FangYi

June 21, 2007

Timed-writing three

Directions: If you were to create a filmed advertisement (a "trailer"for a movie based on The Grass-Eaters, which scene would you select? Why? Discuss ways in which you might film the scene.

In the Grass-Eaters, I would select the scene that describes the situation when the couple moved into a roof. The reasons why I chose it are as follows:

First, the scene can adequately show the couple’s poor life. They do not have a house or a small room to stay in. What they are used to doing is changing their place ceaselessly. At last, they have a place only belonging to them through someone’s help. In spit of the fact that they should live on the roof which seems to be tragic, the couple is satisfied with it. As we can see from the scene how poor they are.

Secondly, I chose this scene because it reflects the life attitude of the character. Although the roof is simple and dirty, he did not complain about it. On the contrary, he chose to find a lot of advantages of living on the roof. He is poor, but he dose not loose his faith of life. He is so optimistic that he would never give up of living. Obviously, the scene shows the character’s personality and charm. His belief and happiness is the most important facts that deeply touched us.

Lastly, the scene reflects the social reality from another side. As a teacher, the character seems to be a scholar. However, he can hardly raise up his children or supply well living condition for his wife. He is really a failure. But the essential reason that leads the tragedy is the social reality.

In my opinion, if I want to film the scene, I would seize the description of the terrible environment at first. The whole building is gray and old. Then there should be a roof with lots of sundries which makes the environment seems dirty and disorderly. As a film, the characters’ garb should be attentive. The couple can dress rubbishy cloth in a cold day and they seem to be as dirty as the environment. Gloom pervades the roof. All the things look like blue and sad. On the other hand, the character should be happy and satisfied that we can see from his face. Now he is talking to his wife about the roof. He is so excited that he continued to tell the good advantages of their new house. And this is the way that I would film the scene.