Colin+efolio

Colin Carr March 19, 2008

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Matt Zoller Seitz did a review of the action film Doomsday. Seitz discusses the style of the film, the appeal of its rugged attitude, the clever use of pop music, and the overall superficiality of the entire film. He is careful to acknowledge its accomplishments while making clear that the film is not worthwhile. This film might be interesting to review as it will certainly draw in a high school audience. David M. Halbfinger discusses the rising popularity of 3D technology at the movies. He writes about the various films that have released 3D versions, the correlation between the popularity of DVDs and the popularity of digital filmmaking, and the 3D films that will open in the future. He also compares how popular the technology is today to its popularity ten years ago and the direction that people in the film industry feel that 3D is headed toward. A Bradford article could be done about the rising trend, perhaps including a poll about how students feel about this technology.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Kristin Hohenedal reviewed Love Songs, which is a musical about a twisted love triangle. It is not a typically review, one that consists only of the author’s opinions and does nothing more than evaluate the film. Instead, Hohenedal chronicles the critical and commercial response that the film received and quotes the star, Louis Garrel. He discusses how he feels about the film, how he enjoyed the process of making the film, and his opinion of how the film has been doing with the general public. Much of the article consists of Hohenedal discuss the actor’s handsome looks and unique charisma. The Bradford obviously would not be able to interview anyone involved with the film but an opinion piece about the performances could be done.

Another article consisted of an interview with Laura Linney about her performance in the recent HBO miniseries “John Adams”. The Linney discussed Linney’s opinions about acting and what it takes to be a good actress, how she felt about losing the Oscar in the “Best Actress” category, how she feels about “indie” versus commercial films, and her opinions regarding some of the characters in “John Adams”. Obviously, the Bradford could not interview Linney but an opinion piece about her career might be interesting. This could be something that the Bradford does for various stars who are attaining increased popularity.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Stuart Elliott wrote an article about the show “Sex and the City” and its “lasting female appeal”. The article discusses the unusual popularity of the show, the way the show incorporates advertising in order to make more money, and the way that the upcoming film version of the show is being promoted. The article is basically, in itself, a promotion of the film, discussing the lasting appeal of the show and the endless opportunities for the creators. It might be interesting to do an article about the popularity of the show at WHS and who is interested in seeing the film version.

Michael Cieply reviewed Notorious, a documentary covering the life of the legendary hip-hop innovator Notorious B.I.G.  Cieply discusses the quality of the film, the challenges of making documentary about music icons, and his personal opinions on the accomplishments of Notorious B.I.G.  There have been several documentaries made on the rapper and I do not think this one is significant enough to warrant an article in the Bradford. However, a music writer might be interested in discussing the hip-hop legends of the nineties and how they hold up today.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

DVD critic Dave Kehr did a piece on a DVD collection of films by George Mellies. He was a legendary silent filmmaker who pushed special effects technology farther than anyone of his time. Kehr discusses the influence of the filmmaker, the quality of the DVD, and the importance of familiarizing oneself with the work of Melies. The Bradford probably should not do a piece on this DVD though a retrospective study of silent filmmaking could be worthwhile.

A.O. Scott reviewed the children’s movie Horton Hears a Who! He gives a very witty review, calling it one of the first Seuss films that is not one of the worst movies ever made. He compliments it for its impressive visuals but criticizes it for illustrating the limitations of its genre. This is a children’s film so I am not sure how popular it would be at WHS. However, some animated films do transcend their designated audience so perhaps a review could be done.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Famous director Anthony Minghella died on March 19. David Carr wrote an article discussing the young filmmaker’s impressive career, interview other filmmakers and asking them what they though of Minghella, and providing a brief biography of Minghella. Minghella made some rather popular films, including The Talented Mr. Ripley and Cold Mountain so perhaps a retrospective discussion of his career might be warranted.

Michael Cieply discusses the production of George Clooney’s third film, Leatherheads. The film discusses the rise of the popularity of football. An objective chronicle of the film’s production probably would not generate much interest at WHS but, given the popularity of Clooney, reviewing the film could generate a decent amount of student attention

Colin Carr February 29, 2008

Jack Tracy is a hardworking senior. He is a passionate member of the debate team and smart student. Some might find it surprising that he is not at all stressed by the WHS environment. He admires that teachers at the high school and considers to guidance counselors to be “more than just tools for college, which some people may think of them… They’re well trained people and we have a really great staff here.” He is also entirely comfortable with the amount of homework he has per night and has had throughout high school: “I think that if your ability corresponds with your level, the homework is manageable and I think that the school does a good job of that.” While he did personally feel stressed, Tracy acknowledged it as a considerable issue and went on to how the faculty has been doing in addressing this issue. When questioned about the stress panel, Jack said that he was generally unimpressed with the proceedings, “I really don’t think that it accomplished much…. From a student perspective, I don’t think it achieved much other than addressing the issue.” He was, however, impressed with certain aspects of the panel, particularly a comment by Ms. Frick, “I remember Ms. Frick saying that kids should only put themselves in honors level courses if they think they can do honors level work.” Continuing on this quote, Jack bemoaned the average student’s need to take honors level courses, “We really have a very top notch school and so I think a lot kids feel the need to push themselves to take all honors courses which I don’t think is necessarily the greatest path.” Tracy also wishes the panel put more emphasis on the student’s side of story. “I feel like it was a lot of lecturing… It didn’t really give us an opportunity to share our opinion about it.” Tracy clearly cares about the school’s ability to address the issue of stress yet he is also comfortable in his environment. If more students had his attitude, the community would be happier and more inquisitive.

Colin Carr October 5, 2007 All the President’s Men: Entry One

The book begins with the straightforwardness of a news article. It gives a quick, shorthand description of the event on which the rest of the story is based: the Watergate break-in. Interestingly, however, it is not described as any kind of conspiracy. Instead, the facts are given without speculation or theorization: “June 17, 1972. Nine o’clock Saturday morning… Five men had been arrested earlier that morning in a burglary at Democratic headquarters, carrying photographic equipment and electronic gear” (Woodward and Bernstein 13). This entrance suggests the value of the typical news article structure: giving the bare bones of the event and then expanding as the article goes on. As the book progresses, more facts and theories are brought into light but it begins with the basics. The way the authors approach the Watergate scandal, detachedly describing it and then slowly bringing more information to light, also serves to prove a point about the value of all forms of journalism. Woodward and Bernstein are desperate for better jobs and more “important” work. They want to be assigned to big stories that immediately entice the public. Woodward’s first reaction to being assigned to the Watergate break-in is frustration. It seems like another boring article, a typical case of breaking and entering. Despite this frustration, he and Bernstein research the situation thoroughly. In doing so, they come across one of the most elaborate government scandals in American history. Therefore, the seemingly straightforward stories should be scrutinized with the same thoroughness as the supposedly “bigger” stories. If Woodward and Bernstein had lazily researched the break-in, they might not have uncovered the conspiracy. Colin Carr October 7, 2007 All the President’s Men: Entry Two

Throughout the story, authors Woodward and Bernstein continue to borrow techniques associated with journalism. They do not have to do this. Both authors are biased due to their belief in the conspiracy but they write with a degree of objectivity. They have the unique ability to slowly reveal evidence of conspiracy while still letting reads decide for themselves. For example, during a scene in which White House news secretary Ron Ziegler denounces the Washington Post for what he considers to be sloppy and unethical journalism. Ziegler is asked by reporters about various elements in the case and he avoids giving specific answers. Woodward and Bernstein could have summarized this situation with a few quotes but they cautiously refrain from swaying the readers’ opinions. So they avoid summary or commentary and, instead, provide about two pages of dialogue between Ziegler and the press. Their refusal to comment on the dialogue makes their point come across stronger. By simply providing documented facts, the authors show a respect for the reader’s ability to make up his or her own mind. Take this exchange for instance: “Question: Ron, Time and the New York Times have also carried various articles about the incidents that allegedly have taken place. Do you include those in your general condemnation” (186). His response is startlingly vague: “Ziegler: Quite frankly, I wouldn’t lump those publications with the Washington Post” (186). He does not explain why he would not do this or what it is that makes the Post worse than the other two publications. The authors could have pointed out his failure to do this but it is obvious enough to be left for the reader to take note of. Respecting the reader’s intelligence gains his or her trust. Colin Carr October 8, 2007 All the President’s Men: Entry Three

As the book comes closer and closer to its conclusion, Woodward and Bernstein make their goal increasingly clear: that is, to provide, in form and content, a tribute to the importance of journalism. Journalism is portrayed as a tool that society relies on in order to prevent chaos and fascism. The way the authors do this through the content of the story is rather obvious: Woodward and Bernstein want to expose the president’s corruption and the only way they can do so is to dig up hard facts. The use of form to get this point across, however, involves cunning and subtlety. By objectively providing the reader with information, the authors point out the way objective research gains the public’s faith. When someone is given hard facts, they feel that they are allowed to come to their own conclusions. Thus, they do not feel that they are being manipulated. The authors illustrate this by allowing the readers to draw their own conclusions. Of course, they make their belief in the conspiracy clear but they avoid preaching these beliefs. Instead, they simply provide the proof. Even when they chronicle the arrests of the conspirators, the authors avoid rubbing their victory in the reader’s face. They simply list the stunning number of people charged. This is more than enough for them to make the gravity of their journalistic achievement clear. Then, in the spirit of journalism, they conclude with a quote from Nixon. It is one that gives the reader room to speculate about Nixon’s innocence while certainly suggesting deviousness on his part: “‘One year of Watergate is enough,’ he declared at the conclusion, and he implored the country and the Congress to turn to other, more urgent matters” (336). They do not try to interpret Nixon’s motivations but the quote certainly suggests a guilty president desperately trying to change the subject.

Double Truck Assignment:

Students rejoice: the Halloween parade is here Colin Carr ’08

There is one time of year in which the entire body, regardless of their schedule, gets excited to arrive at school as early possible. This is on Halloween, on the day of the parade. Early arrivers get to observe the seniors’ costumes and await their voyage around the school grounds. On this journey, seniors give candy to their younger peers, often leaving a trail of sweets behind them for scavengers to gather afterwards. Be it because of the costumes, the candy, or the overall mayhem, the Halloween parade is an event that students remember for the rest of the year. “There’s a lot of competition involved, for who can get the most candy,” says Sophomore Molly Tetrault. “This makes it really intense. I’m going to get to school as early as I can. I’ll want to see which seniors have the most candy on them so I can keep an eye on that person.” Not all students find Tetrault’s methods to be helpful, however. Senior Nat Bennink recalls having had a different method of collecting candy on parade day: “The seniors just aren’t reliable enough so I never bothered begging them for candy. I’d wait until the parade was over and collect candy off the floor. Some of it was kind of dirty so I wouldn’t touch it but there was a lot. They’d tend to drop candy all over the place.” Seniors must provide the candy but they get a more a more exciting benefit from the parade. Many seniors spend their first three years of high school dwelling on the day they will unveil their masterpiece costume. Some seniors see it as an opportunity to throw a goofy outfit together but many come up with surprisingly creative ideas. Last year, several students united under one particularly unusual costume: a bed. “I’m doing a group costume this year” says Virginia Hamilton. “I’m not allowed to reveal what it is but we’ve spent a lot of time making it and it will be very impressive.” On the other end of the spectrum, the day before the parade, Jack Tracy remains unsure as to what his costume will be, “I might just get a kid’s size Darth Vader costume and see if I can fit in it. I think that’ll be amusing.” The parade clearly provides the student body with opportunities to be goofy, creative, mischievous, and stuffed with candy. As senior Zach Kuperstein puts it, “it’s just the right way to kick off November.”

Candy connoisseurs unite Colin Carr ’08

The Halloween parade is a time for creative costume lovers to express themselves. It is also a time for candy lovers to appreciate a wide variety of their favorite treats. In the spirit of this sugar-high holiday, many students must decide what candies they will hunt down with particular interest. Asking around the student body, one notices certain brands that are mentioned constantly: Reese’s, Milky Way, and Snickers seem to be the champions. “The peanut butter inside the Reese’s cup is so tasty,” says Senior Sophie Hansen. “It’s beyond addicting. That’s why Reese’s Fast Break is so delicious as well. Really, they could make practically anything with that peanut butter and still have it be good.” Not everyone sees Reese’s as the best candy, however. Junior Ben Young claims that Snickers is the best of the bunch. “Reese’s is tasty but it’s too simple. It doesn’t have the variety of the peanuts and the nougat and the caramel. There are just more elements in a Snickers.” Young’s senior brother Matthew begs to differ, “There are plenty of amazing candies but none are as good as the Midnight version of the Milky Way. That’s just the classiest candy.” The Milky Way Midnight bar consists of similar ingredients to the regular version but with dark chocolate. When asked which candies they felt to be inferior, many students called Three Musketeers and Almond Joy as being the weak links in the candy enterprise. “Three Musketeers is the most boring candy of all”, complains senior Jesse Resnick. “All it has is chocolate and this bland pasty filling.” The filling he refers to consists of chocolate-flavored nougat. Hansen sees Almond Joy as being far worse, “No one wants almonds to be the main attraction of the candy. They’re just boring.” While the candy festivities may seem lighthearted, the student body is clearly approaching them with a decidedly critical eye.

The values of Halloween and the parade Colin Carr ’08

Many people look at Halloween as an ultimately superficial holiday. They resent the fact that a holiday that values goblins, ghouls, and unhealthy receives more media attention than holidays based on great historic accomplishments and moral values. Of course, these critics are virtually all adults, who cannot understand the importance that this holiday holds to a child. Whether high-minded adults like it or not, children do have a fascination with the macabre and the spooky. Halloween is a night in which the streets fill with a sense of mischief and danger. It is an atmosphere that is delightful for children but it frightens adults that such delight can be gained from a sense of dread and terror. They feel that children should be taught only to enjoy atmospheres of warmth and cheer and that glorifying the sense of dread that Halloween epitomizes will give children a negative worldview. These fears are understandable but they ignore the fact that Halloween’s atmosphere of pumpkins, witches, and ghosts, while thrilling to a toddler, is harmlessly hokey. It does not teach children to have a love for dread and negativity; instead, it caters to a visceral and entirely human fascination with the morbid and the mysterious. This fascination is a basic part of growing up. Halloween prepares toddlers for the elementary school fascination with Scooby-Doo, which, in turn, prepares them for the middle school fascination with Edgar Allen Poe. This interest never goes away so it might as well be addressed early in the child’s life, in a silly and festive manner. But there is another value of Halloween. While it was originally a Christian holiday, the eve of All Saints’ Day, its ties to religion have been severed in the public eye by millions of horror films, Halloween costumes, and television shows. It is now an entirely corporate holiday, fixated on parents to spend money on costumes and candy. This may seem negative but it has a societal benefit. In a country where people are divided by their religious beliefs, Halloween represents a celebration that all children can take part in. It is the one holiday just superficial to bring everyone together. There are many holiday I cannot celebrate with all of my friends because of our different cultural backgrounds. Halloween is one of the few times we can all come together. The high school is right to acknowledge the value of this Holiday. The parade is the seniors’ way of celebrating the last Halloween they’ll ever have in Wellesley. It is a way of saying goodbye to the days of roguish juvenile frivolity. May the tradition last forever.

Satirical Onion Piece:

Raiders brand for life Colin Carr ’08

The school faculty has expressed worry about the apparent lack of “pep” surrounding the most recent Raiders rally. Certainly the crowd was cheering and having a good time but, much to the disdain of Raiders fans, many students chose not to attend the rally. “This is in clear violation of school rules,” faculty disciplinary advisor Bob Hardy says. “Every student is expected to attend and realize how much more important the Raider’s accomplishments are than the dozens of other extracurricular activities that WHS students participate in.” Roy Richards, another faculty member, concurs: “We need to present a clear message to the student body. Let’s say a student is deciding between the football team and the debate team. ‘Well’, he’ll say, ‘this debate team could push my speechmaking skills and force me to look at important cultural issue. But will I get celebrated in the rally?’ The answer is no, he will not. So the message is clear: join the football team and you’ll be celebrated at a pep rally.” After much debate, the faculty decided the best way to make sure their message, that the accomplishments of twenty male football players is more important than any other activity in the school, gets heard loud and clear. “We call it The Brand of Honor,” Richards says. “Starting in 2009, every student will be required to have a Raiders pirate branded onto his or her forearm. This is a symbolic way of making sure that no students forget how essential the Raiders are to their very being. We’re even allowing students to get multiple brands, if they feel particularly spirited.” Freshmen football player Joe Klein proclaims, “I’m getting one branded on my face!” This measure may seem drastic but the faculty sees it as the last option they have left. According to Hardy, they have tried every option there is. “We thought that manly men dancing effeminately was enough to draw in the entire student body but apparently the senior men’s dance wasn’t good enough.” The faculty hopes that their more aggressive approach will cleanse the school of the rebellious teenagers who, according to Hardy, think they’re too good to bow down to the Raiders.

Bradford Comments

The Bradford generally does a good job in seeking out topics that are of interest to the student body. However, I feel that, by the time the paper comes out, these topics have become old news. I certainly realize that it can take a while to get a paper out when we are only meeting about an hour a day during the school week. But, I must say, I don’t think it has ever taken as long to get the paper out as it has this year. The last paper released must have taken a month and a half to be finished. The benefits to such a long wait are clear: in terms of design and organization, the paper was pristine. It seemed that unprecedented effort had been put into arranging the material in a visually compelling and easily digestible manner. Unfortunately, the paper’s core shortcoming outweighs its achievements: the topics just felt tired by the time the paper was released. I would hate to discourage Bradford members from putting such a commendable amount of effort into the layout of the paper. If there is a way of getting that kind of presentation without taking so long, however, I would recommend they figure that out. Perhaps they can make minor compromises in terms of the visual appeal in order to produce a paper with more timely and therefore exciting articles. In addition to that, I often feel that the articles have the tendency to possess slight editorial tones that do not appeal to me. A major example was the article on “Fading Gems”. This was about Wellesley restaurants that are threatened by the arrival of big chain businesses. I could not relate to this article. I discussed it with a lot of my friends, who felt the same way. I think the issue with it is that, as some people would agree, the Wellesley cuisine tends to be greasy and disgusting. Only a couple of our small road food joints make food that is even tolerable. So I felt that the presence of a chain restaurant like California Pizza Kitchen would only help to make Wellesley a more exciting place. I realize that not everyone feels this way. But, if we are to make articles with these editorial slants, we should focus on getting both sides of the story. I have talked to many people who feel that the fear of these chain establishments is rooted in a sheltered snobbery that is all too typical of Wellesley. This is not an uncommon viewpoint. It certainly is not an ignorable minority. So, I feel that this article is one-sided in a way that readers might find alienating. A last suggestion I have is in regards to our reviews. For a long time, it has been debated as to how much the subject of our reviews should be tailored to the school community. When someone wants to review a film or album remotely obscure, the idea is criticized on the basis that it will not appeal to students. We are a newspaper. Our goal is to inform students about things that they may not be aware of. Would Bradford ever recommend not telling a school-related news story on the basis that it might not interest students? I don’t think so. If something is worth knowing about, our goal is to print it. This mentality should be present in our arts section. We are trying to inform the student body. Writing about “obscure” albums and films is part of that process. Other than that, I think we have done a remarkable job this year. The paper itself has never been more organized and efficient in its coverage.