ElevenEnglish2011

Monday, August 15, 2011

Created by Marc Cherry

The details for Desperate Housewives are listed here. As the show has many directors, just refer to the creator and producer Marc Cherry in your responses/assessments. I have also copied the key cast from IMDB below, or alternatively you can visit the site for some visuals.

Cast (Series Cast Summary - 18 of 298)

Teri Hatcher ... Susan Mayer / ... (159 episodes, 2004-2011)
Felicity Huffman ... Lynette Scavo (159 episodes, 2004-2011)
Marcia Cross ... Bree Van De Kamp / ... (159 episodes, 2004-2011)
Eva Longoria ... Gabrielle Solis / ... (159 episodes, 2004-2011)
Ricardo Chavira ... Carlos Solis (159 episodes, 2004-2011)
Brenda Strong ... Mary Alice Young (159 episodes, 2004-2011)
James Denton ... Mike Delfino (159 episodes, 2004-2011)
Doug Savant ... Tom Scavo (154 episodes, 2004-2011)
Nicollette Sheridan ... Edie Britt (112 episodes, 2004-2009)
Shawn Pyfrom ... Andrew Van De Kamp (111 episodes, 2004-2011)
Andrea Bowen ... Julie Mayer (99 episodes, 2004-2011)
Kyle MacLachlan ... Orson Hodge (93 episodes, 2006-2011)
Brent Kinsman ... Preston Scavo (88 episodes, 2004-2011)
Shane Kinsman.. Porter Scavo (88 episodes, 2004-2011)
Zane Huett ... Parker Scavo (81 episodes, 2004-2010)
Kathryn Joosten ... Karen McCluskey (77 episodes, 2005-2011)
Mark Moses ... Paul Young (75 episodes, 2004-2011)
Dana Delany ... Katherine Mayfair (65 episodes, 2007-2011)

The Question

How does the exposition of Desperate Housewives (episode one, series one) comment on American values and lifestyle?

One paragraph (you may do more if you wish) due Thursday. Use relevant dialogue, filmic techniques and so forth to illuminate your discussion of the text.

For the girls at ONSITE, you may view the first six minutes of the exposition, as shown in the link posted earlier.

For the rest of the class, you could even post some of these lifestyle aspects/attitudes here (see your notes) for their benefit.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

responses to the socratic method

-skeptical--> medicine, how much we actually know about our own bodies
-sympathetic--> towards the boy and his mum, boy didn't experience 'normal' teenage life (camera shots create a sense of vulnerability)
-confused--> episode takes you on a journey of questioning (socratic method) answer is always so simple
-annoyed--> at House: he plays the hero but doesn't seem to celebrate his birthday and other happy 'human' occasions, annoyed at mother for calling authorities even though it was for the sons best interest( she wants to protect him and herself)
-intrigued--> through medical shots, glamourises everyday medical life and makes it seem more interesting
-hope--> restoring faith in medicine, House protects mum by playing villain. "that all important human connection, I thought I would give it a whirl"-House

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Panel permissions?

Hi girls,

I'd like to scan and save some of your panel notes to the portal. Can you reply with a yay or nay so I know whether to use your notes. Well done for those of you who prepared thoroughly - you will be rewarded for your efforts.

Additionally, can you please email me at my school email with the nickname you have selected. Some are obvious, but a few are quite ambiguous.

Cheers,

Miss Miller

Drama deliberations

The drama scripts were on the whole delightful, original and grappled with issues highly relevant to Dead Heart, as stipulated in the task criteria.

Strengths & Points for Improvements
Issues
+All scripts engaged with the key issues
+There were many original storylines and characters brought the issues to life.
! Some scripts combined too many issues in a short scene.

Script/Structure/Set Design
+Initial set design was usually well-established with a clear Australian setting.
+Verbal cues, particularly those indicating tone, were strong.
-Some scripts had major inconsistencies and did not read like drama scripts. Action on stage must be carefully scripted. If a character runs away, dives into the ocean, or appears suddenly, you must think about how this will be staged, including set design, acting and use of props.
-All transitions and scene changes must be indicated. Use sound and lighting and keep production elements in mind throughout.

Dialogue:
+ Many scripts featured powerful, authentic dialogue that effectively established character and conflict.
! make sure the dialogue fits, considering factors such as the temporal setting, age and role of the character.
! Don’t overuse dialogue or try to accomplish too much back story/drama through 'telling'. Action is powerful. Some had their characters directly address the audience – an excellent device but must be used carefully.