These are ten books I would like to read over the course of the rest of the semester:
Video Game Storytelling by Evan Skolnick
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Amped by Daniel H. Wilson
Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
End of Watch by Stephen King
The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore
Finders Keepers by Stephen King
From Ash and Sand by Amy Harmon
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Monday, April 17, 2017
What is your reaction to the text you just read?
The lack of names was a little irritating to work with, while it wasn't hard to tell who it was talking about, since there were really only two characters discussed it the story. Still, not using names felt frustrating and it seemed like the point of view shifted a little too much, to the point that I thought the female character was the main lead as opposed to the male character, but perhaps that may be the point. This was also a more slower paced text than what I prefer to read, so it was a little hard to read and not get exhausted reading it. It was also using roman numerals at each section, counting down to, what I can only assume, is the end of the story. It is quite possible there was some other meaning to it that completely flew over my head, like most of the references that were used in this text.
What connections did you make with the story? Discuss the elements of the work with which you were able to connect.
To be perfectly honest, it was pretty hard for me to follow it, it appeared to be too dull for my tastes. Most of the references used I didn't get, so I couldn't really make connections based on that. Not really knowing much about the Rolling Stones, I didn't really get who Dylan was at first, until I read the note at the end.
What changes would you make to adapt this story to another medium? What medium would you use? What changes would you make?
Let's say you make this a movie, do you think that in it's current state that it would translate well? I don't particular think so. The changes I would make would simply be more clarity on everything. Such as who our characters are, and a more defined timeline of events. The sections with the roman numerals are separated, which would suggest something akin to a chapter change, this could simply be adapted as scene changes, or gotten rid of entirely. Maybe I completely missed the point of this short story, these are my thoughts on it.
The lack of names was a little irritating to work with, while it wasn't hard to tell who it was talking about, since there were really only two characters discussed it the story. Still, not using names felt frustrating and it seemed like the point of view shifted a little too much, to the point that I thought the female character was the main lead as opposed to the male character, but perhaps that may be the point. This was also a more slower paced text than what I prefer to read, so it was a little hard to read and not get exhausted reading it. It was also using roman numerals at each section, counting down to, what I can only assume, is the end of the story. It is quite possible there was some other meaning to it that completely flew over my head, like most of the references that were used in this text.
What connections did you make with the story? Discuss the elements of the work with which you were able to connect.
To be perfectly honest, it was pretty hard for me to follow it, it appeared to be too dull for my tastes. Most of the references used I didn't get, so I couldn't really make connections based on that. Not really knowing much about the Rolling Stones, I didn't really get who Dylan was at first, until I read the note at the end.
What changes would you make to adapt this story to another medium? What medium would you use? What changes would you make?
Let's say you make this a movie, do you think that in it's current state that it would translate well? I don't particular think so. The changes I would make would simply be more clarity on everything. Such as who our characters are, and a more defined timeline of events. The sections with the roman numerals are separated, which would suggest something akin to a chapter change, this could simply be adapted as scene changes, or gotten rid of entirely. Maybe I completely missed the point of this short story, these are my thoughts on it.
Curate Yourself: The Abridged Story
Abridged series are a well know form of entertainment these days, taking in a completed work and re-editing it and interpreting it in a different light. Having its first season being abridged recently, the completion of the first season anyways, I decided I'd like to share the Sword Art Online Abridged series on Youtube:
SAO Abridged
Anyone who has see SAO knows that the show tries to take itself way to seriously almost all the time, while this abridged series does the exact opposite. SAO Abridged takes itself as nothing more than a joke and it surprisingly works a lot more when seen as such. It shows and gives the characters the personalities that we would have expected them to have, and at times it shows itself more capable than the original show itself, such as the ending. Unlike the original show, which reveals that the main antagonist simply forgot his reasons for starting it entirely, the abridged series gives an explanation to the motivations, even though it is just a joke. The abridged show even purposely makes fun of that plot point in the original show.
On the topic of abridged series in general. They are, like most things in this world, an art form. Abridged series are usually made to be more comedic and to give fans of the shows, or even haters of the shows, to receive more enjoyment from the content. Abridged series are usually great about following the original plot lines from the source content, while including aspects of their own narrative. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy abridged series. In a weird sort of way, some of the changes made in abridged series make a while lot more sense, than what was present in the source material, such as Grimlock's punishment in SAO's abridged series. In the original, he's just sort of forgiven, regardless of the reason, they forgive him after he killed his wife, which seems most questionable.
Now should Abridged series be considered as a form of literature? Most simply put, yes. Much like when someone writes their own fanfiction, there is still merit in what was created. Abridged series are satire on their original content. You don't discount movies or novels today just because they are satire, right?
Abridged content is a form of media that everyone must at least experience once, which is why I decided to share this form of media for today.
SAO Abridged
Anyone who has see SAO knows that the show tries to take itself way to seriously almost all the time, while this abridged series does the exact opposite. SAO Abridged takes itself as nothing more than a joke and it surprisingly works a lot more when seen as such. It shows and gives the characters the personalities that we would have expected them to have, and at times it shows itself more capable than the original show itself, such as the ending. Unlike the original show, which reveals that the main antagonist simply forgot his reasons for starting it entirely, the abridged series gives an explanation to the motivations, even though it is just a joke. The abridged show even purposely makes fun of that plot point in the original show.
On the topic of abridged series in general. They are, like most things in this world, an art form. Abridged series are usually made to be more comedic and to give fans of the shows, or even haters of the shows, to receive more enjoyment from the content. Abridged series are usually great about following the original plot lines from the source content, while including aspects of their own narrative. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy abridged series. In a weird sort of way, some of the changes made in abridged series make a while lot more sense, than what was present in the source material, such as Grimlock's punishment in SAO's abridged series. In the original, he's just sort of forgiven, regardless of the reason, they forgive him after he killed his wife, which seems most questionable.
Now should Abridged series be considered as a form of literature? Most simply put, yes. Much like when someone writes their own fanfiction, there is still merit in what was created. Abridged series are satire on their original content. You don't discount movies or novels today just because they are satire, right?
Abridged content is a form of media that everyone must at least experience once, which is why I decided to share this form of media for today.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Final Fantasy VII and Literature
Final Fantasy VII is one of the most popular Final Fantasy games to date, and its hard not to see why. The game has wonderful game mechanics, great characters, and an exciting story. Final Fantasy games are usually known for having good stories, and VII's is no exception. VII's story starts off pretty basic, where you have the goal to take down the Shinra cooperation and stop it from siphoning off the life force of the planet, and while this remains as one of the core plots, it's only one layer of the entire narrative. There are many simultaneous plots that happen alongside it, such as the creation and mental breakdown of Sephiroth, Cloud's own psychological state, the Calamity Jenova and the destruction of the Cetra, the oppression of Wutai, Cid's dream to go to space, and the return of Sephiroth. Of course, the player would not be able to normally follow all of these at once, but they are fitted together in a way that makes it easier to grasp. In nearly all of the subplots, Shinra is usually the main cause/reason that these subplots exists. So the player doesn't need to go off and search for all the subplots, and it adds a layering effect to the man plot. All of these subplots are connected to Shinra, and so you'll almost always encounter them while you fight them.
Of course, VII's plot isn't the only thing great about the game. It also features a lost of unique characters with loads of character development, something some games nowadays don't really showcase. Each character in VII had their own reasons for joining the party, and they all developed as they traveled with you. One of the reasons while I believe VII got as popular as it did was because of it's literary merit. It is a very story-oriented video game and features many things you would see in a novel. Final Fantasy VII is receiving a remake on the PS4, and one could hope that they won't change some of the things that made VII enjoyable, but given their recent track record and the fact that they already stated that there were going to be story changes, this might cause some fans of the game concern.
Regardless, Final Fantasy VII in its purest form is a fine piece of literature.
Of course, VII's plot isn't the only thing great about the game. It also features a lost of unique characters with loads of character development, something some games nowadays don't really showcase. Each character in VII had their own reasons for joining the party, and they all developed as they traveled with you. One of the reasons while I believe VII got as popular as it did was because of it's literary merit. It is a very story-oriented video game and features many things you would see in a novel. Final Fantasy VII is receiving a remake on the PS4, and one could hope that they won't change some of the things that made VII enjoyable, but given their recent track record and the fact that they already stated that there were going to be story changes, this might cause some fans of the game concern.
Regardless, Final Fantasy VII in its purest form is a fine piece of literature.
Binge watching
Who's loves watching those one a week shows, watching a episode and letting it simmer for a week before continuing. No? Well, maybe you're more of a fan of just watching an entire series in one go? Binge watching is a popular practice of consuming all a show has to offer in a relatively small amount of time. Usually for those who just can't wait to find out if Kimmy Schmidt will be able to live her comfortable new life or not. Or perhaps they just got a few days off work/school and want something to do for the next few hours.
There are some pros to binge watching, but you do lose something in it as well. When you binge watch, you absorb all the content in a mere matter of hours, and you're satisfied that you do not have to wait any longer for the rest of the story. However, the show stays in your life for a smaller amount of time, after a little while you might no longer remember the plot of the characters. In contrast, when you watch a show on schedule, the show tends to stick around longer and you end up feeling like the characters are part of your everyday life. You tend to remember more about the plot and the characters.
For example, I binge watched Kimmy Schmidt, and though I throughly enjoyed it, and cannot for the life of me remember the mother character's name. The only character's name that I remember is the title character. But when compared to when I watch a show weekly (Once Upon a Time), I can remember all the major characters names (Emma, Regina, Henry, David, Killian, Zelena, Gold, etc...), as well as the major plot points.
When you watch a show on schedule, you give yourself the time to grow to like and care for the characters in a show, but when you binge you may satisfy your plot craving, but there's a higher probability you might not remember it further down the line. Like with everything in this world, there's is always positive things about thing such as this, but there will always be something you lose from it as well. Binge watching definitely affecting your overall experience with a show, and it's ultimately up to you to decide if you would rather binge watch an entire show and watch it in moderation.
There are some pros to binge watching, but you do lose something in it as well. When you binge watch, you absorb all the content in a mere matter of hours, and you're satisfied that you do not have to wait any longer for the rest of the story. However, the show stays in your life for a smaller amount of time, after a little while you might no longer remember the plot of the characters. In contrast, when you watch a show on schedule, the show tends to stick around longer and you end up feeling like the characters are part of your everyday life. You tend to remember more about the plot and the characters.
For example, I binge watched Kimmy Schmidt, and though I throughly enjoyed it, and cannot for the life of me remember the mother character's name. The only character's name that I remember is the title character. But when compared to when I watch a show weekly (Once Upon a Time), I can remember all the major characters names (Emma, Regina, Henry, David, Killian, Zelena, Gold, etc...), as well as the major plot points.
When you watch a show on schedule, you give yourself the time to grow to like and care for the characters in a show, but when you binge you may satisfy your plot craving, but there's a higher probability you might not remember it further down the line. Like with everything in this world, there's is always positive things about thing such as this, but there will always be something you lose from it as well. Binge watching definitely affecting your overall experience with a show, and it's ultimately up to you to decide if you would rather binge watch an entire show and watch it in moderation.
Asterious Polyp - Style
When we speak about the author's voice, it's more apparent in this genre than that of films or movies. Their voice becomes more obvious and distinct and is far easier to tell apart. The artistic style in Asterious helps the reader understand how each of the characters think or how they interpret the world, allowing us to better understand them. For example, Asterious is shown in a more bland and rather box-like nature (increasing so when he is arguing with Hana), while Hana is shown with more color and more free forms. The way these characters are drawn allows us to know how they feel without them needing to constantly pour exposition to the viewer, the opposite of a book (written) where the narrator has to tell you what they are feeling.
Similar to a director of a film that performs certain cinema tricks, an author's artistic style with a graphic novel is the same. For example, what we see in Asterious stylistically is much different from something like a superhero graphic novel. A graphic novel artist's style is much more obvious than other media, and it can even clue in the viewer for what the author typically writes about. If the style is more fine and detailed, they probably prefer more serious and action oriented content, but if it's done in a more cute style, they may enjoy the more humous sections of it. In short, the author's art style can support not only the character's voices, but the author's voice as well with only a few words.
Similar to a director of a film that performs certain cinema tricks, an author's artistic style with a graphic novel is the same. For example, what we see in Asterious stylistically is much different from something like a superhero graphic novel. A graphic novel artist's style is much more obvious than other media, and it can even clue in the viewer for what the author typically writes about. If the style is more fine and detailed, they probably prefer more serious and action oriented content, but if it's done in a more cute style, they may enjoy the more humous sections of it. In short, the author's art style can support not only the character's voices, but the author's voice as well with only a few words.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Dead Man, Mystery Train, and Down by Law
The most striking similarity between the films that immediately caught my attention was that they all featured main protagonists that have had or are having trouble with the law. In Dead Man, our lead character is falsely accused of killing and a price is placed on his head by the head of the factory. In Mystery Train, mainly in the third story, Johnny ends up robbing a place and to lay low from the police for the night, he and some others, hide out at a hotel and by morning are fleeing from cops who aren't looking for them. In Down by Law, two of our main characters are set up for a crime they didn't commit, and are sent to prison.
All three films also focus more on the characters interactions between each other, rather than what should be the prior issue. William in Dead Man focuses more on his interactions with Nobody, Zack and Jack in Done by Law, and Johnny and Charlie in Mystery Train. Each film also seemed to skip over information in order to give more time to the development of characters, with events sometimes feeling shoehorned in. The overall direction of the films seems unclear, with no concrete plot in place. Each also features traveling in some way, whether it be William fleeing with his head or Zack and Jack escaping from prison. Women tended to fall in love almost instantly and aren't given a lot of screen time.
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