Friday, March 28th, 2008 —
During my sophomore semester at GSU, I took Film 1101 (Introduction to Film) as an elective. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it very much. I learned more than I ever thought possible about film and film-making. My teacher was a very eccentric fellow with a lot of strange ideas. Here are a few of them.
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“Minority Report is one of the most racially driven films in history.”
This was the first statement that made his students scratch their heads (myself included), but far from the last. Basically, his premise here was that the idea of accusing someone of a crime before they commit it, coupled with the repetition of the word ‘Minority’ is an homage to the racial problems of America. Far-fetched? Of course. Plausible? I think so. You should watch it again with that in mind. I did. -
“Keanu Reeves is the greatest living American actor.”
Ok, stop snickering. I know. We laughed, too. But as he started to prove his point, we all scratched our heads again. He started to talk about the greatest actors in American history that have passed away or retired. Carey Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy Stewart, others. All of these men were widely acclaimed as the greats. Masters of their craft. And yet, they all have one thing in common. They only played one character: Themselves. They played the same character in every movie, bending the role to their own personality. Todays actors do the opposite, changing their personality or their mannerisms to match the role. Keanu Reeves is the exception, as he is “bold enough, and brave enough” to act as himself in every role. When one of the students suggested that his point doesn’t make Keanu good, our teacher pointed out that if Keanu is bad, then those great actors of the 40s and 50s were bad. Horrible argument? Of course. Makes you think, though. -
“Schindler’s List is the worst film of all time.”
This one made people angry, but I’d have to agree with his point. I’m not going to give his full explanation, but rather summarize it, because I don’t want to ruin the film for anyone reading. His argument was that Steven Spielberg took one of the worst atrocities in the history of mankind and turned it into the feel-good movie of 1993. Think about that a bit. It’s kind of true.
Posted on March 28th, 2008 #
I agree with your teacher on all 3 points. I had to see “Schindler’s List” for a class and I hated it. “Europa, Europa” is a much better movie about the Holocaust. Cool class and cool teacher.
Posted on March 28th, 2008 #
Howdy Izzy! Thanks for stopping by.
I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing “Europa, Europa”, though you’re not the first to recommend it. I will be sure to do so. Thanks for the comment!
Posted on March 28th, 2008 #
You’re welcome. Do try to see “Europa, Europa”. It’s really frank and suspenseful. I love “The Tin Drum” too.
I thought “SL” was a bit Disney about the Holocaust with the gasless showers and girl in the red coat. I may be a bit biased because our class had to go toa homemade Holocaust museum in Huntington Beach after the movie. The museum curator is well known Holocaust survivor. Leonard Nimoy played him in a TV movie that debunked a Holocaust denier.