Just so we understand…

• You took notes yesterday on epic film.

• Write the name of a film that you believe belongs in the genre.

• Using information from yesterday and examples from the film, justify your choice with three reasons.

Film as Event

• At the theater in 1959, going to see Ben-Hur would be considered an event (running time, intermission, etc.).

• Do we ever experience film as event today? If so, when? If not, why not? And should we?

Opening Date: March 28, 2014

• Which epic film opened this past Friday?

• I assume that you have not seen it. However, based on the trailers and your knowledge of epic film, how does it qualify as an epic?

Casting an Epic

• You are a casting director for a remake of Ben-Hur.

• They wanted Ben Affleck for the lead role, but he has turned it down.

• Who would you propose as his replacement and why?

• What criteria should you be considering as a casting director?

Cleopatra Factoids

1. Elizabeth Taylor was the first actor to receive $1 million for her role (it eventually turned into 7). How does that compare to celebrity earnings today? What do you know about Sandra Bullock and Gravity?

2. Cleopatra nearly bankrupted 21st Century with its $334 million cost (in today’s dollars). What 1965 popular musical do you think saved the company (most of you claimed to have seen it)?

Epic Film Posters

• Take look at these film posters from Cleopatra. What observations can you make about their composition?

Scandal Makes for Good Box Office

• Take a look at this magazine cover. How is it very modern? What is it “selling”?

Epic Project

• You are creative team working for Marchienne Motion Pictures.

• You will be pitching an idea for the historical moment you have been given.

• You will need to research the time period.• Your group is responsible for: costume/set

design; plot; storyboard a critical “epic” scene; casting.

• One project will be “greenlighted”.

Epic Project - Details

• Storyboard:- Images- Lighting- Sound- Shot- Cut- F/X*

• Set/costume design:- Interior- Exterior- Range of costuming

• Casting:- Principle roles (4+)- Justification (like the bellwork)

• Plot:- Synopsis of period- Your film’s focus- Should incorporate epic best practices

Epic Project - Details

• Mode of delivery: powerpoint, old school posterboard, anything else unique

• Grading:1. Presentation (effort, oral and visual

components) = 602. Ideas (on topic, complete, accurate) = 503. Conventions (mechanics – you spell places,

people wrong…you lose them all) = 30

• Yes, that is 140 summative points.

Cleopatra Reflection

1. Rex Harrison:- Why would he have gotten an Oscar nod for his performance?- Compare his acting decisions here with those in My Fair Lady.

2. How does Cleopatra reflect the idea of epic as spectacle?

3. Compare this film with your experience of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

While on location or in the studio…

• When you're filming, it's important to monitor the number of usable sequences. If you're not certain that you've filmed enough, the rule is film extra.

• Why would this be true?

As we approach the middle of April,

• Assignments you should have turned in:- musical paper (s)- musical project (s)- Willie Wonka (s)- Ben-Hur (f)- Cleopatra (f)

• Assignments to be turned in:- epic pitch (s)- epic paper based on 3 historical epics from class (s)

• The school year is rapidly approaching its end.

• I will not accept late work for CM4 or CM5 after April 30.

• Seniors, the weather is getting better and although you feel “done”…don’t get cooked by late work.

GWTW and Cinematography

• GWTW received an Academy Award for its cinematography.

• Cinematography is the art/science of motion-picture photography.

• Based on this definition and your viewing thus far, why do you believe that the film took home an Oscar for cinematography?

GWTW and Art Direction

• GWTW also won for Art Direction. The art director must determine how to translate mood visually.

• Based on this definition and your screening, why would GWTW have received this award?

All My Eliza’s on Phonograph --

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