From: Nicole Koschmann (email suppressed)
Date: Tue Nov 01 2005 - 09:29:10 PST
Jonathan,
I have used Film Art in the past to teach experimental filmmaking. I
think it is useful in two ways. The first is that it explains the
conventions of cinema very well. And I think it is helpful for
beginning experimental filmmakers to know the conventions in order to
break them effectively and creatively. The second way that I've found
the book helpful is in teaching the relationship between production and
critical theory without making the students plow through more
complicated texts. Bordwell and Thompson discuss theory in very easy
to understand terms.
That said, I have always supplemented the text with other readings that
are more geared towards specifically experimental production. And I
have always disagreed openly in lecture and discussion with much of
what Bordwell and Thompson say in the book. For example, I show
examples that don't fit their categories.
Nicole
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