ANTONIONI: readings

Make sure you stop by to get these reading handouts (that I assigned last week) and read at least the section on BLOW UP for class tonight. They are in the box on my desk.

Here are some additional articles and readings for those interested:

Jonathan Dawson's article on Senses of Cinema

Colin Gardner's article on ArtBrain

Notes for a Rather Large Essay on Blowup"

Essay Topics

Your essays are to be standard research essays, 5-7 pages in length, and should comprise an analysis of one film, and a focused discussion of some aspect of its color design and structure. You may choose a film we've already viewed or discussed in class. If you choose something else you need to run it by me first so I have time to see it if I haven't already.

Be creative, original and focused in selecting a topic. If you're stumped for inspiration, re-watch the film and/or do some writing about it. You can focus on technical elements of production design, aesthetics, emotional impact of color, color as a narrative device, or some specific design element such as costumes, sets (art direction), or lighting. Try not to cover too much ground.

Feel free to explore ideas that go against what we've already read or discussed; if you disagree with Bellantoni's take on something, for example, that can be a starting point for formulating your main argument or thesis.

Be creative in use of source material, too. You need to use at least three sources in addition to the film text itself and any DVD extras. You can refer to screenplays, reviews, interviews and scholarly articles or books. The library has a vast assortment of resources. I also have a number of scholarly articles from the Color Film Reader which I can make available to you; I'll list them here this week.

Try to formulate your thesis statement (basically a paragraph that can serve as your opening paragraph) for this week. You can email it to me for feedback. You can also email me if you've having trouble finalizing your topic or have any other questions.

The Green Gown

It's astonishing to me how much buzz there was about this green dress when the film came out. If you do a search on the net you'll find commentary from many sources, although mostly from the worlds of film, fashion and design (in roughly reverse order).

Here are a few I found. I scratch my head reading some of this stuff. Why all the fuss about this dress? Are these people onto something? Is it the color? Discuss! Feel free to bring your own link discoveries into the discussion.

Girl in a Green Dress

Madison Mag

The Guardian: Best Film Costume of All Time??

Popcorn Reel

The Glam Guide: $486 at Nordstrom!

Responses to ATONEMENT

Just to remind everyone; these assignments are due via email before class tomorrow. I would prefer to receive them as soon as possible.

Thanks; hope everyone had a good spring break!