The Formalism Aesthetics of Koko Fiction Essay Compare the realist aesthetics of Koko: A Talking Gorilla (1978) to the formalist aesthetics of Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011).
Using at least 4 elements from the provided lists (2 from each), explore precisely how the films use these aesthetics. Why does each film use these specific aesthetics? What meaning is offered?
NOTES FROM CLASS AND ELEMENTS-
1. Fiction film origins
A. Méliès and magic (al) film
B. Tom Gunning and “the Cinema of Attractions”
C. avant-garde films
2. Tendencies of formalist films
A. foregrounding of subjectivity
B. form is as important (if not more important) than content
C. reflexivity (over transparency)
3. The aesthetics of formalism
A. subjective narration (“I”)
B. expressive mise-en-scene
i. German Expressionism
ii. melodrama
iii. animation
vi. lighting
C. expressive cinematography
i. fast or slow motion
ii. camera movement
iii. shallow depth of field and rack focus
D. expressive editing
i. collision
ii. montage sequences
E. performance capture and SFX
F. expressive sound
i. nondiegetic
ii. collision sound
