Scene Deconstruction

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers- The Host of the Eldar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sML-AgbL2RE&feature=related

             I think the theme of this movie is courage and friendship. The friendship theme is exemplified toward the beginning of the scene, when Aragorn was getting ready to go into battle against the orcs, he had a conversation with Legolas and Gimli.  In the conversation, they told Aragorn that they were all in this together and that they would be going into battle with him. The themes are didactic because the director makes it obvious as to what his intentional meanings are through the characters actions and words.  

The scene I chose to critique was a scene from the movie, Lord of the Rings, the Two Towers. The scene is where Aragorn and his allies are getting ready to go into battle with the Orcs. This scene illustrates the theme of courage and friendship. Two of the topics that help to reinforce these themes are movement and space.

                Space is used several times throughout the movie representing both of the themes mentioned above. The director used space toward the beginning of the scene when Aragorn approaches a scared young boy holding a sword as they were getting ready for the battle.  Aragorn moves closer to the boy and tells him that “there is always hope.”  This reduction of space illustrates the bond between Aragorn and the boy.  Space was also used when Aragorn was preparing for the battle and Legolas shows up along with Gimli. At first, they were sort of separated by space, but once Legolas says that they would help fight, the space between them decreased. This showed how their friendship grew at that moment.

                In addition, movement is used several times throughout the movie representing both of the themes. When Aragorn went over talk to the young boy, he put his hand on the boys shoulder and got eye level with him, showing him compassion and to tell him that he won’t be alone during this war and that there is always hope, trying to encourage him.  Another time , movement was used when Aragorn was talking with Leoglas and Gimli. After Legolas and Gimli told Aragorn that they would help fight in this war, Legolas put his hand on Aragorn’s shoulder representing their friendship and how they were all in this together.  Another use of movement was when the ally elves came to help in the fight. They were all in step with each other and moved sharp and swiftly. This showed how much courage they had.  This use of movement is didactic as the audience can see that Legolas is giving Aragorn his support in the coming battle.  There is also tension and release in this scene.  Aragorn exhibits tension as he prepares for battle, strapping on his weapons, etc.  As Legolas approaches and says he was “wrong to despair” and touches Aragorn’s shoulder, the tension is released as Aragorn knows he has his support in the battle.

Animation Deconstruction

Durarara 

Shizuo Heiwajima

     

Izaya Orihara

For this blog I decided to use two characters from the anime, Durarara. The two I chose are two of the main characters, Shizuo Heiwajima and Izaya Orihara. These two characters are very different from each other. Shizuo is considered one of the heroes in the series and is usually shown in light places, but sometimes they put him semi in the shadows which symbolizes that he is sometimes treated like as an outcast and everyone is afraid of his super strength. He is actions are very misunderstood. He actually really just wants to get rid of Izaya. Izaya is considered the bad guy in this series. He hides in the shadows a lot of the time spying on people. He sometimes is shown in the light which gives the audience the feeling that he is actually a good guy. This light gives him the ability to trick people, which is what the character is known for. He makes others feel he is just like them, and then he uses their own emotions against them to gain what he wants. Even though their lighting symbolisms are different their use of shadows and light are the same. They are always either in the shadows or in the light.

                Another thing that is similar and different with these characters is the colors. For Shizuo, they use a mixture of dark and light colors. They use brightness in his blond hair, blue glasses, and his white shirt. They also use black vest and pants. This shows the mixed emotions the audience may receive from this character. Is he a good guy or is he really a bad guy?  For Izaya, they use all dark colors. They use black for his hair, jacket, shirt, pants, and shoes. They use these colors to symbolize evil and mysterious this character really is.

                The hues of these two characters are very different. Shziuo’s facial color gives off more of a warmer hue to signify that he is in fact a good guy. Whereas Izaya’s facial color gives off more of a colder hue signifying that he is in fact a bad guy.    

Trip (in class project)

Storyboard Imitation

Storyboard:

The director followed the rule of thirds in the first cut scene. The scene shows a young adult sitting in the woods up against a tree, reading a book. The cut has the character off to the right side of the screen instead of directly head on to give the audience a feel of openness. To get this feel he used the technique called the rule of thirds. In cut 2, the director switched from using the rule of thirds to using the 30% rule. In the transition from cut 1 and 2, the director went from a wide screen shot to a close up of the character. This gave the audience a feeling of excitement because the expression on his face was that of excitement and joy at what he just heard. The director also used the rules of third in cut 3 of the scene. Starting out the scene, the camera pans up some to show another character enter on a wagon drawn by a horse, but we only see the back of him. This camera angle and technique gives the audience another sense of openness and as well as the curiosity of whom this man is and where he is going. This then leads us to the 4th cut in the scene which does not use any of the rules. This scene has the character we don’t know yet, dead center surrounded by trees and is still in the dark. The camera angle now shows us the front side of the wagon and man. The 5^th cut in this scene is a cut of the young man running downhill through the woods. This cut also did not use any of the rules. They had their camera on a dolly and followed from a side shot while the character was running. This gave the audience a since of rush/urgency, as if they were that character and also wonderment as to where he was heading so fast. In conclusion the director broke the 180 degree rule, but followed the rules of thirds and a little bit of the 30 rule.

Durarara stick animation

Song Deconstruction

Somewhere Over the Rainbow Versions:

Isreal "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_DKWlrA24k&ob=av2e
                http://www.scribd.com/twilight_2011/d/81310521-Listening-Framework-2#

Wizard of Oz (Judy Garland): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U016JWYUDdQ&feature=related
                http://www.scribd.com/twilight_2011/d/81310443-Listening-Framework

The song’s I’ve chosen are two versions of “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” The first version was recorded by Isreal ‘IZ’ Kamakawiwo’ole in 1993. The second version was sung by Judy Garland in 1939, for the movie “Wizard of Oz.”

Both versions of the song share the emotion of hope. They both describe, through the vocals, a place where there are no worries, troubles, or problems; a place full of beauty and peace where dreams can come true. In addition, the width is simplistic, with no stereo panning left and right.

There are far more differences then similarities in these two versions of the song. All though both songs use the same melody, the tempo in IZ version is more medium, while the Garland version is slow. This adds to the groove of the songs. IZ’s version is poppy, fun, and light. In contrast to Garland’s version which is soulful, melancholy, and wistful. The source of the rhythm is also a reflection of the groove. A ukulele is the source of the rhythm in IZ’s version. A ukulele has a happier, peppier sound than the bell used as the source of the rhythm in Garland’s version. A bell has a more sad quality to its tone.  

Another difference is the instrumentation. A ukulele is the only instrument used in IZ’s version. The instrumentation in Garland’s version is more complex. Bells, strings, and horn(s) drive the song. The structure and organization of IZ’s version begins with an intro followed by two verses, a chorus, a third verse, the chorus, verse four, and the finale. The pattern and the choice of lyrics show the hopefulness of the song. This hopefulness is maintained throughout the song. The structure and organization of Garland’s version begins with the verse followed by another verse, chorus, a third verse, a woodwind solo, and the finale. The song begins with a yearning feeling to both the vocals and the music. As the song progresses, the emotion in the song becomes more hopeful. Both songs use similar lyrics, but IZ’s version mixes up the verses.

Balance is also different in each versions of the song. In IZ’s version the height is mid-high to high frequency which reflects the hopeful feeling of the song. In Garland’s version, there is a blend of high and low frequency, both vocally and instrumentally. The horn(s) are low frequency and show yearning, while the woodwinds are higher and show hopefulness.  The depth in IZ’s version is simple and just uses his voice and the ukulele, which is just like the emotion in the song- simple. The depth in Garland’s version is more complex with layers of instruments throughout the song.

The version I prefer is IZ’s version.  I like the island feel and the simplistic quality of using just one voice and one instrument. I like the sound of the ukulele and the groove of the song.  

Reflections on Sound Design

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB43-9rtThk (beginning - 1:12)

file:///C:/Users/Shelby/Desktop/LOTR%20script.pdf

In the beginning of the scene, they use a lot of casual sounds, like having the birds chirping throughout the scene. They use the sound to give off a sense of calmness. Gestalt principal was another sound element they used while developing this scene. The use of stopping the song in the background when Frodo and Gandalf are just staring at each other for 10 seconds creates tension. We, the audience start to feel the tension between the two and not knowing if they are truly mad at each other. How the music starts back up quietly when they start to laugh, gives the audience, the feeling that they were just joking with each other and that they are friends, who are meeting for the first time in a long time. When they hug the song gets louder and more swaying like which makes the audience become more comfortable with the scene and more calmed.  The song sort of demonstrates what is probably going on inside their minds, a since of ease. This pretty much is the Shire, where they are at, is portrayed. The Shire is a calm peaceful place. Anyone who goes there will get a since of belonging and relaxation. Which this song and the birds chirping gives the audience a sense of. 

Finding Your Howl

Finding Your Howl Part II by Jonathon Flaum is about finding your voice. It stresses the importance of looking inward to define yourself rather than looking to outward possessions and material objects to define you.  It is also important to know that part of finding your true self is to trust your instincts, take scary risks and doing things out of your comfort zone.

My favorite quote is one from Buddha. Buddha said “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.” To me, this quote means that, if we have a goal in life, we can’t just say we want something or to do something, just let it go, hope that we accomplish it and leave it up to fate. First, we have to decide how badly we want to reach our goal.  Then, if we decide this is something we want, we have to set our minds on a path to accomplish it. We have to design a plan, maybe even step by step, to accomplish our goals and objectives. Sometimes this includes taking risks getting out of our comfort zone. If something is desired enough, pretty much anything is possible when you set your mind to it. One of example of this drive to achieve is Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon.  Neil Armstrong, an American icon, grew up wanting to be a pilot. He set his mind to achieve this goal and did everything he could to become accomplish it. He received his pilot’s license at the age of 15, even before he got his driver’s license. When he entered college, he studied Aeronautical Engineering. He then started looking at a wider picture. Neil became a test pilot for NACA, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.  It was a failed venture but because of this, his background, and all the things he accomplished he was chosen for the program, Man in Space Soonest. As a result, he became the first American civilian to go into space. He is proof that no matter where you come from or who you are, you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to. There are many methods to direct a person’s focus toward achieving their goal.  Oprah interviewed the author of the “The Secret” who said that you simply have to state what you want to the universe and you can have your heart’s desire.  Some people develop a vision board where they display visual reminders of their goals and dreams.  I have even heard to pray as if you have already received your request in order for your prayers to be answered.  I believe the quote is talking about more than just knowing “The Secret.” It is the idea that you have made a decision of what you want to do, set your mind to the task, and devised a plan to accomplish this.  The methods can be tools to help on the path to achieving your goal. I believe this speaks to me as a creative person.  I know that the field I plan on entering is one that can be hard to break into.  I know that in order to achieve my goal, I have to set my mind on what I want to accomplish.  Being in the arts, I am a visual person, so visualizing and believing in my mind that the goal is obtainable is a good start.  However, making a plan of how to achieve the goal is an important step to accomplishing it.  

Brainwashed

http://changethis.com

In the article, Brainwashed, Seth Godin discusses seven layers of reinventing yourself. Acknowledging the Lizard is one of those layers.  This is commonly known as the easy way, the status quo, coloring in the lines.  Fear of failure keeps us from taking a chance or a risk that could result in triumph.  Ship is another layer Godin discusses.  I’ve always heard that if you want something done, ask a busy person.  In every family, there is a go-to person, the MacGyver.  The person who sees what needs to be done and does what is necessary to complete the task, regardless of the roadblocks, despite the risk of failure.  Be that person.  Learn is also a layer Godin discusses.  Becoming a lifelong learner is essential to reinventing yourself and living up to your potential.  It is important to continue to challenge yourself.  Learning shouldn’t end because formal education does.

The New and Improved Shelby

                I think this exercise using Seth Godin’s Brainwashed will help to make me better in many ways.  First, it may help make me a better student.  In the past, I thought being a “good student” was studying for tests, completing projects, and making good grades.  It didn’t matter what I took away from the class so much as what grade I made in the class.  Material was presented, notes were taken, tests were given and ultimately most of the material was forgotten.  Learning was something that was a short term process for short term goals. This exercise has made me see that just getting the grade is not enough.  Learning needs to be something that is a part of your daily life both in and out of class.   The process/journey is as important as the outcome.  If the only thing I can away with from a class is a good grade, then I have failed.  If my grade is less than impressive but I have grown as a person and truly learned something, then I have been a successful student.  Don’t get me wrong, I want to get good grades but I also want to increase my knowledge and not just my grade point average.

Ship is something I definitely need to work on.  It is sometimes easy to take the easy way out and not challenge myself.   I have a tendency to do this at times.  Too often, I listen to the voice of the lizard brain telling me it’s not possible, it won’t work.  I need to learn to ignore the lizard and, if I can do this, I will definitely grow as an artist.  Although I am largely at fault, I don’t take all the blame for this. We are always told to “think outside the box” but, when we do, we get our hands smacked and are told to get back in line.  In Media Arts, however, I feel like I am encouraged to ignore the lizard and concentrate on my art.  The assignments so far have encouraged me to look at my art from a variety of perspectives and to think about what I am trying to accomplish through the project.  This class and this exercise may help me to quiet the lizard and begin to ship. To quit looking for excuses as to why I can’t do something and to just keep working to get things done, good or bad, succeed or fail.  

Deconstructing Characters

My character, Fang, has a “fiery” personality that appears when people are being hurt or an injustice or crime is being committed.  She has the ability to produce fire psychically. Fang’s eyes turn red when she is about ready to attack. Her red vision helps in targeting the villain. In addition, just as a fire can spread rapidly, her fire ability enables her to run superfast. She can control any fire source and is immune and cannot be harmed by them. She can control these other fire sources to help fight by either using her mind to manipulate it or by grabbing it and throwing it like fireballs.  Due to Fang’s ability to manipulate and control fire, she can assist firefighters and first responders in rescuing anyone trapped by fire and can also assist in putting the fire out.  

   

Super stealthy just like a ninja, Fang lurks in the black darkness. She can move swiftly and silently through the night without attracting the attention of anyone. This allows Fang to observe others unnoticed.  She is no more than part of the scenery.   She can jump from roof top to roof top. She can jump from tall buildings and land as silently as a cat.  She can sneak up on anyone without being detected.  She goes unseen, until she sees “red” and her rage is ignited by some injustice to another.  At that moment, her rage literally fires up.  The fire is ignited and is used to help those in need of assistance.

Fangs’ character displays many versions of the triangle.  A triangle is used at times as a symbol of fire and is also seen in the drawing of the phoenix, particularly in the beak and wings.  A phoenix bursts into flame and then is resurrected, rising from its ashes as a new bird.  The phoenix is related to the character of Fang because she too rose from the ashes of her past to become a new person.  Named Elizabeth, it was on her 5^th birthday that her fire power became apparent.  Her parents did not know how to deal with this and abandoned her.  Alone and terrified, she was taken in by an elderly man who become her sensei   He changed her name to Fang which means phoenix in Chinese and taught her to appreciate her gift and use it to help others. 

Arboc (cobra backwards) was once a human man.  On a motorcycle ride through the Arizona desert, he was bitten by a rare radioactive snake.  The radioactivity changed the human man into Arboc.  Arboc is a snakelike creature who spends his life taking out his anger on unsuspecting victims.  This makes him an enemy of Fang. The color green is associated with radioactivity as well as many varieties of snakes.  Arboc is covered with bright green scales the color of radioactive materials.  In addition, venom is often thought of as green in color and his venom is toxic just like radioactive matter. 

Arboc also travels in the shadows and darkness and observes but for entirely different reasons than Fang.  In order to stay strong, Arboc needs to feed on strong human specimens.  Lurking in dark alleyways, he waits for his victims.  Once he spots a good candidate, he uses his orange head to attract his prey.  The victim is drawn to him like moths to a bright light. Once the prey is close, he looks into Arboc’s yellow glowing eye and feels a chill just as the snake strikes, draining life from the victim while strengthening himself.  The cover of darkness is essential for Arboc to find his targets and to attack them without others being around and noticing what is going on. 

 The shape of Arboc’s head resembles the shape of a light bulb.  The use of the light bulb symbolizes the attraction between the snake and his victims.  Light attracts attention, just as Arboc’s glowing orange head helps attract his prey.  Light usually is a sign of goodness and a light bulb typically signifies a good idea.  However, in this case, the glowing light bulb head of Arboc is used to lure victims into a bad situation that is definitely not a good idea for the targeted person.  The light bulb moment for Arboc’s prey is that they should have stayed away from the light.

Fang

Arboc

Power Rangers!!!!

Power Rangers are my all time favorite superheros!! I grew up with watching all the movies and television shows. Me and my brother would always watch it after school for hours. We would always act like the different rangers. I was always the red while my brother was the white.