Instructions

In this course, you will be asked to analyze and assess complicated and non-mainstream films. As Manohla Dargis writes in "What you See is What you get" from the New York Times, Links to an external site.we are more comfortable with familiar patterns, but less so with random new material. This is because classical Hollywood films make stylistic techniques obvious so viewers can understand movies. Films also use narrative and illusory strategies to keep viewers focused on important visuals. Where people look in the frame is actually a scientifically proven study and is deliberately chosen by the film's director. Viewers with specific Hollywood cognitive habits may be averse to non-mainstream films. 

However, when a director chooses to disavow classical Hollywood patterns, viewers become beginners again. This allows viewers to find pleasure in unlocking the meanings behind films. When we notice these deliberate filmmaking techniques, it allows us to become skillful filmmakers. 

For your academic engagement activity , take some time to reflexively free-write on your own viewership habits to answer these questions: What films do you typically enjoy watching? Was there a film in this category that prompted multiple re-watches? Describe your passion for this film, and the techniques that you noticed the film use. Finally, was there a seemingly esoteric film that you viewed recently perhaps at school or elsewhere? How did you decode the film to understand its meaning? 

Your response should be around 250 words, but the length can be extended past this. You will automatically recieve ten points for completing this free-write activity. Don't forget to be honest! I am looking forward to reading your responses. 

After completing this page, continue on to our first module.