ART AND TECH

         Madama Butterfly is a tragic love story with a devastating conclusion, focusing on the sad realities of unequally reciprocated love. When asked to write an essay about how I could turn this 20 th century opera into a modern, 21 st century video game, I found myself stumped for quite some time. How could one turn this piece of art into a contemporary form of technology one may ask? I can to conclude that the best way to go about doing this would be to offer various character modes, offering a change in perspective. In order for my interpretation of the story to fit well in to a video game, I would incorporate multiple modes in which you can play as different characters throughout the duration of the story. The three main character’s I would include would be: Madama Butterfly, Lieutenant Pinkerton, and Sharpless. Kate Pinkerton would be a viable fourth option for certain scenes as well if needed. This way, I could create an entertaining game that wo...

Madama Butterfly is an interesting film with a well-developed plot. The Claymation stop motion animation adds an interesting effect, and the movement of the characters flows. The music works well in every context, shifting from high to low points of the story. The ending is interesting as the main character “disassembles” herself after finding out she was cheated on and her child is taken. This “disassembling” is a metaphor for her suicide. The closing shot of the wind turning her disassembled body into a butterfly was a nice touch that closed off the film with a sense of ease and serenity.

The FLEX Film Fest was an enticing experience. The films that were shown had such a unique style that really showed a great deal of creativity from its filmmakers. One film that I found interesting was one entitled “telekinesis lessons”. It had a very uneasy feel, with an eerie soundtrack, almost oriental like. As for editing techniques, I appreciate the use of differentiating opacities to show various clips in one frame. The film had no dialogue as well, making it more difficult to follow.  The overall story kept me confused and intrigued, but what I interpreted was a young female getting her future revealed through a palm reader. She seems to be upset as she gets her palm read with berries. The older, static feel of the film was an interesting style with quick cuts. Of all the experimental films I have seen, this one seems to have caught my eye the most due to its editing techniques.

Raul Cuero was an underclass Columbian who enjoyed learning through books and magazines. As he grew older, he left town on a basketball scholarship and became a minority in his new land. He faced heavy discrimination because of this but did not let it get in the way of his progression in life. In his book (which he created as an intellectual exercise) he defines his greatest challenge as the ethnic and racial stereotypes he faced on his road to success. With this in mind, Cuero believes that we are capable of doing anything if we try hard enough. He always gave more than expected, and through creativity and innovation he was able to overcome his obstacles.  “Ideas emerge with interactions with other ideas” says Cuero in his interview, meaning that collaboration with others  will spark creativity and innovation. We must focus on our goals without having a feat of failing, or else we will not attain and sustain our goals. We must trust the process, a strong belief of Raul’s...

My name is Michael Calandra, a freshman film major here at the University of Tampa. Art is always something that has been a part of my life. From filming short films to playing on stage with my band, it is something that has stuck with me through the years. The first class for this course intrigued me and made me excited for the rest of the semester. I look forward to the projects we will be working on and hope to get a better understanding of art and technology in the process.