Watched the first episode of the epic series by Mark Cousin's that covers the history of film and is surprisingly called The History of Film: An Odyssey. Its on more 4 and its something like 12 one hour long episodes that reveal cinmea and how it came to be and evoled to what it is, including a lot films he deams as important which are generally unknown in the mainstream and wouldnt be included in the the top 100 geatest films ever ever list you find cropping up every year (Still can't believe Superman Returns is in Empires 100).
The first episode was very good, Cousin's narrated over the entirety only cutting away from scenes from films, images of sets and locations then and now with quick interviews from critics, and film buffs. Certain ways he approches the how he presents the documents reminds me greatly of Godards history of cinema, although it doesnt have the intensly annoying type writing that goes on throughout (yet). I will keep watching it and thought I'd give it a mention because I have a feeling some of you may find it really informative and useful to your practices or just as an extra way of finding out about amazing movies that need to be added to the list of films you must find and watch... There's already a load for me from just the first episode!
Kit
thanks for sharing that man, refreshing to see a proper insight as opposed to shite comedians on a countdown list of favourite moments. I just bought myself a book on cinematic techniques and their uses and effectiveness which is very interesting. Just a thought but I'd like to see some interesting techniques and triva people make know of.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourites - In (American Psycho) each scene with Detective Donald Kimball (Willem Dafoe), Mary Harron asked Defoe to portray his character three different ways: 1) Kimble knew Patrick Bateman killed Paul Allen, 2) Kimball didn't know Bateman killed Allen, and 3) Kimball wasn't sure if Bateman killed Allen. Harron would then edit the takes together, giving the audience an unsure vibe of what Detective Kimball thought of Bateman.
Nathan
Only watched a few minutes of the first episode before I got distracted/fell asleep to Mark Cousin's soothing voice, but the Odd Man Out> Godard> Taxi Driver bit was interesting; Odd Man Out's an amazing film and should definitely be watched. There's a fantastic scene where the main character is brought into safety by a poor artist who lives in a massive derelict building - really stood out in my mind...
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