Randy Mootooveran

Lit Media.

November 28, 2016

Things to Remember

1.     The film feels more like a person narrating his story as it plays out the visuals right before our eyes. It differs from most documentaries due to having no physical person interacting with the footage or trying to present tit as a story. This is a presentation to a small town devoid of any noteworthy accomplishments aside from one point in its history. It’s fitting that there’s a clear disconnect from the viewer, as it

2.     The filmmaker most likely chose to use an automated voice to communicate how this film deals with discovering a new method to eradicate all traces of life. The voice is meant to sound cold and lifeless because it was that same nature that made the atomic bomb possible, and to illustrate how this town is a place with little knowledge of how the world at large is affected by the events taking place.

3.     I would say its biggest ambition was to build atmosphere using the mechanical voice, decayed area shots, and the absence of any human characters that talk directly to the audience. It aims to be more than a simple film, trying to make you think like you’re observing an abstract piece of artwork.

4.     I would classify it as a factual film with the composition of a fictional work of art. Unlike other documentaries, Things to Remember strives be a unique experience from other films. It’s main focus isn’t just to enlighten us on Oak Ridge and its history, but to make the viewer feel that the detached and cold nature of what was being planned at the time is something that will never leave the town and is reflected from every aspect of the town from its vistas, inhabitants, and the film that enlightens us on its history.

Randy Mootooveran

Lit Media

November3, 2016

Week 11 Writing Assignment

1.     I believe Kefka referred to fasting as an art form because the whole purpose of fasting is to gain enlightenment and discover a new meaning of some form in life, religion, or the universe. It basically follows principles artists try to incorporate into their work: finding and understanding an aspect of life and what its purpose is. While it isn’t meant to be a public event from what I know about it, it is something that can affect people in different ways, like finding an unusual painting in a gallery.

2.     The manager serves as both a symbol of hope for the hunger artist and as a source of selfishness. He goes around village to city, trying to find an audience for the faster, but more to continue its popularity for his benefit rather than anyone else’s. His primary motivation is to continue a dead tradition in spite of its loss in popularity and what affects it would have on the aging faster. Rather than help him find a place in these new times, he leads the hunger artist on a path of self-destruction.

3.     I would say the audience of a hunger artist has the duty to show respect for their commitment to such a task and don’t try to insult the artist who spent their life homing. Being an artist, the worst thing anyone could possibly do is undermining their hard work and not recognizes any effort made on their part.

4.     We learn he acts more like an animal than a man. He’s stubborn, resistant to change, and wishes to gain attention from his surroundings through his actions. He separates himself from other people and can recall the days he roamed free, clinging to the hope that things could be that way again.

5.     Personally, while the descriptions did give a good description, I believe an image would have benefitted greatly. It would have shown exactly what the artist’s surrounded by his preferred environment. The hunger artist could have been given an expression that conveyed what his state of mind was, and it would build a deeper connection to him as a person.

6.     I think the nature of fasting has changed over the years. There are still people who still do it, but it’s more of a religious journey to providence than something meant for the public.  It isn’t universally regarded as disgusting, but more of a rare tradition that should be self-contained for a family, religious group, or a single person looking for enlightenment. In terms of the hunger artist, I would say people regard it as an impressive feat, but also a pitiful act to stay relevant in a world that has left him behind. Of course, that doesn’t speak for everyone, but the general consensus is that unless it’s done for religion and faith, it’s not really a habit people should adopt to make a ptofit.

Randy Mootooveran

Lit Media

Polyp Response

1.     I would say Polyp uses his illustrations to help convey his feelings toward being lost in the world of illustration while presenting something visually interesting with symbolism spliced here and there. It’s clear from the image that the central focus is the hippo in the center, isolated from the others around it. Another interesting thing to note is all the water surrounding the scene, which could be a symbol for the turbulent nature of his life since he left school or how he is lost, unsure where the currents will take him.

2.     As someone studying to become a writer, story is my bread and butter. Story is what drives everything forward in narrative, and must go hand in hand with everything else.  Every good story requires heart, devotion, and meaning to leave any lasting impact on anyone who reads it. It may not be as direct as something like film, but has the benefit of giving the reader their opportunity to create the world.

Randy Mootooveran

Lit Media

October 25, 2016

The Punk Singer; Commentary or Experience?

            Artists have always been able to show off their beliefs through their work. Sometimes, it can be difficult depending on which type of medium you’re trying to work out of, but that wasn’t the case for the protagonist of The Punk Singer. Many people will tell you writing meaningful lyrics isn’t a focal point (usually successful artists who believe repeating things like “I’m in love with the cacao” or how much money you have are good enough to release to the public), the girls in The Punk Singer managed to find the perfect balance of a good tune with lyrics meant to be thought about.  Anyone can tell you that when they hear a great song, it usually stays on your mind, instead of being thrown aside for a new one every other week. It’s very reminiscent of blues musicians or Bob Dylan, who take the time to make something that illustrates a point, whether it is about society, their place in the world, and how they want to push for change by appealing to the people not roped in politics. In many ways, the songs are both commentary and an experience. It’s most apparent when the lead singer has slutt written across her chest and asks all the ladies in the room to come to the front. She wants her viewers to have the experience of not being second to men or tied down in the real world, but to have the ability to express themselves as people who won’t take shit from anyone by getting up on stage with the band during their performances.  It’s all meant to make the audience feel a deeper connection to their content.