The Story of Film

Umair Nasser-

The Story of Film: An Odyssey 

A Review

Film critic and historian 'Mark Cousins' uses film clips, interviews with filmmakers, and illustrative footage of locations around the world to take viewers through film and filmmaking history, from the late 19th century to today, with a particular emphasis on world cinema. The film was broadcast in September 2011 on More4, the digital television service of UK broadcaster Channel 4. The film was also featured in its entirety at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, and it was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City in February 2012.

This film was very interesting because I never understood film from the point of view presented. I really enjoyed watching this in math class because my teacher is very interested in film herself. The narrator had a slamming accent. He took us through the history of film, and it was truly a fun and memorable experience.

Between the Folds- Review

Review

The documentary BETWEEN THE FOLDS, written and directed by Vanessa Gould, is an intriguing film that is comfortable for people of all ages and mindsets.

This is an art form, but it is an art form that is heavily influenced by mathematical rules. Artists love self-imposed constraints and BETWEEN THE FOLDS shows the vast range of creations that can be made under those restrictions.

We see examples of people who start with wet paper to get more realistic curves when creating animals and insects. One artist made his own paper and folds figures using the paper, sometimes wet. By making his own paper he can control the texture. But he basically is folding like any other person, creating figures as realistic as possible. If there is a difference there is the complex nature of his creations. Over the years figures have gone from seven or ten folds to dozens and then hundreds. 

The film continues to show origami creations following the styles of modern art, getting less realistic as they get more abstract. Some are way more complex.

Teachers have used origami not only to teach geometry, but also English, ESL, and other mathematical classes. 

 Sadly at 56 minutes this film cannot cover to satisfying depth the origami-related art, technology, science, mathematics, and even philosophy. But what it does cover is well worth seeing.This documentary was inspiring and thought-provoking. I will never look at origami the same way again. Definitely worth seeing for the very interesting interviews, ideas and works of art.