ENGL1101

[penguinsflyin]

Revision of Blog Post 1- Mini Close Reading

In the opening sequence of Smooth Criminal, the dark and mysterious alley paired with dim blue lighting creates an obscure setting, constructing Michael Jackson as a central figure with his bright white suit that contrasts the dark atmosphere. The establishing shot in the beginning of the sequence displays the empty streets occupied by Michael Jackson alone. Michael’s blurred silhouette appears on screen before his actual appearance in the shot. This, coupled with the foggy and dark alley, builds curiosity and excitement as Michael Jackson turns around the corner. This video further pushes through the excitement with the beat constantly driving forward at a fast pace and the powerful background music that amplifies the effect of the bright light shooting out from the door. This combination makes Michael appear divine, setting him in a central position. The scene where the three children are secretly watching the scene portray the viewer’s mind, in complete awe and anxious to see what will happen next. Cinematographic elements such as various camera angles and mise-en scene elements are used to represent Michael’s status in the music video. His classy, all-white suit and fedora hat against the blue-lit alley sets him apart from the dark and underground atmosphere. Towards the last part of the sequence before he walks through the door, the camera shifts to a slightly low angle, focusing on Michael Jackson’s face. His dignified and confident facial expression as well as the low camera angle establishes his powerful and authoritative character. When he enters, the contrasting shift in setting suggests the idea that he is entering a completely different world. Silence dominates as he enters, and the entire attention is focused on him and him alone. Even among the focused attention and gazes, Michael remains indifferent and confident. The framing of “Smooth Criminal” directly links to the power Michael Jackson possesses. He is the center of the frame for the majority of the shots, giving the impression that he is the most important figure.

link to previous draft: http://penguinsflyin.tumblr.com/page/2

[penguinsflyin]

Reflection on Blogging

Blogging was an integral part of learning in this course. At first, the concept of blogging felt uncomfortable because it was an unfamiliar platform for me. Throughout the course, I found it a great source of communication and learning. The topics for the posts were interesting; I learned to pay attention to details in scenery, mise en scene, cinematography and sound. The most productive component in blogging for class was engaging with classmates. By commenting on other classmates’ posts, I was able to offer and receive both positive comments and constructive criticism.  This kept me engaged in and out of the classroom. I found this extremely helpful because I am typically shy to express my ideas in class. Blog posts gave me a chance to comfortably enter a discussion. The least helpful part was being graded on the writing. I felt that the grading restricted me to express my thoughts in a certain format and limited the freedom in the way I chose to express my opinions and ideas.

[penguinsflyin]

Research Post : Gender Roles in Disney Films

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_j-JiUjOW4S3MByXFeu6VsT6H9zDlzaoST3EoUfLdPs/edit?usp=sharing

[penguinsflyin]

Anaconda and Female Sexual Objectification

Dr. Sexton addresses the public’s negative gaze on the way Nicki presents herself in the video and her album cover exposing her behind. Women - black women especially - are criticized for expressing themselves sexually. Dr. Sexton specifically lists the set of “rules” the society created for women and how they are expected to present themselves in public. Women cannot show their bodies without being labeled as “failed role models,” reversing the narrative of human sexuality where women’s bodies are worthy of appreciation only when they please men. Men, however, have all the freedom to express their thoughts and body without shame. How is it fair for men to have the power and control over women’s body when women can’t even hold the same for their own?

In “Anaconda,” Minaj delivers a powerful feminist message: women have the ability to own her own body and sexuality. This is shown in the lap-dance montage where Drake sits completely still, unpermitted to touch her as she gyrates and grinds near his body. She shows that she is in control as she slaps his hand when he attempts to touch her body. Also in the kitchen scene, Nicki is dressed like a maid and plays around with food. She spreads whipped cream all over her chest and eats the banana that serves as an obvious metaphor for the male body part (a phallic symbol). However, she completely breaks the male fantasy and women’s stereotype by cutting off the banana into pieces and throwing it away, declaring her power and dominance. By proclaiming the fact that she is the owner of her own body and embracing her features, she breaks the power dynamic Dr. Sexton lays out in the passage. Minaj demonstrates that women exist independently and not for the purpose of pleasing the male population. 

[phoenixera42-blog]

The two covers of the VIBE magazine reflect the musical and personal characteristics of Tupac and Biggie significantly through the use of different orientation of text and the cover pictures. The font display on both the covers is extremely distinctive. While’s Tupac’s cover is bold with his name...

[penguinsflyin]

It's interesting how you mentioned the correlation between the font display and the message each artist was trying to project. I agree that the color variations and contrast gives a different feeling and shows the two artists' personalities.

[ksmith383]

Part 1 : Tupac v. Biggie

  Compare these two covers from Vibe magazine. How does the cover on the left construct Tupac? What about Biggie in his cover? How do they differ? Provide details of mise en scene and framing to support your analysis.

The cover on the left is more darker colors and is monotonous, making Tupac out to be more serious. The glasses that he’s wearing give him a look of intelligence or of a person that should be taken seriously. They also make him look a bit like Ghandi. He’s the only one on the cover and only half of his face is being shown. This cover makes Tupac out to be someone that has something important to say and that you should be listening. The cover on the right has more vibrant colors and a playful type layout. The car gives off the ‘live life in the fast lane’ vibe. Biggie is also in it with his wife, Faith, showing that he does everything he can with her. These covers show how Tupac cares mostly about how he views himself while Biggie cares about how his loved ones view him. Also, Tupac, through the lack of colors, is saying the world is currently a darker place that needs to be fixed while Biggie, with his bright colors, is saying he has gotten out of that dark place and has moved into the light.

Read More

[penguinsflyin]

I love how you mentioned this: "These covers show how Tupac cares mostly about how he views himself while Biggie cares about how his loved ones view him." That's something I never thought about when I was comparing these two covers. I also found the point about comparing the dark / light colors to see what each artist was trying to convey in the image interesting.

[brianl743]

Compare these two covers from Vibe magazine. How does the cover on the left construct Tupac? What about Biggie in his cover? How do they differ? Provide details of mise en scene and framing to support your analysis.

Tupac’s magazine cover coveys him as pensive, sophisticated individual while...

[penguinsflyin]

I never noticed the blurry background with the focus on Tupac - that's a great artistic point you mentioned. I completely agree with the point you made about hip-hop style music being generally looked down upon and not taken seriously. Do you agree with Janell Hobson's quote? What are your personal views on Jay-Z's music?

[penguinsflyin]

Picasso Baby

Jay Z’s music video Picasso baby attempts to break through the division between contemporary art and hip-hop. The music video opens with an interview where Jay-Z expresses his desire to bring the two (contemporary art and hip hop) different worlds together. He reflects on the public’s traditional, stereotypical ideas that separate the two. In the performance, Jay-Z deviates from the standard hip-hop, “gangster style” attire and flashy stage. Instead, he dresses in a causal white collar shirt with dress pants and adds a gold chain necklace to throw in the “gangster” side of hip hop. Throughout the video, he rejects the traditional ideas that separate artists and audiences. He successfully expresses this thought by involving many interactions with guests such as Marina Abramovi and Michael Williams. He constantly invites the guests on stage, as he sits and watches as an audience. Towards the end, he even invites everyone to cross over the dividers separating them from him.

 Janell Hobson’s piece in The Feminist Wire challenges the definition of high and low art and points out the unspoken distinction between the world of contemporary art and hip-hop. Generally, American hip-hop music is not viewed as a form of “art” but rather a culture. Jay-Z provides a glimpse at the limitations many black artists from the impoverished background face when trying to gain credibility in the art world. Although hip-hop and art both deal with the same subjects such as life, love, and power, the two worlds are still separated.

[penguinsflyin]

Tupac v. Biggie

Compare these two covers from Vibe magazine. How does the cover on the left construct Tupac? What about Biggie in his cover? How do they differ? Provide details of mise en scene and framing to support your analysis.

With the glasses and cut-off shot of half of his face, Tupac appears very serious and sincere. The glasses represent intelligence and intellectual pursuit. The text “…I want people to have the real story.” goes well with the mysterious feeling as only half of his face is shown. This symbolizes Tupac's unknown, untold story.

In contrast, Biggie’s cover is more flashy with yellow text. The car and his black clothing makes him appear more classy. The jewelry, rings, and the woman beside Biggie compliment the luxurious concept of the cover. Biggie is in the center of the frame, and the text follows his body line. The full shot shows the background and lets more visuals out, whereas Tupac’s cover shows a very close-up shot of his face, emphasizing his emotions and the serious tone of the cover.

[penguinsflyin]

Shot List

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N5-A6RYsHjFqdHrq-WcyirSwbO4i-3CnjJegsr-dWX0/edit?usp=sharing

Thesis:

In the music video "Run the World" by Beyonce, various uses of imagery, feminist symbolism, bold costumes and visuals throughout the middle sequence portray how women are viewed and treated by society at large; this gender contrast reflects the historical status of gender equity in our own society.

[penguinsflyin]

Paparazzi - Lady Gaga

In the music video “Paparazzi,” Lady Gaga provocatively addresses the double standards given to celebrities by using extravagant imagery, symbolism, cinematography and visuals. By exaggerating the common issues in the celebrity world and media through scenes like the swarm of paparazzi and newspaper headlines, Gaga successfully criticizes the American culture centered on fame. The lavish mansion, flashing lights, and fancy clothing portray the image normal people draw when they imagine the world of fame. One key sequence that delivered the message of the music video can be found in the first chorus. This scene displays Gaga fighting between the good and the dark sides of being a celebrity and what it takes to be “famous.” She struggles with an internal battle between the good side and the bad side as the men surround her to protect her from advancing into the “bad Gaga.” The women constantly lure her to make her fall. The swift switch between these two shots portrays the struggle she faces inside. Gaga wears a metallic leotard with matching helmet and attempts to walk on her feet with crutches. This symbolizes the barrier between the “normal” world we live in and the world of fame. Through this music video, Lady Gaga enlightens and hopes to change how the world and people view the concept of fame.

[penguinsflyin]

Smooth Criminal

The opening sequence of Smooth Criminal combines minimal (dark) lighting and an obscure atmosphere that draw the viewer’s attention to an intriguing setting. Through the establishing shot, we can see that the empty streets are occupied with Michael Jackson alone. The dark…

[brianl743]

I agree with your idea on the contrast of the color of Michael’s clothing and the bluish lighting of the alleyway. It really helps in establishing Michael as the central figure. It also helps that in the scene where Michael walks down the alleyway, everything in the shot is absolutely still except Michael.

[penguinsflyin]

Great point you made there. Keeping everything else still and letting MJ the only character moving gives the notion that he is the most important figure of that frame. His already-standing-out figure and attire is further emphasized through this dramatic scene.

[penguinsflyin]

Smooth Criminal

The opening sequence of Smooth Criminal combines minimal (dark) lighting and an obscure atmosphere that draw the viewer’s attention to an intriguing setting. Through the establishing shot, we can see that the empty streets are occupied with Michael Jackson alone. The dark…

[neostarman]

When I watched the video for Smooth Criminal yesterday, I thought it looked intriguing, but I didn’t know what to say about it. You made a great point of the contrast between MJ’s attire and the environment around him, along with the light/sound indicating his entry into a new environment. I also didn’t consider how the kids’ reactions are supposed to represent those of the audience.

[penguinsflyin]

Although I'm not entirely sure what that scene (the three kids) was intended for, I was able to relate to their feelings of shock and awe. As I was watching the bright light and MJ's dramatic entrance, I had a similar reaction to that of the kids.

[jschutz3]

The video for Smooth Criminal combines a bar setting, with standard gangster outfits, to create a cool, tough, and sexually charged video. The instant Michael Jackson walks into the bar, the silence takes over, and suddenly everyone directs their attention to the “King of Pop”. Michael is...

[penguinsflyin]

I love how you focused on his dominance and authority in the music video. His attitude as he walks in the bar shows that he is clearly in charge of this community. He remains confident even through the gazes. Your comparison of his character to a sheriff gave me a unique perception to view his character.

[wildthornberry34]

All Alone in a World full of People

Although it may not seem like it, the first thirty seconds of any video, event, or movie are very defining moments. The scene is set, the main character or characters are introduced, but your brain has barely given you enough time to recognize that the main character is not who you think he is! Within the first critical seconds of Michael Jackson’s music video “Bad”, so much has already been established. You unknowingly are aboard the plot train as it is hurdling down the tracks but you are in the back thinking, “Oh! This is a black and white film!” The scene is set using a black and white film stock and jumping shots around a pristine campus; perhaps it is a boarding school. This private school notion is then verified with a quick jump to a stone sign reading, “The Duxston School.” Eerie, uncanny, almost ghostly music is playing while the camera slowly goes from shot to shot of empty hallways and stairwells. Then, all of a sudden, a face consumes the frame. This close-up of Michael Jackson’s character, Darryl, displays his unsmiling face rising up to meet the camera. At this moment, the camera is angled slightly, looking down upon him. This angle, combined with the mise en scene actions of this stone-cold face create the effect or idea that Darryl is powerful. After this defining moment, the camera swiftly jumps to a stairwell filled with rambunctious boys yelling and screaming as they run down the stairs. The dead silence and eerie music seconds before creates a strong juxtaposition with the din of the boys in the stairwell, informing the viewer that Darryl is all alone in this seemingly filled building.

[penguinsflyin]

I find your analysis very easy to relate, because you know exactly what the viewer is going through in his or her head while watching the video. Good job for describing the camera angles that developed Darryl's powerful character. I also think it would be great to add the fact that he seems to be the only African American at the school, indirectly portraying Michael Jackson's actual position as the only African American star on MTV at the time. Great post!

[ramblinbuzzer]

As I watched the first 30 seconds of “Smooth Criminal” I was automatically captured by the “mise en scene”. The outfits, the props, and the extra actors really captured the storyline for Michael’s video. I would like to focus more on the event where he opened the door into the warehouse. This...

[penguinsflyin]

I agreed with the way you described Michael's attire. The all-white suit makes him appear invincible and places him in the center of attraction. The cinematographic elements you made such as the various zoom ins and close shots really gave more insight on the visual aspects of the music video.

[phoenixera42-blog]

               Analysis of Opening Scene of Smooth Criminal

In the opening sequence of smooth criminal, the play between blue and white lights and dark alley background sets a tenebrous scene while depicting Michael Jackson as the central subject of the music video by making him appear important, bold and superhuman. The sequence opens as a long shot (still-camera) of a blue-lit corner alley corner, shrouded by an over-bearing shadow of a man. Fairytale-like music plays in the background giving a divine perspective of the shadow. While camera stays still, the shadow moves forward, reducing in size. In the next few seconds, we see Michael Jackson running around the corner, in a white suit, as the tempo of the music increases. The still camera creates an illusion of him running towards the audience. His blue shirt complements the blue-lit walls while his stark white suit provides a strong contrast with the dark alley and dim lighting, giving him a central role. As he turns around the second corner, the camera is focused in a close shot of faces of three ethnically different children staring at Jackson with awe and curiosity. The second establishing shot (taken from behind MJ), consists of a green door, possibly depicting an entrance to a different world/society. When MJ opens the door, bright white light engulfs his entirety and his previously stark white suit appears like a dark silhouette against it; again making him a central figure. Another camera/scene shift shows the trio being blinded by light while MJ stands against it, steadily, when the camera focuses on him. He, therefore, comes across as super-human. The last shot of the scene is a close-up of his face where he tips his hat, confidently, and goes through the doorway. Afterwards, we see back-to-back shots of the trio in shock and descending light from the doorway. Finally, the door shuts depicting the blockage of the outside world and MJ’s bold ascend into another. MJ’s prodigal depiction serves as a perfect setting for his role as a super-natural gang leader whom no force can stop (even army men with guns!).

[penguinsflyin]

I can tell that you were very keen about the details and described the cinematographic elements very well. I agree that the blue lighting and his white suit gives a sharp contrast with the dark atmosphere, further highlighting his central role in the video. You made some great points on the various camera angles and close-ups to support your analysis!