Don't Snatch

My thoughts on Snatch are that I can't understand what they are saying, but I love the film anyway. I had forgotten how many supporting characters there are and one thing about that is that the writer really paints the characters clearly, even if they are given very little screen time. I also like the production values and color scheme. If you notice, there is a large amount of yellow, black and green on the sets and backgrounds, lighting and costumes. This is something that, to me, makes a film great -- when purposeful and unifying decisions are made about character, script and production values.

All of you need to blog daily. Daily means once a day.
Also, Ian and Logan, you need to do a short write up on your choice of film.

Grades are sagging -- even Dave's grade.

Zoolander, Baby!

One thing I want to say about Zoolander is that it seems like a ridiculous movie, and it is a ridiculous movie, but it is also a very smart satire about the American Entertainment Industry. For example, the camera shots are all "MTV" shots, or rip-offs on fashion photography; the political protesters are poking fun at stars such as Angelina Jolie, etc. who fight for rights around the world. There is so much product placement (in the gas fight scene alone)- of course, most movies have that, but it is the tongue and cheek treatment of all of these things that I find so funny and pointed. I think the makers of the film (and probably led by Ben Stiller) are trying to point out that entertainment is entertainment and everything else - economics, politics, education - should probably stay in their own arenas. So I ask you - do you agree or disagree with this - the idea that American Entertainment is so all-encompassing that everything else (economy, politics, world affairs, education) is somehow tied to it. Or should entertainment just stand on its own, as entertainment? (Matty B. was also great in the film - Hansel is my favorite character by far.)

Commentary and Film Stuff

Thanks to everyone for their commentary on the shows. It is an ever-changing evolving process, so we will see where next year takes us.

Ian, Eric, and Logan - oh, and Dave -
Here are my thoughts on V for Vendetta. Best Lines of Dialogue - Probably from the "Voice of London" as he harshes on America. Best shots - the ones through the fog when the masked man is taking over the news station - when he has all the guys wearing his masks. Creeptastic. I'm enjoying it so far. Please publish your comments.

About your reflection...

From Ms. V-
Congratulations! I am very proud of each of you and think the 2008 show was outstanding! I'd like to second Ms. Houston's request for a post-mortem reflection on the plays, the process, and what you learned going forward.

Please write us a reflection about your experience - think about everything from writing, to auditions, to rehearsals, tech and performance. Also let us know how you feel about your finished product -- was it worth all the work? We would also like to hear any suggestions you have for the future. Keep in mind that next year, Ms. V will be not be here with us at school, so we are looking to streamline and pare down the show quite a bit.

Congratulations!

I thoroughly enjoyed myself!!! It was hilarious and entertaining and I really, really had a fun time watching your work come to life.

Those of you going on internship, I have one more thing I want you to do. I want everyone to write a final reflection on the blog. So, please check it one more time on Monday for directions about your reflection. It is important when your show is done for you to look back and see what was a success and what could be tweaked in your process for the future. So, that will be your final grade for the course.

Great work by all. I hope you understand now why Ms. Vander Schaaff, Mr. Harding, Alia, Ms. Hall, Ms. Bruno, everyone else we do shows with, and I keep doing shows. It is so much work, but the work always pays off in the end. And it is a feeling like no other...

Thursday, April 24th. Last Day before Opening!

Very good work today.Remember, tomorrow is a big day. I want to run all the way through with no stops. If something is wrong (a cue, a costume change, etc), I'd like to keep going and fix later.

Based on today, I think there might be a few places where actors forget a line. That's ok. Just tell them to keep going. At this point, it's the only option.

Also, when you are not on stage as an actor, and not watching the show you directed, I'd like to ask this:One director stands in in the hallway that goes to out to the hall. And, another director stands near the entrance to the dressing room on the other side. Your job will be to make sure that the running crew can get in and out without falling, or having actors/audience in their way. I feel that the two girls are a bit overwhelmed right now with those exits and entrances, and things will only get more chaotic. Also, you might need to help Kendell move a prop table, etc.

Would this work:Lauren: Marly and Andrew--help stand watch
Evan: Ian and Lauren
James: Evan and Marly
Ian: James and Andrew
Marly: Lauren and Ian
Andrew: (until you are needed on stage) James and Evan
Trade with anyone--just let me know the final list. Sarah Vander Schaaff

WED.

From Ms. V-

Reminder that I need bio's from all of you. Got them from Marly, Lauren, Evan, Mike Lang, Andrew Hanks--thank you.
Also, need to get a group photo of all directors. Would like to get a group photo of all writers. I know you hate photos, and if you want, we can stage it looks more candid...

Also-as of now, props is getting sandwiches for Evan and for Lauren. No one else has said they need one from props. I have gotten word that a few of you will get special ones yourselves.