Hugo Reflection Questions

Mealies says this because he doesn’t want to see a difference between the real world and movie world happiness. There is always acting in movies and that’s what he thinks when he sees happy endings. All the fake smiles and stuff that go into it because it is only acting.

He doesn’t want to think that good endings and how they aren’t actually real to us. Also that they are false.

I think it will be a happy ending for some and not for others. The boy didn’t get a happy ending cause he was an orphan but the police did. It’s a bittersweet ending.

Final Blog Post

My favorite part of the class was the final project while filming. It was fun and I liked my group a lot. I have learned the most about ways to better edit my videos but also script writing. I did it multiple times for this class and got better every time. I didn’t like the first film because my group was not helpful in getting it completed. It felt like I did most of the work.

End of the year post :(

What was your favorite part of the class this year? 

-My favorite part was definitely making films. It was so nice to be able to have a years worth of experience and grow on that. We would get feedback and that's what made everyone stronger. Being able to create something from the core of your mind, is the best thing anyone could ever do!

What have you learned the most about?  

-I've learned a lot about not dawdling. When I was creating a second film, me and my group tended to start to slow down. I realized, we shouldn't slow down, because then it'll be hard to pick up the pace. Now, when filming, there shouldn't be any rush because you want it to look good. But, it's important that you keep a steady pace. Without that steady pace you might fail behind or go to fast and have to constantly re-shooting the shots. 

What didn't you like so much? 

-I didn't like not being able to have much flexibility with shooting. Granted, we are at school and we can find ways, but it sorta gets a little aggravating when it comes to filming and the spot/areas you chose aren't as good as you thought they were for the scene and so you have to hold the shooting and search for another place, which may take up a few filming days. (I've also learned to be more prepared!)

I am not going to be in Portfolio next year.. I wanted to but the classes got all filled up! But I am definitely 100% going to take it my senior year!! I want to thank you Mr. Bombay for being an amazing teacher!! I look forward to being in your class my senior year!! If you need anything I'm always a Schoology message away!! 

-Ellie Oxenreider :)

Hugo Reflection Questions

In Hugo, Georges Méliès, who does not want to remember the part of his life where he created fantastic and magical worlds through films, states, “My life has taught me one lesson, Hugo Cabret, and not the one I thought it would. Happy endings only happen in the movies.”


 Why does Méliès say this?
- Because, he doesn't want to think about the difference between real world happiness and movie happiness. When it comes to movies there is always acting. I guess that's what he only sees when he thinks of happy endings. The fake smiles and laughter that go into it because it's just an act.

 Why does he want to forget about the films he made?
- He doesn't want to believe in the happy endings and how they aren't as true to us as they seem. Also, how they seem to lie.

 Do you think the film Hugo has a happy ending? Why or why not?
-To me, yes. Something that you don't always see is when a "villian" in this case the policeman, get happy endings. Because, in the end he gets with the flower lady. But for the boy, not really. I mean, he does make friends and isn't wanted for being an orphan. The toy keeper also continues talking to him and allowing him to come to the shop whenever he pleases. 

Hugo Discussion Questions

Dreams and cinema are one in the same. It’s where things can come to life, where the most magical creatures can come true. It’s when the world stops around you and you get a chance to see life for the first time. You live and feel something you don’t normally feel. It’s as if you are entering another dimension but there’s no limit. 

Hugo

Georges Méliès’ films were set in fantastical worlds with magical creatures and adventurous and creative storylines. Hugo focuses on how films can allow you to escape reality and explore a dream-like world. 

Two quotes from the film explore this concept:

Georges Méliès: “If you’ve ever wondered where your dreams come from, you look around...this is where they’re made.” 

Georges Méliès: “My friends, I address you all tonight as you truly are; wizards, mermaids, travellers, adventurers, magicians... Come and dream with me.” 

What do these quotes teach us about the connection between the cinema and dreams?

-The cinema is where the dreams seem to come true. They explore and bring the dreams to life. They create life that may seem impossible. They bring joy and fear, sadness and anger, they bring out the emotions in people. The cinema is basically the definition of dream. Dreams always have a beginning, middle, and end, and that's just how movies are. When Georges says "Come and dream with me" It's as if he is inviting you, to follow him into the world/life of cinema (Magic and wonder) and see what others may not see.

The Social Network Reflection

3) The adults were not as, mature. They acted as if they were the kids. Especially the principal or head master of the school. The 16-25 year olds were the ones who were taking the lead. The roles of the two were switched which was unexpected. The casting seemed to have made the younger characters all look older. They made them dress fancier they made them sit and talk as though they were older (except Mark). Mark was like the adults. He wouldn’t really listen to what other people would say and he would drink to solve problems.

The Social Network 2

4. The film is set around two decade ago. How does the film relate to the 16-25 age bracket of today? Consider casting, locations and mise-en-scène. 

-The people who are trying to create programs are all younger and understand more of the rules/legislation than the adults who are in charge. The college students are also getting drunk in a way that seems to make them do things that don't seem to end well for them. Yeah, there is definitely a lot of drinking of alcohol in this film. But now, 16-25 year olds would be drinking coffee or tea most likely to stay up and work on ideas/projects.

6. Does the film take a stance for or against the existence of Facebook? Does it comment in any way on the impact it has had on the world today?

-To me, It seems like at first, they were trying to get it started, but then the more they got into it seemed like they were thinking it wasn't a good idea. They also seemed to get more irritated with each other and end up going separate ways (From what I saw/understood). It was sorta a hard movie to follow. 

Post a picture:

The Social Network

He doesn’t really care about other people’s feelings, he is too focused on himself, he doesn’t listen to others and talks badly about them behind their back.

It’s quick and confusing. The way the camera cuts back and forth between the two actors sharply. At first it’s not as bad, but the deeper they get Into the conversation till the breakup, the movements get sharper and sharper, adding tense action into the scene.

The Social Network

2. How is the scene humorous?

- They continue and go back and forth/bickering that started even before the opening was shown. From the beginning it instantly shows how bad they are together. The guy only focused on his work. I think for some people the reason why it's funny is because it's so fast and confusing. To me, it wasn't humorous it was sort of annoying. (And the main guy seems like a rude butt.)


4. Consider the use of music in the sequences. What type of music does Fincher tend to use? What effects does the music have in each opening sequence?

-In the beginning, the music was not as tense but the closer they got to the breakup it got faster and louder. Then, when they finally broke up and left it instantly changed to settle, calming, sad piano notes with the distant sound of traffic, chattering, and foot steps. It then changed to loud rumbles- I see what's happening. The boy seems to be overwhelmed and so the director is adding in a bunch of music and sounds to fill your head as though you were the boy's mind.