Kubrick vs Luhrmann - English

Stanley Kubrick was an extremely innovative director and filmmaker throughout the mid-late 20th century. Like all auteurs, there were certain things he did that were a staple in his films. For instance, his use of contrast. Whether black and white, or using primary colours, his use of contrasting colours throughout his films was extremely pleasing to the eye, and helped to create a clearer picture. He also frequently used a long tracking shot, this is to create dramatic tension. In fact, tension was a very important element in a Kubrick film. Kubrick used many techniques to help him build tension and emotion throughout his films, this added an aura of eeriness to his work. 

On the other hand, Baz Luhrmann, another innovative auteur, is often referred to as the anti-Kubrick. Where Kubrick is contrasting and eerie, Luhrmann is busy and energetic. Kubrick’s films are often called slow, whereas Luhrmann is faster paced, with loud and garish colours rather than Kubrick’s limited colour palette. Kubrick’s style is supposed to make the audience feel alone by isolating the main characters using camera shots, whereas Luhrmann creates ‘audience participation cinema’.   

References:

Papish, B. (2016). Everything you need to know about Stanley Kubrick’s cinematic style. https://www.highsnobiety.com/2016/08/19/stanley-kubrick/

Denton, S. (2016). Revisiting Baz Luhrmann’s cinematic style in the great Gatsby. https://www.filminquiry.com/revisiting-great-gatsby/ 

What is my Kaupapa? - Art

This year I am doing painting, because I like painting and I feel that it is my strongest field, and I learnt a lot last year in terms of technique and method. Last year I completed my art board and passed, I was particularly proud of the last two pieces on my board that were inspired by Jacqueline Fahey. However I wasn't so happy with anything else on my board, and only managed to pass with an achieved,

which isn't really up to my high standards. This year I would like to focus more on symbolism, rather than drawing people and figures over and over again. My brainstorms have helped me to think about the different types of subject matter that I can play with this year, as well as different ways to look at broad themes. My mood board helped me to gain some inspiration and ideas about what I want to do this year, as well as showed me some interesting artist models. The three artists I have chosen are Frida Kahlo, Faith Ringgold and Jacqueline Fahey. I chose these artists because I like the colours and textures they all use, and they are things I may chose to emulate in my own artworks.

Character Strengths - English

Curiosity: 

What are you most curious about? Were you a curious child? I am most curious about the future. I want to know what is going to happen to the world, and also to me personally. Even as a child I wanted to know what I life would be like when I was a teenager, and now as a teenager I want to know what life will be like when I'm an adult. 

How has curiosity been affected growing up? If it has changed, why? When I was a kid I asked a lot more questions because I wasn't afraid of being judged or being wrong. Now I maybe don't ask as many questions, due to the pressure from myself to always be right, or always seem smart.

How does curiosity play out across different domains? At school there is a lot more social pressure not to sound dumb, however at home I care less about my families opinions, because they did teach me basically everything I know. 

Creativity:

What holds you back from being creative? Overthinking, and the fear of failure. The idea that to pursue something creative, you have to be the best. 

How do the reactions of other people affect your creative efforts? I think too much about what other people want, or like, and not enough about what I like to do creatively. 

How do you use your creativity in your everyday life? I take a lot of school subjects that are heavily creative, such as Art and English, and I always tend to find creative solutions to problems in other classes as well. 

Humour:

How do you initiate playfulness, and how does it change in every situation? I have a habit of not taking many things seriously, and sometimes it isn't exactly received well, but I do turn most things into a joke, though I do try not to be offensive. 

How do others around you express playfulness? Because I am a fairly light hearted person, I tend to surround myself with other light hearted people who like to joke around, mostly at the expense of each other.

When has humour been a barrier for you connecting with other people? Some people don't like to joke around and make fun of each other, some people get really upset when say negative things about them, so I was unable to befriend those sorts of people.