Transition: Critical Evaluation

Researching this unit was perhaps one of the easiest research tasks I’ve had – purely because of the wide array of media to choose from. Thanks to mumblecore’s low-budget mentality, film-makers have made several movies – Swanberg having made 7 in 2011 alone. To keep in line with Easy’s themes, I started picking apart the relationships I saw in real life, attempting to simulate Swanberg’s own inspirations. Although his work before Easy was nearly primarily improvised by the actor’s, Swanberg had to alter this approach when working under the large production company, Netflix – choosing instead to write in a dialogue-heavy conversational style.

 In order to keep my script within the pre-existing universe of Easy, and to help it seem like just another episode I included characters that have featured in another episode but also created my own – keeping in line with the anthological series. I also tried to simulate Swanberg’s conversational tone of writing; thankful that it was similar to my regular style of writing.
 Although I did not write a full script, I did create a whole story. The rest of the episode involved Howard meeting up with his ex-wife (with whom time has helped to calm things down), they talk long into the night, clearing the air on arguments that have consumed their separate lives. As the morning comes, the pair awake in bed together. Although distraught at first, Howard realises his feelings for his girlfriend are not what he thought and ends the episode by breaking up with her so that she can pursue a relationship that can provide her with what she needs.

 I struggled managing my time for this unit, with it running alongside two others. I was also confused by certain aspects of the unit – with it being the first year it’s run. Despite this, I feel as though my script is a good reflection of both my skills and the show it reflects.

The Duplass Brothers

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/kwpvdw/directors-mark-and-jay-duplass-discuss-their-new-series-togetherness 

https://www.npr.org/2018/05/08/609349238/duplass-brothers-on-working-together-and-growing-apart-we-are-ex-soulmates

• Film makers making TV
• Turning 40, feel like outsiders to LA 
• So many stories and so much material, felt more like tv show than movie
• TV is open universe, Film is closed - Arcs shift and change, like real life. Form is well suited to documentary style storytelling
• Takes archetypes and tries to subvert them 
• Draw a lot from own lives and own experiences - some characters being almost fully autobiographical 
• Both act/direct/write
• Improvisational style similar to Swanberg - searching for documentary realism 
• Have control as directors and actors but strong cast allows their own freedom 
• Jay Duplass has been Camera A on all prior projects
• As brothers gave worked together all life and know each other's strengths and weaknesses, stepping up to lead cast, crew etc when other less up to role - other usually having creative breakthroughs from more withdrawn state
• Admittedly very lenient directors - wanted to be like coen brothers in control but "got our asses kicked". Now very relaxed looking for relaxed, inspired lightning strikes on set - as a collaborative effort 
• TV gives more creative and action space on set than film. 
• Very strict writer/directors, used to make a movie every year or two 

TRANSITIONS: Chicago research

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA-9RLPRTY4

Chicago Neighbourhoods
https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/illinois/articles/an-introduction-to-chicagos-neighborhoods/
https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/illinois/articles/the-10-coolest-neighborhoods-in-chicago/

• "some sources report over 200 neighborhoods and others stick to a pared down list of 77 ‘community areas"
• Geography, ethnicity and lifestyle are all contributors 
• THE LOOP Heart of downtown and centre of city, Chicago was founded here in 1837. Bordered by Lake Michigan to Eat, Chicago River to North and West and Roosevelt Rd to South.Less residential area, more tourist destination. The central of the business district, housing the "city’s best museums, theaters, hotels and corporations. It’s a youthful area and there are countless options for dining and nightlife"
• RIVER NORTH Usually lumped with the Loop but has it's own distinctions. Towering apartments instead of business blocks, the ritzy neighbourhood for those wishing to live 'downtown'. Less commercial than the Loop, bars, cafes and galleries have more authenticity and history - but area still has tourist traps like Navy Pier and Water Tower Place. However, it's a prime place for a night on the town for Chicagoans. 
• LAKEVIEW A favourite of twenty-thirty somethings and offers something for everyone. Home to the Chicago Cubs who bring a new life during summer, lakeview also offers a host of bars, clubs and sub-neighbourhoods Wrigleyville and BOystown have become popular nighlife districts. What used to be one of the best value neighbourhoods is now becoming too pricey for most Chicagoans.
• HYDE PARK Cultural hub on the south shores, homes Uni of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry. Beaches are popular with local joggers for it's views of Chicago's skyline. Obama lived in Hyde Park before becoming president and still owns a small mansion in the area. 
• WICKER PARK On the west side and along with Bucktown has been one of the fastest growing and changing spots in Chicago. Home to the hipster aesthetic, full of vegan restaurants, off-beat shops and obscure IPAs. " It has a history of European descent, offering community to pockets of Germans, Norwegians and Poles, but with time less of its origins remain. Today its central access to the Blue Line makes it a popular exploration neighborhood for Chicago’s young crowd, welcoming both residents and visitors to the area."

11 Habits from Illinois
https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/illinois/articles/11-habits-you-pick-up-living-in-illinois/

• Who you root for depends on where you live but you support "The Bears for pro football and University of Illinois and Northwestern for college football."
• "Chicago is famous for Goose Island, 312, Revolution and Lagunitas Brewing, but the Windy City isn’t the only place for superior craft beer." 
• "Whether it’s sweetcorn stands in the summer time or hearty corn casseroles in the winter months, everyone in all areas of Illinois know how to cook this vegetable." "Every autumn several farms design corn mazes for Illinoisans of all ages to wander through. Make sure you get a map!"
• Ranch dressing isn't just dressing and gets used to dip everything from celery to chicken wings to pizza and fries. 
• Sunsets are beautiful and "there are a variety of gorgeous natural wildlife preserves open to the public for beautiful views of the setting sun."
• Winter gets cold and illinois gets hit hard with snow, sleet, hale and any combination of rain/snow storms. Can last winter and spring but everybody's adept at dealing iwth it. 
• "After living in Illinois, you’ll have a bevy of Indiana jokes in your back pocket. Is it a bad habit? Perhaps, but it brings a smile to many people in Illinois."

Things to know before you go
https://www.theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/illinois/articles/15-things-to-know-before-visiting-chicago-il/

• Perceived as working-class town known for deep-dish pizza
• Public Transportation (trains) can get you anywhere you need to go - need a ventra card ("1-day, 3-day, or 7-day passes. Visitors also have the option to load Ventra cards with a specific amount of money. Bus fare is $2.25, L fare is $2.50, and an L ride from O’Hare airport is $5.")
• Lake Michigan borders the entirity of Chicago's eastern border, bringing beautiful scenery but also sometimes unpredictable weather shifts."Chicagoans notice temperature dips and stronger gusts of wind as they move closer to the lake year-round." "Chicago has had 75°F (24°C) days in November and snowstorms in April."
• There's more than just deep dish - 187 Michelin-starred restaurants with wide variety in ethnic cuisines. "Devon Avenue in Edgewater is famous for Indian food, and Chinatown and Pilsen on the South Side boast some of the best Chinese and Mexican dishes, respectively. For Vietnamese, head to Uptown, it’s Old Town for Italian beef, and Ethiopian in Andersonville. "
• Winter doesn't mean staying inside, Maggie Daley Park offers skating, Lincoln Park Zoo has Zoo Lights every winter.
• Comedy is in abbundance - "If you’re in the mood for wild original musicals, head to The Annoyance Theatre in the Belmont Theater District. Great improv? Check out CIC Theatre in Lakeview. You might even catch an interview with a celeb or professional athlete at The iO Theater’s The Armando Diaz Experience, after which improvisers perform sets based on the guest’s answers."
• South Side has historic Pilsen neighbourhood - mexican cuisine and many art galleries "Andersonville on the North Side features the Swedish American Museum. Greektown in the West Loop is the best place for gyros and imported cheeses. The list goes on!"
• Lots to do for those on a budget, many free museums (including (but not limited to) the National Museum of Mexican Art, the Museum of Contemporary Photography, and The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture. ", "the CTA offers super cheap transportation all over the city, and many restaurants are BYOB, which means spending however much you want on a bottle of wine instead of $10 or more per glass."
• Many festivals and fairs all year round, " Lollapalooza,The South Side Irish Parade is in March, Lincoln Park Wine Fest is in May, Andersonville has Midsommarfest in June, and the West Town Food Truck Social is in October in conjunction with the West Town Art Walk. This is the tip of the iceberg"
• Water taxis can take you from the South Loop through Downtown to Goose Island, near Lincoln Park
• It's not always cold and the highest average temp in July is 28C. Lake Michigan boasts several beaches, open to public between memorial and labor day. "The most picturesque is arguably Oak Street Beach, which offers sun bathers a towering view of the Chicago skyline. Further north, Montrose Beach offers a large expanse of sand for families, as well as beach activities, such as volleyball or soccer."
• Whilst avoiding the extremely touristy Willis Tower, Chicagoans don't take their city, or host of " brewery, museum, architecture, and walking tours available" for granted.

MUSIC:

https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/illinois/articles/best-music-venues-in-chicago/

https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/illinois/articles/the-best-concert-venues-in-chicago/

• Music scene is "as exciting as it is diverse". Jazz, metal, up-and-coming DJs etc
• "nearly every weekend, world-renowned bands and artists are hidden in every crevice of the city"
• Theatres and clubs offering mix of historic architecture and modern design
• EMPTY BOTTLE dive bar 20 years ago in Ukranian village is now  the “best place to see any show” (lifelong Chicago resident and concert devotee. Open 7 days a week with 3 artists a night offering "anything from R&B by local Chicagoan DJ Taye to surfabilly by Super Sonic Space Rebels."
• THE HIDEOUT Supposed to be a family home, was built over 2 days 100 years ago. Began as bar and venue just after prohibition. Inviting, jovial vibe. "Artists like Jack White, Wilco and the Flaming Lips have played here, along with countless unknown bands just getting off the ground. Located on the edge of Bucktown, just west of Lincoln Park"
• THALIA HALL  designed to resemble lavish opera house in Prague and is beautiful architecture. Received landmark status in 1989. " Private balconies overlook a gorgeous wooden ground floor and stage. Indie-rock favorites like Yo La Tengo and Of Montreal play the venue, in addition to trending DJs and indie-pop bands. Concert-goers can also sip craft beers, cocktails or homemade punch from the bar."
• THE GREEN MILL COCKTAIL LOUNGE No1 for Jazz nights. Open till 4 and 5 on Saturdays, big brass bands to jazz quartets, string orchestras and organ solos. Speakeasy vibe, rumours state "that underground tunnels run from The Green Mill, across Broadway Avenue and into the Aragon Ballroom down the street—former escape routes for Chicago’s notorious gangster Al Capone."
• BOTTOM LINE Looks like an industrial office centre from outside. "With live music just about every night of the week, delicious sandwiches and tater tots in the front-of-house restaurant, and a patio with exquisite views of the skyline, Bottom Lounge offers a little something for everyone"  "Amazing" sound quality and lack of pretension.
• SMART BAR DJs, techno music and great dance scene. Basement of Metro (another great venue) in Wrigleyville neighbourhood. Wild dance parties in building almost a century old with state-of-the-art sound system. Drag performances on Sunday night's Queen! house music party.
• KINGSTON MINES Started in 1968 and hosts blues musicians from all over the US, every night of the week. Enjoy music along with drinks amd hearty southern cuisine from Doc's Rib Joint. "both the Chicago Reader and the Chicago Music Awards have dubbed the best, most popular blues club in the city. Located in Lincoln Park, and open until 4 am almost every night, Kingston Mines is a Chicago staple."
• METRO Headlining breakouts like Smashing Pumpkins and turning Oasis into household name, Metro continuously pushes both established and rising artists. "The venue houses big, overpowering production sets for its intimate space, easily surprising newcomers and loyal attendees alike. Metro’s nights can go as late (or early) as 5am, thanks to its underground dance club called Smart Bar, which hosts recurring DJs such as James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem and Chicago underground house legend Derrick Carter. Blocks away from Wrigleyville’s bar scene, the options are endless even after the concert finishes."

POETRY:

https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/illinois/articles/a-poets-guide-to-visiting-chicago/
https://youngchicagoauthors.org/

• Poetry has long played a vital role in the literature and arts scene 
• Many famous poets hail from Chicago 
• Chicago's own Harriet Monroe create Poetry magazine in 1912 to showcase poets and their craft. Led to Poetry Foundation, "Located in River North in a gorgeous building with large windows and a garden 'room,' visitors can read from the Foundation’s library, attend poetry events, view exhibitions and more."
• Chicago by (C.Sandberg, 1914) became an iconic image of working-class life in the city and earned Chicago the name of 'City of Big Shoulders'. 
• Ernest Hemingway was born and lived in Chicago till he was six. His home is a public landmark and "hosts book lectures, film screenings, and a cocktail social event on the third Friday of every month."
• Chicago Defender was a newspaper founded by african-american lawyer, Robert Abbott "and written for the African-American community in Chicago, the Defender encouraged black Americans in the South to migrate north during the 1910s.". Many who settled in Bronzeville neighbourhood were vital to Chicago Black Renaisance during 30s and 40s. "Poets like Gwendolyn Brooks and Fenton Johnson met with other artists around Bronzeville in places like the Hall Branch of the Chicago Public Library, which opened in 1932 and was named after Dr. George Cleveland Hall, an African-American surgeon, civic leader, and social activist." The library is a landmark for continued support of African-American writers, poets and activists. 
• Poems While You Wait founded by poets Kathleen Rooney, Eric Plattner and Dave Landsberger in 2011. "patrons offer up a specific topic to a poet, along with a suggested $5 donation. After leaving the poet to his or her typewriter for 15 to 20 minutes, patrons come back to receive their one-of-a-kind, brand-spankin’ new poem."
• After almost a decade of planning, the American Writers Museum opened in 2017. "Its mission is to engage audiences in the world of literature and the spoken word, exposing visitors to a wide variety of artists from around America" Surprise Bookshelf Series - events celebrating the many forms writing takes. 
• Louder Than a Bomb, world's largest youth poetry festival features 120 teams of slam poets from schools and communities nation-wide over several weeks. "Part of the Young Chicago Authorsorganization, LTAB is continuously one of the most hyped and electric arts events that the city has to offer" If you miss the festival, don't worry  "YCA hosts [Wordplay] a weekly open mic and poetry performance perfect for poetry enthusiasts. Every Tuesday night, a workshop takes place at 6 pm, followed by an open mic at 7 pm when students and young adults perform their work. At 8:15 pm, featured artists take the stage. Some big names (Chance the Rapper, anyone?) have come through this open mic, and each week features brand-new material from a diverse range of poets. " "WordPlay is the longest-running youth open mic in Chicago."

TRANSITION: Screenwriter research - Joe Swanberg

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/joe-swanbergs-thesis-of-short-filmmaking-in-season-2-of-easy - "Joe Swanberg’s Thesis of Short Filmmaking in Season 2 of 'Easy'" 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjardOXx1uw - 10 questions for Joe Swanberg
https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/joe-swanberg-still-the-maestro-of-mumblecore-1.2042590 - "Joe Swanberg: still the maestro of mumblecore" 

Creates what he's frustrated he doesn't see in movies - conversations, kinds of people etc
Used improv to avoid cliches and unoriginality but forces him to think of spot and allows actors to own caracter more

• seeing anecdotes lyrically and giving them a sort of harmonic structure that serves as an invigorating basis for improvisation
• elevate his stories’ emotional clarity and directness into a kind of offhanded complexity.
• wanberg builds “Easy” around various communities, neighborhoods, and milieux of that city, featuring a wide range of characters and activities — and the best of them are reflexive and personal in a distinctive new way.
• Like Agnès Varda, he’s a gleaner of encounters and observations, and, like Varda, he’s a philosophical chameleon who coaxes a sharp-lined identity and a distinctive world view from his varied round of incidental associations.
• In each episode, Swanberg’s performers are alive to the moment; they seem to be speaking rather than acting. There’s none of the clatter-clatter-snippy-snip patter that actors rattle off in so many series, the sort of lockstep scripting and patterned expressivity that so often turns television fiction into tasteless fakery.
• Swanberg often did his own camera work and lighting, and his compositional sense was sometimes impetuously freehanded, sometimes drastically static. For “Easy,” the cinematographer is Eon Mora, whose work is fluid, alert, and graceful
• Swanberg’s best features are composed of moments between moments; they allow for both physical and dialectical meandering, moments of gradual accretion and sudden discovery

• mumblecore (" coined by sound editor Eric Masunaga in 2005") - "micro-budgets, incremental drama, conversation-driven realism, an aversion to swoony cathartic moments and (the clue is in the title) real-world sound"
• Other practitioners include:  Mark Duplass(director of Jeff Who Lives at Home), Lynn Shelton(of Say When) 
• Founders of mumble-core (met at SxSW film festival):  Andrew Bujalski (Mutual Appreciation), Jay and Mark Duplass (The Puffy Chair), Swanberg (Kissing on the Mouth) 
• "role models like Spike Lee, Jim Jarmusch, Hal Hartley, Quentin Tarantino, Kevin Smith."
• "they got together with their friends and made a movie"
• in 2007, the IFC centre did a series of films that really cemented the word and the idea of a community. And from there it genuinely became a community. Real collaborations came about
• spin-off movements, notably mumblegore. The mumblecorps would soon be seen drifting in and out of each other’s films and final credits, as actors, producers, writers.
• 2010, just before Swanberg and his wife Kris had their first child, the writer-director made six feature films. 
• bittersweet dramedy Drinking Buddiesstarred Olivia Wilde and featured on Quentin Tarantino’s top films of 2013 list. His new feature, Happy Christmas, is populated by Anna Kendrick, Lena Dunham and Melanie Lynskey.
• What I do borrows a lot from documentary film-making. I just thought that if I go in with broad ideas ... and allow the actors to do what they wanted and follow them around without putting words in their mouth, I might get something interesting.”
• This is not new territory for Swanberg, who has explored female friendships many times across the 17 feature films he has written and directed since 2005.

• “It’s curiosity on my part,” he says. “I don’t know what it’s like to be a woman, so that’s the stuff that I’m most interested in exploring. Right now, sadly, there aren’t too many stories about women. So I feel like I’m playing in a corner that nobody’s paying attention to. It gives me a lot of space to stretch out and learn something.”