Comparing Le Jetee, the short, and 12 Monkeys, the full-length movie

 

Part 1: Insights from the Video on 12 Monkeys and La Jetée

Key Takeaways:

The video compares Chris Marker’s La Jetée (1962) and Terry Gilliam’s 12 Monkeys (1995), focusing on their storytelling methods and themes. Here are some main points:

• Storytelling Methods: La Jetée uses a series of still photos to tell its story, giving it a unique and memorable feel. On the other hand, 12 Monkeys uses regular movie techniques, which allows for more action and character development.

• Themes: Both films explore time travel, memory, and human experiences. They look at how time can be a repeating cycle and how people deal with their past and future, raising questions about fate and free will.

• Visual Style: La Jetée has black-and-white images that create a stark and thought-provoking atmosphere. 12 Monkeys presents a gritty, dystopian world, adding depth to its story.

Applying This to Your Short Film:

Learning from these films can help in several ways:

• Creative Storytelling: La Jetée shows that you can tell a powerful story using unconventional methods, like still images. This encourages trying out different formats to make your story stand out.

• Deep Themes: Both films dive deep into their main ideas. Doing the same can make your short film more engaging and thought-provoking.

• Visual Design: The distinct looks of these films show how important visuals are in storytelling. Think about how your film’s appearance can enhance the mood and themes you want to convey.

Part 2: Insights from the Article on 12 Monkeys and La Jetée

Key Takeaways:

The article offers a detailed look at how 12 Monkeys expands on the ideas from La Jetée. Here are some insights:

• Adaptation: 12 Monkeys isn’t just a remake; it builds on La Jetée’s ideas, adding more complexity to the story and characters while keeping the original themes.

• Character Depth: While La Jetée has a more straightforward main character, 12 Monkeys gives us a deeper look into James Cole, making the story more engaging.

• Reflecting the Times: Each film mirrors the concerns of its era—La Jetée reflects post-war feelings, and 12 Monkeys touches on late 20th-century worries about technology and pandemics.

These insights can guide my project by:

• Adapting Stories: If you’re reimagining an existing story, think about how to add new layers and relevance, similar to how 12 Monkeys expands on La Jetée.

• Building Characters: Creating complex characters can make your film more engaging. Explore their thoughts and feelings to add depth.

• Connecting with Today’s Audience: Including current issues in your film can make it more relatable. Consider what’s important to people now and how your film can address these themes.