Friday, May 2, 2008
Final Grade
When I saw that I was to suggest my final grade I got a knot in my stomach. I feel that I completed all of the assignments to the best of my ability so I would that that into consideration. Every student strives for an A however it is up to the instructor to determine what is fair. I do know that I have learned more than I had expected from taking this course and would recommend it to others. Thank you to all for making it so enjoyable and informative.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Critical Analysis-Dance Piece
The dance piece that I watched was Gene Kelly’s famous scene from Singin’ in the Rain. This film was made by MGM in 1952. Kelly along with Stanley Donen directed the film. Kelly was born in 1912 in Pittsburgh and died in 1996 in Los Angeles. He was considered by many as a mans dancer. This meant that he represented the everyday man because of his physical appearance.
In the dance scene Kelly used not only his physical ability to perform a very moving as well as entertaining dance, but incorporates props also. These props include rain, umbrella, sidewalk and water puddle. The use of these items provides the viewer with an added visual treat in addition to the fluidness and effortlessness of Kelly’s routine.
As Kelly dances in the street splashing puddles to the music and singing he is suddenly observed by a police office who looks at him as if he is crazy. Kelly incorporates that into the dance by slowing it down some before finally ending it only to whistle as he strolls down the street as the rain stops.
As Kelly performed this routine it became very evident what a brilliant performer he is. The use of the umbrella is one that was effortless and very well thought out. Its use provides the viewer a sense of wonderment as to the genius of the choreographers simplistic use of an everyday item used in such manner.
The use of the puddles and water on the street provides the viewer with a memorable moment that they will remember. It is a scene that is simplistic yet very demanding on the performer.
This is a performance that I feel is one of the classic dance performances of all time. I would recommend that everyone watch this film if for only this dance scene. I feel that this performance is not only difficult but could be potentially dangerous because of the use of the water. Kelly is undoubtedly one of the most talented dancers in American theatrical history.
In the dance scene Kelly used not only his physical ability to perform a very moving as well as entertaining dance, but incorporates props also. These props include rain, umbrella, sidewalk and water puddle. The use of these items provides the viewer with an added visual treat in addition to the fluidness and effortlessness of Kelly’s routine.
As Kelly dances in the street splashing puddles to the music and singing he is suddenly observed by a police office who looks at him as if he is crazy. Kelly incorporates that into the dance by slowing it down some before finally ending it only to whistle as he strolls down the street as the rain stops.
As Kelly performed this routine it became very evident what a brilliant performer he is. The use of the umbrella is one that was effortless and very well thought out. Its use provides the viewer a sense of wonderment as to the genius of the choreographers simplistic use of an everyday item used in such manner.
The use of the puddles and water on the street provides the viewer with a memorable moment that they will remember. It is a scene that is simplistic yet very demanding on the performer.
This is a performance that I feel is one of the classic dance performances of all time. I would recommend that everyone watch this film if for only this dance scene. I feel that this performance is not only difficult but could be potentially dangerous because of the use of the water. Kelly is undoubtedly one of the most talented dancers in American theatrical history.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Vulgarity in Art
The assumption of what is vulgar is up to each individual. Some of the most important as well as impressive works of art could be deemed vulgar because they contain a form of nudity. Many of the most important sculptures that have been perserved for centuries could be classified as vulgar.
Damien Hirst,the British artist,could be called the shock artist for his works. However, personally, I think some of his works border on scientific in nature. The fact that people find it vulgar is their opinion.
Comedy has evoloved from the slapsick of yesteryear to the almost hardcore and at time obscene standup that can be seen today. Once again it is an individual opinion that determines as to the vulgarity of the material.
For centuries nudity was not considered obscene or out of the norm. In the early part of the twentieth century a group of gentlemen came to the conclusion that they didn't want their women to view what they were watching in the smoking room. So nudity became vulgar.
Many books were marked as vulgar in nature and banned from schools and libraries. At times these books were burned.
With vulgarity being an individual opinion it must be confined to that, an opinion. Times have changed and opinions have become less of a widespread fear so therefore the opinion that something is vulgar is not as likely to occur as it would have in years past. All opinions will not change but idividuals understand that all people have the right to choose what their opinion is or isn't.
Damien Hirst,the British artist,could be called the shock artist for his works. However, personally, I think some of his works border on scientific in nature. The fact that people find it vulgar is their opinion.
Comedy has evoloved from the slapsick of yesteryear to the almost hardcore and at time obscene standup that can be seen today. Once again it is an individual opinion that determines as to the vulgarity of the material.
For centuries nudity was not considered obscene or out of the norm. In the early part of the twentieth century a group of gentlemen came to the conclusion that they didn't want their women to view what they were watching in the smoking room. So nudity became vulgar.
Many books were marked as vulgar in nature and banned from schools and libraries. At times these books were burned.
With vulgarity being an individual opinion it must be confined to that, an opinion. Times have changed and opinions have become less of a widespread fear so therefore the opinion that something is vulgar is not as likely to occur as it would have in years past. All opinions will not change but idividuals understand that all people have the right to choose what their opinion is or isn't.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Critical Analysis 2
When I first heard the song Imagine I was taken back by the first line in the song. Why was John Lennon denouncing religion? This song was written by Lennon in 1971. Lennon was one of the orginal Beatles that went out on is own after the breakup and had a very successful career. He was shot down in front of his apartment in New York in 1980. His life is remembered with the establishment of Strawberry Fields a portion of Central Park set aside for the celebration of his life.
This song, from the beginning to the end, is one of love and hope. I feel Lennon was trying to provide a message that everyone should be considered equal. His attempts to have the listener understand that without labels people are just people, that we are just flesh and bone. He also tries to convey that religion and war are big reasons for problems that are in the world today. He tries to get the listener to understand that the world would be a better place if we could look at each other as human beings instead of put labels on people and being so judgemental.
I feel that the song is one of the best Lennon songs ever composed. His love of mankind, his compassion for humanity, and his never ending desire for peace is seen in these few words.
In my opinion this is a great song. The message it presents is one we should all take a moment to reflect upon. After really listening to the song I don't think Lennon was denouncing religion but trying to get us to understand that we should't judge someone for what they believe in. After some reflection that even though was a dreamer we do all share the world and we need to understand that though we are different and believe in different things we need to try and get along as one.
This song, from the beginning to the end, is one of love and hope. I feel Lennon was trying to provide a message that everyone should be considered equal. His attempts to have the listener understand that without labels people are just people, that we are just flesh and bone. He also tries to convey that religion and war are big reasons for problems that are in the world today. He tries to get the listener to understand that the world would be a better place if we could look at each other as human beings instead of put labels on people and being so judgemental.
I feel that the song is one of the best Lennon songs ever composed. His love of mankind, his compassion for humanity, and his never ending desire for peace is seen in these few words.
In my opinion this is a great song. The message it presents is one we should all take a moment to reflect upon. After really listening to the song I don't think Lennon was denouncing religion but trying to get us to understand that we should't judge someone for what they believe in. After some reflection that even though was a dreamer we do all share the world and we need to understand that though we are different and believe in different things we need to try and get along as one.
Songs I Like
Here are three songs that I really like. The styles differ but the music is great.Billie Holliday, Grada and Bill Evans are all different but unique artists.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14894620
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=43637288
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87945801
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14894620
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=43637288
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87945801
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Music as the Highest Art Form
I just watched the classic Hitchcock film Psycho. Hitchcock used music to set up the scene he was shooting. For example the famous shower scene had the intense music we all have heard and can readily identify. The intensity of this movie is amplified by the musical score. The writer of the score,Bernard Herrman, created something that we will always remember. This movie was made by the outstanding acting by the music propelled it into the realm of being a classic.
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