critique

these are getting slightly easier - the critique of my rough cut didn't have me nearly on the edge of anxiety explosion as the previous sessions did - however, it is still something that i more or less don't look forward to. it is wierd because the more nervous i am going into it - the less I get out of it. seriously it is like i don't even hear what anyone else is saying sometimes. it is a great experience however - it humbles, and thickens the skin.

cindy lays it out there and is completely straight forward about our work - which is both good and bad in a way. on the one hand it is great because we don't have to worry about getting softball responses from people trying not to be overly harsh, but on the other hand, i think sometimes a lot of effort goes into making things that cater to what she might like - or at least give a positive response to.

i like the idea of getting to speak before we show our films, but then it sets it up so people echo whatever concerns we may voice about our movies prior to thier screening. however - i do think it is useful to give the class a little context prior to showing. i think the comments that serve the process the best are those that point out mistakes that we may have not noticed: editing issues, sound problems, lapses in the story. i guess these "tech" issues are the best to address.

i don't know if i am getting better at critiques or not. i think i need to watch something more than once to give an accurate measure because too much of the time i will only focus on one aspect - the story, the shooting, the edits, or the sound. i really appreciate cindy and andrew and the whole class for giving honest feedback and pointers about my films this semester.