6-7 pages doubles spaced
we have spoken about films as director-driven works of art. However, many technicians, artists, and artisans work on any given film, and each contributes immeasurably to the overall impact that the film makes. For this paper prompt, I am challenging you to look at these other artisans, and evaluate the extent to which they too serve as authors of the films that they work on. Below are four different artists who have worked on films that we’ve screened this semester, each with a select filmography. Pick one of these artists and one other film on the filmography I’ve provided. Study both this film and the film that we screened in class. Then write a paper that evaluates the stylistic patterns and techniques that you can see (or hear) running through this person’s work. This means that if you’re studying an editor, study the editing choices, and if you’re studying a production designer, study the visual design of the filmed environments. What common stylistic traits run through this person’s films? What sorts of choices does this person seem to favor? And most importantly, to what extent does this person add his or her own authorship to the film? Again, remember that you need a strong and specific thesis statement. Do not just list the various things that you see in your artists films – give your paper a clear argument about the overall impact that this artist has on the films he/she works on.
Options:
Dante Feretti: Production Designer (i.e., backgrounds) of Sweeney Todd
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
Kundun
Titus
Hugo
George Tomasini: Film Editor of Vertigo
Stalag 17
The Time Machine (1960)
Cape Fear (1962)
The Misfits
Henry Mancini: Composer of Touch of Evil
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
A Shot in the Dark
Charade
The Molly Maguires
Stuart Dryburgh: Director of Photography (i.e. cinematography) for The Piano
Lone Star
The Painted Veil
Amelia
The Tempest (2010)
