Blog #6

     In this particular scene of "Big Fish" Tim Burton tries to keep the mood simple how ever he breaks the 180 degree rule once. When Sandra Templeton arises in her bed we get a shot coming from the end of the bed. Once she arises the camera cuts and the 180 degree rule has begun. An over the shoulder shot follows Sandra to the window at which she opens to find a man standing in a field of daffodils. The 30 Rule is played with once Sandra has opened the window. As the audience we first get a close up of an over the shoulder shot where it appears as the viewer you are right behind Sandra. After that shot it cuts to an outside shot that is a wide shot. Tim Burton plays with the 30 degree rule here by moving from closeup shot to a wide shot that captures not only Sandra's expression but also the whole window. The audience is also looking up at her as if she is of a higher standard. The viewer is seeing her through Edward's point of view. The Rule of Thirds is also played with however it is not manipulated. When Sandra opens the window the audience gets a view from behind her. We are basically focused on the back of her head but as she opens the window our eye moves from her head to the right of the screen and we become fixated on Edward and the flowers. Tim Burton is an amazing director and although he didn't really break or manipulate the rules of film he still has a lot of respect in my opinion. His talents were not shown in this particular clip of the scene but knowing his past work he is very capable of doing so. He doesn't need to break rules in this timeless scene to gain credibility.

Blog #5

 Lil Wayne "How to Love"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8Gf4-eT3w0&ob=av2e

Andrew Garcia & Joseph Vincent "How to Love" Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_d-TvutYl4

     The two different versions of "How to Love" have some similarities and some differences. The song is originally a Lil Wayne song but Andrew Garcia and Joseph Vincent do a cover of it. Therefore when addressing lyrics the original and the cover follow the same lyrics and Andrew changes nothing. Both songs have the same melody although the cover plays with a harmony because there are two people in the cover version and it creates a nice overall flow and uniqueness to the song. Rhythm in the songs is regular and the rhythm in Lil Wayne's original version of the song is driven by the bass, guitar, synth beat and the drums. While in Andrew Garcia's cover version of the song the rhythm is driven by the guitar and even the snapping of fingers. Both songs have a soft intensity, at one point in the cover version Andrew's voice gets louder but for the most part the soft overall tone of the voices create a low intensity. This concept is the same when Lil Wayne sings it, although he uses an autotuner and he can't really sing, the overall quality of his voice is soft. Pitch is where the two songs differ. Andrew and Joseph's cover has a higher pitch due to their high pitched guitars and their higher pitched voices. Lil Wayne has a deeper voice which creates a lower pitch. The speed of the song is slow in both versions. The voice moves at a slow tempo and the artists try to stretch out phrases. The organization is also the same because Andrew's cover follows Lil Wayne's original. The pattern is verse chorus then another verse and so on. Timbre is another concept that deals with the overall color of the song as a whole. Both the original and the cover are simple.
      Overall I enjoy Andrew and Joseph's cover 100 times more than the original Lil Wayne version. Not only is Lil Wayne a rapper, therefore he should stick to rapping, I love the harmony and the beautiful tone that Andrew and Joseph have.

Blog #7

     Lighting is a huge concept that is played with in both of the Spiderman images above. There are three elements of Lighting that can be pulled from the images, shadows, symbolism, and mood. In the first image where Spider man is fighting the Green Goblin the scene is more brightly lit. Although the mood in the scene is obviously tense it is lighter and thus creating symbolism. If you have seen the Spiderman movies or read the comics you know that the Green Goblin and Spidey are very close. Harry, the Green Goblins son is Peter Parkers best friend. Although it is a fight scene and the mood is obviously tense, I feel as if the lighter back ground helps symbolize the personal relationship that Spiderman has with the Green Goblin. On the other hand, in the second image we see a more darkly lit image of Spiderman fighting Venom in the shadows. The shadows casted on both characters create a dark and ominous mood. This dark rivalry is more symbolic than the rivalry of Spidey and the Green Goblin because Venom and Spiderman not only look alike but their powers are rather similar.
     Movement is another concept that can be deconstructed in both images. We notice that in the first image of Spiderman fighting the Green Goblin that their arms look like they are in very similar motions. This is know as "parallel movements" when two characters are moving in the same direction at the same time. It's a little different in the second image, although the two characters arms are not parallel when we analyze their lower halves we can see similarities. The movement of their legs are parallel with each other. Overlapping movements can also be seen in the first image. Spiderman is obviously jumping towards Green Goblin which is one movement while his arms are also in action. Unlike the first image the second image doesn't have as obvious overlapping. Both characters seem to be standing in place with their arms moving. "Weight" is another aspect of movement. While in the first image we sense that the weight of Spiderman is very light due to his leaping ability, the second image suggests the weight of venom to be very heavy. He is placed higher in the animation which gives him power and if you notice he is punching a building which creates a sense of strength and weight.

Blog #8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82_bhD0_Trw

       This scene is from "O' Brother Where Art Thou?" a movie by the Coen Brothers. The movie is a spin off Homers "Odyssey." One theme that is played with in the movie is the concept of "Faith vs. Skepticism." This particular scene shows the theme of "Faith vs. Skepticism" by comparing and contrasting two of the main characters faith in God and the others skepticism of their actions and beliefs. The theme of the movie is didactic because the audience is not presented with a clear theme, you must search for the deeper meaning of the film.

      The rhythm of the scene helps play into the theme of faith throughout the movie. The people in the white baptism robes are moving in unison to the song they are singing. The rhythm is very spiritual because of the song and its deeper meaning. As the camera pans to capture the singing people it creates rhythm. Also movement of the characters in the scene can be deconstructed to find the message of "Faith vs. Skepticism." Once the people with the white baptism start their movements which are all in sync, the camera pans to show the three main characters movements. In this case the movements are facial expressions. The movements of Delmar's face tell the audience that he is intrigued and is enjoying the religious song. However when you notice Everett's facial movements the audience notices a face of confusion or skepticism of the situation. Movements of Delmar sprinting into the river to be baptized also elicits the theme of faith and says a lot about this characters personality. Everett just stands there and watches with the opposite look on his face and states a phrase that is very skeptical of Delmar's actions as well as his faith in God.

In class iMovie assignment

Gun Fight Stykz Assignment

Blog #4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVlPGdAKw2Y

        This particular scene in the movie "Big Fish" displays many techniques of sound. when the scene starts, Sandra Templeton is asleep but is awoken by the smell of her favorite flower, a daffodil. As her eyes open, music starts to play, the music is a light free violin melody. Speed of music is slower, however when Sandra approaches the window to see what's outside the music's speed and urgency increases when she flings open the window, as well as the loudness. This increase in speed and loudness intensifies the moment for the audience. Movement of sound is also shown in this particular moment because as the window is swinging and moving the sound is getting louder. The tonal center is also being created because the movement of the sound and the movement of the window are in sync. When Sandra goes down to meet Edward the sounds of birds chirping in the background is an example of distance. Although the audience is unable to see the birds we know the birds are up in the sky chirping, creating the outside space.

Blog #3

1. Acknowledging The Lizard

        “Acknowledging The Lizard” is a unique layer that describes part of the brain as “the lizard.” It’s the part of the brain that worries about safety and exploits our anger. When we are laughed at the lizard shuts down our art. When our art is shut down by the lizard it can be referred to as “the resistance.” This resistance makes us feel ashamed, and encourages us to follow the rules. Art doesn’t follow rules. However, when we are mocked or excluded the resistance wins and shuts us down. One example that is given in the reading explains that if you don’t complete your homework for your teacher she punishes you and the next time your doing homework you make sure it’s completed. In this situation the resistance has won the battle, you have given into following the rules. When it comes to creating art, the resistance is so easy to takeover. Therefore, we must ignore the criticism and skeptical remarks.

2. Connect

        The layer “Connect” deals with social media. This layer explains that as a social media user, we shouldn’t be looking at the number of followers we have or at how many people write on our “wall.” We should be more aware of what we are learning about other users that we couldn’t connect with otherwise. Social media must be used in the right way for users to benefit properly. Social media has opened the door to a whole new way of connecting. This layer explains that if we appreciate social media and use it properly we can go over the threshold and not only touch people but also gain authority and power. One example in the writing talks about a viral poster of President Obama spread across the internet and eventually became a cultural icon. The future is all connected. It’s up to us, the users to do it properly and effectively. 

3. Making Art

        “Make Art” is a layer that explains what the word “Art” truly means. Art doesn’t have to be a drawing or a poem, it’s something anyone can do. If your interacting with others and making connects that generate something new and different it’s considered art. Art doesn’t have rules and art is very risky. A teacher is an artist. Teaching kids or whomever it may be is considered art. If you are creating new ideas and bringing people together on a human level then you are creating art. When you create the uncreated you will be greatly rewarded and creating art is definitely worth the risk.

      Creating a blog this quarter can be connected to Seth Godin’s “Brainwashed.” Blogger.com is an application created by Google that allows people to connect on many levels. When it comes to the seven layers this blog falls under a few of the layers discussed. As a blogger you are experiencing the social media world.

       “Connect” is one layer that explains if social media is used properly, us as users can gain a lot from correctly utilizing the functions of social media. We as students can us this blog tool to become more connected with each other. Doing this blog will help us as students because we need to be more in tune with each others ideas and creative processes.

        “Making Art” is another layer that can also be used to interpret these blog assignments we’re doing for class. The blog is art. Seth Godin explains that making art doesn’t have to be writing or a painting but it’s how ideas connect us and it’s about creating the uncreated. Creating posts and being unique while writing our blog posts can help us connect to other students and possibly give someone a new outlook on a particular topic. We can help plant a new idea in someone else's head and therefore pass our ideas along. Like said in “Brainwashed,” our future is all connected, and we can all help put others by creating art.

        As students and especially bloggers we must "Acknowledge the Lizard." As explained in “Brainwashed,” when we acknowledge the lizard we can avoid and ignore the resistance that is created when people mock or criticize our art. We can easily be shut down by the resistance because we are opening ourselves and our art up to an entire class of students. Having our art judged is a feeling caused by the resistance, however, if we acknowledge this problem and understand it then we can ignore the resistance.

This layer idea is interesting and I believe after reading about it, it can better me as a student. Not only does it keep me thinking about this new way to perceive “art,” it also makes me think about this spot in my brain referred to as “the lizard.” Overall I think Seth Godin’s “layers” idea is unique and interesting and multiple layers can be applied to our blog assignments. 

Blog #2

http://changethis.com/manifesto/51.01.YourHowl/pdf/51.01.YourHowl.pdf

        

        Mumon is a red wolf with no howl. Red wolves experienced a huge population drop due to their inability to howl. When the wolves were unable to howl they couldn’t fend for themselves. The wolves were unable to communicate and therefore were unable to choose a leader. Mumon is one wolf who was determined to go on an adventure to find his howl. When hunting Mumon came across a deer that was larger than him. While Mumon was chasing the deer, the deer communicated to Mumon and explained that his howl is within him and he never lost his howl, he just needed to dig deep to find it. Now ashamed for killing the deer, a raven explained he should not feel ashamed and that the deers bones have no resentment. The deers soul and inner power came out in Mumon. Mumon got a burst of energy that he had never felt before. While he was running a farmer shot him. Mumons energy and newly obtained power was absorbed by the hunter. As Mumon was brought into the fire of the dancing humans, he howled. He was not burned by the fire, he was the fire. Johathon Flaum uses this particular story to tell the reader that within you is your true power or fire. Not all of us know we have it until we can dig deep within ourselves and find it. This inner passion can come at the most unexpected times. 

“He wears his heart safety pinned to his backpack, his backpack is all that he knows. Shot down by strangers who glances can cripple, the heart and devour the soul. All alone he turns to stone, While holding his breathe after death. Terrified by what’s inside, to save his life, he crawls like a worm from a bird...” - The Used, "The Bird and the Worm"

        These lyrics come from The Used’s song, “The Bird and the Worm.” The lyrics of the song can relate to the message that Johathon Flaum tries to get across with his story about Mumon. Creativity can be seen as the passion or the fire that is trapped inside. I personally as a creative individual feel as if I have not reached my full potential as a creative mind. I have not yet been able to express all of my true creative ability. This bottled up creativity wants to be unleashed but because it’s hidden inside the person in the lyrics feels alone and distant. 

The character portrayed in The Used’s “The Bird and the Worm” doesn’t feel like his true self just like Mumon in Flaum’s short story. He must dig deep to find what’s truly inside himself because it is the only way he feels as if he can express who he truly wants to be. This lyric inspires me as a creative person because of the inner message that it conveys. The person in the song lyrics isn’t himself and people just looking at him knowing something is hidden within causes him pain. The last line, “He crawls like a worm from a bird...” can be interpreted as the inner fire or passion is finally crawling through his body and coming out. Just like Mumon in the short story. Finally in the end, Mumon’s howl is finally heard and escapes his body. A worm slowly crawling out of a dead bird symbolizes the hidden force or power inside emerging out of the body of the character. The hidden passion can be seen as life while the bird carcass can be seen as the characters past and his unwanted life before the force came out.

Many people listen to “The Bird and the Worm” and have no clue what the inner meaning is. The trick is that there is not just one hidden message. It is up to the listener to interpret what the lyrics are saying. Having a creative mind is key when it comes to dissecting the lyrics; and being able to see the many aspects of the lyrics is something that intrigues me. In conclusion, The Used’s song, “The Bird and the Worm” bring out my creativity because it makes me think about all the different deeper meanings. The song also can relate to the deeper message in the short story written by Johathon Flaum about the red wolf Mumon finding his howl. 

Blog #1

   
     Not only does Gold represent my characters desires, the color of gold can be found draped around my characters neck as well as on his teeth. Dequon Marshall sells drugs for one reason, to make a profit. Money is his motivation and he will do anything to get what he wants, even if it comes to violence. Gold represents the wealth that Dequon wants to obtain and he feels as if gold is a way to show off his wealth.
The flashy gold shows off Dequon's loud personality.

     A smokey and diffused light represents my characters state of mind as well as his environment. Dequon Marshall uses drugs all day long, which alters his state of mind. The smokey and hazy lighting represents  this drug altered mind that my character deals with on a daily basis. This lighting can also be connected to his environment. Dequon stays up in his apartment all day making drug deals and using drugs, causing literally a smokey environment.

     The shape of a 40 oz bottle can be interpreted as Dequon Marshall's body shape. This bottle represents the round figure of my character. His chubby physique shows off this personality. Being overweight, shows that Dequon Marshall doesn't really care much about physical appearance and only about drugs and money. The cubby body shape can also represent the wealth of my character because he can afford to eat; and like the "God Father" in a mob, the large body represents power.

Dequon Marshall

Nightcrawler