CINEMA STUDIES
When: 2015-2019
A through-line of the last five years has been a variety of studies centered around diagramming & investigating cinema and pop culture.
Media Tree - The Table Sessions
2001: A Space Odyssey - The Table Sessions
Excerpt from 2001:
The diagram is an investigative infographic which maps the character mentions throughout each page of the 2001 novel. A technique used to calculate character density in certain parts of the story in order to uncover the story arc. Where are the points of primary tension and climax? Are there primary and secondary characters that anchor certain parts of the story? Who is more “robotic": HAL or Dave? We think it might be Dave.
Excerpt from Media Tree:
If LOST aired in 2019, would people still watch it in groups - or just stream it alone on Netflix? Is it more common to enjoy or feel contempt toward the music your parents play around the house? Was I really watching Braveheart and Finding Nemo at the same time?
In this conversation, we ponder questions like these about how our relationship with different forms of media has evolved throughout our lives. The “media tree” concept is inspired by Ward Shelley, a New York based artist. His vibrant, experimental work inspired this retrospective study.
Each form of media we studied - television, video games, literature, podcasts, movies and music - all offer a unique experience to the user. Television shows can be in your life for a decade, with character that age with you. Great books that span centuries form a kinship that allows for modern people to understand people of the past. Music that seeps into a young child’s brain through osmosis can become a profound influence on their life choices.