In August I did a web site design course at Midland TAFE. I had originally just wanted to learn how to do it, but to ensure I knew how to get it uploaded and running correctly I had to create a real site. I came up with the idea of a film review and critique site. I spend a large portion of my time watching, discussing and analysing film and TV. I also took media units at Murdoch University including TV and Popular Culture, Cultural Studies, Screen Texts, Screen Studies and Drama Praxis. I have written critiques on film and literature. On the creative side I have acted in local productions, directed, written a short play, a script for a short film and started several short stories. Currently I'm studying for a Grad Dip Ed(Secondary) my minor is in Media studies. So I have a teaching perspective, an audience viewpoint, a film critique angle, technical knowledge and terminology plus cultural studies/semantics and coding discourse at my disposal. A lot of energy expended was going to waste, this site gives me the opportunity to share my views, knowledge and experience which may benefit others, in the meantime I continue to learn more about a subject I care about passionately.
Site Objectives
It has got to the point where I can't watch previews, read a synopsis or watch movie review shows because they say or show something that ruins the suspense, or the entire story. Some previews show so much I figure I don't need to see it. It only takes a glimpse of a scene near the end of a suspense film then I know a certain character is safe in all scenes leading up to that point. I don't need much information to figure out the main plot development. I figured others may have the same complaint as me.
The main focus of the writing is on my technical observations, opinion, plus the emotional and intellectual reaction to a film I have seen. Films and programmes reviewed are mainly those I liked. I try not to give away anything important, which at times includes what it's about. If I told you what 'Predator' was about it would spoil the surprise.
One thing I have learned is certain people share certain tastes in films. If you agree with me on which films and TV programmes are good and which are not you can use my site as a litmus test before watching something. In other areas it may bring other perspectives and concepts for films you have seen. It can be entertaining to read someones views when they feel the same way, sort of share in the joke. I'd like this site to be entertaining, insightful, informative and constructive.
Site Structure
Each page has a list box, if the film isn't in the list I haven't reviewed it, yet. There are links at the top of the page that may take you to a site that has what you're looking for. Over time I will be adding accademic resource links, comprehensive sites that contain large databases on almost every aspect of a film, the director, filmographies, site reviews, actors. I already have a couple of comprehensive site links added.
The Film section is films currently on the movie circuit or films that are not yet available on video that I have seen. This section is short
The Video section will become the largest part of the site as I have seen a lot of films. They will continue to be added as I remember the titles. I get 5 videos out per fortnight they will also be added.
In future I intend to figure out how to make the list box a 'go to' box to make things easier for you. I have added gifs of the actual video box cover. I think when going through all those videos in a store, knowing what colour the video is makes the search that bit easier.
I have added links at the top to mainstream and niche video stores. I wanted to put Mosmon Video Store on there but they don't have a site. I would recommend Mosmon Video for Australian film and festival. Planet have cult horror, British, arthouse, documentary, music including classical. Other links are to comprehensive video sites, beware reading the reviews, they give too much away. If there was a film you wanted to know about and I haven't covered it, you can go straight there. I have added one resource link to this page which has many film resources including director, magazine, university materials etc.
The TV page includes movies made for TV, shows, sit coms, drama series, documentaries anything that gains my interest. TV has taken a nose dive in the last 2 years, there's little on these days, but it's enough. Some of these shows may include a synopsis as the main concepts and characterisations tend to repeat with different content. There is a link to other sites which then link to several other sites. I have placed links in the title, so you don't have to go to another page first to find more links.
I have added a coming soon feature to let you know what I intend to watch next. If I add to a TV show I'll put a date there to show it's been added to.
In the future I intend to cover 3 areas, other reviews to help people make choices, critiques in depth accademic style analysis and links to other sites that are a resource for film students and links to other reviews.
My Goals
The site is still under construction, but I couldn't wait for it to be perfect. I wanted it up and running. The site will improve as I learn more. I am currently teaching myself animation on 3DSMax, Fireworks and Java.
I intend to add more of my own accademic style critiques which should not be read unless you've seen the film already. I am currently writing a critique on 'Seven'.
I intend to fill in the blanks with names of actors and a gif or jpeg and link for each programme or film where possible. Eventually I'll add links to other review sites that agree and disagree or cover genres I don't ie. classics, soaps, Australian, Foreign, Arthouse.
I intend to add a feedback section, but as I have only just started this site a lot of comments I think will be about things I either haven't learned how to do yet or haven't got to yet.
My Tastes
I tend to prefer any genre that includes some element of suspense or mystery, surprise or intrigue. I enjoy surreal, supernatural or deep story lines, or where scientific or philosophical concepts are explored. Hence my interest in alternative comedy, psychological thrillers, court room dramas and complex relationship stories. If it's deep, dark or strange I will probably enjoy it.
You may have gathered by now I'm not Australian. I've lived in Perth 13 years. I'm from N England so I have an afinity with Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire productions.
1. because not much interests me.
2. I can't afford to go or too busy or both.
I have added links to sites that help if you wish to see a film that day and want to see what's on and where. The first link has every cinema with a web site. I don't want the site to look flash or glam, but I would like to add photographs and animated gifs to make it a little more interesting. I will be incorporating more links to fan sites and official sites perhaps on the director or an actor in this section.