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.
It's alright, Mr. Bennett; we all have days like these. I guess the reason why some people don't like the Seventh Seal is because nobody wants to think about death, but then again, all of our movies dealt with it in one way or another - and it's not just physical death either. I personally put it in my top five in this class. The ones I didn't like as much focused too much on itself and not on the larger picture; everyone loves an epic, be it the sets, the costumes, the characters, or the plot. Manny is larger than life, and so are the Strangers.
ReplyDeleteI'll probably get into this more some other time, but until then, I really enjoyed this class and I hope the College Now course I'm about to take will be the same.
I'm glad to hear we're the highlight of your day, I was beginning to think you hated us.
ReplyDeleteThis class has been really fun and eye opening to a lot of things within and beyond the realm of film... so, thank you Mr. Bennett! :]
Hated you? I hope you're speaking in jest. I'd hate to think I was projecting any kind of hostility toward the class. And I'm not talking about my typical condescension, withering scorn, blistering sarcasm, barely concealed contempt, intellectual bullying, etc. That's just my normal personality. So, don't even think I didn't like this class. Not for a second.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for the kind words. It was fun.
I might have been one of those past 100% nerds seeing as I checked this blog periodically and was surprised you hadn't posted anything. My only conclusion was that the class had ended, but alas, I was mistaken. I hope the new job is treating you well and it seems like this class was another enjoyable experience. I only hope you do it again, when there is a chance when I can actually sit it on it again.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, my fondness for film has not yet subsided, as I am currently in a very challenging film class this semester. It may sound like a contradiction but it is actually a Philosophy class focused on Politics and Film. So we are reading many philosophic texts from the early 20th century (Brecht, Lukacs, Adorno, and Bloch so far) and then looking at how these are related to political films such as The Wizard of Oz, Bowling for Columbine, Apocalypse Now (and reading it alongside Heart of Darkness, something you brought up many times). But this has been an eye-opening experience much like your film class because these were many works of philosophy and film that I was not familiar with (the more unknown films I don't know off the top of my head but I can tell you at some point).
But I guess my overall point is that you whet my appetite for film about 2 years ago now, so I just wanted to let you know that it is still a passion of mine and I am really glad that you continue to enlighten others!
Well, for starters, I'm glad to see that your blog is still in existence. Near the beginning of the year, I thought you were some sort of communist trying to sell us a ticket on the Existentialist Express. The reason being that in class you seemed to praise the philosophy, mostly through the heavily infused, existentialist movies. It was like propaganda. I am now glad to say that you, Mr. Bennett, are not a communist, and in fact are just a little bit more than that. For one, you are a mediocre singer, with a heavy 50s style. (Just kidding about the singing) You also have a great sense of humor, well complemented by your blatant sarcasm and your disregard for the sentiments of us, the students. Seriously, not many teachers will make the type of comments you do because they're too scared, which I think is just BS. But, thank you for a great term, which has opened my eyes to film in a way that I never would have imagined. Thank you for helping me see past the superficial and appreciate the deeper meaning of film.
ReplyDeleteMediocre singer?? Wow, you really probed an open wound with that one. How prescient of you to uncover my Achilles heel. And I sound like Perry Como from inside. Wait, he's 1950's personified. You were actually proferring your highest compliment. Thank you, Kamil.
ReplyDeleteAs far as my personal philosophy is concerned, I am not a communist by any stretch of the imagination. An Existentialist? I'd have to plead guilty to that, and if my class was a bit tendentious, then I forgive myself with the argument that you've been brainwashed the other way so consistently, and for so long, I am only tipping the scale back ever so slightly.
But, it's all background noise. The only thing that matters is your last statement. If the class accomplished what you say, then I'm very gratified, and it was, indeed, a successful endeavor for both of us.