Владимир Аракин - Практический курс английского языка 3 курс [calibre 2.43.0]

others.

3.It is dangerous to use the original script almost word for

word. Some stories require an updating of the dialogue.

For:

4.In many cases, the moral values of the situations in a once

1. There is always a shortage of new, fresh story material.

exciting story have become so antiquated that the plot is not

workable for contemporary audiences.

2. The public wouldn't notice or wouldn't care that they were

paying to see the same story.

5.There is always the audience's memory of the earlier

successful production, which can prevent spectators from

receiving the film properly.

3. There is always a valid reason 3. for doing it (the theme is

timely, a new cast is available, the economic situation is

favourable).

4.The coming of new screen techniques (sound, colour,

wide screen) inspired the studios to film their

more popular pictures again.

5. A remake of the same director gives the artist

theopportunity to correct any mistakes he may

have made in the first version.

15. The extracts given below present rather controversial subjects. Team up with another student, work out arguments "for" and "against" and

discuss the extracts in pairs. Use the conversational formulas of agreement and disagreement.

A.Does the audience influence the process of film-making? It is obvious that the audience of today, influenced by television and

space research is very different from the audience of years ago. Most films produced decades ago have little current impact. A more

detailed analysis of human reaction is necessary, and will be much more so in the future. Similarly a new kind of artist and film-

maker will be needed.

B.Should the printed word or films be used in the classroom?

Film is particularly useful for describing processes which cannot be easily demonstrated in the classroom. So far, however, its

potentialities have only just begun to be exploited. Conservative teachers still resist breaking away from the printed word.

C.Should actors speak different languages in films?

Usually a director, aiming his film at an audience of compatriots, has everything spoken in the native language. In some films of

Federico Fellini each character speaks his native language, which isn't usual in films. The director says he often mixes languages to

express the truth of a given situation. But there is a language barrier.

D.Can critics give an objective judgement of a film?

The critic merely by saying, "I am a critic," inflates himself and causes himself to see not what exists but what he thinks ought to

exist. But things are only what they are. Therefore, the critic is usually mistaken. Sometimes he doesn't refer to himself as such but

rather to his experiences of what other artists have done in a similar situation. But when a critic tells how the work should be accord-

ing to his taste, which has been formed by a certain culture and certain artists, he is still judging by what is congenial to him.

0

1

16. Role-Playing.

2

The Best Film of the Year

S i t u a t i o n : The annual spectators' conference is held at the end of the year with the aim of selecting the best film of the year.

Two films have won universal acclaim — an amusing comedy and an earnest, thought-provoking feature film. Which of them should

be awarded the first prize?

C h a r a c t e r s :

1 . Sergey Tropov, aged 28, a young and promising scientist. Scientific exploration is his life. Rather tired. Likes cinema very

much but understands it as entertainment versus art. He goes to the pictures to relax and to enjoy himself. Believes that all people go

to the cinema to have a good laugh and to forget their worries. Thinks that the comedy under discussion is the best film of the year:

the actors are in top form, the music in the picture creates a kind of frame-work for the story. The comedy he saw and liked has be-

come a source of inspiration for his further investigation.

2. Oleg Kaladze, 20 year-old youth, a great cinema fan. His favourite actress is playing the leading role in the comedy, which

Oleg likes very much. He is struck by the artistic quality of certain scenes. Is not impressed by the feature film. Thinks that it is

ahead of its time and in fact acting is most important for the success of the film, while the plot is insignificant. Oleg is for the

comedy.

3. Alia Larina, aged 25, a teacher of Russian Literature. Doesn't think it is possible to discuss these two films as they belong to

different genres. Each is fine in its own way. The feature reflects a human creature, his ideas. It represents an individual

consciousness. Its excellence lies in its power over other people's minds. The comedy gives you a short and pleasant rest, a kind of

relaxation. Both films are superb, both are the best.

4. Boris Runin, aged 47, a well-known film director who has made quite a number of features and popular science films. Always

works in this genre. Thinks that a comedy is a simple entertainment and the comedy under discussion is no exception. It contains

pleasant images but teaches you nothing. You like it because it is unreal, offers an escape. But it doesn't affect the spectator. He

leaves the theatre in the same darkness with which he entered it. Naturally Boris is for the feature film.

5. Rita Strogova, aged 60, a pensioner, prefers the feature film which made her think a lot and raised many problems. Despises

people who produce and like comedies and other films «for mere entertainment. Thinks that people who go to these films don't want

to be bothered, they don't want responsibility, they want to remain asleep. Rita's idea is that "no matter how spectacular, the film will

be a failure if it has no real message". Rita is for the feature film.

6. Helen Grabova, aged 45, a famous actress, starred in many films. Sees a lot of advantages in both films, but she never gives

judgements about her colleagues. Thinks that an artist can no more judge another artist than one child can judge other children. Each

artist has his particular vision. You can't wear someone else's glasses; they would fit badly, and you wouldn't see. The artist's glasses

only work when they are put on non-artists, whom they move, touch, surprise. Thinks as both films have had long and suc cessful

runs they both should be equally rewarded.

Note: Divide your group into two teams, each of which should perform the same role play. While discussing the films show their merits and imperfections. Speak about the impression both films have produced on your character. Disagree with some of the participants of the conference, share the

others' points of view if you feel like it, defend your own point of view. At the end of the conference you should select the best film of the year (perhaps with

a vote). Comments from the class on each team's performance and the value of the different arguments are invited.

17. Group Discussion.

Give your own views on the problems below and speak against your opponent.

Topic 1. The role of cinema in our life

T a l k i n g p o i n t s :

1. Different genres of films, their impact on the spectators.

2. Development of people's cultural level, taste.

3. Films for entertainment and education.

4. Cinema in the classroom (Geography, History, Literature, Foreign Language).