Journal+Entry+1

Martin Scorsese really focuses on the theme of self-identity. This plays a major role in our film, as our main character, Eric, is trying to find himself. His films usually portray the main character trying to fit into the world around him, and that can apply to our film. Eric is trying to “fit” into this new, alternate universe, that he has ended up in. Martin Scorsese’s music plays a large role in his films. He likes to take music from the time period he is filming, but also likes to bend the norms. I think that music (or lack of it) can play a large role in this film. This film looks at this relationship between a father and a son. In the beginning of the film, we can tell there is untold tension between the two, and things only get worse when they are put into this alternate world. Though the story is also about the father, Eric. Eric is afraid of his ability to be a good father, and his ability to juggle all other aspects of his life, and equally include his kid. He ultimately doesn’t want to end up like his father- an abusive and self-centered man. The music I was thinking could involve more percussion. Strings and woodwind instruments often represent sorrow, passion, power, reflection, remorse, etc, while percussion instruments are used to accent action scenes, war scenes, etc. This can easily demonstrate the tension between Eric and his son, as well as Dwight and Eric. By the end of the film there can be low strings (emphasizing remorse/reflection from the father), and then turn into trumpets and horns, to accentuate the new theme of power, strength, and courage. Cinematography is also used to reveal the grand sets, and lonesome protagonists in Martin Scorsese’s films. The use of dolly shots, and pans, can help implement the idea of an alternate universe. Every scene with Kyle and Eric can be slightly shakier in the regular world, but then smoother in the alternate world. This will help show how this new world will change their relationship. The use of dolly shots and steadicam moves will also help the audience realize that we are in this weird, and almost otherworldly place. Martin Scorsese’s films also are edited in a way, where he begins his film with scenes from the middle or end of the story. I was thinking about if I could do this in our story. Where the story begins with a “flashback” of Eric as a child, and his father asks him to come down to dinner. It seamlessly intercuts with present day (leaving the audience slightly confused-but is later explained). This enforces the theme of following in one’s footsteps, and how Eric starts off similar to his father, but ends up being his own person.