In the past I have had the students judge the films on various levels. I resist it becuase I think they're all great, and very differnt, from different times, so any comparison is unfair. For example, which of the films is "the best." You'd have to define the term. Is one genre inherently superior from another on the basis of it's gravitas? Are modern films superior? They are certainly better made. From a technical point of view, the film that was superior to all the rest was Unforgiven. The acting, direction, production values, etc. were all very superior. It was probably the film that cost the most to make, with the possible exception of Dark City. But, does that make it superior? Runaway Train was not lavishly endowed wtih bells and whistles, and yet it is probably my personal favorite, mostly because I like to think of myself as Manny. Fortunately, I'm deluding myself. Why would I want to be a sociopath? All Quiet.... is the most primitive film, but in some ways is the best of them all, in terms of being a groundbreaking work. That, and Citizen Kane. The 7th Seal broke ground in establishing foreign cinema in the US. By the way, I never pointed out, (and nobody mentioned) why the plague was so timely a topic in 1957. I won't give it away, but you'll probably be able to answer in a comment below?
If I had to judge the best film based upon the look of rapture on everyone's face, then it would be Dark City.
One strange and sad point. Ask 20 people if they've ever seen, (or heard of) Runaway Train, or Dark City, and see how many affirmative replies you get. Then ask about some piece of trash like Titanic, or Independence Day, or, worse, Sex and the City, and see how many nods you get. Can you imagine the incredible sadness of the artists who created those timeless works to know that they are totally obscure, while such banal tripe is higly praised? Well, Herman Melville, and Van Gogh, and Mozart, to name just a few geniuses, all died unrecognized, the latter in a pauper's grave. Grey tells us that "the paths of glory lead but to the grave." So it's all equal ultimately. But, I'd rather have my face on Mt. Rushmore, though I'll never see it or know it.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
I have a blog?
Hats off to Kamil for razzin' the old man. He asked me if I remembered that I had a blog, or some such obnoxious comment that I have launched at blog shy students all semester. My response was that I did have a blog, and I also had a high school diploma (equivalency). Thus am I un-required to post. However, Im usually fairly prolific in my prose. It's the new job. A lot of new responsibility, so this class has not been at the forefront of my mind, though it is the best part of my day, without doubt. With that in mind, a few thoughts on our semester together.
Never say never. When I left teaching two years ago for a UFT job, I believed that I had taught the film class for the very last time. And here I am again!. It has been a great pleasure to share my favorite films with you. They all have weathered very well with me, meaning that I haven't soured on any of them. that does happen, of course, when a film or book, formerly loved, loses its luster. I'd say that they all continued to move me. I find that enthusiasm is contagious, though, and apathy as well. I could feel the tremendous energy in the class that "RUnaw\ay Train" engendered. It was electric, and I was thoroughly gratified that you all enjoyed it so much. THe Seventh Seal seemed not to go over so well, which was a surprise and a bit of a disappointment because I love it so much. I wondered why, since it has always been the most loved film of the semester in all previous classes. THere are three variables. First period instead of later in the day, juniors instead of seniors, criminal element instead of 100% nerds. I think it's the second. Seniors are facing life changing decisions and the Seventh Seal is about that.
I'll write more later, perhaps. I enjoyed the class very much. Many of your posts were extremetly thoughtful, (some not) and the comments in class were often abolutely original in their sophistication and creativity. I found myself challenged by your analysis, several times having to concede that my take on something was not exclusive. Such happened today, in fact. And that's a high compliment coming from an arrogant SOB like me.
Never say never. When I left teaching two years ago for a UFT job, I believed that I had taught the film class for the very last time. And here I am again!. It has been a great pleasure to share my favorite films with you. They all have weathered very well with me, meaning that I haven't soured on any of them. that does happen, of course, when a film or book, formerly loved, loses its luster. I'd say that they all continued to move me. I find that enthusiasm is contagious, though, and apathy as well. I could feel the tremendous energy in the class that "RUnaw\ay Train" engendered. It was electric, and I was thoroughly gratified that you all enjoyed it so much. THe Seventh Seal seemed not to go over so well, which was a surprise and a bit of a disappointment because I love it so much. I wondered why, since it has always been the most loved film of the semester in all previous classes. THere are three variables. First period instead of later in the day, juniors instead of seniors, criminal element instead of 100% nerds. I think it's the second. Seniors are facing life changing decisions and the Seventh Seal is about that.
I'll write more later, perhaps. I enjoyed the class very much. Many of your posts were extremetly thoughtful, (some not) and the comments in class were often abolutely original in their sophistication and creativity. I found myself challenged by your analysis, several times having to concede that my take on something was not exclusive. Such happened today, in fact. And that's a high compliment coming from an arrogant SOB like me.
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