Martha Hernandez

Film and Culture T/R

April 27, 2015
Final: How My Experience in Film and Culture Class Altered My Perspective
of Film and Culture in Every Day Life

My experience in Film and Culture class was very educational, enjoyable, and unique.
Even though tragedy stroke this class with Geoffs passing, I appreciate the opportunity of
getting to learn about films and the film industry from him. The most memorable piece of
knowledge I got from Geoff is that films are open to the audiences interpretation; once the
audience watches the film the directors intent no longer matters, what matters is audience
reception. Knowing this gave me the confidence to analyze films without being afraid of
misinterpreting them.
Personally, this piece of information was very encouraging. I no longer feel bound to rely
on Wikipedia to learn a films purpose and explanation. After taking this course on Film and
Culture, I feel capable of analyzing films by myselfnow I can come up with my own analysis
without second-guessing myself. For instance, prior to taking this course, I would sometimes
perceive subtle biases in films, so I would resort to Wikipedia to confirm my suspicions.
However, Wikipedia didnt always confirm my thoughts. This course taught me to value my
opinion as an amateur film critic. If a film makes me feel a certain way, then I validate that
feeling and I find ways to explain why (i.e. consider: genre, content, form & style, director,
targeted audience, implicit & explicit messages).
My experience in Film and Culture class was very educational. The discussion I found
most interesting and most educational was the discussion on gender binary, gender identity, and
transgenderism. I was surprised to learn about the gay gene, transsexuality, and intersex people. I
was impressed by how the instructor (Sara) was able to teach so much in such a short period of
time. This discussion sparked an interest in Gender Studies for me. In addition, this discussion
and the film Different for Girls made me aware of the way gender and sexuality are often

portrayed on the big screenfolks who are not straight or cisgender always get the short end
of the stick. They are either portrayed as having an abnormally high libido or as joke. Different
for Girls definitely set a high standard for films on transsexuality. From the readings on
transsexuality, the following quote resonated with me the most:
"Important though it is, most people never think much about gender. They have no idea what
causes their sense of being a boy or a girl, a man or a woman. Having never suffered misgendering, they take their gender for granted like the air that they breathe, never giving it a
second thought. It is an unquestioned birth privilege to have a gender."
My experience in Film and Culture class was also very enjoyable. What I enjoyed most
was the way the instructor (Sara) facilitated class discussions. I appreciate having a safe space to
voice my opinion. I also enjoyed most of the films shown in class throughout the semester. My
favorite films (in order of personal preference) are: The Other F Word, The Bronze Screen, 42,
Just for Girls, and Memento.
The reason why I enjoyed these films is because most of them fall under the nonHollywood spectrum. Meaning that since they are not traditional they have the freedom to
explore to explore different themes. The reason why I enjoyed The Other F Word was because of
its theme: fatherhood-- for punk rock stars! I thought the approach was quite heartwarming; the
film showed a side to punk rockers that most people are not aware oftheir caring, loving, and
responsible side. I also liked the way fatherhood was discussed. Fatherhood and masculinity are
topics that are rarely explored on the big screen; seeing punk rockers open up a bit about their
childhoods and about how that affected their view on parenthood was something I enjoyed
hearing about.
I liked The Bronze Screen because it openly discussed Latino stereotypes in mainstream

media and film. Much like The Other F Word did with the theme of fatherhood, The Bronze
Screen discussed another issue that affects lots of people but is rarely discussed on the big
screen: stereotypes. The Bronze Screen took a historical approach to discuss and show the way
that stereotypical characters have influenced the way Latinos are viewed in society. This
documentary film also talked about the way that Latino actors have been exclusively sorted out
to play bandits, Latin lovers, and maids (to name a few). Something I found interesting was the
role that race played in the casting of Latino actors. White-passing Latinos had an easier time
breaking through than their less White-passing counterparts.
Memento was another film I enjoyed. Memento was a very peculiar film that introduced
me to non-linear film structure. This particular structure made it difficult for me to understand
the first (30-ish) minutes of the film. However, after familiarizing myself with the non-linear
structure, I was able to enjoy the film. The non-linear storytelling had a powerful effect; it
allowed me to sympathize with more than one character (the protagonist changed depending on
the timeline).
My experience in Film and Culture class was a positive experience. I truly enjoyed my
time spent inside the classroom. In addition, this class helped me develop an interest in acting.
Moreover, I now look forward to watching films so I can analyze them. Another thing I liked
about this course was watching movies that I would otherwise never watch on my own (i.e. Dr.
Strangelove).
There was a comment made by the instructor that went something along the lines of
Hollywood is a business. If investors want their money back, theyll invest their money in
Hollywood formulaic films. This comment alone made a lightbulb go off inside my head. This
is why films that portray stereotypes, and demonize people (i.e. American Sniper) are so well-

received by the public. People enjoy propagandist type of films that cater to and reassure their
beliefs. This is also the reason why films that fall outside of the Hollywood formula tend to be
less popularoftentimes these films challenge popular American ideologies, and people dont
like to be challenged.
The reason why I love non-Hollywood films is because they are able to explore less
traditional themeswhich makes them great. This is also why non-Hollywood films tend to be
more experimental.
Another thing I learned in Film and Culture class this semester is that culture goes
beyond the practice of ethnic traditions. Culture is influenced by location. Culture can be
religious, sexual, or social. Furthermore, culture can be and is influenced by technology.
All in all, this course has made me aware of the power and influence that films have on
their audience. Ive come to realize that as viewers, we also have influence. We have the choice
to choose and demand films of higher quality (i.e. films that dont dehumanize people). Our
dollar holds power. If we were to stop spending money on films that portray things like
stereotypes, misogyny, and the glorification of war then perhaps these issues would stop being
normalized.
Ive come to conclude that films reflect societal values. We pay to watch content that
reflects the way we view the world, as well as content that reflects the way we would like the
world to be.
The film industry is an influential and modern way to spread ideas.