Metacognition:
1. I loved creating captions for each individual box when placing my mini graphic novel together. It was challenging to come up with decent phrases, but I managed to string together an interesting story about my pet cat over the Christmas holidays. I disliked the fact that the was not much inspiration around my local environment to create a story outside of my house. I was able to include the day when I got to see an Olympic torch exchange take place, which was very exciting to take pictures of and talk about.
2. I would change the colours and contrast of my photos to add special effects. This could have made it easier to create dialogue for each box, as the photos would be slightly distorted.
3. This type of assignment does not fit into my type of learning preference as I mainly enjoy writing articles and reviews based upon other media related topics. Creating a mini graphic novel was fun, but I have always found the concept of Journalism to be quite interesting.
4. I would tell students to have a large variety of pictures before setting up any kind of storyboard or layout. This will allow students to have a decent selection of similar images (provided that they are taken around similar times) to work with.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Video Response
Bon Cop Bad Cop: Video Response
When watching this film in class, I was astonished at the fact that I have never heard or seen anything about this movie before. It could possibly be because of an old release date, as I don't recall going to the movie theatres as much as I do now (the film was released in 2006). When taking a look at the title of the film, it can be easily identified as a Canadian film due to the incorporation of French and English within the title. I liked how the setting took place within areas of Ontario and Quebec, as both the English speaking Canadian and French speaking cultures were adapted in the film to symbolize that the film was Canadian made.
It is ironic though, that the movie contained so many references towards hockey, almost as if it was stereotyping Canadians to make us all look like hockey fanatics. Using Hockey Night in Canada as their main theme and equipping the tattoo killer with a goalie mask along with a hockey stick for a weapon, it almost seems like the director wanted to make sure that an international audience would catch on to sports that we are depicted to love.
The one thing I really enjoyed was the humor of the French cop and how he made light of every intense situation with a bit of humor. Whether it was interrogating a suspect or investigating a murder, his French accent and sarcastic humor made this film great to watch.
We definitely need to see more movies like this in the future! Unfortunately, there are a lot of movies that are produced within the United States, and even though our CanCon Laws have laws of how much Canadian content should be played within Canada, it seems like more Canadian films need to be released to give Canada a greater praise within the film industry.
When watching this film in class, I was astonished at the fact that I have never heard or seen anything about this movie before. It could possibly be because of an old release date, as I don't recall going to the movie theatres as much as I do now (the film was released in 2006). When taking a look at the title of the film, it can be easily identified as a Canadian film due to the incorporation of French and English within the title. I liked how the setting took place within areas of Ontario and Quebec, as both the English speaking Canadian and French speaking cultures were adapted in the film to symbolize that the film was Canadian made.
It is ironic though, that the movie contained so many references towards hockey, almost as if it was stereotyping Canadians to make us all look like hockey fanatics. Using Hockey Night in Canada as their main theme and equipping the tattoo killer with a goalie mask along with a hockey stick for a weapon, it almost seems like the director wanted to make sure that an international audience would catch on to sports that we are depicted to love.
The one thing I really enjoyed was the humor of the French cop and how he made light of every intense situation with a bit of humor. Whether it was interrogating a suspect or investigating a murder, his French accent and sarcastic humor made this film great to watch.
We definitely need to see more movies like this in the future! Unfortunately, there are a lot of movies that are produced within the United States, and even though our CanCon Laws have laws of how much Canadian content should be played within Canada, it seems like more Canadian films need to be released to give Canada a greater praise within the film industry.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Presentation Response
My Thoughts
I think I did well when presenting my perspective an elements of fiction that I found within Watchmen. It was very revealing to hear that all of my hard work put into preparing my presentation, payed off. One of the strengths within my presentation had to be my confidence and my passion hidden behind the topic of discussion. I have always been interested in the analysis of literature, as I plan to minor within English studies while at university. This gave me extra motivation when deciphering aspects within my topic. I believed that my tone was very clear and my eye contact with the audience was frequently used.
There were some things that I need to improve on when presenting. While presenting my topic of discussion, I tried to limit my "umms" and "likes" as much as possible. Despite my efforts, I managed to say umm about 3 to 4 times. Another thing I noticed, not only within my group, but within every group's seminar was the lack of class involvement. When presenting a topic to the audience during a seminar, your goal is to teach the audience about your topic. Adding class discussions on various aspects of your topic ensures that the audience understands and is paying attention to your presentation. This adds motivation to the audience, as it is very boring when sitting in front of a group of presenters that read off valid points with no feeling or emotion behind it. The idea of some form of class discussion would have been added and is definitely suggested to other groups for this purpose.
I think I did well when presenting my perspective an elements of fiction that I found within Watchmen. It was very revealing to hear that all of my hard work put into preparing my presentation, payed off. One of the strengths within my presentation had to be my confidence and my passion hidden behind the topic of discussion. I have always been interested in the analysis of literature, as I plan to minor within English studies while at university. This gave me extra motivation when deciphering aspects within my topic. I believed that my tone was very clear and my eye contact with the audience was frequently used.
There were some things that I need to improve on when presenting. While presenting my topic of discussion, I tried to limit my "umms" and "likes" as much as possible. Despite my efforts, I managed to say umm about 3 to 4 times. Another thing I noticed, not only within my group, but within every group's seminar was the lack of class involvement. When presenting a topic to the audience during a seminar, your goal is to teach the audience about your topic. Adding class discussions on various aspects of your topic ensures that the audience understands and is paying attention to your presentation. This adds motivation to the audience, as it is very boring when sitting in front of a group of presenters that read off valid points with no feeling or emotion behind it. The idea of some form of class discussion would have been added and is definitely suggested to other groups for this purpose.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Gallery Walk
Page 1:
1. Graphic Novel Focus: The Holocaust, Jews escaping Nazi power
2. Characters Visible: Mice (Jews), Cats (Nazis), Mr. Spiegelman
3. Language: a bit of slang due to the fact that characters are portrayed with a slight accent.
4. Boxes: 6 boxes, many different sizes, smaller boxes if more are to be put in
5. Page Read: left to right
6. Visual: This is very hard to follow because of the lack of color as it is not very pleasing to the eye. The drawings are great, but could use more color.
7. Words add a visual impact, the words help paint a scenario in the readers head based upon the image given and the text given to elaborate the situation shown within the particular picture.
8. Yes, as I am really interested in World War II history and this is based on a major event within World War II.
Page 2:
1. Graphic Novel Focus: Child Soldiers. War in Iraq
2. Characters Visible: Child Soldiers, Shahab, Ms. Nasrime
3. Language: very formal and informative to readers
4. Boxes: 6 - 8 boxes depending on the size
5. Page Read: left to right
6. Visual: This is very hard to follow because of the lack of color as it is not very pleasing to the eye. The drawings are great, but could use more color.
7. Words add a visual impact, the words help paint a scenario in the readers head based upon the image given and the text given to elaborate the situation shown within the particular picture.
8. Yes,it is important for readers to learn hars realities going on around the world right now.
Page 3:
1. Graphic Novel Focus: The Watchmen, murder scene
2. Characters Visible: Detective, Rorschach (protester)
3. Language: informal, small sentences and statements
4. Boxes: 7, box bigger at bottom to fit larger image.
5. Page Read: left to right
6. Visual: Very easy to follow because color supports visualization.
7. Words add a visual impact, the words help paint a scenario in the readers head based upon the image given and the text given to elaborate the situation shown within the particular picture. Color also helps identify areas of intrerest (ex. blood).
8. Yes, it s very entertaining and enjoyable for a fictional account.
Page 4:
1. Graphic Novel Focus: 300, Spartans against the Persians
2. Characters Visible: King Leonidas, Greek Spartans
3. Language: very small statements, action words, onomatopoeia
4. Boxes: 8 boxes depending on the size
5. Page Read: left to right
6. Visual: This is very hard to follow because boxes are very small.
7. Words add a visual impact, the words help paint a scenario in the readers head based upon the image given and the text given to elaborate the situation shown within the particular picture.
8. No, as it is too hard to follow based on its size.
Page 5:
1. Graphic Novel Focus: Creating a Robotic Boy
2. Characters Visible: Astro Boy, Tobio
3. Language: very small statements, informal
4. Boxes: 5 boxes, not same shape
5. Page Read: down
6. Visual: This is very hard to follow because of the lack of color as it is not very pleasing to the eye. The drawings are great, but could use more color.
7. Words add a visual impact, the words help paint a scenario in the readers head based upon the image given and the text given to elaborate the situation shown within the particular picture.
8. No, too animated and cartoon like.
1. Graphic Novel Focus: The Holocaust, Jews escaping Nazi power
2. Characters Visible: Mice (Jews), Cats (Nazis), Mr. Spiegelman
3. Language: a bit of slang due to the fact that characters are portrayed with a slight accent.
4. Boxes: 6 boxes, many different sizes, smaller boxes if more are to be put in
5. Page Read: left to right
6. Visual: This is very hard to follow because of the lack of color as it is not very pleasing to the eye. The drawings are great, but could use more color.
7. Words add a visual impact, the words help paint a scenario in the readers head based upon the image given and the text given to elaborate the situation shown within the particular picture.
8. Yes, as I am really interested in World War II history and this is based on a major event within World War II.
Page 2:
1. Graphic Novel Focus: Child Soldiers. War in Iraq
2. Characters Visible: Child Soldiers, Shahab, Ms. Nasrime
3. Language: very formal and informative to readers
4. Boxes: 6 - 8 boxes depending on the size
5. Page Read: left to right
6. Visual: This is very hard to follow because of the lack of color as it is not very pleasing to the eye. The drawings are great, but could use more color.
7. Words add a visual impact, the words help paint a scenario in the readers head based upon the image given and the text given to elaborate the situation shown within the particular picture.
8. Yes,it is important for readers to learn hars realities going on around the world right now.
Page 3:
1. Graphic Novel Focus: The Watchmen, murder scene
2. Characters Visible: Detective, Rorschach (protester)
3. Language: informal, small sentences and statements
4. Boxes: 7, box bigger at bottom to fit larger image.
5. Page Read: left to right
6. Visual: Very easy to follow because color supports visualization.
7. Words add a visual impact, the words help paint a scenario in the readers head based upon the image given and the text given to elaborate the situation shown within the particular picture. Color also helps identify areas of intrerest (ex. blood).
8. Yes, it s very entertaining and enjoyable for a fictional account.
Page 4:
1. Graphic Novel Focus: 300, Spartans against the Persians
2. Characters Visible: King Leonidas, Greek Spartans
3. Language: very small statements, action words, onomatopoeia
4. Boxes: 8 boxes depending on the size
5. Page Read: left to right
6. Visual: This is very hard to follow because boxes are very small.
7. Words add a visual impact, the words help paint a scenario in the readers head based upon the image given and the text given to elaborate the situation shown within the particular picture.
8. No, as it is too hard to follow based on its size.
Page 5:
1. Graphic Novel Focus: Creating a Robotic Boy
2. Characters Visible: Astro Boy, Tobio
3. Language: very small statements, informal
4. Boxes: 5 boxes, not same shape
5. Page Read: down
6. Visual: This is very hard to follow because of the lack of color as it is not very pleasing to the eye. The drawings are great, but could use more color.
7. Words add a visual impact, the words help paint a scenario in the readers head based upon the image given and the text given to elaborate the situation shown within the particular picture.
8. No, too animated and cartoon like.
Article Response
But it's just a comic book, right?
I agree with the author of this article, simply because everyone seems to misjudge graphic novels and mistaken them for comic books. It amazes me how people tend not to label a graphic novel as a piece of literature because the text within most of them contain many aspects that can be found in a regular novel (ex. plot, climax, character development, setting, etc). The pictures are there to help paint a picture within a readers mind, in which many readers do not have that source of visual aid when reading a regular novel. The graphics also help readers further understand the charachters, giving the readers a physical visualization of what the character looks like in conjunction to how their personality is shown on the text. It is an excellent way to read a novel, and many readers should not over judge this wonderful type of literature.
I agree with the author of this article, simply because everyone seems to misjudge graphic novels and mistaken them for comic books. It amazes me how people tend not to label a graphic novel as a piece of literature because the text within most of them contain many aspects that can be found in a regular novel (ex. plot, climax, character development, setting, etc). The pictures are there to help paint a picture within a readers mind, in which many readers do not have that source of visual aid when reading a regular novel. The graphics also help readers further understand the charachters, giving the readers a physical visualization of what the character looks like in conjunction to how their personality is shown on the text. It is an excellent way to read a novel, and many readers should not over judge this wonderful type of literature.
Graphic Novel Unit
Watchmen: Comparison to Film
When comparing the graphic novel Watchmen to the film, there is only one major difference that is distinguished between the two. In the graphic novel, Ozymandias (Adrian Veidt) plots to change the course of history by creating a giant squid that attacks New York City to fake an alien attack. This leads all the nations of Earth to cease their hostilities and unite at the height of the cold war.
In the film Veidt unleashes a series of attacks designed to mirror the energy beams created by Dr. Manhattan. This may seem a lot more reasonable, but ruins the great similarities between both of the movies. It almost seems like they did not want to go over budget by creating a large squid like creature to destroy all of New York City.
Everything within the film was very similar when comparing it to that of the graphic novel. All of the actors/actresses hired looked very identical to the characters shown within the novel, and costumes were also very accurate. Dialoguer was also taken from the novel and used as a script for the film itself. Some events may have been left out or altered, but this is because it would be too time consuming to leave all scenes the same length as the graphic novel applies.
When comparing the graphic novel Watchmen to the film, there is only one major difference that is distinguished between the two. In the graphic novel, Ozymandias (Adrian Veidt) plots to change the course of history by creating a giant squid that attacks New York City to fake an alien attack. This leads all the nations of Earth to cease their hostilities and unite at the height of the cold war.
In the film Veidt unleashes a series of attacks designed to mirror the energy beams created by Dr. Manhattan. This may seem a lot more reasonable, but ruins the great similarities between both of the movies. It almost seems like they did not want to go over budget by creating a large squid like creature to destroy all of New York City.
Everything within the film was very similar when comparing it to that of the graphic novel. All of the actors/actresses hired looked very identical to the characters shown within the novel, and costumes were also very accurate. Dialoguer was also taken from the novel and used as a script for the film itself. Some events may have been left out or altered, but this is because it would be too time consuming to leave all scenes the same length as the graphic novel applies.
Graphic Novel Unit
Watchmen: Theme
There are many themes within Alan Moore's Watchmen, both with social and literary components. One of the themes located within the novel can be known as archetypes. Each character within the graphic novel can be classified as a particular archetype:
The Anima and the Animus:
The relationship between Laurie and Dan represents both the male and female half of the anima and the animus. As both halves are searching for love and companionship (finding your other half), the eventually fall in love and are connected to each other on an emotional level.
The Hero:
Rorschach can be classified as the "Rogue" Hero, as he is not portrayed as an innocent being with much to learn. Rorschach's goal is to make sure that justice is served and uses any meens necessary to get what he wants. He is very intelligent and cunning, which differentiates from a standard hero as they typically play it safe and have musch to learn.
The Quest/Call for Adventure:
Rorschach is faced with the task of uncovering the killer responsible for killing Edward Blake. To do so, he must go on the journey to find clues that will lead Rorschach to the killer.
The Wizard:
The idea of magical powers is evident within the film when analyzing Dr. Manhattan, as he can teleport from place to place, reconstruct atoms, and he also has the ability to change his height at a drastic level. His skin tone and way of dress also leans more towards that of a wizard.
The Shadow:
Towards the end of the novel, Rorschach and Night Owl soon discover that Ozymandias is responsible for the death of the Comedian and much of the havoc that has been spread throughout New York. In order for this to stop Rorschach must defeat the Shadow.
These are just some of many archetypes that can be found throughout the graphic novel.
There are many themes within Alan Moore's Watchmen, both with social and literary components. One of the themes located within the novel can be known as archetypes. Each character within the graphic novel can be classified as a particular archetype:
The Anima and the Animus:
The relationship between Laurie and Dan represents both the male and female half of the anima and the animus. As both halves are searching for love and companionship (finding your other half), the eventually fall in love and are connected to each other on an emotional level.
The Hero:
Rorschach can be classified as the "Rogue" Hero, as he is not portrayed as an innocent being with much to learn. Rorschach's goal is to make sure that justice is served and uses any meens necessary to get what he wants. He is very intelligent and cunning, which differentiates from a standard hero as they typically play it safe and have musch to learn.
The Quest/Call for Adventure:
Rorschach is faced with the task of uncovering the killer responsible for killing Edward Blake. To do so, he must go on the journey to find clues that will lead Rorschach to the killer.
The Wizard:
The idea of magical powers is evident within the film when analyzing Dr. Manhattan, as he can teleport from place to place, reconstruct atoms, and he also has the ability to change his height at a drastic level. His skin tone and way of dress also leans more towards that of a wizard.
The Shadow:
Towards the end of the novel, Rorschach and Night Owl soon discover that Ozymandias is responsible for the death of the Comedian and much of the havoc that has been spread throughout New York. In order for this to stop Rorschach must defeat the Shadow.
These are just some of many archetypes that can be found throughout the graphic novel.
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