2.4 DISCUSSION: Looking at Movies
33 unread replies.1818 replies.
Purpose:
This discussion gives you the chance to apply the knowledge you attained through the reading to The Last Black Man in San Francisco - the film viewed and then reflect upon what you learned.
Reread the end of Chapter 1 and study how the text analyzed the form of Juno and Star Wars, or the Hunger Games (depending on the edition of the text you have) in order to derive greater meaning. Apply your understanding to The Last Black Man in San Francisco. Discuss at least three points. Give examples to bolster your analysis - tell me how or why you came to your conclusion. Remember to be thorough and thoughtful.
Discussion topics should include, but are not limited to:
A discussion of the elements of form (cinematic language) which contributed to the invisibility of The Last Black Man in San Francisco.
How does the film represent the culture and the society depicted. How is the idea of cultural invisibility apparent?
What elements of form contributed to your feelings about the characters? How were they represented visually?
What explicit and or implicit meanings were discernible?
What expectations did you have concerning cinematic language? What cinematic language is shared, with a Classic Hollywood film and what is not?
What expectations did you have of the characters, or the story and were theses expectations met?
If the film does not meet your expectations of how a film's story should be organized, or should progress, how is this film different? Please think/write about why?
What type of film analysis best suits the film?
Tips:
Subjective opinion is not analysis — you do not have to like the shot, actors, or film to critique a film.
Further, the use of the word “I” should be minimized.
Pointing out “goofs” for the sake of pointing it out is not an analysis.
Avoid the phrase “dark lighting” for it does not exist. A scene may however be “dimly lit.”
Use the vocabulary and concepts presented in the chapter.
Give examples.
The LAC on campus or NetTutor are excellent resources. Our discussion board is another option. These easily accessible resources could easily lend assistance.
Remember you must also respond to at least two other posts (responding to my response/questions count) by Sunday at midnight.
Your initial post should be at least 200 words in length.
Apply the course content to your responses as well.
Demonstrate you have completed the reading by, for instance, using the vocabulary of filmmaking.
Quotes from the text will strengthen your discussion and responses, although they are not required.
Be sure to cite any sources utilized including the text.
Your responses should be at least one paragraph long ( 50-75 words) and should also utilize the readings to analyze what has been said in the post. If you ask a question don't ask one that can easily be answered "yes" or "no." If I ask you questions about your post, you are not required to answer them but I strongly encourage you to do so (I usually ask questions that are designed to get you thinking about the course materials more carefully). Think of the discussion boards as a place where you can develop and discuss your ideas in relation to the course materials.
Peer feedback is an excellent educational tool. In formulating a reply - give feedback and further that feedback with examples of your own. Consider the following:
What was memorable and why?
Are there similar details you would like to add?
What could you have elaborated on? Can you give an example?
What's one point that helped you form a greater understanding of the reading, and/or the film?
Assignments submitted late will have points deducted. Please email me if you submit an assignment late so it may be graded. As always, it is important to be respectful when interacting with other students.
Your post due by Thursday at 11:00 and then you must reply or comment on two posts by Sunday at 11:59:
MY POST:
The cinematic invisibility of The Last Black Man in San Francisco (Joe Talbot, 2019) takes us from Hunters Point through San Francisco and to Lower Pacific Heights in a beautifully edited 3-minute skateboard ride. Without the use of seamless editing this ride would have taken the full two hours of the film.
The last Black Man is a protagonist, but in “San Francisco” is one also. We get to know both these protagonists together in these 3 minutes.
In 3 minutes, the cuts and edits take us on a visual tour of San Francisco with the spoken word of the soap box Hunters Point Preacher as the powerful soundtrack along with a rising symphonic score. The cinematographer takes us through Hunters Point down the other side of Market Street where there is a well positioned still an of a Tech guy with his white T-shirt and a cellphone. We see get the first cultural demographic shift of the film and city.
The skateboard ride ends, the symphonic score ends, and there is silence expect for the preacher’s narration saying, “This is OUR home.” We are introduced to another main character, the Victorian house at 929 Golden Gate Street near Fillmore.
The film offers a twist on Hollywood stereotypes of African American characters. Jump to the scene of the beautiful character Montgomery is in a smoking jacket in a Victorian House finishing a perfect illustration of a violent encounter that played out about an hour before. His friend Jimmy is bothered and puzzled that he isn’t upset. They are discussing it rationally, kind of matter of fact. Montgomery just smiles back and him and says, “I shouldn’t get to appreciate them because they’re mean to me? That’s silly.”
The characters are creative African American men. One has a dream of reconstructing a Victorian House that belonged to his family. The other is a playwright and artist. They’re enjoying an evening together cooking dinner even though their time in the Victorian house is temporary with an uncertain future.
Comment from the teacher:
Thank you for the amazing detail and use of the vocabulary of filmmaking in your original post. Your post should both inspire and aid your classmates. Have confidence in your ability!
And. thank you for your responses. That screen shot is an amazing example of the power of cinematic language/technique.
Anna Geyer , Sep 13 at 11:37pm
Other student's posts I commented upon:
from 2.4 DISCUSSION: Looking at Movies
Sep 10, 2021 4:12PM
Ida Daroza
Hello Chelsea,
You had a near perfect answer in my opinion covering cinematic/cultural invisibility; and explict and implict meanings among other great points.
I also covered the cinematic invisibility of the skating scene but appreciated your pointing out the "cutting on action." The spoken word of the preacher was also powerful in that it did juxtapose as you said the gold chain Jimmy was wearing with the gold trim that looked like a golden chain on the Victorian. I also liked the preacher's line about the hat and then cut to the peak on top of the Victorian house.
The nudity in the Castro is culturally invisible to us not so for others. We also expect as part of living here have fake cable car party buses and Segway tours going around with people taking so many pictures of everything.
Then there is the great question posed of, "Who does belong here?" Is it someone that is brought in from San Jose on a corporate Google bus? No more third and fourth generations? It's is with sadness that we've been witnessing our artists and teachers unable to afford to live here in the last two decades. No matter how hard one wants it, as per the bank scene...."I'll never miss a payment...hit me with your highest interest rate. I just want to live here!"
The Last Black Man in San Francisco reflects a true story of what has been happening here in San Francisco and especially for people of color.
from 2.4 DISCUSSION: Looking at Movies
Sep 10, 2021 4:33PM
Ida Daroza
Hello Robert,
I agree with so many of your points. In fact, I think I ended my discussion with the same Montgomery quote.
Thank you for pointing out the tiny room that Jimmy and Montgomery shared. People really do share little pieces of a rooms in San Francisco because it's so expensive. I had a working friend who shared a make-shift living space which was a cement garage with curtains strung up for separation. The framing of the bedroom scene showed how tiny and cramped the space was and it made it especially disturbing to see Jimmy on the floor with just a pillow and a blanket.
The article that we read before this film discussed how they wanted every detail correct in terms of costuming of what we would really wear here. In encountering the white owners in the Fillmore, I smiled at their San Francisco-ness. The woman was wearing natural fiber clothing with natural undyed hair. They were just coming back probably from Trader Joes with their healthy produce in their canvas tote (being good environmentally concerned citizens).
Montgomery was the star of the film for me. He was such an interesting character in the film. I couldn't figure him out for the first 3/4ths of the film. He just drew and observed. Then at the play, we realize he's the smartest one in the room and can see the bigger picture in terms of the gang violence and Jimmy's esteem problem.
Your point about how they filmed this scene from a low camera angle I hadn't thought of but it is the perfect way to show his power in this moment of revelation of his genius.
from 2.4 DISCUSSION: Looking at Movies
Sep 10, 2021 4:35PM
Ida Daroza
Thank you Robert,
So much great language and images.
Can you ever forget the gang member wanting to come up and hit
Jimmy with his eyes very red and watery and then just breaking down
and crying...oh my!
from 2.4 DISCUSSION: Looking at Movies
Sep 12, 2021 9:50PM
Ida Daroza
Hello Anaconi,
I love that scene you describe where the guys are trying to be tough and the friend breaks down after Kofi's death. I took this screenshot to remember it. What guys like these have been through and seen in their short lives.
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