FINAL BLOG!!!!

1.) As we watch progress through the film, "The Hurt Locker", how is the idea of realism being used for this movie? What kind of effects do you think this has on viewers?
In this movie, I believe that the idea of realism is being used to depict the way that the soldiers really do act when they are faced every day with the dangers that lied within the Iraqi war zone. Many former-soldiers have said or have been reported as to having PTSD effects after watching this movie because it so much like what really happened for them when they were there. I believe that this has an immense effect on the viewers, but in a very good way. The realism associated with this movie is obviously of a high standard if it causes former soldiers to bring back PTSD symptoms after watching it because of the close resemblance to what truly happened. The viewers of this movie, I hope, feel as if they are watching what really happened during the Iraqi/Afghan war. 

2.) What do you think your biggest take away is from this class? What would be a suggestion to make the class better for next year?
I think the part of this class that I will take with me would be questioning what is actually true in the movies that I watch, but also what the director is trying to say with the movie. My suggestion towards next years' class to make it better would be to allow them to make their own documentary or movie project, as a class or in larger groups, and let them be the directors and writers and have others interpret what the message is behind the project. 

Documentary Film

Nichols writes, "The fact that there is more than one mode of documentary film strongly suggests that the representation of reality is not an objective, cut-and-dried affair. Although there may be only one historical world, and even if certain facts about it can be agreed upon as objectively true, the ways of seeing and representing that world, like the ways of interpreting it, vary considerably."

Based on this statement, blog about what exactly you think this means and how the 6 modes of documentary film factor into this idea.

I believe that what Nichols it saying is that using one (or more) of the six modes of documentary film is leading into an alternative reality that exists in the director's mind. Reality is in the eye of the beholder, or in this case, in the eye of the director/producer of the film. But, also in using the however many of the six modes in making a documentary, the reality of it can be warped even more by who the viewer is and how they interpret the film that they are viewing. 

Expository film is based on the idea of "the voice of God," where the unseen voice delivers commentary or describes the film. This mode uses the "voice" to guide the viewer.

Poetic film has no commentary, interviews, or clear-cut view on where it is coming from.

Observational film avoids using voice-over and interviews to get the point across.

Participatory film uses interviews that would only occur if the camera is there and the interviewer influences the person they interview.

Reflexive film often has the director interacting with the subjects, but makes it seem like a normal occurrence, not forced. 

Performative film relies on conveying emotion.

These film modes all rely on how reality is seen by the director and by the viewers as well. 

The Director's Choice...

In our book, Nichols writes, "An attentive viewer must also be familiar with the repertoire of choices a director faces to recognize her decisions as choices rather than as simply the product of the camera's mechanical ability to record images." What do you think Nichols is trying to say in this statement and what are your thoughts?


I believe that what Nichols intent for that statement is that a viewer of a movie needs to understand what truly is behind the movie they are watching. All the time, effort, equipment, and screw ups that went along in the background to make that movie what it is when it hits the big screen. A movie isn't just about one super long shot and getting it on the screen. A movie is about making you feel like you are a part of the story, making you feel the emotions of the characters, and trying to put you into the character's shoes. The director makes their movies so as to pull you into another universe, another reality other than your own, and let you experience that different reality and make you want to be a part of it. Every angle, every movement, took so much time to get correct before the final shots and edits were made. Nichols wants his readers to understand that they need to realize all of the decisions and thought that the director put into their movie to get it on the big screen for everyone to see.

Engaging Cinema

1.) My initial thoughts on studying the subject of film are that there is a lot more to it than I originally thought and that I am truly looking forward to this class. I had never realized all the components of what makes up a movie until reading the first chapter of Engaging Cinema. I am very excited to be taking this class and learning what really makes a movie worth watching.
2.) In my opinion, movies are a social benefit and a social danger. A benefit because you get insight into other types of realities other than your own. A danger because their are some people out there who think to far into it and get offended or try to reenact the movie. All in all, I think the benefits of movies outweigh the dangers. 

First Post!!

Question: What are your thoughts about taking the class History Through Film? What do you hope to get out of this class and what strength do you bring to the class that will help us all progress forward as we learn?

I am personally very excited to be taking History Through Film class this semester. I think that this class will be very interesting to take and I hope to develop a new understanding of movies and what they are based upon. I would have to say that the strength I could bring to this class would be my attention to detail in movies and my knowledge of historical events.