Reader Response: The Critical Eye

While reading, The Critical Eye, I found some information that would be very useful for me when it is time to analyze and deconstruct the films this semester. However, for just about every one thing that I found useful in this book, I probable read two or three things that I felt people should already know when analyzing movies. But it is an introduction to looking at movies, so I guess I should have been more patient. Therefore, for this blog, I will only mention the things that I personally found interesting or useful when I read the book.

In chapter two, I liked the information provided about symbols. I was very interested to read about The Seventh Seal on page twenty-eight. The symbolism was the idea of the chess board being this symbol for the game of life, and how even though the knight may be able to win this game against death, “ultimately” he has to lose. I love any type of symbolism in movies, and I especially like linking symbolism with different motifs that may be present historically or culturally at the time.

I also liked the chapter that mentioned the special effects that are done by cameras. I had a “duh” moment when I realized that they actually just duplicate extras in a set or in a baseball stadium. Naively, I actually believed that they could film a movie with thousands of people in a stadium or concert. But subconsciously, as I have gotten older, I must have realized that all the people shown are actually an illusion. At least I would like to hope that I realized it was an illusion.

In chapter seven, the concept of socio-historical background interested me because I thought it was interesting that during, “the mid-to-late 1960’s…a growing antiestablishment mood reflected the disappointment felt by many Americans”(136). This disgruntlement also influenced films heavily, and during this films, “first signaled a shift in cultural values with offbeat protagonists and counterculture themes”(136). After reading this chapter, I wondered if some of those influences would also change the values, goals, or perceptions evident in any of the Jazz films being produced during the times. Either way, I think the cinematic concept of socio-historical background is something that is very important and should be considered with any Jazz film viewed this semester. Especially since the historical link between blackface, Jazz films and the 20th century are so important.