Archival Research Papers - random thoughts

Let's say you were interested in noir: Here's a site laying out ten excellent noir films, including Shadow of a Doubt. Gun Crazy, Pickup on South Street and Sweet Smell of Success are all favorites of mine. I should also mention that the other film, besides Shadow of a Doubt, that is a noir killer Hitchcock thriller would be the great Strangers on a Train (Wrong Man and Notorious qualify as noir as well).

One more word about noirs -- none of them started out as noirs because it wasn't a genre. You'll have to figure out the initial genre. such as crime/heist, revenge thriller, etc. I strongly suggest anyone interested in working with a noir film read this excellent piece.

I thought Jenni might be interested in this list of undervalued film satires. There's a couple in that list that would make good papers -- others that should just be seen. A few might qualify as Hollywood films.

If you have no idea, being not up on classic 30s Hollywood, I'd suggest going to this AMC site, -- be sure to explore the genre section as well. Here's the link for the 40s and here's the one for the 50s. Seriously, if you look at these three decades on these links, you should have dozens of ideas for a film you want to do.

Internship Journal

As a reminder, you are supposed to be doing a journal entry on blackboard (internship class) each week reflecting your internship experiences for that week.

Margaret Herrick Library

So that it's clear, this library is what will enable you to do your archival research paper -- it is an essential part of the semester and of your grade!

Before the tour on Wednesday, please go to this site. Once there, please read the links to About the Library, Using the Library, Explore the Collections, and Resources and Database. Note: Hit the arrow next to these disignations to open up all of the sub-categories. For example, hit the arrow next to About the Library -- then go to Holdings and see all the resources available -- then hit more under the Special Collections -- then hit Browse Collections -- this gets you to a list of all of the special collections the library has. (If you had trouble getting there, here's a link as well.)

Anyway, explore this site as much as you can before the tour so you have a sense of the possibilities.

Testimony of William Gaines

I have posted on blackboard the transcript of Gaines' congressional testimony and there's a few sidebar sections of that version that makes it important to open and review. However, for ease of reading, and with colorful examples/exhibits, I'd suggest reading the testimony here instead.

Censorship Readings

The readings are all posted under Assignments on Blackboard except for the Zappa testimony which has a web link instead.

What does a conference paper sound like

I promised you a couple of sites where you could read the topics of other people's paper topics. Here's one for the annual Society for Cinema Studies. Here's the program for the upcoming Console-ing Passions conference in Santa Barbara. At least give the CP one a look over -- it's a good primer for how to construct a proper paper and panel.

Mandatory Wednesday Field Trip

See you all at Canter's Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. To learn more about the history of Canter's, click here and here. And don't miss their mySpace We meet at Canter's first for breakfast and then go to the library. We're under a tight schedule and the library will not tolerate us being late for the tour so please be at Canter's promptly at 8:30.


In terms of the Library tour -- be sure to bring your driver's license, and you might want to bring a pad to take notes.

Internships -- Who you going to call?

Here's the deal on internships. If you need a letter confirming that you're getting course credit you e-mail me with the internship coordinator's name, the company name and address and the fax number or email address. I will then issue said document.

If you have questions about internships, work with me directly. Keep me posted over the next 2 months as to the progress of your search. Once you get an internship, if you have a problem, you report the problem to me directly. I am the person overseeing the internships and I'm the one that gives you your grade. Carolyn is very helpful in administering the program back on campus but the internships take place here and are therefore under my watch. Thanks.

Note: Same applies for USC classes, obviously my classes, etc. I only point this out so that there's no confusion as to who you should be dealing with. If there's a question regarding how Duke is going to charge you, how quickly Duke is going to post your USC grades, etc, that's a Carolyn question, i.e. if it's administrative or if it involves primarily Durham, run it past Carolyn with a cc to me. However, things that take place out here come directly to me. Things that relate to academic concerns, i.e. things that impact your Duke in LA grades, come directly to me. If you have any questions about this, please don't hesitate to ask me.

Your Interests -- Mandatory Responses Due

In terms of planning field trips, looking out for blog posts, and gearing the semester toward various areas of pop culture, I need to know more about this year's class. Therefore, I'm going to ask each of you to please respond to this question.

Are you interested in:

1). Film (and name genres and favorites)
2). TV (and name your must-see shows)
3). Comics, including manga, web, etc. (which ones)
4) Games (and name format, i.e. Playstation, on-line World of Warcraft, etc.)
5). Music (and specify, i.e. jazz, blues, etc)
6) Sports (specify areas of interest, except for Duke basketball)
7) Art
8) Other interests, hobbies, etc.
9) Animation/Anime/Cartoons (which ones)

I also need to know which of you have
strong computer and/or design skills. Each year one of you (or a team) designs the poster for the conference. Examples of prior years are posted on this blog beneath all of the links on the side. This year we launch our official cyber-journal where we'll be publishing your final papers and I need to know potential designers, layout people and editors, etc. We have a lot of collaborative work for the Duke LA courses so let's start figuring outhow deep our talent pool runs.

Conference Poster

Yo ladies and gentlemen, just wanted to throw this out there for discussion and thoughts...
Jim and I were talking about what we could do for the Genre Matters conference poster. I think it would be great if we could get as many people in the program as we can involved with the poster process.
We were throwing around the idea of dressing up in costumes... so say someone is a detective, a super hero, a cowboy, robot, etc etc, and all being in one frame.
I know we all have a ton of work, and that everyone is super stressed, but if you have any interest in doing this or have any ideas, the final product will be way better with any ideas you may have.
Just something to think about.
What genre would you like to be?


Hi, Jim joining in on Alicia's post. I thought we could do a photo along this line -- (I just mean in terms of stance, etc,) with students dressed as students but with some genre accoutrements layered over it, kind of Brick style. What do y'all think? I'm sure Alicia can nail the photo and we can get the props without much trouble.Then it's just a matter of photoshop. We could have a word balloon that said Genre Matters VII.

Archival Projects

Here's what we've got, as I'm sure everyone is curious as to each other's projects:
Sam -- Crossfire. "A man is murdered, apparently by one of a group of soldiers just out of the army. But which one? And why?"
Noel -- Public Enemy. "Friends Tom and Matt go from small time to big time crime during prohibition. Tom tires of his mistress Kitty (he pushes a grapefruit into her face) and falls for Gwen who resists his advances except when it look as though he might dump her. When Matt is killed, Tom goes after the murderers."
Dave -- The Wild One. It's Brando on a bike with dialog like "Mildred: What're you rebelling against, Johnny?
Johnny: Whaddya got?"
Keith -- Mystery of the Wax Museum. "n London, sculptor Ivan Igor struggles in vain to prevent his partner Worth from burning his wax museum...and his 'children.' Years later, Igor starts a new museum in New York, but his maimed hands confine him to directing lesser artists. People begin disappearing (including a corpse from the morgue); Igor takes a sinister interest in Charlotte Duncan, fiancée of his assistant Ralph, but arouses the suspicions of Charlotte's roommate, wisecracking reporter Florence." The tagline was "Images of wax that throbbed with human passion! Almost woman....what did they lack?"
Ben -- The Pride of the Yankees."The story of the life and career of the famed baseball player, Lou Gehrig."
Janet -- A Midsummer Night's Dream. "The course of true love never did run smooth." Shakespeare, comedy, fantasy, magic, love.
Aaina -- Breakfast at Tiffany's. "Struggling writer Paul Varjak moves into a New York apartment building and becomes intrigued by his pretty, quirky neighbor Holly Golightly. Holly's lifestyle confuses and fascinates Paul; in public she flits through parties with a sexy, sophisticated air, but when they're alone she changes into a sweetly vulnerable bundle of neuroses."
Meron -- An Affair to Remember. "A couple falls in love and agrees to meet in six months at the Empire State Building - but will it happen?"

Alicia is narrowing her choices and I'll update this space as soon as the final choice come in. It's a good group of films. Now let's hit the ground running!

FAQ re: The Internship paper

I am available to answer questions about the Internship paper -- I am going to make your paper proposals due by 11:00 p.m. on Monday, February 26. In that proposal I want the name of your selected film, and some demonstration that you have thought about resources available for said film, i.e. what archival collections are available at either the Academy Library or the Warner collection. i don't need a full biography but i also don't want you just naming a film without knowing if its studio has archives here, or if the director, writer, etc. does.

Q: How do I pick a film?
A: This is where the Balio book will come in handy. Skim that chapter on the different studio's productions by genre. This will help give you ideas for films, and also the genres popular to this time period. Your choice does not have to be mentioned in Balio (which is limited to films from the 30s -- you can go from 30s to 50s) but there's some great '30s choices. You can also start by picking a genre, and then researching that genre for an interesting choice. If you're going to do that, I strongly suggest you click the Green Cine site, listed to the left, and then look under primers, listed on their left, and read about your genre. It will likley give some good ideas. For example, if you wanted to do a sports movie, their sports movie piece is very smart and informative. (Also, if you don't see the genre you are interested in there, click on of the primer links anyway, as it will access a longer list of genre choices. One other point -- you should watch the film if possible before you pick it. You are going to know this film better than any you have ever experienced -- don't just pick it out of a hat. I can help suggest where you might find the film -- I may even have it.

Q: I think I know the film that I want to do. I've watched it, or read a lot about it and it sounds cool -- so what's next?
A: The first thing is to e-mail me. Someone else may have selected the same film, or I may think it's a bad choice for a variety of reasons. I may have suggestions for your next step based upon the film. If I'm good with the film, I'd suggest you then go to the library special collections site here and check to see if the studio, director or writer is part of their special collection. If not, you still may be able to do the film, but archival collections certainly give you more to work with. Also note that if you've picked a Warner Bros film, then USC is going to have an archive that will meet your needs. Anyway, the next thing would be to call Barbara at the library, not to set up an appointment with special collections (not yet), but to ask whether there is a production code file on the film. At this point you should be comfortable enough to commit to a specific film. Congratulations.

Q: Once I pick a film, what do I do?
A: First, I'd spend a week studying the genre, and how your film relates to the genre. Go to the USC library and check out its genre books. Also ask me -- I have a strong genre library. Don't read the entire books, use the index to focus primarily on your book. Think about whether or not the film might be discussed from other genre perspectives. IMDB might be helpful here, as it lists a film's genres. Learn a bit about your genre's origins as well, even beyond the specifics of your film. It's important to know your film's place in the bigger genre discussion -- was it a formative film -- one discussed widely in genre books, or was it a neglected genre film? Also at this stage it's okay to google, trolling for more general info on the film and the genre. Use the links on this blog like Green Cine. This is a good time also to go to blackboard and read the sample paper(s). It will give you an idea on one way to approach your project.

Q: How many times should I go to the Academy Library and what do I do once I get there?
A: At least twice. The first time you should first go to the genre book section adn start looking through book indexes for info. Do some reading there. You might look for books on your director to, and then use that index. Then go to the counter where the magazine collections are and tell them your film. They will help. Play on the conmputers to get more info. Then go to the other end -- the room with the oscar, and request the general file on your film. It should have lots of important info, including reviews at the time, and for re-releases. Study the press book and other promotional info. Keep your genre eyes open. Take lots of notes, make some copies of things you need.

Then you call the library and make an appointment to come back to review special collections including but not necessarily limited to, the production code. This should give you most of your raw materials to write your paper.

Q: What are its hours again?
A: It is always closed on weekends and on Wednesdays. It closes at 5 or 5:30 -- check the website.

Q: Besides the archival library, what research should I be doing?
A: To answer that question, I am going to give you a list of the questions you might want to ask about your film --
1). How does the film match up genre wise to Altman's discussion of label, contract, blueprint and structure? Your archival research should have given you a sense of how the film was conceived, how it was marketed and how it was reviewed by critics at the time and perhaps during re-releases. Your use of genre books should have helped understand how it has been discussed by genre critics and scholars at other times.
2). How has academia treated the film? Are their journal reviews, film comment, film journal, etc. that discuss this film. The USC film library will help with that question and will have all of those journals.
3). Has the film been remade or sequalized? if so, was it made in the same genre as your film? You should see any remake and include comparisons in your paper. I'd suggest using Rotten Tomatoes to get a critical response on the newer film.

Q: Do you have other advise?
A: Yes. (1) Keep in mind the difference between primary and secondary sources. I discussed this on the blog in connection with the Black Dahlia tour. You'll be using both in your paper. (2). Use Altman's concepts when applicable, but don't quote long passages from Altman as filler. For example, you can use the producer's game, you can even sum it up in a sentence or two, but don't put in a long quote explaining the concept in detail -- that's filler. (3) Look at the production, the censorship aspect, the marketing, the reviews at the time, the success of the film, any critical reassessments of the film, the academic study of the film, how the industry has remade or borrowed form the film, the film's influence on other films, and whether the film's genre has been constant or evolving. (4). Work with me on this, I will give plenty of input if asked -- but if you do ask, and I give you strong advise, you should consider following it. (5). Proof your paper more than once. A first draft should be the first draft, nothing more. Papers get better when you work on them. (6) If the film has a deluxe DVD edition, watch all of the supplemental materials, but do not treat that as primary research. (But it can be really helpful -- just remember to include it in the bibliography.

Q: So when is the paper actually due?
A: I've decided on keeping the original date of March 20th; however, I will extend it an additional seven days for anyone who asks for it. My own thought is that if you are out of town for spring break, it might make sense to need another week, but I don't want to limit it to that so I'll let anyone who asks have that extension without penalty -- I just want the chance to talk you out of it. I would really prefer, for your sakes, to see these papers in by March 20th so that you can move on to the conference prep.

Q: Do I need a bibliography?
A: Yes. I don't require a set number of sources -- but the more the better. You don't have to list every archival material individually, you can just identify the collection.

Q: Should I describe the plot of the movie?
A: Yes, but do so in a way that is tied to genre at all times. Don't use it just a filler.

Q: Do you have font size or margin requirements?
A: Yes. Don't go higher than 12 point, don't make margins more than one inch on either side. Never do more than double space between lines or paragraphs.

Q: Do I need footnotes, endnotes, sources in parentheses), anything?
A: Yes, my preference is footnotes, or source and page in parentheses) A further owrd on this -- if you use a source for information, then I want that source listed. If you say for example, Chaplin was scared to use sound -- that is not something you know -- you have to give me the source of the info.

Q: Can I do a foreign film? Can I do Disney animated? Can i do something from the seventies or later --- I really, really want to do "Pretty Woman?"
A: No on all counts. However, there may be a rare film in the sixties that I think would still work in terms of the class assignment, but most likely not.

Q: Is there anything students tend to do that we should try to avoid?
A: Good question. yes. Remember that this is a scholarly paper -- so take it somewhat seriously in terms of tone. Also don't make overly broad statements that you can't possible know -- like "And thus, the greatest film ever produced on the subject of baseball made audiences worldwide weep with joy ..." Also, keep your focus, don't turn your paper on "Stage Coach" into a piece on the working relationship between Wayne and Ford over their entire careers.

Anyway, those are my frequently asked questions. Comment below to add to the list and I'll try to answer. For questions about your specific film, e-mail me directly or call. Thanks. (and this is a very satisfying project, something you can be proud of when it's done)

Library Field Trip

The MANDATORY field trip to the Margaret Herrick Academy Library is on the morning of Wednesday February 14th. We meet that morning at 8:45 a.m at Canter's Deli for breakfast. Then we drive over together to the library for the 11:00 tour, which last approximately one hour.

Genre Watch

In case anyone forgot what they signed up for, here's our Genre Watch list:
Janet -- NY Times
Sam -- LA Times
Meron -- Variety
Noel -- The Hollywood Reporter
Alicia -- The Guardian
Ben -- LA Weekly
David -- The New Yorker
Keith -- EW
Aaina -- Rolling Stone

The links to these are all listed as external links on the 197 class blackboard section. Make sure to read the on-line blogs for your periodical, even if you have access to the paper copy. On Friday, I'll go over what this assignment actually entails.

Interests -- COMMENT IS REQUIRED

In terms of planning field trips, looking out for blog posts, and gearing the semester toward various areas of pop culture, I need to know more about this year's class. Therefore, I'm going to ask each of you to please respond to this question.

Are you interested in:

1). Film (and name genres)
2). TV (and name your must-see shows)
3). Comics, including manga (which ones)
4) Games (and name format, i.e. Playstation, on-line World of Warcraft, etc.)
5). Music (and specify, i.e. jazz, blues, etc)
6) Sports (specify areas of interest, except for Duke basketball)
7) Art
8) Other interests, hobbies, etc.
9) Animation/Anime/Cartoons (which ones)

I also need to know which of you have strong computer and/or design skills. Each year one of you (or a team) designs the poster for the conference at the end of the semester. Examples of prior years are posted on this blog beneath all of the links on the side. I need to know that someone can handle this, or I have to start soliciting outside talent.