Hi Everyone. I thought I'd post some very generic questions to focus on for tomorrow's discussion of Ten Canoes and Atanarjuat. Essay topics have been put on hold as far as the blog goes; I want to discuss them in class tomorrow, with everyone giving each other feedback. This is also because, unfortunately, our March 29th class will have to be cancelled. I will explain tomorrow.
So, generic questions to be used to think about films:
1. What is the film's story? What issues does it raise? Do these issues relate to some of the larger issues concerning oral traditions that we have been discussing in class? Has your opinion regarding oral literatures shifted since seeing the film? How does translation from spoken performance to film function, in contrast to moving from spoken performance to printed word?
2. What is significant about the film's content? What is there? What is not there?
3. Think about the film's style and cinematography. Does it have a unique look? How does the style of the film contribute to the film's message?
4. How does the film align us, as an audience, in terms of indigenous perspectives on oral tradition?
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I thought about all the questions you were going to ask. My worldview has changed since being in this class because there are so many indigeneous people in this world and so many different cultures that are attached to each individual. I really enjoy watching, listening and reflecting in this class because I can relate to most of the topics. It's awesome, I finally got to meet people that are interested in the same things as myself. I wouldn't mind learning more about this oral literature, I am totally intrigued by the whole ordeal!!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed both films. They were so similar even though the films were produced by people from different cultures. I think that my understanding of oral tradition has increased by watching these films. I thought it was interesting how both cultures taught the importance of following protocol, and how important the protocol was for maintaining a balance. I was impressed that the films were produced, directed and acted by locals. It makes them unique.
ReplyDeleteAs an audience it puts us into the picture as if we were there. It allows us to see the small things that we would usually miss, such as the importance of community and again it shows how that balance is cruitial.
ReplyDeleteThe style and cinematography was wild, literally. It made the film reaistic. The harsh North and the dangerous swampy environment of the south. It gives the viewer a look from the perspective of the filmmaker instead of leaving it up to a reader or a listener. Awesome films.
ReplyDeleteThe significance of the film content.. The absense of actors. The content of both films was great. It told a story and revealed intricate details of a culture. Both were very informative and remarkable.
ReplyDelete3. Think about the film's style and cinematography. Does it have a unique look? How does the style of the film contribute to the film's message?
ReplyDeleteYou don't realize what a significant impact image can have towards contributing to an oral story. When you see Ten Canoes you are given a very different perspective than I think many people would have received if they had simply listened to this story on audio. With this in mind, Ten Canoes does a brilliant job at bringing the viewer to where the story is being told, and it is a excellent visual exploration of a traditional culture and the land that these people lived and worked in.
While picture is one thing, the fact that the director put so much color into the movie (or lack of it in some cases), helps our minds switch between past and present tense when the story is being told within a story.
I believe this is an excellent way to preserve a culture's oral traditions, because through video it makes it more appealing to many people who, if they saw it in book form, may not have willingly picked it up. By directing this at the public in a more broad sense, the culture is more likely to be remembered.