In high school, there is so much expectation to take certain high-level classes, leading many students to overwork themselves. Choosing that one class that peaks your interest could hit the reset button on all the stress and act as an educational break.
Miami Palmetto Senior High offers a film studies class for students interested in learning what goes into filmmaking and developing a bond with other film lovers.
“[The class] designed to love film, for the student to leave my class loving and appreciating film,” film studies teacher Ronnie Talas said.
The class begins with students coming in to see a film they have to finish from the class prior, or a new movie that is ready for reviewing. Talas gives everyone an introduction to the movie, and for the rest of the class, it is up to the students to analyze and dissect the film.
“We watch different kinds of movies, and after we finish the movies, we have homework assignments every night to write reviews on those movies ranging from a variety of different topics. It could be just a blanket review of the movie or we could be looking at a specific aspect of the film or just learning about how different movies are made and what goes into making a great movie,” senior and film studies student Matteo Scalla said.
Reviewing films requires attention to detail, and it is something that takes love and appreciation. Students walk into class eager to see the next movie and ready to learn something new.
“The best movie we’ve watched in the class is ‘Scarface.’ ‘Scarface’ is tough, that was a movie that caused me to have a more intense appreciation of film,” senior and film studies student Roman Gonzalez said.
The class is much more than showing up and watching a cool movie. The intricate details that are put into these films are something that cannot just be skimmed over. Understanding the deeper meaning of the movie can change the way it is absorbed in so many ways.
“You are taught about movies and you watch movies and you learn the ways that it is filmed and the ways that directors use music and cinematography to execute their purpose,” Gonzalez said.
The students have learned to value every film they have watched, even if not made well, because they have been taught how difficult it is to put a production together.
“As of right now, we are watching 2001 Space Odyssey. There are different kinds of portions of the class, like there are different themes of movies that we watch. Right now we’re just watching personal favorites of Mr. Talas … It’s like a movie that’s heralded for its achievements in science fiction, and it’s one of the most visually stunning movies ever made,” Scalla said.
The class is evenly divided to allow the students to enjoy the film but also to encourage them to look below the surface.
“There are certain portions of the class that are dedicated to analysing the films and other portions that are to enjoy watching good movies,” Scalla said.