“Grizzly Man”
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d…
(Links to an external site.)
“Grey Gardens”, https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d… (Links to an external site.)
“Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405” https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d… (Links to an external site.)
“Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control”
https://www.google.com/search?q=fast+cheap+and+out…
(Links to an external site.)
I. Chose two of the four films. Write a detailed review for both of your choices. Include within the review whether you think the film was an exploration or exploitation, or a combination of both, and why, citing specific moments from the film to support your position.
II. Generally people tend to feel that a production which they perceive as exploitative is an attempt by the producers to either exploit the subject(s) of the film, or exploit the viewers, or both. Summarize a media production that you viewed, read, etc. recently, which you feel was exploitative in its nature. Why do you feel the producers were attempting to be exploitative?
Double space, 3 pages
Here are some questions for the films you can choose. After you finish the paper, please just answer those questions on a new page. Each one should be just few sentences.
Prompts for short written responses. You are only required to comment on the two films you choose to focus on in your paper.
1) Grizzly Man (2005)
Does it undermine your interest that we learn of Treadwell’s fate about 12 minutes into the film? Why would Herzog make a choice like this?
Why would Treadwell risk his life like this? Was Treadwell a nut for doing this? In your opinion, are these questions addressed sufficiently by Herzog in the film? Sight a specific moment in the film to support your position.
2) Grey Gardens (1975)
Maysles Bros. on Letterman, 1982
At 5:40 in the interview, the Maysles Brothers talk about artistic success as opposed to commercial success. They mention Grey Gardens specifically. Why?
A couple of greatest documentary film rankings:
#9 here:
https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-sound-magazine/greate…
#4 here:
https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/documentaries…
3) Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405 (2016)
On its surface, this film is a profile of an artist, Mindy Alper. But it actually has a number of subtopics. Name as many as you can.
4) Fast, Cheap and Out of Control (1997)
Tell me why you think it is not considered one of his better films, within the context of “exploration or exploitation”, and include specific moments from the film in your discussion.
At any point in the film, does Morris make it clear to you why he has brought together these four profiles, and if so, describe what he says. If you don’t think he makes it clear, or clear enough, why – in your opinion – do YOU think he brought them together?