Transactional Palaver

Modernism and Film Noir May 1, 2008

As individuals or groups of up to three, you are to do one or more of the following as the project for this unit.

1. Using MovieMaker (or any movie-making software of your choice), create a short film that incorporates the elements of Modernism and demonstrates your understanding of the noir style. Content must be school appropriate, so if you are unsure about whether or not your idea fits the guidelines, see me.

If you choose to work on a film, you will need to write a film proposal, outlining your ideas and plot. If two or three people choose to collaborate on a film, the film should be of sufficient length and complexity to demonstrate the work of two or three individuals as well as a deep understanding of the concepts involved.

2. You may also use software to create a film that does not include live actors. If you choose to go this route, remember that you must write a proposal for your project and be sure that the project is of sufficient length and complexity to demonstrate a full understanding of the concepts involved.

3. Your blog is also available to you as a medium in which you can demonstrate your knowledge. You may blog on the films we’ve watched, the style of the films, the concepts of noir, and the Modernist attributes.

4. Lastly, you may write a noir-style short story, published either on paper or on your blog. Again, the guidelines for what is school appropriate must be followed. The short story must demonstrate the elements of noir style as well as your understanding of the attributes of Modernism. The story also must be of sufficient length and complexity to demonstrate your understanding of the unit.

You may do one or more of the above options. For example, you may choose to explore in writing something on your blog, but visually explore the noir style through a short film. In other words, mix and match to ensure the following:

· My project demonstrates a full and deep understanding of the concepts of noir style and Modernism

· My project is of sufficient length and complexity to demonstrate this knowledge to anyone who views or reads my work

· My project is creative and finely crafted, indicating that I have spent the time on it that the project deserves and that I have pride in the product I offer

If you have any questions, please let me know. I have booked the computer lab for upcoming classes so that you can work on these projects during class.

My picture of a cat cannot be displayed, I’m sorry to say. 😦