Baraka: Pure cinema at the core of remarkable film

Baraka: Pure cinema at the core of remarkable film

Mar 12, 2019 | Film Analysis

“Baraka” It isn’t a travelogue. It isn’t a documentary. It isn’t a feature film. It doesn’t have any dialogue. There are no star actors. There isn’t even a plot. Yet, this remarkable film goes straight to your heart and intellect in a uniquely compelling way. Here are...
Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird”

Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird”

Mar 4, 2019 | E9 Honors, English 9

Our ‘national novel’ – Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” “To Kill A Mockingbird” became both an instant bestseller and a critical success when it was first published in 1960. Not only did it earn author Harper Lee the Pulitzer Prize in 1961, it was also...
“The Door”

“The Door”

Mar 1, 2019 | Film Analysis

THE DOOR - Short Film from Octagon Films on Vimeo.added by Louise Curran Producer The Door “The Door” This film, by Juanita Wilson, is a powerful tribute to one family’s tragic experience following the Chernobyl nuclear accident that occurred in 1986 in what was...
On the Line (Auf der Strecke)

On the Line (Auf der Strecke)

Feb 28, 2019 | Film Analysis

This Swiss film is such a great example of all we’ve been talking about, I thought I’d wrap up our short films unit with it. Pretty good film, isn’t it? It was nominated for an Oscar in 2009 in the live-action short film category. As for the assignment, log in to our...
A word about Skyward

A word about Skyward

Jan 26, 2019 | E9 Honors, Film Analysis

Okay, okay. I’ll admit it: As a teacher, I despise Skynet… er, ah, Skyward. However, as a parent of an MTHS student, I love Skyward Family Access.
So, I understand that I’m trying to have it both ways when it comes to this wonderful, horrible Web tool. Of course I want to know how my son is doing in his classes, but I don’t want to be enslaved to updating Skyward on a daily basis for my students.
But, it’s more complicated than that. Let me explain…

Have you planted “Marigolds”?

Have you planted “Marigolds”?

Dec 31, 2018 | E9 Honors, English 9

Eugenia Collier’s short story challenges us to think about that moment when we transition from youth to adulthood. It’s clear that her narrator has thought about this deeply, and only after several years has she been able to put her thoughts and experiences into...