Journal—Annie Hall

1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.

In class, and in reading the text, we have discussed the significance of sounds and camera angles. Many of the scenes in Annie Hall use distinct camera angles to intensify the story. The film also contains many intellectual and cultural references that make it so unique.

2)  Find a related article and summarize the content

http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=EE05E7DF173AE562BC4951DFB266838C669EDE

This article discusses how in the movie Annie Hall “… [the] camera finds beauty and emotional resources that somehow escape the notice of other directors.”

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.  

This article goes on to discusses the film’s directing, casting, and interesting use of camera angles which make it the remarkable classic that so many know and love.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article. 

Annie Hall is a noteworthy movie made amazing by an amazing cast and director. The unique camera angles and witty dialogue that moves quickly and is very fresh and alive. 

Living in Oblivion

Find a related article and summarize the content.  (on the film, director, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, etc.) You can use the library or the internet.  Cite the article or copy the url to your journal entry. Summarize in your own words the related article but do not plagiarize any content.
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/trivia/living-in-oblivion-2/
     This article is actually a blog post by the films writer. He gives an extremely insightful explanation of what went into the making of this film, both creatively and emotionally. He discusses how his life influences affected the creation of the film and drove his passion toward powerful film making.

Apply the article to the film screened in class.   How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.?
     This piece gave an amazing look into the writer's thought process while making the film. It displayed the hard work and passion that was put into this film, which only goes on to make it more powerful and meaningful as a viewer.

Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion,  formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.  I am less interested in whether you liked or disliked a film, (although that can be part of this)  than I am in your understanding of its place in film history or the contributions of the director.
     Overall this was a very fascinating film, especially because it was actually about the filmmaking process. In addition, the actors give a captivating and powerful performance. The film really displays all the frustrations of the filmmaker and the process of getting his small film made. It was very easy to get absorbed by the drama playing out between the characters.
     I did feel that the second half of the film drifted off bit at some point and got a bit dull, but it is still engaging and entertaining, and the story is still extremely powerful. It is very easy to see why this has received the audience following that it has.This is a powerful piece of filmmaking and shows a really passionate heart to it. Not only that but it's also entertaining and for those interested in filmmaking it's a fascinating insight into the actual on set process. The film really displays all the frustrations of the filmmaker and the process of getting his small film made. It was very easy to get absorbed by the drama playing out between the characters.