Discussion: Head On

This film by Fatih Akin deals with questions of gender, sexuality and cultural oppression fairly directly. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this and on the film in general.

Also, how have topics of sex and gender been addressed in other films we've seen this semester? Obviously sex and gender were central to Sally Potter's Orlando (as we explored in our discussion) but what about some of the other films we've viewed so far?

Films on Reserve for Assignment Due March 19

You are to see one contemporary European film (1984 or later) and write a 500 word response to be turned in March 19 in class. Please don't just try writing about a film you saw months or even years ago; watch something now and write about it, informed by your coursework.

The following British films are on reserve in the library (British counts as European!) if you wish to watch them:

Brazil
Morvern Callar
Secrets and Lies
A Zed and Two Noughts
Ratcatcher

The library may have other contemporary European films available, or feel free to partake of any films showing in Boston at the moment, such as The Kendall Square Cinema (which currently has The White Ribbon and A Prophet, among other European films), or The Brattle Theatre (which is showing some Merchant-Ivory films tomorrow).

You can rent from Netflix or a video store, too, or visit your local library, which normally have excellent video selections.

Presentation schedule

March 19 (Orlando): Matthew Serpico, Erica Femino, Kevin Stanton

March 26 (Head On): Mari Emori, Felicia Hadzipanijotis, Alaina Mahoney

April 9 (Look at Me): Kristin Texeira, Elysha Roberts, Sarah Flavin, and (Cache) Erin Whitson, Erica Scoppettuolo, Elysha Roberts

April 16 (The Lives of Others): Ben McNamara, Nic Gascoigne, Jared Friedman, Tin Tranh

April 23 (Volver): Jenifer Cuddy, Sarah Karten, Allison Smith

April 30 (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days): Amber Kafalas, Lucy Parker, Nicole Dugan and (Let the Right One In): Kira Maintanis, Justin Walker

Exam Study Guide!

This is what you should be studying for the mid-term exam on Friday:

Go over the reading materials (including the Dogme readings linked on the blog). There won't be terribly specific memorization questions re: names and dates but you should be familiar with general concepts and ideas discussed, as well as basic definitions of terms we have been using (such as the various genres, mise en scene, the principles of Dogme 95, and the basic information on color, etc.)

Go over the lecture notes; these are somewhat based on the readings but include additional material you may be tested on.

Be sure you have seen all of the films viewed in class.

Take a look at the blog discussions about films.

Be on time for class. No one will be allowed to leave the room during the exam.