Media Observation Page: Yelling and Money

The title is also what I've observed about media in general, at least news related media.

Look Out, The Saints Are Coming Through (In-class discussion/response?)

Initial thoughts on the short story:

I, personally, cannot find any sort of relation between this and the Bob Dylan song. The story itsself was somewhat grating for me to get through, though it was not a 'bad' read I suppose. The narrative was confusing and weird, the only things that I could really piece together being the addictions to certain drugs, and violence.

The various jobs that the male character went through were interesting enough I suppose, though the lack of clarification on whatever was happening was irritating. Him having no real clear, readable character was also somewhat irritating.
The female character was forgettable, and I found it hard to really understand what it was she was doing beyond just scolding the main character and getting bothered by her brothers. The only things I can manage to remember about her, as a character, is that she wore jeans under her wedding dress.

Story-narrative wise, the use of the roman symbols for each 'chapter'(?) were kind of neat, but otherwise I still had a lot of trouble trying to figure out where I even was, and again, how it was even related to the Bob Dylan song.

Questions On the Board during class:

1. What is your reaction to the text you just read?
    See above. 
2. What connections did you make with the story? Discuss the elements of the work with which you were able to connect. 
 The only connections I could make with the story is that the two characters in this story were married/in a relationship, the male character had violent tendencies, the female character had 'smart' brothers and she was somewhat witty, and that the male character occasionally mentioned wanting to be like Bob Dylan in terms of doing artsy shit when he was slightly older.
The elements I suppose are the same thing; Just being able to connect the married aspect, the violent character, the witty character, and some references to Bob Dylan.
3. What changes would you make to adapt this story into another media? What media would you use? What changes would you make?
 I would definitely try and make this into a comic, because I think the graphic novel format would work for the type of story that this is trying to tell. Likely in the style of something of Mike Mignola for that extra punchy effect that I feel like this story is trying to get. I would use the graphic novel media format, either traditionally drawn or digital, doesn't matter. As for changes, I would definitely first off give the two main characters names, and delve into what happened, and maybe make the references to Bob Dylan perhaps a tad more meaningful more instead of just off-handed mentions of liking his lifestyle or his music.

Journey (Curation/Suggestion)

The piece of media that I'm going to make a recommendation for to be watched/read about for this class is a video game called Journey.
I would not say that people have to play the game (Because not everyone can afford a playstation 3/on wards or have the money to buy the game, because you cannot rent it since it's a PSN exclusive.) but there are numerous no-commentary, silent, full play-throughs of Journey that people can watch.

Here is a link to one of the better HQ silent playthroughs of the game.

This is the general overview of Journey:

          "Journey's story is told wordlessly through gameplay and using cutscenes. The player's character begins on a sand dune in a seemingly endless desert. In the far distance looms a large, foreboding mountain with a glowing crevice that splits its peak. As the character approaches the mountain, they find remnants of a once-thriving civilization, eroded by sand over time. Scattered throughout the ruins at the end of each area are stones at which the traveler rests; these stones give the traveler the vision of meeting a larger, white-robed figure in a circular room, with art on the walls describing the rise and fall of the civilization mirroring the player's journey. The player must also contend with the ancient automatons left over from a war which ended the civilization, and which still roam the city looking for intruders."

                                 - Wikipedia description of Journey.

Here is a link to the entire game's soundtrack, composed by Austin Wintory.
Here is Austin Wintory's website.

Here is a link to the game company that developed Journey, called thatgamecompany.

I feel Journey could be an interesting topic for people to explore in the class, since it is often compared to things like a book, or a concept, and a massive art-piece, while also still being a video game.

New Yorker article on Journey.
Giantbomb article on Journey.

The book about the art of Journey.
Some of the concept art for Journey:

Games as a Medium: Journey

For me, personally, I think one of the best examples of a video games being a piece of literature is the video game called Journey. The game has no dialogue aside from the beeps and chimes that your character can play, but it has all of the elements of a really good thriller book.

There is excellent pacing, as well as choice pieces of game play that only reveal small things about the backstory and plot as you go along, as well as stunning visuals and music that really pulls you into the game.

I feel that Journey can both be a literary experience, as well as being a movie of sorts, but definitely a work of art.

Bojack Horseman (Binge watch)

Binge watched bits and pieces of Bojack Horseman. Initial thoughts:

 - Feels a lot like Rick and Morty
 - Bojack is really dislikeable, hard to really enjoy watching a character I hate.
 - The art style is alright, just feels like standard fare mostly.
 - Interesting topics, but I mostly get invested in whatever it is Todd is doing.
 - Almost like an "adult" regular show.

Might watch the rest of it but probably not; only enjoying really one character isn't really enough to keep me interested in the show. Shows are like books to me; if it doesn't grab me within the first few pages I will not enjoy spending time with it, and will find it incredibly hard to focus on it.