To you, what were the most effective storytelling techniques used so far and why?
To answer this question, discuss the contrasts between at least three storytelling techniques in the materials so far. When a story is "retold" what are some of the decisions made to emphasize certain aspects of the story over others? Are there situations where "less is more"? What is lost (or gained) in transforming stories?
Additional discussion: The goal of this exercise is to develop analytical tools for discussing the narrative techniques of literature, film, and, by extension, other forms of art and performance. I want you to consider how the authors and directors develop the drama in their works of art through different techniques, but I leave to you to decide which techniques interest you most. Some things to consider in literature include uses of imagery and metaphor, contrasts between voices, choices of setting, characters, plot twists, etc. etc. In film, you might consider settings, voices, perspectives, juxtapositions, close-ups (or distance shots), etc. etc. You can re-watch films by borrowing them from the film office. One thing you can take advantage of in this first set of materials is the contrasts between different media, but same stories.
In the second set of readings and films, we've witnessed a variety of characters trapped in diverse social circumstances. Please analyze the uses of the theme of entrapment as a dramatic device in the different writings and films of the course. Use at least three (3) of the writings and films. Please focus on Out, Paranoia Agent, and Twilight Samurai, but you may also include other works to date. Some things to consider include the following (though you needn't answer all these questions). How do authors and directors construct the sense of being trapped, and why do you think they use that as a theme? What does being "trapped" tell us about the social constraints particular to Japan, or particular to women, or particular to men? What do moments of liberation tell us about being trapped?
For the revision: Add 2-3 pages from Woman in the Dunes.
When, why, to what effect?
Write about Kafka on the Shore, Mind Game, Tampopo, and two additional films/two short stories.