Code Unknown is the first movie I have ever watched that required me to read subtitles. Not only was it the first foreign film I have ever seen, it is also the first independent, non Hollywood type movie I have ever watched. I have to say it is quite a different experience in many ways! I decided to take ENG 282, Intro to Film, honestly because it seemed like the most interesting course that would satisfy my cultural diversity requirement for my AA.
While watching Code Unknown and after the first class on Tuesday, I was a little intimidated because everything about it was very new to me. But, I think I will enjoy this class and all the films we are going to be watching. I already have a new perspective on film-making and different cultures.
One difference I quickly noticed about foreign films as opposed to American movies is a significant lack of information. In order to understand and follow what is going on in a film you definitely have to pay close attention. For example, at the beginning of the film when Anne is shooting a scene for one of the films she is working on, I was not aware that she plays an actress in Code Unknown. When the producer is shooting a scene and Anne is being told that toxic gas is going to be released into a room she is locked in and he is going to watch her die, it really through me off guard. A few scenes later in Code Unknown we find out for sure that she is an actress because she tells her friends about a film she is starring in while they are all sitting down eating at a restaurant. Sometimes I find myself dazing off when watching American movies, but Code Unknown definitely kept my attention.
Another difference I noticed was a lack of close-ups. American movies are all about glorifying the actors and actresses. If a producer wants to draw a lot of attention to an up and coming movie, it is definitely important to have a great cast. Our society is more likely to go see a movie based on who is starring in it. For example, if a top of the line actor or actress such as Julia Roberts who has been around for a while and has a great reputation is going to be in a new movie, we are very likely to think it is going to be awesome because she is in the movie. However, it is very possible that the story may not end up being quite as good as we thought it would be. On the contrary, we may not go see a movie because we don't recognize anyone starring in it, but we may be missing out on some good work. Code unknown didn't focus on any particular actor or actress. There was nothing glamorous about the film at all. Code Unknown made me focus on what was happening and that is all.
Lastly, I noticed a huge difference in timeline. American movies usually have a very clear beginning, middle/climax, and end/resolution/closure. Code unknown did not. The film jumps around to different scenes that are filled with different people and everyone has different things going on in their lives. Code Unknown kind of reminded me a little bit of a foreign soap opera, except less ridiculous!
I thought it was a good film. However, I hope to be able to follow along a little better when we watch the next few films in class.
