Film Backspace by Stephen Watkins

¶ … film Backspace by Stephen Watkins is most certainly a comment on modern urbanism and the way our very lives are organized. Through the commentary, we know that Watkins is a designer, so sees the world through a set of images and the way these shapes and images come together to form objects of meaning. But perhaps it is in this very objectification of meaning that the true nature of modernity appears. We are structured in almost every aspect of life with signage, with directions, and with rules. As the film evolves, though, these very images of control seek out entropy within themselves -- forming the word "Float" over the cityscape.

The power of this short film, however, is not just in the images and the manner in which pieces of urbanity flow away from the norm to encourage the viewer to "float" above the obvious, but in the calm nature of the music track; almost primal, yet tonal and calming at the same time. We might even see the issue of connectivity with the universe and all things in it; the letters slowly merge into something new, something creative, suggesting that for all of us there is a possibility of breaking out of our shell and moving towards a renewed sense of actualization.

Week 9 -- Language is a rich and thoughtful way that humans communicate with each other. The way humans communicate and share ideas and concepts in society is quite complex. How are ideas conceptualized -- how are they explained -- how does discourse relate- and how do humans understand messages -- what is true about language- what is not? These are just some of the issues surrounding theories of language acquisition and development. Because of global media, now, in the 21st century, we have a polyglot of words that take on different cultural meanings depending upon the context. We use different words and phrases to communicate complex meanings.

For instance, the word metaphor. Strictly speaking, a metaphor is: 1) a figure or speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance; 2) something used, or regarded as being used, to represent something else; emblem or symbol (dictionary.refernce.com). The word metaphor was probably coined in the mid-1500s, and is French in origin metaphore from latin metaphora or Greek metaphora and meaning transfer; especially of the work to another word (etymonline.com).

We use metaphors all the time to enrich our expression of things -- "Tina's brain is a well-oiled machine," and yet some researchers say that this is actually quite a complex neurolinguistic phenomenon. We must think about the subject, Tina, then the object, "machine," then the adjective describing the object, "well-oiled," and ask ourselves how can a brain be like a well-oiled machine? Metaphors shorten explanations; we know Tina is either quite brilliant or very organized in her thoughts. We know that her brain is in tip top shape, we know that it works well. and, we can go even further by noting so many comparisons that the other person understands in greater detail more of the imagery and emotion we are trying to suggest. Thus, we actually transfer meaning by using comparisons that may or may not be alike into something far grander and more meaningful.

Week 9:2 -- the word "dog" in the strictest meaning, usually brings to mind a creature decedent from wolves that has been domesticated into hundreds of breeds now kept as pets all over the world. A dog can be a friendly puppy, or it can be a mean and vicious guard animal. One can have positive or negative feelings about this meaning of dog based on their past knowledge and/or experience. But "dog" can mean other things, too. It can mean a performance or an event that just didn't match up -- "That was such a dog," or, in street language, can be a greeting or something based on meeting up, "What's up dog?" Getting back to the animal definition, though, one can be called a dog meaning faithful companion; while one can be a dog with the connotation of subservient; beat like a dog. The interesting thing about "dog," though, is the mental images conjured up. Given 50 people in a room, if asked to paint or describe a dog, would have likely 50 different breeds and/or sizes. Still more likely is that the large majority of these people would see the dog as a pet or companion, loyal as and with more fond than harsh memories of childhood and simpler times.

Week 10- 1 -- People in Order is an interesting, yet thought provoking -- somewhat humorous view of human development in 197 seconds. We assume we are watching people in Great Britain, images run from childhood to age 100. It is also interesting to note that as people age, there are so many divergent ways they express even the simplest of thoughts -- "I am X year's old." There were people in their 70s spry and active and people in their 40s who seemed "old." It also seemed like we were getting a sociological view of society, not just by age, but by the way people expressed various levels of comfort ability with the camera, holding the drum, and the whimsical nature of the film. Mr. 89, for instance, had such a presence that he seemed to be 30 years younger -- quite vital. We get a sense of the older folks being less active certainly, but still finding the humor in the moment. The short film suggests a perspective that might be entitled "The Family of Mankind," in the more we are different, the more we remain the same.

Week 10 -2 -- Miroslav Holub's poem "Brief Reflection on Colors," is certainly a comment on the way we see images and textures, internalize those meanings, and come to unique understandings of what those images do to us emotionally. One is reminded of Plato's "Cave Allegory," in which the prisoners see only shadows on the wall as their reality; once released into the light, they not only do not believe what they see, but they cannot accept the pain of the world around them; for their reality was a small and shrunken world of greys and tans, based primarily on the reflection of puppets by the light of a dimming fire.