQfHf1Zg5Q
Kevin Smith discusses how he struggled with religion and spirituality as a younger child as he was fed going to catholic school and church whilst being an altar boy but after viewing the greek myths he found that everyone at one point thought what they believed in was true. He states that the movie Dogma comes from a childhood catholic who 'hit a wall' and doesn't know if he can believe in that anymore. He describes that he found writing Dogma was incredibly therapeutic for him. He describes how he created most of his work through the idea that he can only do what he can do in life. He is as much as he is and he wanted to let other people know what he thought about our world if they would listen, and evidently.. they have. I can use this to present my argument for Kevin Smith being an Auteur.
Interviews-
Item 7
Kevin Smith's best interview With Stroumboulopoulos-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmtITLSu5I8
I've chosen this interview as an item as Kevin Smith recites his life to Stroumboulopoulos telling him about his gay brother and how he's dealt with the problems caused by others because of this specifically the West Borough Baptist Church picketing his films such as Dogma. He tells us that through the satire of his films this actually attracts more people to watch his work and critique it by giving an opinion on things that are hard to talk about and therefore I consider this to be a good source.
Item 8
Social Q+A with Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRJtcB6ORjA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRJtcB6ORjA
This is a great item to answer my question as Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, his friend and coworker, explain how they met and how they created the Characters Jay and Silent Bob. He uses Jason Mewes as the exact Character for Jay and his idea for Clerks was based off of their relationship. Jay is a recurring character and Kevin Smith uses him like other characters, he uses the 'stupid' one to give the opinions of the morally wrong in the real world or bringing up the social issues. I can use this in an effort to explain how his films have a rich personal heritage and also that Kevin Smith uses a 'simple' character to portray radical views which I believe to help me immensely in argument for him being an Auteur.
Item 9
Kevin Smith Burn In Hell Louder-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMCQvLMfLHQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMCQvLMfLHQ
He discusses a wide range of themes and personal experiences within this item but specifically he talks about how he made Red state. Very obviously he states that Red State is supposed to be on over exaggerated version of the extremities of religious fundamentalism and how unethical the Phelps family can be. He notes that the Phelps family contact him telling him that God hates him because he's a fag enabler and that they'll picket his films. I bring this up because this is not only that his films produce and are formed around satire and social issues they're also thought provoking which shows a consistency of theme - an auteur state.
Item 10
Kevin Smith talks Red State Empire Online
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPrXO3aq1RI
This interview consists of Kevin Smith explaining his ideas behind Red State. While not a controversial title on purpose as a 'Red State' is pro guns in America and there are many political statements made throughout the movie he claims it's just a clever title. However, he does state that while that is by accident satire and social issues are still attacked within the film. He highlights the reference of the religious fanatics being that of the real life Phelps' family that protest funerals of soldiers and homosexuals just as they do in the movie whilst also bringing forward the idea of being a closet homosexual within a marriage. Furthermore, he then shows the audience the 'shoot first ask questions later' mentality of the government making the FBI shoot and kill everyone within the church vicinity and to leave no witnesses. This shows heavily that Kevin Smith, throughout his films, bases them around social issues and controversial subjects and uses them as a predominant theme this makes him an auteur.
Item 10
Kevin Smith talks Red State Empire Online
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPrXO3aq1RI
This interview consists of Kevin Smith explaining his ideas behind Red State. While not a controversial title on purpose as a 'Red State' is pro guns in America and there are many political statements made throughout the movie he claims it's just a clever title. However, he does state that while that is by accident satire and social issues are still attacked within the film. He highlights the reference of the religious fanatics being that of the real life Phelps' family that protest funerals of soldiers and homosexuals just as they do in the movie whilst also bringing forward the idea of being a closet homosexual within a marriage. Furthermore, he then shows the audience the 'shoot first ask questions later' mentality of the government making the FBI shoot and kill everyone within the church vicinity and to leave no witnesses. This shows heavily that Kevin Smith, throughout his films, bases them around social issues and controversial subjects and uses them as a predominant theme this makes him an auteur.
Books-
item 11
The Film that Changed my life -
Kevin Smith states that the reason he wanted to become a director is due to watching the film Slacker. He's quoted as saying "It was insanely liberating for me, and very inspiring. Because it was like, "so you can make a movie about anything, apparently." Using this item Kevin Smith uses the film Slacker as his inspiration to make Clerks. Slacker opened up his mind on movies by telling him he can make a movie about anything which means that he can fill it with whatever he wanted and as you can see every film he's made has some sort of personal experience or personal opinion about something very socially contested. He was very much influenced by Slacker and had become inspired. I believe this to be helpful in answering my question as it highlights influential inspirations.
Item 12
Sarris' Notes on the Auteur Theory
I've used this book/collection of notes as an item as I feel like it fits Kevin Smiths work perfectly. To summarise, the auteur theory emphasises the entirety of a directors work and to make great films every so often which is very clearly visible that Kevin Smith does emphasise the body of his work rather than gunning for a masterpiece or wanting a movie to sell. He creates what he wants to be made and does so again and again in clearly differentiating ways but still ascertaining the fact that it is a Kevin Smith work. By providing a ball full of social issues and controversy you are able to know who provided you with the messages.
Article-
Item 13
Truffaut's Une certaine tendance du cinéma francais
I've used this item as his theory maintains that a good director (like many bad ones) provides such a distinctive style and promotes consistent themes that their influence is unmistakable in the body of their work. He then states his appreciation to work that shows a specifically marked visual style as well as those whose visual style was less pronounced but whose movies reflected a consistent theme. This directly reflects Kevin Smiths earlier work as he maintains a very similar theme and filming style throughout while sometimes diverting his style to shock audiences such as Redstate or his newest release Tusk.
Item 14
Kevin Smiths Religious satire "Dogma"
This item serves to reinforce the fact that Kevin smith includes controversial topics and satirical notions throughout his works but especially within Dogma. It also discusses how Dogma had been "Excommunicated by its original studio, Miramax after a Catholic anti-defamation group blasted it. Basically comparing Dogma to Scorsese's 'The Last Temptation of Christ'. This shows that controversy covers Kevin Smiths work and he uses it to empower the messages he communicates to his audience.
Item 12
Sarris' Notes on the Auteur Theory
I've used this book/collection of notes as an item as I feel like it fits Kevin Smiths work perfectly. To summarise, the auteur theory emphasises the entirety of a directors work and to make great films every so often which is very clearly visible that Kevin Smith does emphasise the body of his work rather than gunning for a masterpiece or wanting a movie to sell. He creates what he wants to be made and does so again and again in clearly differentiating ways but still ascertaining the fact that it is a Kevin Smith work. By providing a ball full of social issues and controversy you are able to know who provided you with the messages.
Article-
Item 13
Truffaut's Une certaine tendance du cinéma francais
I've used this item as his theory maintains that a good director (like many bad ones) provides such a distinctive style and promotes consistent themes that their influence is unmistakable in the body of their work. He then states his appreciation to work that shows a specifically marked visual style as well as those whose visual style was less pronounced but whose movies reflected a consistent theme. This directly reflects Kevin Smiths earlier work as he maintains a very similar theme and filming style throughout while sometimes diverting his style to shock audiences such as Redstate or his newest release Tusk.
Item 14
Kevin Smiths Religious satire "Dogma"
This item serves to reinforce the fact that Kevin smith includes controversial topics and satirical notions throughout his works but especially within Dogma. It also discusses how Dogma had been "Excommunicated by its original studio, Miramax after a Catholic anti-defamation group blasted it. Basically comparing Dogma to Scorsese's 'The Last Temptation of Christ'. This shows that controversy covers Kevin Smiths work and he uses it to empower the messages he communicates to his audience.
Rejected items
Film:
Mallrats -
I rejected this film as I felt that the issues and themes in this film were too tame as it only really considers the introverted love of comic books, being dumped by your girlfriend, a strict father. While being a great film I feel as though it would not help me very much answering this question.
Film:
Jersey Girl -
While Jersey Girl does hit some controversial issues such as being a single parent and the responsibility of parenthood I feel as though these issues are not as 'hard hitting' as those of my three chosen film items and critiques claim that it is full of sentimental cliches. It also does not include Kevin Smiths recurring characters 'Jay and Silent Bob' and is not set in the universe that all his other work is set within his self created universe 'View Askewniverse' really setting apart that this film is nothing like his other work and by watching it you would not see that it is a Kevin Smith film.
Interview:
Kevin Smith Interview -
http://uk.askmen.com/celebs/interview_300/381_kevin-smith-interview.html
In this article Kevin Smith talks about the troubles of making 'Zac and Miri Makes a Porno' and the fact that it was the lightest movie he'd made. This article fails to provide suitable information to prove Kevin Smith is an auteur and frequently goes away into personal subjects such as smoking weed and playing Hockey helping him to get through personal issues.
Interview:
Kevin Smith - The Tonight Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMmpJ73RG6Y
I have rejected this article due to the frequent mention of personal issues and provides no suitable information that could help me answer my question. He talks mostly about his wife in Playboy and the making of Jersey Girls. I cannot use this as my question focuses around Satire and Social issues in which this interview does not contain.
Podcast:
Kevin Smith: The Nerdist Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bNg8s84CRw
I've rejected this podcast as it had no relevance to the auteur theory. It talks about Kevin Smiths opinions on other films and finds comedy in characters that have no relevance to his own. If there was a little more about his own films I would have used this item.
Film:
Jersey Girl -
While Jersey Girl does hit some controversial issues such as being a single parent and the responsibility of parenthood I feel as though these issues are not as 'hard hitting' as those of my three chosen film items and critiques claim that it is full of sentimental cliches. It also does not include Kevin Smiths recurring characters 'Jay and Silent Bob' and is not set in the universe that all his other work is set within his self created universe 'View Askewniverse' really setting apart that this film is nothing like his other work and by watching it you would not see that it is a Kevin Smith film.
Interview:
Kevin Smith Interview -
http://uk.askmen.com/celebs/interview_300/381_kevin-smith-interview.html
In this article Kevin Smith talks about the troubles of making 'Zac and Miri Makes a Porno' and the fact that it was the lightest movie he'd made. This article fails to provide suitable information to prove Kevin Smith is an auteur and frequently goes away into personal subjects such as smoking weed and playing Hockey helping him to get through personal issues.
Interview:
Kevin Smith - The Tonight Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMmpJ73RG6Y
I have rejected this article due to the frequent mention of personal issues and provides no suitable information that could help me answer my question. He talks mostly about his wife in Playboy and the making of Jersey Girls. I cannot use this as my question focuses around Satire and Social issues in which this interview does not contain.
Podcast:
Kevin Smith: The Nerdist Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bNg8s84CRw
I've rejected this podcast as it had no relevance to the auteur theory. It talks about Kevin Smiths opinions on other films and finds comedy in characters that have no relevance to his own. If there was a little more about his own films I would have used this item.
Tuesday 4 March 2014
How far do the American films you have studied for this topic depend on well established narrative and/or genre conventions.
Discuss how 'lovers on the lam' conventions are used differently in Badlands and Natural Born killers.
Discuss narrative construction and/or genre convention by referencing what you have seen so far.
Relate your understanding of the genre/narrative to a relevant American Context.
_________________________________________________________________________________
The work I have done so far bring great insight into the diversity and well roundedness of Americanised films and a well established narrative is graded highly upon an Americanised audience. If we look at both of the main films brought to us by the Topic of Lovers on the lam the typical conventions establish a much needed groundwork for American context.
The typical conventions of a Lovers on the Lam genre allow a clash of three different genres; Crime, Road movie and romance. These genres are VERY highly americanised especially a Road Movie as America is big enough and wide enough to allow the everyday audience to experience the vast, open land that is the USA. I feel as though American films do depend very heavily on a well established narrative but more so on it's genres conventions as we are constantly being bombarded with conventions that allow the audience to not only relate with the movie but understand the subtleties within the movie.
Genre Conventions, like previously noted, are constantly being hinted and highlighted at to provide a constant reminder of Americanised contextual problems ( Problems is not the right word here, not sure what to use ) we are constantly being shown Cars, the south of America, birdcages and the essence of being trapped and as our conventions and narrative overlap we are also being bombarded with the idea of the American Dream, Dysfunctional families and the typical problems that are a constant problem within American society.
We see a very different use of conventions throughout Badlands and Natural born killers comparatively. Badlands is slow, we see roads and cars, guns and death and the 'star crossed lovers' but they appear to not really have any emotion for each other. We see it in their movements especially when dancing, the music comes on and they aren't even looking at each other. They are both emotionless until true times of hardship. However in natural born killers we see them literally crazy, it's fast paced and will constantly cycle throughout different types of films and styles to address a much bigger problem around the time of release, the denouncement of TV, films and games as they were showing a much more violent America, the different film types are basically addressing a satire that no matter what film he uses no matter what technique, it is absurd to think that films could possibly lead to violence and influence people. Ironically there was a french copy cat killer that mimicked Mickey and Mallory.
In terms of narrative and as I've already previously highlighted, the main goal of lovers on the lam would be to address the American Dream, Dysfunctional Families, Racism, Violence, Rebelliousness and the influence film has on the public. NBK had been released just after the OJ trials and in the midst of an uproar that people can get away with anything along as they have achieved the American dream. They can get away with murder.
Discuss how 'lovers on the lam' conventions are used differently in Badlands and Natural Born killers.
Discuss narrative construction and/or genre convention by referencing what you have seen so far.
Relate your understanding of the genre/narrative to a relevant American Context.
_________________________________________________________________________________
The work I have done so far bring great insight into the diversity and well roundedness of Americanised films and a well established narrative is graded highly upon an Americanised audience. If we look at both of the main films brought to us by the Topic of Lovers on the lam the typical conventions establish a much needed groundwork for American context.
The typical conventions of a Lovers on the Lam genre allow a clash of three different genres; Crime, Road movie and romance. These genres are VERY highly americanised especially a Road Movie as America is big enough and wide enough to allow the everyday audience to experience the vast, open land that is the USA. I feel as though American films do depend very heavily on a well established narrative but more so on it's genres conventions as we are constantly being bombarded with conventions that allow the audience to not only relate with the movie but understand the subtleties within the movie.
Genre Conventions, like previously noted, are constantly being hinted and highlighted at to provide a constant reminder of Americanised contextual problems ( Problems is not the right word here, not sure what to use ) we are constantly being shown Cars, the south of America, birdcages and the essence of being trapped and as our conventions and narrative overlap we are also being bombarded with the idea of the American Dream, Dysfunctional families and the typical problems that are a constant problem within American society.
We see a very different use of conventions throughout Badlands and Natural born killers comparatively. Badlands is slow, we see roads and cars, guns and death and the 'star crossed lovers' but they appear to not really have any emotion for each other. We see it in their movements especially when dancing, the music comes on and they aren't even looking at each other. They are both emotionless until true times of hardship. However in natural born killers we see them literally crazy, it's fast paced and will constantly cycle throughout different types of films and styles to address a much bigger problem around the time of release, the denouncement of TV, films and games as they were showing a much more violent America, the different film types are basically addressing a satire that no matter what film he uses no matter what technique, it is absurd to think that films could possibly lead to violence and influence people. Ironically there was a french copy cat killer that mimicked Mickey and Mallory.
In terms of narrative and as I've already previously highlighted, the main goal of lovers on the lam would be to address the American Dream, Dysfunctional Families, Racism, Violence, Rebelliousness and the influence film has on the public. NBK had been released just after the OJ trials and in the midst of an uproar that people can get away with anything along as they have achieved the American dream. They can get away with murder.
Wednesday 12 February 2014
Scene 7 Draft
Scene No. 7
Page No. 7
Slugline: INT.LIVINGROOM - MORNING (past / present)
End Point In Last Scene: Horatio's inevitable death.
Characters In Scene: Horatio
Point of Scene: To confuse the audience with a twist. To allow Horatio to continue his story.
Conflict: Zombie Apocalypse? Dream? Life and Death?
Ending/Central Question: Why is Horatio alive?
Key Micro Elements:
Scene Description Focusing on Key Micro Aspects: Horatio wakes up after sleeping on the couch, his point of view is blurred and out of focus [camera]. He gets up and stretches his arms [Camera]. Horatio walks past his kitchen window, [camera framing] frames his face while the orderly society continues outside.
Horatio then walks over and boils the kettle and leans back on the kitchen side table behind him. [mise on scene]. A postman walks directly past the window behind him [camera framing] and Horatio faces the window and greets him [diegetic sound]. Horatio then turns and faces the camera [camera] the kettle begins to whistle [diegetic sound] a flash of a zombies face appears [editing] as a loud scream is heard [non-diegetic sound]
Page No. 7
Slugline: INT.LIVINGROOM - MORNING (past / present)
End Point In Last Scene: Horatio's inevitable death.
Characters In Scene: Horatio
Point of Scene: To confuse the audience with a twist. To allow Horatio to continue his story.
Conflict: Zombie Apocalypse? Dream? Life and Death?
Ending/Central Question: Why is Horatio alive?
Key Micro Elements:
Scene Description Focusing on Key Micro Aspects: Horatio wakes up after sleeping on the couch, his point of view is blurred and out of focus [camera]. He gets up and stretches his arms [Camera]. Horatio walks past his kitchen window, [camera framing] frames his face while the orderly society continues outside.
Horatio then walks over and boils the kettle and leans back on the kitchen side table behind him. [mise on scene]. A postman walks directly past the window behind him [camera framing] and Horatio faces the window and greets him [diegetic sound]. Horatio then turns and faces the camera [camera] the kettle begins to whistle [diegetic sound] a flash of a zombies face appears [editing] as a loud scream is heard [non-diegetic sound]
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