Self-Evaluation

SELF-EVALUATION

Criterion A - Film Noir Essay

In the Criterion A Film Noir Essay, I chose to write an in-depth study of a Film Noir luminary’s work using examples from at least 2 films. I analysed the films The Maltese Falcon and The Asphalt Jungle in my in-depth analysis of director John Huston's noir world. I feel proud of this essay, as I managed my time and put a lot of effort to develop it into a clearly-structured and insightful essay. I think I incorporated film language and terminology to analyse each film and each technique's effects on the viewer, and each one's historical context. I researched thoroughly, using different sources, cited everything in my bibliography, and used authentic screenshots from the films discussed to prove my coherent thesis. I tried to write to convey not only knowledge but also about my understanding of film noir, about its characteristics and effects and analysis of its effects. If I were to do it again, perhaps during my second paragraph I would improve on maybe strengthen the relation between my visual analysis of The Maltese Falcon to film noir. However, on a whole, I think I tried my best to produce a well-written essay and I'm very satisfied with the results.

Criterion C - Film Noir Production Plan

My film noir production plan was written from the perspective of my role, which is the Sound Designer. It was also made to fit the mold of our four-person team, so some of the details had to be changed or adjusted in lieu of the original plan. For example, we changed almost all our locations and shooting dates to accommodate for our new cast and limitations. I put a lot of effort into my production plan, and tried to make it as aesthetically pleasing and easy to understand, but chock full of information. I'm glad with how it turned out.

Criterion B - Film Noir Production

Our film was called "No Evil" (which when flipped backwards spells "Live On"). My role in the film was Sound Designer, however because we all chipped in to fill the role of director, I was responsible for the screenplay, so I basically wrote the script from scratch, as the original script was extremely overcomplicated, featured full minutes of exposition, and was fourteen pages long. Sound is undoubtedly an integral part of the production process, so there was a lot of responsibility on my shoulders. Pre-production, after I finished my production plan (so I had a list of foley to record, music needed, examples of sound and music and inspiration to draw upon), my role was primarily adapting the script from the fifteen page long original script. I cut it down to seven pages while still trying to maintain the same plot, condensing the seven pages with as much of our original concept, taking new spins on noir archetypes. I take pride in our film's visual, its experimentalism and visuals. Additionally, although some of the foley was out of sync, I think it added to the jilted, disoriented feeling of the film. Although we encountered some setbacks along the way (detailed in my other blog posts), I'm proud of our film.