I have many interests when when it comes to media studies. My interests are quite varied, from the different types of art forms to the different genres of these art forms. I haven't done much creatively with media, but I do find a lot of inspiration and entertainment from television shows. One in particular, starring the actress Lisa Kudrow. "The Comeback'' is a very specific type of mock-reality show that films the every move of a washed up and deluded actress named Valerie Cherish (played by Kudrow). The reason I find interest in this kind of television show isn't because of the plot line or far-fetched cliff hangers, but because of the way it simply intertwines so many different genres and the way the main character develops and grows throughout the course of the show. This character development is the main focus of the entire series. I'm very interested in characters who are in some way 'deluded' or completely oblivious to the way they come across to other people.
This sort of comedy is the kind I find most humorous, and most interesting. I'm also interested in the way different characters interact - how a personality type can rub someone else the wrong way and completely change the mood of a particular scene. I also admire how ''The Comeback" was capable of making the viewer feel so many conflicting emotions. One moment the viewer hates Valerie Cherish, then the next moment they're feeling sorry, and the next they're laughing at her and so on. The reason I find ''The Comeback'' and other television shows like it so interesting is because this is how real life is - it isn't always funny the way so many sitcoms on television depict it, and it isn't always dramatic and serious either the way dramas make it out to be. Life is a huge mix of things - such as contradictions and emotions. It's sometimes awkward, cringe worthy, depressing or funny.
Hello Michael,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your interests and sources of inspiration. I like your approach to come up with one specific example of a TV show that you find interesting. I also like the moment when you state:
Life is a huge mix of things - such as contradictions and emotions.
Could you elaborate more on this idea from your personal experience, and sharing an instance of very conflicting emotions you had. And, if you think about yourself as a media-maker, what issue would you talk about to express these contradictions?
Best,
Martyna
Hi Michael,
ReplyDeleteYour statement is interesting to me because of your interest in character development and character interactions.
You state: how a personality type can rub someone else the wrong way and completely change the mood of a particular scene
I agree that characters are very important for driving a story or scene.
Personally, I television less appealing than other media forms because the characters often lack a certain depth to their personalities. I am not familiar with "The Comeback", but it sounds interesting that its focus is on character
development.
What other forms of media do you like?
-Bill
H Michael,
ReplyDeleteSo I missed class yesterday (Monday) and I was told to ask someone in the class what I missed/if there was any homework due for next week. You're the lucky winner. I'm sorry I'm asking you here, I just didn't know where else/how else I should.
Thanks,
Alden