Extra Credit
Film Festival:
Film Studies Presentations:
The Sign of the Cross
The sign of the cross was a controversial film by director Cecil B. Demille that was released in 1932. Demille was known for his Biblical Epics and silent films. Several of the Epics included The Ten Commandments & The Sign of the Cross among others. He made about 70 films with only 6 becoming successful. Reviews of this film state the casting decisions and mostly positive views in the newspapers about film at the time like FilmDaily & The Hollywood Reporter. There were several scenes within the film that raised concern and pushed the Production Code to the point of them forming The Legion of Decency. This organization would enforce the code on films and was heavily influenced by the Catholic Church. The “Milk Bath Scene” in the film features nudity and lesbianism. Both are prohibited by the Production Code of the 1930s.
Red-Headed Woman
Another controversial film of the 193os that was released in 1932 by director Jack Conway. This film as well pushed the production code as it featured a promiscuous red-haired female protagonist who went around causing trouble by sleeping with a variety of men. There are several scenes featuring nudity and romance on screen. There is as well consumption of alcohol in some scenes. The scenes that were shown included the protagonist swapping nightgowns with another woman, having an affair with a man, drinking to become drunk, and on screen kissing.
Film Screenings:
Friday Screening
Of course “Tom Cyfe” attended the screenings! I went to not only support the films I was in and helped with, but to support my friends and see some awesome college films made by others. On the first night, there was never a really dull moment as I enjoyed almost every film that was screened. I really liked the Shadows film by Gabe & the visually spectacular Adrift (I’m biased). My favorite of the night, however, was titled Farewell by Chris Wegmen. It made me happy and sad and moved…in only two minutes. The horror films were neat as well. Toy Box was great! I love Tyler, & I’ve seen all his films at least twice, but Silentium will most likely take the award…that experimental stuff….
Saturday Screening
The next day, Comedy night was great! I loved supporting all of my friends that worked on Clarity. I figured that it was the best in it’s category until I saw The Hiccup Killer. I loved Walter White in it & proudly congratulate him on his win for Best Actor. maybe next year I will have a chance at that award…never know…I was truly blown away with the amazing music videos! I’ve seen Au Reviour…but that Gutshot should have been the winner of best picture overall in my opinion! Sadly I could not make it to the last of the categories, but I crossed my fingers that End of Winter would win something. It did!
Awards Ceremony
It was fixed. The judges were paid….JUST KIDDING! I loved all of the winners, especially seeing Zach Ferguson run up to that stage twice! I even had a special thanks! I love that guy…I forgot I was in that animation…perhaps I should follow my dreams as a voice actor…CONGRATULATIONS TO PAIGE DRISCOLL! We’ve always been considered twins in certain aspects, but she always surpasses me…while I fall, she flies… 😀
Vera:
That stressed me out from the moment that curly haired Logan Jacot started throwing a tantrum about stolen money till the end when…it ended. From a cinematic standpoint, there were some truly amazing shots that I truly fell in love with! It told an awesome story of some college kids that I actually knew. Like Josh Powell! I never knew he used to have long hair and laid on beds of nails…I loved the shots with the snake and the fireworks. But most of all, the beautiful shots at the beginning of a bunch of views and angles of the circus park rides. It gave me goosebumps! The shot that is used in the poster as well was beautiful! But with the beautiful shots aside, the film was filled with drama and really stressed me out. However, it told a story beautifully through a great documentary. It was well organized and told…if only the drama didn’t happen. But it really captured the reality of what happened.
