The ballad of John Lennon and Yoko Ono o kung paano mo malalaman na nakita mo na ang Yoko Ono ng buhay mo…

(o dahil  ang totoo ay inaantok ako sa klase kanina, naglakad ako sa mahabang corridor ng UP at nakakita ng isang artikulo tungkol sa kung sino si Yoko Ono sa buhay ni John Lennon)

kilala nyo ba si Yoko Ono?

Sa mga nakakakilala sa Beatles, legendary ang pangalan nya… dahil dati, siya ang iniisip na dahilan kung bakit nakipaghiwalay si John Lennon sa asawa nyang si Cynthia at nawasak ang pamilya nila (kaya nga na-compose ni Paul McCartney ang Hey Jude… para ito kay Julian na anak ni John Lennon kay Cynthia nung nag-divorced sila)…at sya din ang itinuturong dahilan kung bakit nag-disband ang Beatles.

Kilala nyo ba si Yoko Ono?

Sya yung itinuturing na ‘weird’ artist dati…ang ‘labo’ ng kanyang mga visual art installations…at narinig nyo na ba syang ‘kumanta’? tangina…feeling mo ang galing mong singer.

Kilala nyo ba si Yoko Ono?

Nabadtrip ang magulang nya sa kanya kasi dahil galing sa mayamang pamilya, may mga expectations na gusto sa kanya…pinayagan syang mag-‘art’-‘art’, pero di siya kinaya ng pamilya nya dahil mas pinili nya ang ‘bohemian’ lifestyle kesa sa sumunod sa magulang nya.

Nung nag-meet sina John Lennon at Yoko Ono nung November 9, 1966 sa exhibit ni Yoko Ono sa Indica Gallery, bigla na lang may nag-click sa kanila. Palibhasa parehong witty at sarcastic ang humor ng dalawa kaya nagkasundo. Artist pa kaya pareho ng trip. At kaya pa nilang sakyan ang topak ng isa’t-isa…ang magpahaba ng buhok at magmukhang ermitanyo, ang “bed-ins” for peace nila, ang pilosopiya ng ‘bagism’, ang pareho nilang passion at advocacy – kapayapaan (naka-weed man sila o hindi)… tangina di ba? para lang silang karakter sa pelikulang love story (na malamang Filipino o Koreano ang direktor)

Mahirap sabihin na ‘the rest as they say is history’ pagkatapos nilang mag-meet…pareho kasi silang may sabit nun…hindi pa pwede. Pero ganun daw talaga pag nakita mo na ang soulmate mo, dapat di mo na pakawalan kahit mabadtrip pa ang buong mundo sa inyo.

Maaring romanticized ang pag-unfold ng kanilang love story pero hindi rin siguro…kasi pag nag-meet ang dalawang tao na sobrang intense at passionate, unstoppable force talaga yun…malamang magkakagulo talaga… sobrang lungkot, sobrang saya, sobrang adik, sobrang chill, hindi pwedeng gitna…hindi mediocre…alam mong sasabog silang dalawa…kung makikita mo ang pictures nila John at Cynthia Lennon at ikumpara mo sa pictures nila John at Yoko Ono, parang gustong mag-volt in ng mga katawan nila John at Yoko…yung ayaw ng maghiwalay… at kahit ilan beses pinatumbling ni Yoko Ono si John Lennon (ang haba ng buhok ni Yoko di ba?) wala eh… sila pa din hanggang mabaril si John Lennon ng p*&%^inang Mark David Chapman…

Sabi ng mga music historians, kung titingnan nga naman, nung kumalas si John Lennon sa Beatles, naging simula din ito ng kanyang discovery as an artist. Ang Imagine, ang pinakamagandang kanta sa buong mundo ay naisulat nya nung panahon nila ni Yoko Ono. John Lennon was at his best. He was producing some of his best music, being a good father, and working for different advocacies. Eh kung ganyan ‘kasama’ ang ‘impluewensya’ ni Yoko Ono sa kanya, okay na din di ba?

Bakit ko ba sinulat ang napakahabang essay na’to? (dahil hindi ko talaga kayang bigyan ng solusyon ang problema ng kahirapan sa Pilipinas na exam ko sa Phd class ko)

Kasi feeling ko hindi lahat ng tao kasing-swerte ni John Lennon at Yoko Ono. Yung makikita mo ang ka-match mo sa lahat ng bagay. Yung relasyon nila, panaginip lang natin lahat…feeling natin imposible…

Pero sana makita nyo ang Yoko Ono ng buhay nyo.

Kasi… ako ata nakita ko na.

(at akalain mo yun, nag-collaborate nga pala si John Lennon at Eric Clapton…)

 

The different ‘faces’ of beauty

Let me start this post by saying that I am not a fan of beauty pageants. When most young girls would sit by their television screens together with their mothers or sisters, I sat and watched old movies of different kinds. The only time I remember being ‘interested’ in these things was when the Ms. Universe pageant was held years ago in the country – of course, we were all swept away by all the glamour, the hype, and the fact that we have to feel proud because the Ramos administration was able to promote the country as a prime tourist destination because of this event.

But even if I am not a fan of beauty pageants, I am a fan of women. In fact, I think of them as God’s greatest gift to mankind. And do you know where you can find most of these women?

Apparently, a lot of them can be found at the Miss Resorts World Manila pageant held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (a venue which deserves another blog entry altogether) last August 27, 2011.

29 women with beauty and brains competed for the much coveted Ms. Resorts World Manila pageant title

The pageant, which boasted of 29 young women (30 if you count MTV VJ Sarah Meier who hosted the event together with Rovilson Fernandez), gave varying definitions to what being beautiful means. If indeed beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then the pageant certainly gave everyone a reason not to despair despite the skyrocketing cost of gasoline, the news of economic recession in most first world countries, the never ending corruption charges in our government, and other bad news which makes you want to question where the world is coming to.

Everything about the Ms. Resorts World Manila finalists glitter with elegance and glamour similar to other high stakes beauty pageants in the country

But while we can argue the merits of what being beautiful means and that it is actually what’s inside that counts, pageants like these have their own standards of beauty – something that involves parading in swimsuit, in evening gown, and answering questions that may or may not become a part of Filipino popular culture (and perhaps, and more importantly, gay culture). I admire these women because standing up in front of a crowd, of a panel of judges belonging to the country’s elite, is not an easy feat because it means opening themselves up to criticism, to admiration, to judgment, and approval.

As the curtains closes on the 2011 Ms. RWM pageant, Princess Angela Abella's dreams, the reigning Queen, are just starting to come true

In the end, only one dream survived, but it doesn’t mean all 28 dreams have died. It probably meant more learning and experience for these women who are courageous enough to chase after their dreams than most of us who just watch and sit in front of our television screens.

 

The love of my life

 

Contrary to what you might have heard, the love of my life is not Angel Locsin, nor Angelina Jolie, nor Maria Sharapova.

The love of my life was someone I had come across when I was in high school. When I first saw her, she was wearing these suits too big for her figure and a billowing coat that seemed to dwarf her already petite frame. She has red hair (which had undergone several transformations), expressive eyes and a hearty laugh. She was different from the other girls. She was not skinny, certainly not a bombshell. Quite the opposite, she was a nerd (her graduate thesis was on Einstein’s twin paradox), independent, professional, mature, willful, intense, courageous and strong. She is devoted to her career and loyal to her friends. She is a woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it.

For nine years I had been completely devoted to her. Sure, so many things happened in those nine years. There were other women who got my attention, women, who, like her has strength and passion and intelligence. Women who wants to be more than what society defines them to be. But, no matter how hard we tried, no matter the distance and the time passed, in our hearts we cannot forget that one person we consider as the love of our life.

Now, six years later, I am going to see her again…

And I can’t wait…

Note: If you still don’t know who I am talking about, get yourself a copy of The X-Files or watch I Want to Believe and fall in love with Gillian Anderson also known as Dana Katherine Scully of the X-Files

ok..ok…you can fall in love with David Duchovny too.

 

 

Still A Believer After All These Years

My goal last summer was to finish watching 9 seasons (22 one hour episodes per season) worth of X Files dvds in preparation for the second X Files full length film entitled I Want to Believe. For those of you who do not know me during my X Files days, I am a certified X-Phile (what die hard fans of X Files are called).

Anyway, I was in high school when the X Files bug bit me. I don’t know if hormones had something to do with my fanatical devotion to the show, but it got me hooked to the point that no one can drag me out of the house during Monday nights (it was previously shown in RPN 9 before Studio 23 acquired the rights to the last few seasons). Not only that, but whenever there’s a magazine that featured Mulder & Scully on the cover, chances are, I own a copy of that. I was in Greenhills every week, gingerly taking out the allowance I had managed to save in order to buy X Files trading cards, posters, comics and books based on the series. When I had no money to buy the books I wanted, I sold books in Recto and photocopied what I had found in our school library.

I was with Scully and Mulder when they danced together in the Elephant Man-like Postmodern Prometheus, held hands in Pusher, hugged each other and held on for dear life on Requiem, Memento Mori and Milagro, and almost kissed in the first full length feature, Fight the Future, before finally kissing in Triangle (ok, it was not the “real” Scully, but…) My first ever movie premiere was their movie where I laughed and cheered with my fellow X-Philes.

I was THE total FAN. A network executive’s wet dream.

I would sign my name as X in autograph books (what? You haven’t heard of autographs?). My motto was “the truth is out there” or “trust no one”. I looked up what the hell Anasazi, Nisei or Calusari meant. I researched about the Bermuda Triangle, the Philadelphia Experiment, and, of course, Rockwell. I believed that the government was actually wiretapping our phones (we had no telephone then!), that they are monitoring us with bugs and chips hidden in strategic places in our house (for reasons I don’t know), that there is a conspiracy of silence in the government to keep its people from knowing the truth. I believed in Mulder and Scully’s quest. I believed in their journey and in their relationship.

When the X Files went off the air, I was in college and barely hanging on to the series. Mulder left the show on its 9^th season and I missed the chemistry that he and Scully had. My devotion to the show was replaced with real life concerns. I realized that I cannot go on thinking of conspiracies and the truth because life is not television and I am not Mulder or Scully.

After X Files, I drifted off. Sure, there were other TV shows that I religiously watched and I also found Buffy the Vampire Slayer (quite late, actually) and had my share of fanatical devotion (mainly because of Willow and Tara), but I realized that the sense of almost supernatural devotion and loyalty I have shown to the X Files was one of the most passionate things I’ve ever done in my life.

Surprisingly, even after six years of being off the air, (re)watching all 9 seasons of the X Files had taken me back in time. My laptop wallpaper is Mulder & Scully, my Friendster shoutout is all about the X-Files, my ringtone is the X Files theme. I had gotten back to writing and believing that “the truth is out there”, and, post 9/11, I now believe, more firmly than ever, that the government is hiding something from us in the guise of keeping the public safe (ignorant is more like it).

In watching the X-Files, I had rediscovered myself not only as a fan, of what I believed to be the greatest show of all time, but also the kind of person that I had almost forgotten- a person capable of passion and devotion to the truth that is out there.

 

Crash Course to Stalking

After hearing a particularly amusing stalker story, I have decided to give all wannabe stalkers out there a crash course to this much maligned activity… I am no stranger to stalking having fallen prey to some weird crushes when I was young and had nothing better to do.

But, first, and I hope you can forgive me for saying this, but I think stalkers in this day and age are wimps.  I mean, come on, you log on to Friendster (or any other social networking site), search for the name of the person you are obsessing about and voila, instant information! No sweat. During my stalker days, I had to do everything the traditional way. There was even a time that I went to Mass every Sunday just to get a glimpse of the object of my obsession, making careful calculations on where I should place myself especially during the “Our Father” part (where the churchgoers where required to hold hands) and the “Peace be with you” part (where the churchgoers were required to face each other in greeting).  Stalking before actually required guts, mathematical calculation, and strategic thinking.

Disclaimer: There are actually two types of stalkers: the harmless  ones where I used to belong (harmless being contented with obsessing from afar and totally aware that the obsession will not be reciprocated) and the harmful ones (those suffering from insanity or delusions of grandeur… in short, these are the stalkers with restraining orders under their belt…)

So anyway, the first step to stalking is to know the appropriate theme song for your object of obsession (which we will refer to as “stalkee” from hereon). I have compiled a list of songs which deals specifically with stalking. Please note that your choice of song reflects the category of stalking that you belong to…

 

1. Wala Nang Pwedeng Magmahal Sa’yo (aka The Stalker Song) from the Itchyworms’ Noontime Show album

This song tells of an obsession from a point of view of a fan. For fan stalkers, same type applies as the one indicated in the disclaimer. There is nothing wrong with fantasizing a threesome with your favorite actors or actresses, however, there is something seriously disturbing when you start sending them marriage proposals and then threatening them if they rejected you.

 

2.       Your House by Alanis Morissette from the Jagged Little Pill album

 

To those of you who happen to have a cassette tape of Alanis Morissette’s breakthrough album (her best one, IMO), Your House is hidden on the B-side track list. This song is both haunting and painful and Alanis singing this acapella is enough to send goosebumps all over your body. However, no matter how beautiful this song is, let us not forget that this is about someone who went to the house of his/her object of obsession and started imagining them together to the point that the stalker even wore the stalkee’s clothes, smelled his cologne and basically made a mess of the stalkee’s house.

 

3.       The more you ignore me (the closer I get) by Morrissey from the Vauxhall and I album

 

This is for the proactive stalker. Just look at these lyrics:

 

Beware !
I bear more grudges
Than lonely high court judges
When you sleep
I will creep
Into your thoughts
Like a bad debt
That you can’t pay
Take the easy way
And give in
Yeah, and let me in

 

See. For the stalker who knows what he/she wants and knows that the quickest way to the object of his/her obsession is through fear and intimidation.

 

4.       Spiderwebs by No Doubt from the Tragic Kingdom album

 

I’ve read from somewhere (I’m not sure if it’s from an online article or the album sleeve of No Doubt’s greatest hits album) that this song was based on a man who used to call Gwen Stefani for hours to recite bad poetry to her. Although this song was written from the stalkee’s point of view, it still provides us with an insight on how, through sheer “kakulitan”, a stalker can annoy the living lights out of the stalkee. Remember that for stalkers who belong to the second category (the harmful ones), annoyance of the stalkee is a positive reinforcement.

 

5.       Every breath you take by The Police from the Synchronicity album

 

This is the national anthem of all stalkers. Enough said.

 

Every breath you take
Every move you make
Every bond you break
Every step you take
I’ll be watching you

 

how to make a list

I’m a person who likes to keep a list. I have a list of the things I need to do for a day (none of which really gets done). I have a list of my top ten favorite songs and bands of all time. I have a list of my favorite romantic films. I have my top five favorite Beatles and Nirvana songs. I have a list of my favorite X-Files episodes. I have a list of my favorite Mike de Leon or even Cameron Crowe films… in chronological order. I have my own list of the sexiest, prettiest and talented actresses. And I have a list of things I want to do and experience before I die.

But as opposed to the character played by wonderfully perfect Mylene Dizon in Chris Martinez’ 100 , I am not dying of cancer (not yet, at least) and barring any unforeseen accidents, I hope I might actually get to live longer than her character.

100 ranks as my favorite in this year’s roster of Cinemalaya entries (not that I got to watch all entries…) and probably one of the best local films I’ve seen in a long time. Really.

On a related note: To those of you who really know me, the best gauge if I really like a film is if I kept badgering people to see it (i.e. I bugged everyone I knew to watch Two Days in Paris when it was shown last year in Cinemanila). Note to all filmmakers: I am a walking promo ad for a film. And I do it for free. Impress me.

People are probably going to slam me for this, but hey, you know what, I believe that although film should be political, should be committed to a cause, and should reflect quality in terms of storytelling and aesthetics, I also believe that film should touch and move us in ways that is both personal and universal. Free from all the artsy angst and excess baggage that tends to accompany most indie films, 100 was able to tell a very moving story of death and dying in a seamless manner. Exceptional was Larry Manda’s cinematography and the ensemble acting. From the first few sequences, Manda’s kinetic camerawork reflected the lead character’s initial rush to do everything before she dies. However, Mylene Dizon’s initial list merely consists of ordinary and, rather trivial, “to do” things. She had to clean the house, give away her books, fix her insurance, pig out on food, travel, etc. When all these were out of the way, the camera finally settled down. Now, the film wants us to get to know the characters. And know them we did. The chemistry between Mylene Dizon, her best fried played brilliantly by Eugene Domingo, and her mother also brilliantly portrayed by Ms. Tessie Tomas (I dare say that after watching this film, I know that everytime I see Ms. Tessie Tomas, she would always be “in thongs”) are, for lack of a better word, electric. The film alternates between laugh out loud funny and bittersweet tragedy. Who would’ve taught that a film about death could be so hilarious? For people who kept saying that the film is too mainstream, well, here’s the thing. If this is a mainstream film, Mylene Dizon will not be in the lead role (that will be a pity, not only is she a hot mama, but she’s also wonderfully talented. I know I’ve said that twice already), there will be too much crying, hysteria and melodrama, and the ending will be a shot of the lead characters (preferably a love team) pledging their undying love of one another.

On a more personal level, I like the film because I see myself in the character of Mylene Dizon. This is the only local film in which there is a character I can identify with, and rather strongly at that. Like her, I fear that I won’t have enough time to do the things I want and need to do. Like her, I fear that I might’ve wasted so many chances to love the people I should love and care for the things I should care about. I am afraid of not having anything to look forward to, because, how do we know that there is actually a life after this? That we are, in the end, just bits and pieces of bones. Like her, I am afraid of dying without living my life.

If at all, this film may not have told us much about how shitty our life here is in the country, but it did tell us a thing or two about how to live our life. And that’s the way I want my movies to be.

And you know what, keeping a list is easy. Living life…that’s the hard part.

 

 

 

Announcement for CNM 103 class

FRI 1 class:

I will be leaving several handouts kay Ate (yung sa baba ng Arts Bldg) please photocopy because we will have a quiz next meeting before we start our discussion…basta sabihin nyo lang kay Ate na Ma’am Brillon, alam na nya yun…

On the film prod groupings, unfortunately, the groupings will not be based on who your friends are dahil naka-based sya sa kung anong mga positions ang pinili ninyo (in your essay assignment) as well as my own assessment of your capabilities and sense of responsibility (although, yung iba hindi ko pa naging estudyante) so far, here’s the breakdown of the positions that will be the basis for our grouping:

NOTE: This is still tentative although mas may “say” ang mga nag-pass ng assignments…yung mga hindi nagpasa, pls refer to the list below and make your choice…yung may mga question mark (?) na lang ang vacant positions (at zero pa rin kayo sa first assignment) after i get everyone’s choices, i can make the decision on the groupings…

To those people who’d like to change positions, approach me and we’ll talk

Directors: Cena, Cai/ Apostol, N. / Ty, M.

Scriptwriters (will double as Asst Editors): Cisneros, R. / Quilop, C. / Pangilinan, N.

Executive Prod (will help PM arrange the Prod Book and paperworks): Magat, C. /Villacrusis, K. / ?

Asst. Director: Caneza, J./ Igat, G./ dela Cruz, M.

DOP (director of cinematography): Santos, J./ Kawada, G./ ?

Editors (will double as Asst DOP): Salazar, M. / Enriquez, H./ ?

Sound Design: Bulaquina, C./ Mangahas, J./ Valdez, Q.

Lights: Tolentino, V. / Yumang, I./ Garcia R.

Prod Manager: Acosta, J./ Abarientos, V./ Garcia, J.

Prod Designers (including Location, Wardrobe, make up & props): Sabile, L./ Pales, R./Dizon, G./ Alonzo, C./ Lagahit, L./ ?

Publicity Manager (will double as Script Continuity): Teves, M./ Ang, A./ ?

Ma’am B

 

Announcement for CNM 101 class

I hope you haven’t forgotten that we have a quiz on Wednesday on the handouts that I left Ate last week pa… (nakalimutan ko ang name niya…basta yung andun sa baba natin na may photocopying machine)

Also be ready for our discussion of the early history of film and classical hollywood cinema

 

CNM 101 syllabus (introduction to film)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION

Institute of Arts and Sciences

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

COURSE SYLLABUS 2008-2009

Introduction to Film (CNM 101) Prof. Cherish Aileen A. Brillon

1st semester 2008-2009 wanderingsoul_8@yahoo.com

Class schedule: Wed (3:00-6:00) theintellectualrebel.wordpress.com

Consultation: by appointment

Course Description:

This course examines the nature of film as an art form. It tackles the historical account of film from discovery of photography until the 21^st century film.

Course Objectives:

At the end of the semester, the students are expected to:

1. Discover the beginnings of film as an art
2. Appreciate the nature of film and its contribution to its society and nation.
3. Understand the various socio-political factors affecting filmmakers with their film as means of artistic expressions
4. Familiarize with the elements and cinematic codes of film as foundation of film art appreciation in and out of the country.

Required texts:

1. Mast, G. & Kawin, B. (1992). A Short History of the Movies (5^th ed.). USA: MacMillan
2. Bordwell, D. & Thompson, K. (2004). Film Art: An Introduction (7^th ed). New York: McGraw Hill.
3. Pramaggiore, M. & Wallis, T. (2006). Film: A Critical Introduction. China: Laurence King Publishing

Supplementary readings:

1. Prince, S. (1997). Movies and Meaning: An Introduction to Film. USA: Allyn & Bacon.
2. Philips, W.H. (2002). Film: An Introduction(2^nd ed). USA: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
3. Dancyger, K. (1999). The World of Film and Video Production: Aesthetics and Practices.
4. Nelmes, J. (ed). (1996). An Introduction to Film Studies. New York, London: Routledge.

Course requirements:

I. Papers

A. Film Notebook

This notebook should outline the plot and significant scenes of each film. This will help you remember the films around exam time and prepare you for identification questions on the tests.

B. Reaction papers

Film reviews for Cinemalaya (due this July) and Cinemanila (due this August) Film Festivals and Reaction paper on educational tour

II. Recitation/Reporting

The class will be divided into several groups and will be asked to report on assigned topics

III. Assignments

Regular assignments should be passed on time.

IV. Quizzes

There will be announced and surprised quizzes during the semester.

V. Regular attendance

The University policy of 6 absences (considered dropped) will be strictly implemented, as well as 3 instances of tardiness (arriving 15 mins late prior to your class schedule) will be considered an infraction on your attendance.

For a 3-hour class, you are only allowed 3 absences before being considered dropped and an allowance of 30 mins or you will be considered tardy.

Grading Scheme Transmutation table: Formula for computing grades:

Papers/Film Notebook 40% 95–100 = 1.00 PG= 2(CS)+PX/3

Recitation/Reporting 20% 90-94 = 1.25 MG = 2(CA)+PG/3

Quizzes 25% 86-89 = 1.50 FG= 2(CA)+MG/3

Assignments 15% 82-85 = 1.75

78-81 = 2.00

Total 100% 74-77 = 2.25

70-73 = 2.50

*Grading system is cumulative 66-69 = 2.75

60-64 = 3.00

Classroom Policy:

1. Submission dates for assignments, papers and other class projects will be strictly enforced. I will not accept late submissions except under special circumstances (in case of absences resulting to sickness and other life and death matters, please present an excuse letter and a medical certificate)
2. Make up quizzes will only be given to those who can present an excuse letter and a medical certificate
3. As previously mentioned, infractions on absences and tardiness will strictly be enforced.
4. There will be a 10-15 minute break during the 3 hour class.
5. When there is group reporting or any group activities (projects), individual group members are required to submit a written evaluation with a corresponding grade of their groupmates. It should be typewritten and sealed for confidentiality purposes. Peer evaluation makes up 20% of the grade for each activity.
6. For those who missed the screening of scheduled films, you will be asked to watch an alternative film that you can rent on your local video shops.
7. Please put your mobile phones on silent mode during class hours. Likewise, iPods, PSPs, mp3s and mp4s are not allowed when class is ongoing.
8. Anyone caught cheating is subject to disciplinary action
9. I reserve the right to answer your texts messages especially if it pertains to topics already discussed in class.
10. Anyone caught committing acts of plagiarism (especially copy paste techniques) automatically gets a grade of 5.00.
11. Regularly visit theintellectualrebel.wordpress.com for special class related announcements. Click on the category to which your class belongs.
12. Since this is a film class and film screening is an important part of the subject, I expect everyone to be on time and to observe proper decorum. Latecomers during the screening of the film will not be allowed to enter the room until after the movie is finished.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Week 1

Topics: Discussion of syllabus

Screening Cinema Paradiso by Giuseppe Tornatore (alternative)

Assignment Form groups of five and present a timeline of the early history of film from photography to moving images

Part I Film History/Movements

Week 2

Topics: Early History of Film and Classical Hollywood Cinema

Readings: Mast: Chapter 2: Birth of Cinema

Bordwell & Thompson: Chapter 12: Film History

Screening: The Birth of A Nation (D.W. Griffith)

Activity Group presentation of early history of film

Assignment: Read up on German Expressionism and French Impressionism

Week 3

Topics: German Expressionism and French Impressionism and Surrealism

Readings: Mast: Chapter 7: German Golden Age

Bordwell & Thompson: Chapter 12: Film History

Screening Metropolis by Fritz Lang

Activity Recitation

Week 4

Topic: Soviet Montage and Italian Neorealism

Readings: Mast: Chapter 8: Soviet Montage

Chapter 13: Neorealism

Bordwell & Thompson: Chapter 12: Film History

Screening The Bicycle Thief by Vittorio de Sica

Activity Long quiz (including Soviet Montage and Italian Neorealism)

Assignment List down at least five French New Wave and/or Contemporary Hollywood Cinema Filmmakers and their contribution to the current film industry

Week 5

Topic: French New Wave and Contemporary Hollywood Cinema

Readings: Bordwell & Thompson: Chapter 12: Film History

Mast: Chapter 10: France Between the Wars

Chapter 11: The American Studio Years

Chapter 15: Hollywood Renaissance

Screening Reservoir Dogs by Quentin Tarantino or Masculin Feminin by Jean Luc Godard

Assignment Form groups of five and choose one Asian country and discuss its film history/movement

Week 6 Prelim exams

Screening Batch 81 by Mike de Leon

Week 7

Topic: History of Asian Cinema (Japan, China, Korea & Philippines)

Readings: Bordwell & Thompson: Chapter 12: Film History

Mast: Chapter 14: Emerging National Traditions I (Cinemas East)

Problems in Philippine Film History by Bienvenido Lumbera *

Hidden Secrets: Chinese Independent Films in the 1990s (taken from Cinema Indio) *

Screening Rashomon by Akira Kurosawa

Activity Group presentation of Asian cinema history (quiz)

Assignment List down 10 film terminologies and define each

Week 8

Continuation of discussion/film screening

Part II: The Study of Film Medium

Week 9

Topic: The Language of Cinema

Film Equipment (camera, lights, editing machines)

Readings: Mowelfund Handouts

Dancyger: Chapter 1: The language of cinema

Activity Recitation

Hands on demonstration/identification of film equipment

Assignment Define mise-en-scene

What are the elements of mise-en-scene and discuss each.

Week 10

Topic: Film Techniques (Visual Elements, editing, sound, acting)

Readings: Bordwell & Thompson: Chapter 2: Film Form

Chapter 3: Narrative as a formal system

Chapter 6: Mise-en-scene

Nelmes: Chapter 4: Film Form and Narrative

Screening A Clockwork Orange by Stanley Kubrick

Assignment List down 5 film genres and give 5 conventions of each genre

Week 11

Continuation of discussion/film screening

Announcement of the requirements for midterm exams

“Choose your film day” OPTIONAL

Choices of film: V for Vendetta by The Wachowski Brothers– Action/Adventure

Bowling for Columbine by Michael Moore – Documentary

Stranger than Fiction by Marc Forster – Comedy

Psycho by Alfred Hitchcok – Horror/Suspense

Across the Universe by Julie Taymor – Musical

Week 12 Midterm exams

Presentation of videos by groups

Activity Take Home Quiz:

Outline the history of studio system

What is the implication of the studio system in the current setup of film industry?

How has the star system affected the structure of the film industry?

Week 13

Topic: Introduction to Film Genres

Readings Bordwell & Thompson: Chapter 4: Introduction to Film Genres

Bordwell & Thompson: Chapter 5: Documentary, Experimental, Animated

Pramaggiore & Wallis: Chapter 13: Genre

Part III Film as social practice

Week 14

Topic: Studio and Star system

Readings: Mast: Chapter 9: Studio System

Pramaggiore & Wallis: Chapter 15: Cinema as an industry: Economics and Technology

Assignment Form a group of three students and review one film based on the MTRCB Rating and Review System

Week 14

Topic: Censorship and self-regulation

Film Education

Readings: Contemporary articles on Philippine Cinema

Plaridel (August 2004): MTRCB Implementing Rules and Regulations and the Long Road to Freedom of Expression by Lucenio Lauzon *

Pramaggiore & Wallis: Chapter 10: Social Context and Film Style

Activity Presentation of findings by each group (Recitation)

“Choose your film day”

Choices of film: Burlesk Queen by Celso Ad Castillo

Science of Sleep by Michel Gondry

Working Girls by Ishmael Bernal

2046 by Wong Kar Wai

Mulholland Dr by David Lynch

Week 15 “Movie Marathon Day”

Week 16 Continuation of unfinished discussion

Week 17 Final Exams

Revised by:

Cherish Aileen A. Brillon AY 2008-2009

The Truth Is Out There

 

CNM 103 syllabus (Film Production)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION

Institute of Arts and Sciences

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

COURSE SYLLABUS 2008-2009

Film Production (CNM 103) Prof. Cherish Aileen A. Brillon

1st semester 2008-2009 wanderingsoul_8@yahoo.com

Class schedule: (Tues: 3:00-6:00) theintellectualrebel.wordpress.com

Consultation: by appointment

Course Description:

This course introduces the student to the rudiments of film / video (alternative) production making; to aesthetically craft social, political, economic perspectives using film as medium of expression and to utilize creative talents in culminating a student film production that would help develop society’s engaging issues.

Course Objectives:

At the end of the semester, the students are expected to:

1. Understand the nature and principles of filmmaking from a global perspective and approach
2. Utilize the fundamentals of film craftsmanship
3. Promote human values in filmmaking through a rigorous process and production
4. Execute plans, techniques, and aesthetics on the use of film as a medium of expression and communication

Required texts:

1. Mamer, B. (2006). Film Production Techniques (2^nd ed.). USA: Wadsworth.
2. Dancyger, K. (1999). The World of Film and Video Production: Aesthetics and Practices. USA: Harcourt Brace & Company
3. Crisp, M. (1996). The Practical Director. USA: Focal Press.

Supplementary readings:

1. Baumgartel, T. (ed.) (2007). Kino Sine: Philippine German Cinema Relations. Manila: Goethe-Institut
2. Bordwell, D. & Thompson, K. (2004). Film Art: An Introduction (7^th ed). New York: McGraw Hill.
3. Kenny, Isabel E. (2005). Making documentaries in the Philippines. Manila: Anvil Publishing Inc.
4. Pincus, E., & Ascher, S. (1984). The filmmaker’s handbook. New York: Plume Book.
5. Travis, M. (2002). Directing Feature Films.
6. Bernstein, S. (1988). The Technique of Film Production. USA: Focal Press.

Course requirements:

I. Film

Final output is a film project geared towards film competitions outside of the University. Genres are short narrative, experimental, and documentary (either environmental or advocacy). Guidelines will be discussed in class. Prelims will consist of the sequence treatment. Midterm exams will be composed of the first rushes of the film while the Final exams will be the revised output.

II. Recitation/Reporting

The class will be divided into several groups and will be asked to report on assigned topics

III. Assignments

Regular assignments should be passed on time.

IV. Quizzes

There will be announced and surprised quizzes during the semester.

V. Regular attendance

The University policy of 6 absences (considered dropped) will be strictly implemented, as well as 3 instances of tardiness (arriving 15 mins late prior to your class schedule) will be considered an infraction on your attendance. For a 3-hour class, you are only allowed 3 absences before being considered dropped and an allowance of 30 minutes.

Grading Scheme Transmutation table: Formula for computing grades:

Special projects/Papers 40% 95–100 = 1.00 PG= 2(CS)+PX/3

Recitation/Reporting 20% 90-94 = 1.25 MG = 2(CA)+PG/3

Quizzes 25% 86-89 = 1.50 FG= 2(CA)+MG/3

Assignments 15% 82-85 = 1.75

78-81 = 2.00

Total 100% 74-77 = 2.25

70-73 = 2.50

*Grading system is cumulative 66-69 = 2.75

60-64 = 3.00

Classroom Policy:

1. Submission dates for assignments, papers and other requirements will be strictly enforced. I will not accept late submissions except under special circumstances (in case of absences resulting to sickness and other life and death matters, please present an excuse letter and a medical certificate)
2. Make up quizzes will only be given to those who can present an excuse letter and a medical certificate
3. As previously mentioned, infractions on absences and tardiness will strictly be enforced.
4. When there is group reporting and group activities (projects), individual group members are required to submit a written evaluation with a corresponding grade of their groupmates. It should be typewritten and sealed for confidentiality purposes. Peer evaluation makes up 20% of the grade for each activity.
5. Please put your mobile phones on silent mode during class hours. Likewise, iPods, PSPs, mp3s and mp4s are not allowed when class is ongoing.
6. Anyone caught cheating is subject to disciplinary action
7. I reserve the right to answer your texts messages especially if it pertains to topics already discussed in class.
8. Anyone caught committing acts of plagiarism (especially copy paste techniques) automatically gets a grade of 5.00.
9. Regularly visit theintellectualrebel.wordpress.com for special class related announcements. Click on the category to which your class belongs.
10. Since this is a film class and film screening is an important part of the subject, I expect everyone to be on time and to observe proper decorum.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Week 1

Topics: Discussion of syllabus

Screening Lababo by Seymour Barros Sanchez (Short narrative)

Meshes of the Afternoon by Maya Deren (experimental)

The Ballad of Mimiong’s Minion by Jobin Ballesteros (short narrative)

Assignment Enumerate the duties and responsibilities of the production staff (film)

Week 2

Topics: Review of Film Movements (history)

Duties and Responsibilities of the production staff

Readings: Bordwell & Thompson: Chapter 12: Film History

Dancyger: Chapter 1: The Language of Production

Chapter 2: An Overview of the Production Process

Mamer: Chapter 3: Crew Organization

Activity Groupings and assignment of final project

Assignment: Per group: Report on short narrative, experimental, and documentary (advocacy filmmaking)

Week 3

Topics: Documentary, Short Narrative, Experimental genres

Readings The Workshop Set the Tone For Me by Ditsi Carolino *

Experimental Film Production in the Philippines by Christoph Janetzko *

Pramaggiore & Wallis: Chapter 8: Alternatives to Narrative Fiction film: Documentary & Avant Garde

Activities: Group reporting on the assigned genre (recitation)

Screening: Bowling for Columbine by Michael Moore

Assignment: Form groups of five and compile pictures of the different types of cameras (film and video), lenses and lighting equipment. Be ready to tell the class about it.

Week 4

Topic: Pre-Production Phase (from concept to script to location hunting)

Readings: You Have to Let Your Sariling Duende Speak: A Conversation Between John Torres and Kidlat Tahimik *

Mamer: Chapter 4: Preproduction

Dancyger: Chapters 3-7: Pre-production: The Conceptual World

Assignment Concept and Sequence Treatment of the film project (quiz)

Activity Submission of the previous assignment/Brainstorming

Week 5

Topic Production Techniques (The Camera)

Readings: Dancyger: Chapter 8-11: Production: The Technical World

Mamer: Chapter 1: Creating the Shots

Chapter 5: The Camera

Crisp: Chapter 1: lenses

Activity Reporting/Hands on training

Submission of sequence treatment

Week 6 Prelim exams

Submission of first draft of script and defense

Week 7

Topic: Continuation of production techniques (camera and lighting)

Readings Mamer: Chapter 12: Lighting

Dancyger: Chapter 8-11: Production: The Technical World

Crisp: Chapter 2: Lighting and Equipment

Activity Hands on training

Week 8

Topic: Continuation of production techniques (costumes, acting, production design)

Readings Mamer: Chapter 2: Constructing the Scene

Crisp: Chapter 4: Production Management

Activity Hands on training

Week 9, 10, 11 Shooting schedule

Note: Your written output regarding what transpired during the shoot will be the basis for the midterm quiz

Week 12 Midterm exams

Presentation of the initial rushes by each group

Consultation

Week 13

Topic: Post Production (editing and sound design)

Readings: Mamer: Chapter 16: Editing

Dancyger: Chapter 12-14: Post Production: Editing and the World Beyond

Crisp: Chapter 9: Editing

Week 14 Post production break

Week 15 or 16 Submission of Final Output

Week 17 FEU Film Society Film Festival

Revised by:

Cherish Aileen A. Brillon AY 2008-2009

The Truth Is Out There