Hw #5
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Moorpark College *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
FTMA
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
15
Uploaded by ColonelArt1089
William Vazquez
FTMA M104
Professor Rodriguez
11/ 19/ 2023
Faces Places
1.
What do you think is the directors modus operandi? Why? Elaborate.
The director's modus operandi for "Faces Places" is to take a novel approach by having Agnès Varda and JR explore the lives of people they encounter while traveling around rural France. Their process entails making large-scale portraits and pasting them onto different structures. Through these life-size pictures, they interact with the people, learn about their experiences, and capture their spirit. Their sincere interest in people's lives and desire to bring attention to the beauty of ordinary moments are hallmarks of their partnership.
2.
What does the movie say about ephemerality? Why? Elaborate.
The video explores the fleeting aspect of both life and art. Varda and JR recognize the transient character of their works through their ephemeral art installations. The fact that the pictures are affixed to walls and are subject to the elements highlights how transient art is. This transience echoes the idea that everything is temporary and vulnerable to change, much like human life and memory.
3.
What do you think are the semiotics behind their pictures? Why? Elaborate.
The individuals Varda and JR encounter are represented by symbols in their images. These pictures, which are frequently on exhibit in public areas, serve as visual representations of the subjects' life narratives and experiences. These
installations' site selections are important as well, frequently mirroring the protagonists' histories or personalities. The semiotics of these photographs are found in the way they are preserved as symbols of individual stories and presented for public reflection.
4.
Varda compares JR to which director?
JR is compared to filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard by Agnès Varda. She creates a humorous link between JR's persona and the renowned filmmaker's distinctive style by comparing JR's sunglasses to Godard's iconic glasses.
5.
What transpires with the miners?
The miners' account in the movie emphasizes the recollections associated with their labor and the changes in their town. Their narratives capture the passage of
time, changes in the labor and industrial landscape, and the effects of these developments on their individual lives and the communal memory.
6.
What does the film implicitly state about time and memory? Elaborate.
"Faces Places" investigates the relationship between memory and time implicitly. The transient character of the photographs reflects how memories are. The movie admits that memories can fade, change, and eventually disappear, just like
Varda and JR's artwork. It highlights how crucial it is to hold onto memories and special times despite the passage of time.
7.
What is the elegiac undertone to the film?
The film's elegiac undertone arises from reflection on ephemeral moments, time passing, and life's unavoidable changes. There is a recognition that the past
cannot be kept forever, together with a sense of nostalgia and reverence for it.
8.
How did the film make you feel? Why?
A range of emotions are evoked by the movie; one feels warmly as they observe the bonds that Varda, JR, and the individuals they meet form. Acknowledging the ephemeral nature of life and art also has a hint of sorrow. In the end, it has a significant impact by highlighting the beauty inherent in human ties and impermanence.
Moving through Images
1.
What is Price’s investigation about? Elaborate.
Price's study in "Moving Through Images" explores how humans view and interact with images, especially those of foreign places, from a theoretical perspective. He examines the relationship between what is already there and the
emotional atmosphere or mood that may have existed before our arrival, closely analyzing the use of images that portray uncharted territory. The focus of this study is on how images are used, not just as representations but also as tools that help us comprehend a location's potential, livability, and potential moods. Price focuses on how humans use images to make sense of unfamiliar environments and how this understanding connects to a more general ontological
investigation into the function of images in our lives. 2.
What does the word ontology mean?
The field of philosophy that addresses the nature of existence, reality, and being is known as ontology. It investigates what existence is fundamentally, how things
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
exist, and what kinds of existence are possible.
3.
How do images have an ontological meaning in our lives?
Because they help us remember events, feelings, and experiences, images have
an ontological significance in our lives. Because they preserve fragments of time and context, they become records of existence and aid in the formation of our conception of reality. They also contribute to our sense of self and the world around us by acting as representations of our memories and perceptions.
4.
Price writes: “To be is to be thrown; it is to emerge in a world that is without essence and that is already happening before our arrival.” What
does he mean? What does this have to do with the film Faces Places
? Minimum 8 sentences.
According to Price's quotation, life is not predestined but rather an ongoing process of emerging into a world that exists before humans do. This connects with "Faces Places" because Varda and JR work in multiple communities, reflecting the lives and narratives of the people who already inhabit those areas through their artistic creations. The film effectively conveys the fleeting essence of life and the constantly changing character of human encounters. In keeping with Price's idea of being thrust into an already-occurring world, Varda and JR "emerge" into these communities and record lives that are already underway.
5.
What is meant by dérive?
In psychogeography, the term "dérive" refers to haphazard or unforeseen travel through urban environments. It entails letting go and letting the experience and
terrain lead the way, which frequently results in fresh insights and environmental discoveries.
6.
What is the main point by the large quote on page 306? Minimum 5 sentences.
The quote on page 306 is primarily concerned with the idea of individuality dissolving within a collective existence. It investigates how interacting with public spaces such as transit or information services progressively undermines an individual's unique sense of self and combines it into a group "being-with-others."
The phrase alludes to a phenomena in which unique identities become muddled together under the stifling power of popular culture or mass culture. It emphasizes how people blend in with the group's mentality, taking on similar tastes in entertainment, evaluating works of art and literature, and responding to social conventions—all of which lead to a loss of individuality within the greater population. The passage highlights the subtle but potent influence of the collective consciousness, which weakens individual distinctions and encourages adherence to social norms. 7.
According to Price, what is the finest way of being alone? What are the “pros” of being alone? Minimum 5 sentences.
Price says that accepting solitude as a tool for introspection and finding comfort in oneself is the best way to be alone. He probably draws attention to the advantages of being by oneself, including the capacity for introspection, self-
awareness, and delving more deeply into one's own feelings and ideas.
8.
When does Price rely on images? Why? What for?
Price may use visuals to represent or exemplify philosophical ideas. Images make difficult concepts easier to understand and enable the visual representation
of intricate or abstract philosophical arguments.
9.
Cite a time in which you have done something similar or when someone
you know has. If you can't do this make up something. On occasion, I've let my surroundings direct me as I've meandered through a city
without a clear destination. This feeling of discovery resulted in unanticipated meetings, fresh viewpoints on well-known locations, and a greater understanding
of the city's diversity. 10.What is this article about? I want interpretation. Don't regurgitate. Minimum 8 sentences.
It appears that this article explores the relationship between existence, ontology, and how images influence our experiences and perceptions. It probably investigates how pictures record fleeting moments in time and enhance our comprehension of reality, linking into philosophical debates concerning existence,
perception, and the human condition.
11.What does this article have to do with Faces Places
? Minimum 5 sentences.
By examining the ontology of images and their function in recording human existence, the article may have something to do with "Faces Places". In keeping with the film's themes, the essay might explore how images function as records of existence and advance our understanding of the world, much like Varda and
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
JR do with their use of images to convey the essence of people and places.
Cowie (pages 19-32)
1.
What is the Baudelaire quote alluding to? Minimum 4 sentences.
The quotation from Baudelaire frequently suggests that beauty is something that affects us profoundly but is elusive. The description "strangely familiar and yet strangely new" perfectly captures the essence of works of art and encounters that are both unexpected and novel, evoking a sense of recognition. It refers to the paradox of simultaneously coming across something familiar and foreign, which is frequently experienced in great works of art, motion pictures, or life-
changing events.
2.
How is the “Allegory of the Cave” (Plato) similar to the cinema experience? Elaborate with 6 sentences minimum. Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" describes a group of people who are shackled and who only see shadows on the wall as real. This allegory can be connected to the moviegoing experience, in which patrons watch projected images on a screen that create the illusion of reality. Similar to how cave people mistake shadows for reality, moviegoers are shown a fabricated reality in cinema. The authenticity and
depth of what is perceived versus actual reality are issues that are raised by the fact that both cave dwellers and moviegoers experience a reality that is shaped by what they see.
3.
What does Cowie mean when she writes: “The “true meaning” of reality lies not in what we see and hear, or touch, but in our understanding of
reality organized through our symbolic systems, preeminently through language.” Please, think long and hard about this. Minimum 5 sentences.
Cowie is probably alluding to the notion that our perception of reality is largely shaped by the symbolic systems we employ, most notably language, rather than being purely based on direct sensory perception. Language and its symbols play a central role in our understanding and perception of reality. Language influences
how we perceive, interpret, and communicate about our experiences, helping to organize our understanding of the world.
4.
According to Lacan, what is the real? Why is the real not something that
can be apprehended?
According to Lacan, the real is an elusive, incomprehensible quality of life that is independent of language or representation. The real is an unachievable truth or raw reality that cannot be fully understood or expressed through language; it exists outside of symbolic systems and linguistic constructs. It's an aspect that exists outside of the symbolic order and defies full comprehension.
5.
How does language distort/pervert the world? How does language mediate our reality?
Although language is essential for understanding and communication, it also distorts how we see the world. By passing our experiences through linguistic filters, it mediates them and may change or restrict how we understand and communicate reality. Language not only molds our comprehension but also imposes limitations or prejudices that affect how we perceive the outside world.
6.
Do you have an objective view of the world? Why not? What are the consequences of this when it comes to talking/arguing with others?
Being objective in our perception of the world is difficult because it is a product of
our experiences, prejudices, and cultural influences. A totally objective perspective is difficult to attain since our perception of reality is shaped by our subjective experiences. These individualized viewpoints can cause varying interpretations and understandings when discussing or debating with others, which makes reaching a consensus difficult.
7.
Read the section “The Fake in Nonfiction” (29-32). Summarize this in your own words with 300 words.
This section probably explores the idea that artifice or manipulation can occur even in nonfiction or documentary filmmaking. It could examine how filmmakers use editing, storytelling strategies, or narrative techniques that, although based on true stories, can twist or warp reality to suit a certain plot or affective response. The idea of complete authenticity in nonfiction storytelling is called into
question by this blending of truth and manipulation, which also raises concerns about how the audience perceives the story and the filmmaker's intentions in presenting reality.
Zizek, The Pervert Guide’s to Cinema 1.
What do you think is Zizek’s thesis? Elaborate with 5 sentences minimum.
The central tenet of Žižek's "The Pervert's Guide to Cinema" is that movies can
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
reveal our irrational desires, anxieties, and cultural ideologies. Using psychoanalytic theories to explore the hidden layers of human psychology and societal norms portrayed in films, he contends that cinema offers a reflection of our subconscious mind and societal constructs. Žižek thinks that movies are a powerful tool that reveal the contradictions and fantasies ingrained in our reality, not just a form of entertainment.
2.
What do you think of Zizek’s thesis? Elaborate with 5 sentences minimum.
Žižek's thesis is fascinating because it uses psychoanalytic ideas to examine movies and reveal deeper meanings beneath the surface stories. His method encourages a closer look at cinematic experiences and makes the case that movies have a significant subconscious influence. Though I acknowledge that unconscious desires have an impact on storytelling, I also think that cinema is complex and capable of providing a range of interpretations beyond just revealing subconscious components.
3.
How is Zizek influenced by Lacan? Feel free to Google but please, don't just copy and paste. 5 sentences minimum. A lot of Žižek's work incorporates Lacanian psychoanalysis. In his analysis of movies, he adopts Lacan's theories of the unconscious, the real, and the symbolic. ižek interprets cinema as a manifestation of societal constructs and Ͻ
desires, viewing it through a Lacanian lens. Žižek employs similar concepts to Lacan's investigation of language and symbols shaping reality to analyze how movies mirror and impact our irrational desires and societal ideologies.
4.
What is Zizek’s explanation of Tom Cruise’s character in Eyes Wide Shut
?
In "Eyes Wide Shut," Žižek sees Tom Cruise's character as a metaphor for the common person battling with desires that are hidden from view and social norms.
Through the lens of Cruise's character, the audience is able to investigate their own subliminal desires and the social conventions that both repress and provoke them.
5.
What is Zizek’s explanation of The Conversation’s
toilet bowl scene?
According to Žižek, the protagonist in "The Conversation" is having a moment of reflection and self-analysis in the toilet bowl scene. The whirling water represents
the maelstrom of his inner thoughts, which are a reflection of his paranoia, guilt, and helplessness to change the course of his actions.
6.
What does Zizek state about the MacGuffin in conjunction with the object petit a
?
Žižek makes a connection between Lacan's objet petit a and Hitchcock's idea of the MacGuffin, an object that drives the plot. According to him, both ideas symbolize an illusive object of desire that drives the story but is inherently unachievable, reflecting the nature of desire itself.
7.
Zizek states that [film] doesn’t give you what you desire, it tells you how
to desire.” Agree or disagree? Why? Elaborate. 5 sentences minimum.
I somewhat concur with what Žižek said. Films frequently shape our perception of what we should desire by presenting stories and emotions that evoke strong
feelings in us. But even though movies have the power to mold desires, they also
grant them, creating a space where wishes can come true.
8.
How does Zizek describe the wizard from The Wizard of Oz
?
According to Žižek, the wizard from "The Wizard of Oz" is an illusionist who stands for the appearance of strength and authority. He dismantles the wizard as a figure who depends on show and deceit to stay in control, mirroring social structures that are based on false notions of dominance and power.
9.
In a macro sense, what ideological paradigm is shaping Zizek’s view of cinema?
Žižek's perspective on film is, in a broad sense, molded by a critical ideological paradigm that questions accepted conventions and ideas. His analysis of film seeks to expose societal inconsistencies and hidden ideologies in an effort to upend established narratives and unearth more profound truths about humanity and society. By scrutinizing and dissecting societal norms, this critical lens seeks to reveal the underlying ideologies and unconscious components in movies.
My Octopus Teacher 1. What led the film to be created?
"My Octopus Teacher" was born out of director Craig Foster's personal experience. He was feeling burned out and went to the sea to re-establish his connection to the natural world. His encounter with an octopus during one of his
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
dives led to a year-long fascination and daily trips to watch and record the animal.
2. Personally, what was the most meaningful takeaway from the film? Observing the deep bond and understanding that formed between Foster and the octopus struck me as the most moving part of the movie. It was a stunning demonstration of the ability to empathize across species and the transformational potential of developing a close, respectful bond with the natural world.
3. Why is the film titled how it is? The title, "My Octopus Teacher," sums up Foster's intensely personal and educational journey. It alludes to the octopus' function as a mentor, teacher, and source of wisdom for Foster during his reflective and educational journey.
4. What does he learn from the octopus?
Foster gains knowledge about resilience, adaptability, and the interdependence of all living things from the octopus. He sees firsthand how adaptable and resilient the octopus is in the face of hardship, exhibiting resilience in a hostile environment.
5. According to Foster, how much of the octopus's cognition outside of its brain? Why is this the case? What "lesson" can we take from this regarding
human cognition? Foster claims that a large portion of the octopus's intelligence is dispersed throughout its body, particularly in its tentacles, and exists outside of its brain. The octopus's distributed neural processing enables it to quickly adapt and make complicated decisions. The lesson for humans is that intelligence may be capable of functioning outside of the centralized brain, implying that our bodies and surroundings may be sites of cognition.
6. What are your personal reactions to the film? 300 words minimum. The captivating story of "My Octopus Teacher" goes beyond the confines of a conventional nature documentary. It's a narrative spun from strands of solitude, wonder, and a deep connection to nature; it's a symphony of unfiltered emotions. For me, this movie was a calm but poignant reminder of our complex relationship with the natural world.
I could not help but smile as I followed Craig Foster's journey and saw how deeply he connected to the octopus. The movie skillfully conveyed the essence of the relationship between humans and animals, showing the octopus to be more than just a study subject but also a sentient creature deserving of compassion and respect. Foster's observations allow us to see the octopus's cunning, tenacity, and distinct personality. It was remarkable to witness how this lonely being could arouse such compassion and interest. The underwater photography was amazing; it took me to a
magical place that was vibrant and alive. This personal story took place against the serene backdrop of the kelp forest, transporting me to a strange yet familiar place. Every frame captured the octopus's surroundings, challenges, and triumphant moments in striking detail. The movie masterfully captured the universal concepts of adaptability, resilience, and interconnectedness. The octopus left a lasting impression on Foster because of its capacity for adaptation, learning, and sincere connection-making.
Furthermore, the discovery regarding the distribution of cognition within the octopus's body served as a moving reminder of the diversity and complexity of life that lies outside the realm of human comprehension.
In the end, "My Octopus Teacher" echoed a moving statement about our role in nature. It encouraged contemplation of our influence, cultivating a profound sense of accountability and respect for the fragile ecosystems that envelop us. Long after the credits rolled, the film's profound emotional impact continued to reverberate, leaving a lasting impression of the complex web of life and our responsibility as stewards of this amazing planet.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help