Noemi reminded everyone to turn in homework at the beginning of class to receive full credit.
The class heard and discussed several students’ write-ups of the “Red Balloon.”
Noemi provided an overview of many elements of a story:
- Character Flaw – something seen in the beginning of the story that the main character needs to overcome.
- Character Arc – the development of the character over the course of the story; how the experiences and challenges related to the “opposition” develop the character.
- Plot – series of events
- Theme – what the story is about (redemption, overcoming adversity, etc.)
- (Cliché -universal but not specific. Something to avoid.)
- Emotional Through-line – emotional undercurrent/thread that runs through the whole story.
- Theme Stated/Realization – what character learns on their journey. Can be revealed/spoken out loud in the early part of the story.
The class watched the opening 15 minutes or so of Spike Lee’s “School Daze.”
HOMEWORK DUE 2/3:
Watch the opening 9 minutes of Spike Lee’s 1988 film School Daze several times:
(Click on this link and enter the password: media125 to view the video.)
Please type answers to these questions:
- List 8 of the images (and the song if possible) in the opening montage. Why do you think Spike Lee opens the film with this montage?
- In the scene between Dap and the Gamma Phi Gamma’s, what does Dap want to accomplish? What or who stands in his way?
- Based on the opening 9 minutes of the film, what themes do you think will be explored in this film?
- Why do you think this film is called “School Daze?”
Theme – Noemi provided a brief overview of the concept of theme. Here is a good explanation of theme:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4qME64SkxM]