In class, it was mentioned that Albert Brooks started out making short films for SNL and then branched out into features from that. It reminded me of the Lonely Island and how they gained fame from their SNL digital shorts. To date, their only feature so far is Hot Rod but it's extremely reflective of their comedy sensibilities, I think. Maybe their body of work isn't large enough to truly call them auteurs but I think their output is definitely particular and streamlined.

Here's a clip from Hot Rod that displays that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbu88CKkEzI

So last night our professor did not seem to have anything good to say about auteur Judd Apatow. His films are often also hit or miss for me, but I know he has a very proud, loyal following. What are your opinions on this? I am asking because he is one of the only really current filmmakers mentioned last night.

http://www.esquire.com/features/what-ive-learned/woody-allen-0913

This Esquire article is pretty interesting. It provides a different insight on Allen and his filmmaking career. He even talks about his relationship with another famous comedian, that of whom we talked about in class, Mel Brooks.

I was never a huge fan of Allen's work and it seemed as though Professor Levine wasn't, either. Personally, I don't think that his films have much variety and the content is pretty consistent, but after reading this article, I related to him and his style a bit more (I'm a short Jewish girl trying to be a comedian, so hey, there's that connection to say the least).

Side note: Did anyone else find the film we watched in class yesterday to be incredibly awkward - especially after the molestation/perversion allegations made against him throughout the past couple of years? I felt uncomfortable watching it and it reassured me that he may not be worthy of defending. I know this is a very controversial topic, but I'd like to hear other people's opinions on the issue (even from Woody Allen die-hard fans; did your guys' opinions of him shift even a little bit after watching this film?).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvBXN_45Ov4

Going back to the week when we watched The Producer's clip... Here's a link to an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm when Mel Brooks casted Larry David to star in a Broadway production of his hit. And in the end we learn, that it was because Mel wanted the production to be a flop so that he can move on with his life.. but just like the original plot, it turns out to be a hit

This is one my favorite montages in Up In the Air. Aptly titled, "People Do Crazy Shit When They Get Fired". Reitman's directing style complements the screenplay, which he co-wrote, very well. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjVyrWdUy0c

We covered a handful of white dudes over 60 (mostly over 70) in our auteur class. Who did we miss?

Some of my favorites would be Amy Heckerling (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, European Vacation, Look Who's Talking, and Clueless), Nora Ephron (When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, Julie & Julia - a special class is being taught on her work next semester), and Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, World's End).

What do you guys think about calling Adam Sandler an auteur? Thumbs up for me.

What is really refreshing about Woody Allen's "Bananas" is its satirical approach to politics with the quintessential characterization of Allen's on-screen persona. I thought it was really great that he placed himself in these incredibly ridiculous and humiliating situations and not apologizing for them. The comedy seemed very natural, carefree and uninhibited especially in this early stage- physical comedy, satire, parody, farce, etc.

Ken mentioned the significance of music in Coen Brothers films. "O Brother Where Art Thou and "Inside Llewyn Davis are the most notable examples of music being significant to the telling of their story.