Westing Game--Pairs of Heirs!!!

Class agenda:

1. Using the thoughts, words, actions (among other cues), describe the impression you are getting of the character you've been assigned. We will share these out.

2. Group work: The same information being interpreted different ways: how many instances can you find from chapters 7 and 8 where this is the case?

3. Clues versus red herrings

Red herrings (defined by writingworld.com):

A red herring is something that appears to be a clue but in fact is not. Just as smoked herrings were used to lead fox hounds on a merry chase, red herrings give mystery readers false trails to follow


Example of characterization:

Jake Wexler:  Jake Wexler is lighthearted/goofy, prideful, lonely

Personality Test

HW:  Using the scales you filled out in class, take the free personality test and record your results.

Click the link to take the test. Free Personality Test 

Third Paragraph sample

The filming techniques, acting, and editing all reveal to the viewer that Buck’s show has changed significantly—it’s become more commercialized. The voiceover states that “maybe this is where Buck belongs,” but by movies’ end, we discover that the opposite is true. This scene helps the viewer understand why Buck doesn’t belong. The cinematography helps the audience see the venue in all its glamour—the neon green laser lights, the classy table seating, the bright red curtains, the gold tinsel hanging off the stage, the decorative flames, and the blue velvet curtain that gives off a bright sheen; this is clearly a place of high-class showbiz. The montage that follows the introduction demonstrates that Buck can indeed entertain a crowd in this environment. The low angle shots suggest that Buck is in control, and the reaction shots of the audience show us that the crowd is wildly entertained.  Yet, the venue, in its flashiness is not the only thing that has changed. Buck’s show has changed as well. The montage includes traditional magic tricks with scarves and doves, and they sure are crowd-pleasers, but they aren’t part of Buck’s old routine.  His hypnosis act also relies on lewd humor, instead of cornier, but innocent work. The upbeat music in the montage and the crowd’s reaction both suggest Buck can blend in here, but the film soon raises the question: does Buck belong here? The last shot of the scene shows the Vegas bookers, slightly out of focus, praising the success of the show. This foreshadows his failure, but also reminds the viewer that never before was Buck’s success determined by how well he entertained, but how well he connected with his audience.

Scene Analysis

Take out a journal.

1. Watch the scene for my sample scene analysis
2. Watch again
3. Watch again without sound

What film mechanics (acting, editing, camera work, music) popped out to you?

Be specific as you reference them in your second paragraph. Don't just say: The camera then goes to an eye-level shot. Then it goes to a long shot.

Use strong action verbs
Describing the composition of the scene involves describing WHAT you see in the clearest way possible.

Compare your 1st paragraph to mine.

Final Exam

This is mostly for the parents, as students should already be well aware of this, but there is no time frame for an ELA exam. So what is the final exam, you may be pondering?

Our last unit, we've been studying Film and how it relies on several techniques and mechanics to tell its story, but also provide the audience with a deeper understanding. This is really a callback to our first unit on text and subtext where we deconstructed media images to decipher their underlying implications.

Throughout the year, we also studied many different types of narratives. This unit ties together both concepts: how does film tell a story, and what are the hidden meanings behind the images you see on the screen.

Students will be assessed two ways:

1. Scene analysis paper (2 pages)- 50 points (10 of the points will come from an informal presentation of the scene  with 3 other classmates.)
2. In class multiple choice test-- students will view clips and answer questions based on the narrative or film techniques being used in each clip.-50 points


We are working on the paper each day in class this week, as will be due on Thursday.

The in class assessment is on Tuesday, 6/16. I will be holding a review class on Monday, 6/15 from 2:45-3:45

Email me or simply ask your daughter or son if you have any questions!

-Mr. B.

Scene Analysis Clips

Please click here for the version of the movie that these time frames are based on.

1. Montage- Buck's Show (scene from 20:55- 25:44)
2. Buck Puts Nearly 900 Souls to Sleep (1:00:23-1:05:00)
3.  Hospital Scene  (1:11:08-1:14:45)
4. Buck Fails in Vegas (1:26:36-1:29:49)
5. Buck Finds His Money Again (1:41:44-1:47:41)

HW: Please draft the 1st paragraph of your scene analysis in your journal

Montages and Music

Here are the clips played in class to introduce the concept of montage and discuss the importance of music in film.

Montage

Music in Film #1
Music in Film #2
Music in Film #3
Music in Film #4