Interesting Article about What Moviemakers Can Learn from Videogames

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/digital-gap-why-arent-moviemakers-learning-narrative-videogames-205902302.html;_ylt=AgePNRqln5puurHYuwIQ7TAO.xx.;_ylu=X3oDMTRxcXYzcGZsBGNjb2RlA3ZzaGFyZWFnMnVwcmVzdARtaXQDTmV3cyBGb3IgWW91IE1peGVkIExpc3QEcGtnAzVhN2IwNzBlLTY5NGMtM2M3Ny1iOWNiLWI5M2JlNTNiNjNlNgRwb3MDNgRzZWMDbmV3c19mb3JfeW91BHZlcgM0YTY5NzcyMS03NDhlLTExZTItYmVkZi02YmExMjcwMzUxNjA-;_ylg=X3oDMTNmaDhqdDBvBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDYjAyMmY3OTItNmU0Ny0zOTQ5LThhMjMtN2M0NjQ0NWNiMmM1BHBzdGNhdANuZXdzLWZlYXR1cmVzfC1yZWxhdGlvbnNoaXBzBHB0A3N0b3J5cGFnZQ--;_ylv=3

The Birth and Life in Opera

The Birth and Life in Opera explores the use of art to bring attention to social and political issues.  Art is usually attended by powerful and influential members of  a society, in part because they are the only ones who can afford to attend.   This story shows how different composers such as Monteverdi and Mozart, used music and recitative language similar to what was being used in the church to convey sensitive messages such as death and mistreatment of subjects.  Opera originated in Italy and became popular in most of Europe in the 18th and 19th century.   To dramatize stories about real life issues such as love, death and politics, Opera combines music, poetry, dance, drama, and design to depict stories about love, tragedy and injustice.    Opera continues to be used as a political venue which brings social issues to light through universal stories.  Using music to dramatize passionate stories creates an entertainment setting that has become relevant in most of the world including cities in China and North America.  This setting is unique and is considered the parent of the musicals which have also become increasingly popular in bringing attention to social issues such as war, discrimination, and other social injustices

Technical Highlights Used in Broadway Shows

The Adams Family.  The lighting effects in this media greatly enhanced the setting and the technical influence is seen when Pugsley is gradually raised up in a comical scene as Wednesday pushes on a mechanical lever as part of her performance.

A Christmas Carol is a musical that depicts spectacular scenes with lighting as it portrays a winter wonderland scene.  There is a lighting show that erupts as the character springs forth and its so amazing to watch.

In Camelot, light and props are used to create a snowfilled outdoor garden similar to the one in the Christmas Carol but it has a more magical feel.  This difference is created with the clothing and a princess fairytale type setting.

Top Hat creates Hollywood's Glitz and Glamour using lighting that reflects and moves in the rhythm of the dance.  The wardrobe and the choreograph makes this performance different and fun to watch.

 

Into the Woods shows a stage that changes into a scene in the woods complete with animals and treacherous looking trees.  Again even though this is another outdoor scene, the lighting is dark and shadowy.

Wicked use lighting, makeup and technical means to create a flying green witch.  The wardrobe in this scene is more modern.   Here the use of dark lighting creates the mood for the witch scenes.

Minstrel Shows

Interesting comment about how black face was used to emphasize facial expression.  It is said that imitation is the best form of flattery and this media questions how comedy and making fun of others is portrayed as art.  This is a practice that continues today and there are still many who are conflicted on whether it is offensive of just for entertainment. 

The Many Faces of Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker used her fame as an entertainer to defy racism and unequality in America.  She is outstanding because even when she is turned away, she still returns to the States to perform when she had a chance to change audiences to non segregated for her shows.   She is adequately referred to as a "A woman of steel."   I love that she never gave up trying and the Rainbow Tribe is such a great demonstration of her passion.  It is interesting how other entertainers continue in that trend such as Angelina Jolie and her adopted children.   Josephine Baker remains one of the first black woman who broke many barriers even if she had to give up her home to do it all the while remaining classy, feminine and true.  She is a decorated military offer, an international entertainer, and one of the first black women to perform in movies, one of the highest paid and most photographed woman in the world. Most Outstanding Woman.  She makes me proud to be a woman.