Opener 3(a): The Johnny Cash Project

Ryan is our curator for today, suggesting we train our eyes on The Johnny Cash Project, an artistic online collaboration focused on Cash and his music.

Oppener 2(e): The Second Meeting

For our final opener prompt in this batch, respond to this first extended scene, the second meeting, in chapter 2, pages 32-38.

Discuss the significance of physical setting in this scene, or pick on character and characterize him based on what we see here. Are power relationships changing? Who gains power and how? How is Ralph's leadership in this scene? How does Piggy function?

Opener Response #2 will be due in two days, on Monday. Pick any two of the last five prompts and respond. Opener 2(c), by the way, is basically the same prompt here, except that it uses the first meeting as its focus.

Opener 2(d): The Beatles

"Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds," The Beatles

Bianca suggests that we analyze the different color effects and how they correspond with the slow, melodic music in the background. Also, notice the characters in the video and how they relate to the song.

With a video as crazy as this one is, it is easy to get really hung up on the "what does it mean?" side of things, but don't. Instead, focus more on the left side of things, your description and characterization of the things you see and hear. Inference work can be saved for the end of your paragraph, some gentle suggestion of possible themes or tonal values you have sensed here.

Another option is to compare and contrast the style and effects of this video with Air's video for "Sing Sang Sung."

Opener 2(b): The Cycle of Terror and Tragedy (2006), by Graydon Parrish

This image does not quite look as good or clear here as it could. Click on the image if you want to see a larger version. The original, apparently, is over 6' x 18'; pretty staggering. Thanks to Devin for bringing this one to our attention.

Opener 2(a): Donnie Darko

For today's opener, Max has suggested that we observe this trailer for the 2001 film Donnie Darko. An interesting response could look at the way this clip characterizes the main character of Donnie, or it could try to define the setting--focus on the physical and social setting--what kind of world is being depicted here? What kind of school/world is this place?

Opener 1(e) MGMT, "Congratulations"

Wyatt's contribution to the "Openers" project is this video by MGMT for their song "Congratulations."

Check out the list of "moods" attributed to them at the All Music Guide site. Do you see any of these here? Some of the words listed are more descriptive of their literal sound, and therefore observational, and some seem more descriptive of the emotions that can be inferred. Which are which? What other words can you think of to describe their sound?

Open Response #1 will be due on Wednesday, September 7. Two typed paragraphs total, each with a simple, original title.