Tuesday, April 22

Today, we continued watching films based on Beckett's plays.

We began by watching "Act without words II". This is another silent film. The film features two actors in sacks. The background is a film strip and they appear to be apart of the film strip (thus it is very self reflexive). The first actor awakes and is very depressed. The second actor, however, is much more upbeat. They certainly represent two very different perspectives. Throughout the film, the music and movement is very important in order to represent these perspectives. Again, there is some unkown outside force controlling the men.

We next watched "Come and Go", which was directed by John Crowley. This film features 3 older women sitting side by side. The women are reflecting on their pasts. The entire film is taken in no more than 4 or 5 shots. The movment and clothing is very important. The women seem to represent the complexities of relationships.

We completed class by viewing "play", which is another Beckett film. This one was directed by Anthony Minghella. This film is very unique and features 3 actors talking quickly in some dark, cemetary-esque place. Makeup and the setting are very important for the film's effect. The actors are reflecting on adultery. Although there is no clear interpretation, it seems to convey the impact of adultery.