The key to editing any film, consisten with its other creative
elements, is to understand what the script wants to do. In other words, what
does this film do and what are its concerns.
At our second week's class we will spend some time beginning
to figure out what SHUT UP AND SING is about, at its core. In 535 we called
this a logline, and its main purpose is to give us a guidepost that we can
check back to as we cut each scene. This is a process that will be an ongoing,
continuing evolving one. It will be handy to look back on this as we explore
the film in its greater depths.
This list will be continually updated as our thoughts evolve.
The story |
A group of former college a capella group singers learns to
accept growing older.
Moment of glory is past.
Come together for Greg’s wedding.
A la The Big Chill. |
|
David |
midlife crisis, fearful of aging, kids, life-clock, likable.
Through the movie he accepts getting older, with the help of the
elderly couple and Ted’s suicide attempt. |
|
| |
Richard |
recently divorced, funny, romantically challenged, paranoid, depressed,
likable |
|
Spooner |
rich, eccentric, pretty boy, comfortable with himself, no
ambitions, easy, doesn’t change, likable, not in a committed
relationship. |
|
Ted |
just fired, unhappily married, uptight and conservative, not
so likable, comic relief |
|
Will |
might be gay, frustrated singer, new relationship, ?likable? |
|
Secondary Characters |
Women – supportive, more mature, help move the arc of
the men learning to accept their lives, unchanging voice of reason,
rational
Steven
Greg
Trish
Elsa
Michelle -- OCD
|
|
Style and tone |
Character-based, humor comes from the characters
Music – an integral part of the film, represents their glory
days, what they long for
Light, not introspective |
|
Target Audience |
Middle aged wite men
College grads |
|
The evolution of this film will be one of discovering how to bring these points
to the forefront, so the audience experiences them viscerally.
