So far I have come up with little more than a headache and a need to drink.
Just kidding, but seriously.
Movies have always interested me. I grew up without cable tv, so I spent a great deal of time getting into trouble outside, and when I wasn't hurting myself I watched movies with an awe for cinema. Among my favorites were old Hitckcock movies, comedic gems from the 80's and early 90's and the latest police thriller. Therefore, idea 1 for this blog has revolved around looking at the significance of the femme fatale figure within the Film Noir genre. I have had the distinct pleasure of viewing many old black and white movies and I have been struck by the artistic dimensions of the 40's film exploration of the "evil" woman.
On somewhat the same path, I have been playing around with the idea of the "classic" cult film revolution of the punk rock variety. Most people date the beginning of punk rock as 1977. In the US, places such as the Roxy and CBGB catered to, and nurtured, the scenes evolution. Today many "punks" see a number of films as requisites to their culture, which depict the wayward alternative character in a transitional clashing setting from the "cultural norm." Two films that especially come to mind are A Clockwork Orange and Suburbia. Having been made almost 15 years apart, these two films are still together often heavily referenced in punk music, as well as displayed on music covers and shirts. So, how do these films play on and into the musical scene of a genre that was created in the underground musical clubs of London, New York and Los Angeles in the late 70's?
Ok, so thats where I am at the moment...
Hi- Posting this for Ben!
ReplyDeleteBR
"Kara,
Each idea sounds like a worthy undertaking, and I'm sure you'll be a
great undertaker...um. on that note...
:) Sorry--I'm so out of it right now. But seriously, I especially like
the iconic movies of punk rock idea. If you are not already familiar
with the English professor Charlie Birch, (who, I hope, still works at
the U of A), I think it would be a great idea to pursue him and see if
he would be willing to be a human subject/interviewee type person for
your project (should you choose the punk movie route). Freshman year,
when I was still in the creative writing club, he came and talked to
us about his ideas for his own book on the roots and beginnings of
punk. During the talk he flipped through his heavily post-it noted
copy of PLEASE KILL ME--which is some kind of punk rock history book
(maybe one you could check out). He is an extremely knowledgeable dude
and I'm sure he would help you if he had the time, if not by interview
maybe via email or something. Birch may even have a blog of his own
you could subscribe to. Then again, I'm not sure how to get a hold of
him though, or if he still works at the U, or if he is even still
living. But that's my idea.
Anyways, yeah, it sounds like you're on the right track. I'll try to
give you better feedback as this whole shenanigan of a project
progresses. I'm extremely sorry for the delay.
By the way, you should check out my blog when you get the chance and
tell me what you think. Tootles!"
- Ben