As I have finally figured out how to manage this blog after extreme duress and difficulty, I can now write my first post. I suddenly feel I am 71 rather 17 after learning how to manage this contraption. I thought to myself as I wrote this post, that it must be one of great brilliance, so I apologize for my delay. Hopefully this elicits a positive response and not a sarcastic one that will bring me to flowing tears while clutching my 5 year old teddy bear Clarence. In my 1st post I will tell of my previous experience with the one and only Mr. Bennett and some of my views on movies and such.
Coming into the class I have high expectations. I had Mr. Bennett all of freshman year and I honestly had great fun in that class. Anything from sarcastic comments to and about Kenley, discussions of everyday things, mixed with global history was unconventional yet educational. Personally I prefer that way of teaching in my opinion over reading off pieces off paper any day. I still remember the teasing Mr. Bennett gave me because I was the only guy who would read the troubadour love poem. Right after I read it, he continually told me to go and get Gaby and Boffa’s phone number. I even remember the random analytical things he said to us. Like if a person’s foot is spasmodically moving they really want to leave class. Everyday, the last five minutes film class usually has at least 2 people doing this which always brought t a smile. For Mr. Bennett to say he remembered me and said he was disappointed I didn’t do AP
Coming into the film class I must say I am impressed. I don’t usually watch serious films and tend to go more entertainment wise. However my preferences are not strict at all. I will agree with Bennett in that moral ambiguity is a great addition to character’s portrayal, but I don’t really find it necessary. I was very happy you said you liked Fight Club. The movie had great twists as well developed storyline and a strong message. I have become a huge Edward Norton fan over the years and the fact he was robbed of an Oscar in American History X to Life Is Beautiful’s Benigni was appalling. It also argued the point against Mr. Bennett mentioned about historical films getting the awards majority of the time. This is the one time I hoped it would be that way however and the fact this “indie” film won annoyed me. Indie films aren’t genres!
A movie I thought was very powerful and displayed moral ambiguity in it as well was The Dark Knight. I may be somewhat biased in that I have been a superhero comic fan since I was a youngin, but the movie itself is universally praised by not just myself. If people can sit and watch a boring mundane rip-off known as Benjamin Button (this was surely no box of chocolates) then spend that amount of time watching a much better film. Bruce Wayne battles crime in his town under the persona of Batman while wondering to himself can he stand by his code of honor of not killing the psychotic Joker. In the process it shows the point of how long does a man keep his honor in front of evil before he becomes the villain himself in that of DA Harvey Dent becoming the villain Two-Face. I thought everything from cinematography to character portrayal was original and powerful. Heath Ledger was certainly worthy of his Oscar as he gave downright chills and a believable outlook to the notorious fictional character. The fact the movie couldn’t garner a best picture for its originality and stunning display to fans annoyed me to no end. Unlike other action/superhero films it delved into the morality of the characters and the ethics that factor into corruption as well. I found it thought provoking and entertaining.
Hopefully if we get the chance, I hope at least one of the two Edward Norton films I mentioned or the Dark Knight are seen. I thought all three were films that brought entertainment and yet helped you gain something. When you asked to write films that we thought great I put down Slumdog Millionaire solely because it was a good film I recently saw. I personally hate movies of the Bollywood genre and I’m Indian of all ethnicities ironically. Give me a good war film any day over that. I’ll end my first post here and I hope you will excuse my verbosity. I share many of your sentiments on film and am learning something new everyday. I’m looking forward to some new memories in this class. I’ve already learned more than I did in Baldari’s.
Slumdog Millionaire was not a Bollywood film. It was a film with an all Indian cast, but was financed by the USA and the UK. That's why it was eligible for Best Picture and not Best Foreign Film. As for the dance number in the end credits, that was simply an homage to Bollywood features. I just wanted to remind you that you haven't sent me your trix rabbit poems! Remember I gave you my email address? In case you lost it, its mcrfan339@aol.com
ReplyDeleteArun, this was an awesome first post. I have had so many memories in Mr. Bennett's class that will never be forgotten, too bad I couldn't have had him freshmen year. In terms of your movies, I agree with you on Edward Norton and Fight Club, I think they are both great. In terms of The Dark Knight, I do believe that you have a valid point about its originality and moral ambiguity, and I think that it may have deserved a Best Picture nomination, possibly, but recently seeing Frost/Nixon, I do think that Frost/Nixon was a better executed film, but there is no doubt that The Dark Knight was far more than a superhero movie and is certainly worthy of some critical praise. Can't wait for the rest of the year as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you for such kind words, Arun. I was absolutely serious when I said that I regretted your absence from AP American last year. You were one of the heavy hitters in freshman year, and you deserved to be in the class. However, I can't thing of a better consolation prize than Ms. Baldari. She was a dedicated professional and a lover of history. And best of all, she always laughs at all my jokes, no matter how corny.
ReplyDeleteThanks also for such a thoughtful post. You needn't have gone to such effort on your first one, and feel free to post any old nonsense that comes to mind. However, this one has really pushed me to see The Dark Knight. So many of you have raved about it that my curiosity is piqued.
In the meantime, we'll try to get through Citizen Kane. It's a required viewing, but frankly, I'm not sure everyone likes it much. The next film, though, is sure to please.
Sik 1st post arun, hope we get to watch some Ed norton flicks too. Im also, angry TDK was gyped from even getting a best picture nomination, it was much better than "Forrest gump 2" , the only other nominee i saw.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, it was an enjoyment reading your blog, I completely agree that the Dark Knight held great moral imbiguity and was an excellent film, I believe that studying that film would be a great asset to the film class and I feel that Heath's portrayal of the Joker was chilling.
ReplyDeleteThough I disagree with your opinion on Baldari, I thought this blog was highly insightful of you. I'm sorry to say that I don't know you very well, but this piece seemed to do you justice, not just in what you said, but in how you said it(Please excuse the run on). I certainly agree with your feelings on Ed Norton's lack of little gold figurines, he plays one hell of a recovering Nazi.
ReplyDeleteI do not have the prior experience with Bennet that you do, but I feel pretty optimistic and I've already grown to like him greatly (and I'm not just saying that because the marking period ends in two days). I predict that by the time the semester ends I'll have quite a few fond memories of this class.
Awesome post. I never had Baldari so I have also already learned more than i ever did in her class. I saw Fight Club recently and also thought it was great. It had a lot of action but also made you think, and I totally did not see the twist coming. The Dark Night is another one I also agree with you on. Many movies are hyped up, but not many live up to their hype. For me, The Dark Night was one of the few.
ReplyDeleteDominic my comment was meant to be sarcastic which ended up turning out more malicious than jokingly. I was kidding I was an advocate of Baldari receiving our class' NHS nomination in the beginning of junior year. I enjoyed her class although in hindsight I wished I was part of AP US. Also Rob glad we see eye to eye on those movies. Both I enjoyed a lot.
ReplyDelete