Shout Out

Big shout out to William Shay for writing a couple of killer journal entries. Not to embarrass you, William, but thats some really thorough, thought provoking writing. Check it out: William Shay

On a wildly different note, one that is dealing with similar issues but isn't directly related (achem) to class check out Biesel's Art School Confidential rant. Its interesting. Its more of an expression of dislike than an invitation for discourse, but I think there is room for discussion there if anyone wants to take a punch, right? Dave Biesel
I left a comment there to grease the wheels. And
P.S.
I DO want people to respond to the films we are seeing in class OR at least answer the questions that Carl and I pose for your journals.

William pits the idea of experimental against the idea of narrative and asks if thinking about a work that is experimental in a narrative way might lead you down the wrong path. He writes

"Forcing the viewer to build something extra in their mind to go along with the film may only lead them to miss aspects in the film that they might otherwise catch if the the film was taken and interpreted at face value."

I think thats a great point. But what is face value? How does one view something at face value? Is it to turn off our critical minds altogether? Is that possible?

Mr.Shay adds:

"Is experimental only experimental when the entire product throws away traditional conventions?"

Hmm. Is that a definition of experimental film? I think it is. He goes on:

"Does narrative film have the ability to stray to the point of experimentalism without the alienation of the viewer?"

I think there is a question that belongs inbetween those two questions, and I would like to hear your (everybody's) answer:

"Does abandoning traditional conventions mean that you have to alienate the viewer?"

Food for thought.
Munch, munch.