"They won't stay dead..."

"Night of the Living Dead" started an entire sub-genre of horror films; the flesh-eating zombie movie. Shot in 1968, a time of great social and political upheaval in the United States, it deals with the breakdown of the established order and the splintering of society into irreparable fragments. Thus doom is spread around evenly and no one survives.

Top Ten Horror Films

The Media Theory & Criticism class spent the week covering genre studies. More specifically, the assignment was to study the horror genre. They selected and voted on a "top ten" list using an open and wide variety of criteria. This is what they came up with in ranking order, #1 being best.

1. Psycho
2. The Shining
3. The Exorcist
4. Silence of the Lambs
5. Jaws
6. Night of the Living Dead
   
7. Alien
8. The Thing (Carpenter)
9. Nosferatu (silent)
10. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

A great list. Here is mine in no particular order.

Psycho
The Bride of Frankenstein
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The Black Cat (1930s Universal)
The Shining
The Seventh Victim
The Cabinet of Dr. Calagari
The Exorcist
Halloween
The Horror of Dracula

Please post your personal list and comment.

Multiple Story Types

Many films have more than one of the five story types (Man vs.) present. "High Noon" is about a town sheriff who is confronted with the return of a vengeful nemesis (Man vs. Man),finds himself alone and struggling with his decision to stay (Man vs. Himself) in a town that won't rise to his defense (Man vs. Society) as the clock ticks down to 12:00 (Man vs. Fate) and the arrival of the Noon Train carrying his approaching death. The story wouldn't exist if it weren't for the presence of the conflict between the two men. Thus, it is primarily a Man vs. Man story although the other aspects are dealt with prominently and directly.

D.O.A. - Film Noir

This week's assigned movie is D.O.A.(1950). Edmond O'Brien is the doomed protagonist in this unusual murder mystery. I have listed three extra films in a new sidebar category, "Streamable Films to Watch": "The Killing" (Stanley Kubrick, dir.), "Panic in the Streets" (Elia Kazan, dir.), and a modern "noir", "Night Moves" (Arthur Penn, dir.), starring Gene Hackman. Please watch what you can. It will add to our discussion next week.

Borrowed Sets for "The Most Dangerous Game"

Sets, mattes and scenic artwork for "The Most Dangerous Game" were those used and created for "King Kong" which was shooting at the same time on the RKO lot. Fay Wray was the female lead in both pictures, putting in many double shift days working on both productions.

"The Most Dangerous Game" Posters

At the top is a scarce half sheet poster (22x28) featuring the mad eyes of Leslie Banks. Directly above is the original one sheet poster (27x41), an extremely rare stone lithograph and worth many thousands of dollars today.

SYLLABUS - CONCEPTUIAL STORYTELLING

COURSE NUMBER: FV2101
COURSE NAME: Conceptual Storytelling

COURSE LENGTH: 11 weeks
CONTACT HOURS: 44 hours
CLASSROOM #: ROOM #
INSTRUCTOR: TOM HAMMOND
PHONE: 813-900-4759
EMAIL: thammond1946@yahoo.com
OFFICE HOURS: Before and after class
CREDITS: 3 credits
DATE OF SYLLABUS: DATE 7/16/10

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course is an introduction to storytelling and the components of a story. The goal is to develop storytelling skills and an understanding of story form. Students will examine the elements of plot, character and theme. Students will be presented with the tools, techniques , and understanding of what stories are and how they work. The course will be comprised of reading, writing, discussion and viewing of traditional storytelling as well as the impact of interactive technology. Students will learn to craft, analyze and critique stories in various formats.

PREREQUISITES:

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:

1. Conceive a concept and communicate the idea to an audience.
2. Understand the historical development and various forms of storytelling.
3. Identify plot type and genre.
4. Understand the power of the storyteller’s methods to capture an audience.
5. Identify subtext in storytelling.
6. Identify story elements: set, setting, plot, character and theme.
7. Identify the elements of story design: protagonist, antagonist, traditional three act structure, plot points, etc.
8. Understand and identify threads and motifs in storytelling.
9. Understand the traditional characteristics of drama and comedy.
10. Create vibrant imagery and generate suspense.
11. Develop strategies for creating original stories.
12. Adapt existing works to the motion picture medium.
13. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of interactive media in relation to traditional storytelling.

GRADING OPPORTUNITIES:
Assessment
This is a highly interactive and discussion-oriented course. Students will learn from one another as well as from the instructor, guest lecturers, the text, readings, exercises, presentations weekly assignments and the final project. Professionalism will be put into practice through the students’ promptness, class attendance, willingness to create a forum for shared ideas, quality and creativity of work, and the meeting of deadlines. Specifically, grades will be based on the following criteria:

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS:
• Viewing and Reading Journal 20%
• Mid-Term Exam 20%
• Final Exam 20%
• Individual Project 20%
• Class Participation & Attendance 20%

STUDENT LEARNING ASSESSMENT:
Appropriate quizzes, tests, and projects will be designed to measure the achievement of the major course achievements as listed above. Instructor will specify such quizzes, tests, and projects on the syllabus to be handed out to the students at the start of the quarter of instruction. In the syllabus, weighted values in percentage will be clearly indicated by the instructor for each category of assessment.

PARTICIAPTION CRITERIA
Excellent
A (93-100)
A- (90-92)
Outstanding participation. The student is actively engaged in every facet of the class. He/She comes to every class session ready to engage in informed discussion bases on a thorough and critical reading of their homework assigned material (if applicable), and he/she maintains complete critical reading notes and brings it to every class session and keeps copies of everything in their journal. The student makes extraordinary contribution to the class through consistently thoughtful, well focused, and original examples. The student works collaboratively with his/her classmates and instructor and the student seeks assistance should he/she need it. The student misses no classes.

Very Good/Good
B+ (87-89)
B (83-86)
B- (80-82)
Good participation. The student is actively engaged in most facets of the class. He/She comes to every class session ready to engage in informed discussion based on a careful reading of the assigned material, and he/she maintains substantial number of critical reading notes and brings it to most class sessions. The student makes a solid contribution to the class through regular relevant and thoughtful comments, questions and examples. The student works collaboratively with his/her classmates and instructor and the student is likely to seek assistance should he/she need it. The student misses the maximum of one class.

Satisfactory
C+ (77-79)
C (73-76)
C- (70-72)
Average participation. The student is actively engaged in some facet of the class. He/She comes to many class sessions ready to engage in informed discussion based on a general reading of the assigned material, including few critical reading notes and brings it to many class sessions. The student makes a contribution to the class through general, incomplete and/or tangential comments. The student, for the most part, works collaboratively with his/her classmates and instructor and is not likely to seek assistance on his/her own. The student misses two class sessions.

Below Average
D (60-64)
Poor participation. The student rarely demonstrated an active engagement in some facets of the class. He/She comes to many class sessions unprepared for informed discussion, and his/her critical reading notes are substantially incomplete and rarely bring it to the class sessions. The student does not collaborate with his/her classmates and instructor and the student is not likely to seek assistance on his/her own or even with direction. The student misses two-three class sessions.
Failure
F (0-59)
Unacceptable participation. The student is not an active member of the class.

Grading Criteria: (i.e. thoroughness, neatness, concept, design, execution, professionalism, presentation, craft, cleanliness, following instructions) applies to all presentations and individual assignments. Handwritten work, no matter how neat you think it is, is not accepted. This is college and all work must be typed. Submission of handwritten work will not even be considered and will receive an F (0) for that assignment.

Grading Scale: A= 93-100, A-= 90-92, B+= 87-89, B= 83-86, B-= 80-82, C+= 77-79, C= 73-76,
C-= 70-72, D+= 65-69, D= 60-64, F= 0-59

CLASSROOM POLICIES:
Late Work: Since this course is dealing with industry success, all projects will be due on the date assigned and at the beginning of all classes. Late work will not be accepted. It will be an F/0. If schedule problems occur, notify the professor before any and all due dates. Putting the “final touches” on your homework/assignments such as stapling, printing out, mounting, cutting or even putting your name on the assignment, etc., prior to the start of class or during break is considered late (therefore an F/0). Regardless of when the work is collected, it should be 100% complete when you walk into class.

Attendance: The Art Institute of Tampa policy requires students to attend a minimum of 82% (36 hours) of scheduled course hours in order to receive a passing grade in a course. Attendance is taken twice throughout the class. If you are just a few minutes late, or walk in when attendance is being taken, it will be marked down as a half (1/2) of absence. Missing two or more classes (or can result in the failing of this class. I repeat: Missing two or more classes can result in the failing of this class (and your other classes as well).

Sleeping in Class: Sleeping in class is not permitted and will not be tolerated. If you are falling, or are a sleep, you will simply be asked to leave the class for the day and will be marked absent for the entire day.

Email: Check often, relay the information to your classmates. Ultimately you are responsible for checking email and following up with the instructor if you not receiving assignments, notes and correspondence for the class via email. It is CRITICAL you start the semester off fresh by clearing out your student account and adjust your forwarding address if necessary. I will correspond with the class quite often via email. Again, check often, relay the information to your classmates and ultimately you are responsible for checking your email. **Let’s exchange information now**

Plagiarism: Plagiarism will not be tolerated and may lead to immediate expulsion from the class and/or college. Plagiarism includes taking words, ideas, or artwork from anyone else and presenting it as your own or not citing properly in accordance with APA Style Guide.

Food/Beverages: Food and non-sealed beverage containers are NOT permitted in any classroom, lab or studio.

Cell Phones and other electronic devices: Cell phone usage is not permitted in any classroom, lab or studio. All cell phones, beepers, games, two-way radios (Nextel), or any other communication device must be turned off before entering the classroom. Leaving the class to take/make a phone call is not permitted unless it is an absolute medical emergency. If you do, you will be marked absent for the entire day. If I see you sending text messages, IMing or playing games or doing anything with any phone or electronic device you will be told to leave the class for the remainder of the day and you will marked absent for the entire day. Leaving devices in silent or vibrate mode is not permitted and text messaging during class is not allowed. In other words, turn all devices completely off and forget you even have them with you for just a few hours. Please take a moment to shut everything off now.

Add/Drop: The first six (6) academic days (not including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) of each quarter are designated as the schedule adjustment period. During this time, students may make registration adjustments (adding, dropping, or changing days/times of courses) without financial penalty.

Holidays: This quarter has no holidays.

Suggested Text(s):
The Power of Myth – Joseph Campbell & Bill Moyers

Recommended Text(s):
• The Writer’s Journey – Christopher Vogler

Required Supplies & Study Aids:
• Journal/Notebook
• Netflix Subscription (first month is free, $9 per month thereafter - $18 total for this class)

ADA Statement: To meet the needs of our students with disabilities, The Art Institute offers reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. Students or applicants who would like to request reasonable accommodations should contact the Student Services Coordinator for the school. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact your instructor and the Dean of Student Affairs in advance of the quarter of study when accommodations are needed.

Saving Work: It is the student’s responsibility to save his or her work to disk. Multiple copies should be saved and verified prior to leaving the classroom. The teacher is in no way responsible for the work saved on hard drives, nor is he/she bound to give an extension on work improperly saved. The hard drives will get purged regularly. Students are expected to back up all work. Loss, theft, computer failure, etc. are not acceptable excuses.

Syllabus Changes: Syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. Awareness of these changes is the student’s responsibility

CLASS SCHEDULE:

Each student will keep an ongoing Viewing and Reading Journal which can be reviewed by the instructor at any time. Always bring it to class with you. Make entries whenever you do any watch or read anything pertaining to class.

Student Projects as “works in progress” will be viewed and critiqued as parts of them become available.

Various films will be required viewing during the quarter. Their content will be included on the tests.

WEEK 1 Friday, July 16
Introductions, Student Data, Course Overview/Survey
Theory and Practice:
• History of Storytelling
• Live story performance
Viewing Assignment: “The Most Dangerous Game”
Assignment: Journal

WEEK 2: Friday, July 23
Theory and Practice
• The Three Act Structure
• Discussion of “The Most Dangerous Game”
Viewing Assignment: “D.O.A.”
Assignment: Journal

WEEK 3: Friday, July 30
Theory and Practice:
• Story Types
• Discussion of “D.O.A.”
Viewing Assignment: “To Be Or Not To Be”
Assignment: Journal

WEEK 4: Friday, August 6
Theory and Practice:
• Plot construction
• Discussion of “To Be Or Not To Be”
Viewing Assignment: “The Day the Earth Stood Still”
Assignment: Journal

WEEK 5: Friday, August 13
Due at Beginning of Class:
Final Project Outline
Theory and Practice:
• Master Plots
• Discussion of “The Day the Earth Stood Still”
Viewing Assignment: “Five Easy Pieces”
Assignment: Journal

WEEK 6: Friday, August 20
Mid-Term Exam:
Theory and Practice:
• Character
• Discussion of “Five Easy Pieces”
Viewing Assignment: “Night of the Living Dead”
Assignment: Journal

WEEK 7: Friday, August 27
Theory and Practice:
• Theme
• Discussion of “Night of the Living Dead”
Viewing Assignment: “A Clockwork Orange”
Assignment: Journal

WEEK 8: Friday, September 3
Theory and Practice:
• Adaptation
• Discussion of “A Clockwork Orange”
Viewing Assignment: “The Trial”
Assignment: Journal

WEEK 9: Friday, September 10
Theory and Practice:
• Unconventional and alternate methods
• Discussion of “The Trial”
Viewing Assignment: “Peeping Tom”
Assignment: Journal

WEEK 10: Friday, September 17
Theory and Practice:
• Interactive Storytelling
• Discussion of “Peeping Tom”
Viewing Assignment: None
Assignment: Journal

WEEK 11: Friday, September 24
Final Exam:
Final Critique:
• Presentation of Final Project
• Turn in Journals
• Class evaluation


COURSE NUMBER: FV2101
COURSE NAME: Conceptual Storytelling
INSTRUCTOR: Tom Hammond

• I have completely read and fully understand the contents of this syllabus
• I take full responsibility for living up to these obligations including, but not limited to attendance, participation, notes, quizzes, projects, etc.
• I will ask for help/assistance (both in and out of class) if needed


Student Signature: ______________________ Instructor Signature: __________________________

Print Name: ___________________________ Print Name: ________________________________

Date: ________________________________ Date: _____________________________________

The Crazies Review

I was in the mall today so I decided to catch matinee showing ($7.50) of "The Crazies". I am really pleased with this film. It's kind of if "Cabin Fever" and "28 Days Later" had a love child...it would probably be the Crazies.

(Personally, I'm a big fan of both of those flick).

Oh and seeing the trailer for "A Nightmare on Elm Street" remake on big screen was like an icing on the cake.

Title: THE CRAZIES
Genre: HORROR/ACTION/DRAMA
Director: BRECK EISNER
Summery: About the inhabitants of a small Iowa town suddenly plagued by insanity and then death after a mysterious toxin contaminates their water supply. (imdb.com)

The Crazies is a remake of George A. Romero's 1973 film of same name. I've seen it awhile ago and I thought it was pretty weak compared to Romero's other works ("Dawn of the Dead", "Night of the Living Dead"). I thought to myself, will the remake be any better? With an excellent remake of Dawn of the Dead, I thought to myself...maybe?

That's before I found who is directing it. The director of "Sahara" got attached to it directing this film. That's when I lost hope...and not like the director himself is responsible for the film but I didn't think Mr. Eisner had much experience to direct a horror movie...but neither did Zack Snyder. Hey, prove me wrong!

Anyway, I kinda forgot about this movie until the trailer come out. Everything about the trailer was great and I wondered if this could be one of those decent horror movies. I'm really happy to announce that the movie exceeded my expectation. When I sat down in theaters and even before the lights went off, I was prepared for just a decent popcorn flick.

I was pleasantly surprised from the very beginning. The story doesn't beat around the bush and jumps right in with opening shots that establish the location perfectly. Those were some really nice shots, I can add. Than without any dialogue we get to know the main character through a montage as he drives his car through the little town. That's very good storytelling since number one rule in filmmaking is...SHOW, DON'T TELL!

The story is very basic man vs. society that has been done many times before. The characters were great and the tension in the movie is very good. It reaches its peaks than slows down just to jump right back up. The scares follow mostly the basic formula for the horror movie but it does have few surprises here and there. Overall the action keeps the movie going as some of the dialogue feels a little stale. Nothing major thought.

Oh and I also have to add that the film has very solid cinematography. Visually, the movie is stunning and to me that's always a big plus. What can I say? I'm jealous :)

Overall, I give this movie a solid 7.8/10 - Worth checking out if you enjoyed "28 Days Later", "Cabin Fever", and "Dawn of the Dead" (2003). For some of course, the movie might seem like just a rental. It's up to you.

Trailer
imdb.com

A Nightmare on Elm Street Trailer

Daytime Drinking

I happened to run across an ad for this film online somewhere, so I added it to my Netflix queue. Had never heard of anyone involved but it turned out to be pretty good. Its a Korean film, basically about a guy who just broke up with his girlfriend and goes on a road trip to try to forget her, sort of a series of mini-vignettes with an odd sense of humor and some strange twists. Entertaining, I recommend it. IMDB link: Daytime Drinking

The Shutter Island Review

I just watched a late night showing of The Shutter Island and let's start by saying that it was a ten dollars well spent.

Title: THE SHUTTER ISLAND
Genre: DRAMA/MYSTERY/THRILLER
Director: MARTIN SCORSESE
Summery: Drama is set in 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is investigating the disappearance of a murderess who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane and is presumed to be hiding on the remote Shutter Island. (imdb.com)

When it comes to Martin Scorsese's films, The Shutter Island is not his strongest but at the same time it is a very good film on Scorsese's part. Visually it's stunning. The dream sequences are very powerful and the acting for the most part is strong. Leo DiCaprio, Michelle Williams, and of course Ben Kingsley really shine in this movie. I think that Mark Ruffalo's role was a miscast. Usually I enjoy Ruffalo's work but this time I really didn't feel his character. Also I have to note that the music was beautiful. Apparently no score was recorded for the film, instead Scorsese hired Robbie Robertson to ensemble already recorded material. I tip my hat because in my opinion it fitted the movie spot on! In fact my friend pointed out that the music style and sound editing reminded him of the older movies from the 60's. Now that I think about it, the music placement really gave my that (Alfred Hitchcock's) "Psycho" vibe, and now I know why.

The story itself tries to be complex but if you put it piece by piece than it is actually really easy. I think the plot was interesting and it had a very big premise but sadly I feel like it didn't delivery. It was wrong pacing for a mystery. Maybe it is because the idea has been done so many times but I believe that it's the script's fault. I haven't read it yet but I really believe that a better writing would have saved this movie from being too predictable.

Anyway, I really enjoyed it. I think that The Shutter Island is that kind of movie you don't want to think about the plot until the movie actually is over. When you finally can piece the movie together and you see that last scene that's when you really need to start thinking...the actions of the characters behavior as well as what was said...especially Teddy's last line.

So overall, I'm pretty pleased with the movie even thought it was not what I wanted it to be. And in the end I give this movie 8.4/10

P.S Don't be expecting a horror movie, it's a psychological thriller but only to a degree because the story shifts between different genres. It even has few good laughs.

Trailer
imdb.com

Help

I was enabling all of you to administer and edit this site and revoked my own ability to do so by mistake. Several of you were cleared before that happened. Would one of you who now has that ability go in and give it back to me. I'm locked out from administration until that is done. Click "customize" at the top of the page, then go to the "settings" tab, then to the "permissions" tab and find my name on the list. Thanks, Tom

GO (1999)

I recently saw GO for first time. I've been told to check it out for years but finally decided to watch it.

Directed by Doug Liman (Swingers, Bourne Identity, Mr. & Mrs. Smith)
Written by John August (Big Fish)

It was pretty rad, I mean it was fun and I really liked the storyline. It's not a masterpiece or anything amazing, however it's worth checking out. The story is told from three different points of view that come together in the end. It's about a drug deal that goes wrong. I really like how the story was put together piece by piece.

Unlike the original A,B, and C storyline...here pretty much everything happens at the same time. However, the way the movie is put together it's pretty much seems simple at first than gets more complex and interesting.

7/10

Trailer on youtube, click here
on imdb.com, click here

Few movies I saw recently,

So basically because of Netflix's instant watch, I try to watch as many films on there as I can and recently seen those:

Following - Christopher Nolan's first feature film. Highly recommend

Sunshine Cleaning - Interesting for what it was, worth renting.

World's Greatest Dad - Very enjoyable and well put together film. It's a bit of dark comedy and drama but defiantly worth checking out. It's ironic, strange, and fun.

Cabin Fever 2: Spring Break - Ehm, personally I thought it was decent. I'm a big fan of the first Cabin Fever but many people hated it. I think Cabin Fever 2 was just mindless fun and overall well combined horror and dark comedy. Winston character gets me all the time. It kinda felt like Jennifer's Body, which I also liked...maybe little too much for the film it was.

Nueve Reinas aka Nine Queens - A very well made criminal flick. I saw it few months ago but I just watched it again last week. I really like it. It's in Spanish with English subtitles but totally worth it. The American remake called "The Criminal" is not even half as good but still worth checking out so you can compare. Anyway, if you get a chance check out Nine Queens!

Tonight I plan on seeing 11:14 since it's on Netflix and I just read below that it was good. We'll see about that.

Anyone know what theater we're going to see Wolfman at tomorrow? Text me please; 727 507 1790 thanks!

Primer

"Primer" is the movie I mentioned in our first class, a super-low-budget film from Austin, TX, and one of the best time-travel movies I've ever seen. First time I saw it, I ended up rewatching it at least 5 times within one weekend just to try to untangle the story.

Definitely highly recommend it.

Oldboy

Hey all, glad to be here. Watching and discussing movies for homework? Gee, what a chore.

Just saw this Korean film called "Oldboy" directed by Chan Woo Park. Its from 2003, so possibly some of you have seen it before. Its an awesome story with a very unsettling ending.
Its got one particular action sequence that is amazing, a several minute fight scene all done in one take.

Highly recommended.

11:14

recently saw this movie

pretty awesome!

Hello all!

Let's talk about what we all know and love....movies!

Glad to be here

Hi everyone! Well, here we are. Let's post lots of stuff and get some awesome discussions going.

Welcome to Conceptual Storytelling

I have asked the members of the class to write for this blog. Please feel free to use this site and modify it in any way you wish. Posting is considered class participation and will effect your grade favorably. You may post your papers here as well. Pictures and videos are welcome.