EXSM 3989 - Digital Storytelling Class Blog

The movie, “Encanto“, is one of my favourite Disney movies that demonstrated a shift in Disney’s method of telling stories. Instead of the traditional “knight and shining armour” movies, they focused more on a complex family dynamic that demonstrated that our strengths can come in many different forms.

“You’re exactly what this family needs. You just need to see it.”

– Bruno

The Story Spine of Encanto

Once upon a time, the Madrigal family found a hidden, magical oasis town in the mountains of Colombia called “Encanto”. It is a vibrant community that thrived because everyone in the Madrigal family were given a gift by the magic of Encanto, except for Mirabel. Some of the gifts include controlling the weather, super strength, seeing into the future, food that heals and talking to animals.

Every day, the family uses their gifts to benefit the town in different ways and they’re all trying to make their grandmother, Alma, proud. By healing ailments, growing different foods and plants, lifting heavy things and foreseeing potentially dangerous situations.

But one day, Bruno, the one who can see into the future, saw that the magic of Encanto was falling apart and the whole family was losing their powers. His family vilified him for his visions and blamed him for the outcomes causing him to run away.

Because of that, Mirabel didn’t know about the prophecy but saw the house was cracking and her family started to have troubles with their gifts.

Because of that, she started to investigate why this was happening and discovered that she is the one who had to save the family.

Because of that, tensions rose and Alma snapped on Mirabel and blamed her for the magic falling apart.

Because of that, an argument broke out, causing the house to break and fall apart and the whole families magical powers were gone. Mirabel runs away in tears.

Until finally, Alma finds Mirabel by the river and admits the reason they lost their powers is because she pressured the family and lost sight that their family was the gift. Not the magic.

And ever since then, the family came together, even Bruno, to try to repair the house together and the town joins them in the effort. Mirabel places the last doorknob and the house comes back to life and the magic returns!

My Takeaways

• We shouldn’t take our loved ones for granted.
• Our strengths come in different forms, some may be more subtle than others but they are just as important.
• There’s a strong matriarchal theme throughout this movie and highlights important feminist ideals.
• I feel many people can relate to familial pressures to succeed and how damaging it can be if you feel like you’ve disappointed them in some way.

It’s a beautiful story that is relatable, has a lot of character development and is enjoyable for all ages. This movie inspires the viewer with love, empathy and bonding, a method that encourages people to connect to the story and it’s characters. I encourage everyone to watch it!

Although I have many favourite stories, the movie A River Runs Through It, a 1992 film directed by Robert Redford and based on the novel of the same name by Norman Maclean is one that holds a place in space and time that resonates on a number of personal levels. This movie is memorable and engaging for many reasons, but most notably, in my eyes, for its beautiful cinematography and location in Missoula, Montana.

The movie tells a story of two brothers growing up in Montana in the early 20^th century. The brothers are different in character. The older son is serious and deliberate whereas the younger brother is free spirited and has less restricted aspirations than his brother. Their father, a stern Presbyterian minister, teaches them about fly fishing, the importance of hard work, focus and personal discipline. The father is particular and looks to grace and art to find salvation. Despite their differences in character, the brothers share a deep connection to the land, nature, to family and each other.

The movie’s storytelling is engaging as it intertwines themes of family, religion, relationships, conflict and loss with the art of fly fishing. The narration draws the audience into the movie landscape and immerses them into its’ natural beauty and tragedy. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when the brothers fish together on Montana’s Big Blackfoot River. The cinematography is incredible, capturing the vast Montana wilderness and the rhythm of flyfishing. The scene shows the bond of the two brothers who communicate with each other through actions and body language, rather than words. The movie explores the complexities of family relationships and the weight of imposed expectations. It exposes tensions between strict religious morality, free will, human nature and tragedy and blends it with the river and the fish.

While the film doesn’t directly explore Indigenous culture, it does acknowledge the importance of the rivers, mountains, and forests to the Indigenous peoples who lived a traditional way of life on the land now known as Montana, for thousands of years. The movie speaks to the history of the region, including the displacement and subjugation of the Indigenous peoples but only from a peripheral view. For example, one of the brothers, Norman, and his father are shown fishing in a river that was within the home and territory of an Indigenous Nation. Norman commented that the tribe had fished the river long before white settlers arrived. The movie highlights some of the cultural differences and societal barriers that existed between Indigenous and settler populations, however these elements were relatively unexplored in the film.     

The storytelling in the movie is engaging because it is both universal and specific. The themes of family, love and loss are relatable to anyone but the setting in Montana is unique and memorable. The movie also employs a variety of storytelling techniques including narration, dialogue and visual imagery to create an immersive experience for the audience.

In short, A River Runs Through It is a memorable and engaging movie that uses good storytelling elements to elicit an emotional and moving experience for the audience.

‘I believe in believe.’
-Ted Lasso

The kind, lovable man that left America where he coached football, goes to England to coach soccer.

Ted Lasso (Season 1 – Apple TV) is the story of a man named Ted. It starts with an English Premier league team called AFC Richmond that is in the middle of an ownership change. Rebecca who is the former wife of the owner, finds herself as the new owner and operator for the club after her divorce. She is hurt and she wants to burn the club to the ground. Rebecca she fires the coach and brings in Ted.

From the start of the story Ted finds himself in deep conflict. He takes a job on the other side of the world, and it is NOT received well from the fans, media, or team. His opening press conference goes very poorly, nobody likes, or believes in him, and the owner thinks he will help her tank the team.

The story starts to take shape when we get to know Ted and the way he does things. He conducts himself in a very disarming and kind way. He builds relationships with Rebecca, the team, and fans. It still isn’t easy as they don’t treat him with the same kindness.

This is where the emotion of the story starts to show itself. You feel for Ted as he is very misunderstood at the start. You see his intentions and you see how it’s met with people who have hard hearts towards him. 

But as the story unfolds and the team starts to soften to his methods you start to see a change. He asks everyone to submit anonymously any problems they have with the team. Only a few serious notes are received but he corrects them and some take notice.

This shift starts to shape the middle of the story as it’s the turning point. People start to begin to understand Ted. Rebecca set up a journalist, named Trent Crimm, that was fully against him taking the job to shadow him for the day, and Ted wins him over. Rebecca thought he would write a story about how terrible of a coach he was but instead shaped it that he was a thoughtful man, although in over his head, but is full of good and refreshing qualities.

The most memorable scene is when Ted and Rebecca are confronted in a pub with Rebeccas ex, Rupert. Rebecca is noticeably uncomfortable and Rupert challenges Ted to a game of Darts . He Ted wins, he has to stay away from the team. If Rupert wins then he gets to come to games and make coaching decisions. Ted wins and it absolutely created a shift in Rebecca, causing a weight to come off her and relief to flood into the room.

As the team starts to win and the culture changed, you see what Ted has been able to accomplish. The story is memorable because he overcomes his conflict. His resolution is in what he was able to accomplish. He changed the team and the people. He has a yellow sign that says Believe and he often says he ‘Believes in Believe’ because he believes there can be change and success.

There is a season 2 and 3 but for this blog I decided to stick to the story of the first season as it stands alone and can be expanded on.

No matter what was thrown at Ted he was able to overcome it and come out the other side. The characters are extremely well written and relatable, the atmosphere in London is amazing, and the parts of a beginning, middle, end, conflict, resolution are all very solid. It’s funny, sad, fun, and meaningful.

O me! O life! of the questions of these recurring,

Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish,

Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)

Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever renew’d,

Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me,

Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined,

The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?

                                       Answer.

That you are here—that life exists and identity,

That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.

– Walt Whitman

What will your verse be? asks John Keating (played by Robin Williams) to a bunch of high school boys in the 1989 movie, Dead Poets Society. 

And as I watch the movie for the umpteenth time, I can’t help but wonder what will my verse be? And will I be brave enough to sing it out loud to the world? The worth of life lies in life itself, doesn’t it? This movie always leaves me with many questions to ponder over. Isn’t that precisely what a good story does? It poses questions that make you think differently. 

Dead Poets Society is considered a coming-of-age classic about an unconventional teacher who turns around the life of his students. Such was the power of the movie that the profound verse O Me! O Life! by the great poet Walt Whitman is associated first and foremost with the movie, and not with the poem that it is. More than 30 years after its premiere, the movie remains an inspiration. 

In brief, the movie is about a teacher named Mr. John Keating (Robin Williams) who comes to an all-boys school (Welton Academy) that is rooted in tradition with boys who are expected to follow the unbudging notions of their parents regarding their education. Keating’s unorthodox methods use poetry to help the boys honor their individual identity and desires. The story majorly follows the lives of four boys Neil, Todd, Knox and Charlie and highlights their search for happiness and purpose. It follows a traditional story arc and can be neatly framed into Kenn Adam’s Story Spine. The setting and characters are introduced. Todd is presented with an opportunity to change but sticks to his routine. Until one day he is challenged by Keating who leads him to perform shedding his inhibitions in one of the most poignant scenes of the movie. 

The boys all set out on their own journey to find their purpose and meaning in life. Each of their stories is very different and they all try to ‘seize the day’ as put by Mr. Keating. Not giving away too much of the plot, all I’d like to say here is that everything in this movie is on point and brilliantly done! Mr. Keating not only showed what true education ought to look like, but also how we should lead our lives freely, choosing and believing in the beauty of our dreams. 

The movie leaves me with questions that are not easy and seldom comfortable. Sometimes, it’s the fears that we have to face, sometimes it’s about the dreams that we dare to dream and sometimes it’s the reality that is painful, but has to be lived nevertheless. We tend to run away from what seems uncomfortable, but facing it is the only way to actually grow. Maybe, all we can do is hold the moment, and let our verse out and then wait for the magic to unfold!

Or as Keating puts it: “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”

Ahhh The Notebook. I’m sure we can all recall that gut wrenching tale. 

I remember the first time I watched this movie in 2010. I was in high school, I had my first boyfriend (hey Cody) and I was fully and unequivocally in love. A tale like this was truly going to strike a chord with me. In my head, Cody and I were a modern day Noah and Allie. If you haven’t seen this movie, I’m not sure what you’ve been doing for the past almost 20 years of your life! You need to pause whatever you’re doing IMMEDIATELY and at least do your soul a little good by watching the trailer here. 

The movie takes place in the 40’s and immediately I was hooked. They did a pretty stellar job of casting a couple of absolute stunners. Rachel McAdams was breathtakingly beautiful throughout the entire movie, even when she was bawling her eyes out, which is rude because who gave her permission?! The other star who managed to grab the attention of every single woman AND man alive was Ryan Gosling. He was charming, thoughtful, and handsome as hell in this movie. In the chance you’re STILL swooning over him, which let’s be real – you are, here’s your new favourite website to keep up on all things R-Gos.

Alright – enough about the hotties. Now let’s get into the real meat and potatoes of the obsession with this movie, the story. It starts with two young teens who come from completely different worlds and they may not just be meant for each other. For me, as a 16 year old girl, this was so relatable. I was a city girl (not really, I’m from North Bay) and Cody was from a small town (a true fact but the small town was just outside of mine LOL.) He liked dirtbikes and I loved shopping. A story like this, where I could see myself in it, had me HOOKED no questions asked. 

Now back to the movie, where Noah and Allie spent a summer falling in love. It evoked such emotion in me. You could see how much they really loved each other and just how much they meant to one another. Allie’s mother however, felt a completely different way. She makes Allie break up with him, claiming he’s no good for her. Allie’s mom tells her they’re leaving their summer home tomorrow and that she has to say goodbye to Noah that night. Noah writes to her for 365 days, a letter every freaking day, and they all go unanswered. It appears they both go their separate ways for many years. Allie even gets engaged to someone else. (THE HORROR. Although James Marsden was a cutie.) Fate finally brings them back together and they eventually stop denying the obvious connection they have. They end up together and live what is presumed to be happily ever after. Although, there was something else going on in the movie.

Throughout the story, they flash back and forth between the 1940’s tale and what looks to be present day. At the beginning, we weren’t really sure of the connection here but as the story develops there’s a sinking feeling in the bottom of your tummy that makes you realize that the woman suffering from dementia present day is the same carefree girl we came to love, Allie. 

The whole time during the movie an older man, who we now know to be Noah, is reading a tale to an elderly woman, Allie. Initially it looks like he’s just reading to her but in reality, he’s trying to get her to remember THEIR OWN LOVE STORY. I was gutted. It was this moment for me that added a completely new depth to the story that still to this day invokes a visceral reaction. As the movie nears its end Allie remembers the story and realizes it’s her and Noah. They only have a few moments before her brain forgets again and we’re left devastated that this is now Noah’s reality. Cue this face: 

The movie ends in the most beautiful but freaking sad way where they both pass away in each other’s arms and can tell you that there wasn’t enough tissue in the world then for me to suppress my boogery sobs and as a matter of fact there still isn’t enough to this day. 

When I watch the movie back with my fiance (surprise it’s not Cody it’s my hunka, hunka  burning love cutie JP) I really understand all of the story and why it gets me so emotional. It’s one that could happen to any of us. We all have someone we care for deeply, someone that the love feels so high stakes with. That losing it would just be the most impossible thing in the world. It’s also a sad fact of reality, one day we WILL lose that person. The movie is incredible and I still think about it when I think of how I want to love and be loved. 

I recommend you watch it. It’s a really fantastic story and also a very good emotional release. Just make sure that if you are going to check it out, that you buy this before you do so.

Enjoy!

Michelle

“Just so you know, when they say, “Once upon a time”…they’re lying.

It’s not once upon a time. It’s not even twice upon a time. It’s hundreds of times, over and over, every time someone opens up the pages of this dusty old book.”

-Oliver (Between the Lines Character)

“Between the Lines” by Jodi Picoult was the book that sparked my interest in reading. I originally read this book in junior high and it is still one of my favorites, this book connects with the audience no matter the age group. If you haven’t read this book or anything by Jodi Picoult highly suggest her books. I have reread this book more times than I can count and it evokes emotion in me every time. This is one of two books in the series and after reading the first one you will be wanting more the second book is “Off the Page by Jodi Picoult”

In the novel “Between the Lines” Picoult emerges the reader in a fantasy world in ways no author has done before. She takes the idea of being so emerged in a book you feel a part of the story and makes it a reality, the main character Delilah is a school loner and grows attached to books, specifically a fairytale book that she finds in her school library. This book feels different than any other and Delilah keeps taking the book out of the library, something draws her to it. Over time she starts noticing things being different every time she opened the book and realizes that all the characters are alive! Once the characters have revealed themselves to Delilah they start to form relationships with each other, especially Oliver the Prince in the fairytale. Delilah and Oliver end up becoming close and discussing their hopes and dreams, as she bonds with these characters she learns that Oliver is nothing like a prince and has other ambitions that don’t include being a prince trapped in a fairytale book, this drives the two of them to create a plan to get Oliver out of the book. This novel evokes so much emotion that whenever the characters succeed you feel joy and when they fail you are disappointed. They face many challenges along the way may it be a dragon with braces or finding our way out of a fairytale you will feel for the characters and grow a connection.

Through out the book “Between the Lines” by Jodi Picoult, Picoult analyzes the idea of choosing your own destiny by showing that the path you are on doesn’t need to be your end path, you can change your path and follow happiness. Oliver was forced into the life of repeating is life over and over by slaying dragons and doing princely duties and it wasn’t what made him happy. Delilah and Oliver try to get Oliver out of the book and face many challenges along the way. This book made me realize that the path of life isn’t just one path, you may need to change course and follow a different path, and there is nothing wrong with doing that. Life throws challenges at us everyday, the way you determine how to deal with the problem and the outcome can change the path that you were on. Most importantly you need to follow what your heart says to do.

Book lovers in particular are likely to get a kick out of the blurring of the lines between character and reader, fact and fiction. Periodic illustrations from the fairy tale Between the Lines function well as reminders of Oliver’s fictive “reality,” but others, too closely resembling clip art, are distracting and out of place. Fizzy fairy-tale fun.

Kirkus Reviews

Legally Blonde is a memorable and engaging story due to its use of story structure, relatability, and ability to elicit emotion. It is a movie about Elle Woods a young, bubbly, blonde sorority girl who is discounted and underestimated because of her overtly feminine qualities. As the stereotypical woman she wears all pink, carries a dog around with her and has a kind of distinctly feminine open and kind personality that many would assume they could take advantage of or exploit. However, without betraying herself or her feminine characteristics Elle Woods surpasses all expectations in law school and becomes one of the top students and lawyers. 

Why Legally Blonde is a Memorable story

Legally Blonde is an excellent example of effective storytelling that utilizes key components to create a memorable and engaging experience for viewers. From its relatable characters to its compelling plotline and uplifting message, the movie has all the elements of a good story that keep audiences captivated and inspired.

Structure

The structure of the story creates a memorable, captivating narrative that inspires the audience to root for Elle Woods. Like all good stories, this is done through utilizing a classic story structure, a beginning, middle and end that include a conflict and resolution. The beginning of the story starts with a young woman recently dumped by her boyfriend who goes to the same law school he was accepted into to win him back. Although the conflict of the story may at first seem to be about Elle Woods winning back her romantic relationship, it quickly becomes clear that the conflict of the story is a young woman’s ability to succeed and excel at law school while staying true to who she is. Starting with studying for the LSAT Elle works hard. Then finally, upon entering law school Elle is ridiculed and ignored due to her pink appearance and bubbly personality. However, Elle works twice as hard and becomes a top student earning the respect of her teachers and peers. Finally, Elle puts her newfound legal knowledge to the test in a high-stakes courtroom showdown. Afterwards, choosing to prioritize her personal growth and ambitions instead of reconciling with her ex-boyfriend who finally asks for her back. The use of a beginning middle and end which overcome a conflict allows the audience to identify with the main character and relate to her experience as she overcomes a challenge. It is a simple and focused narrative that captivates the audience. 

Relatability and Emotion

Additionally, the story is memorable because of the universally relatable storyline that succeeds in eliciting feelings of joy and triumph. Throughout the movie, Elle faces a variety of challenges, from the academic rigour of law school to the judgment of her peers and professors. However, she remains resilient and determined and ultimately proves herself as a capable and intelligent law student. This journey of growth and success is a satisfying and inspiring experience for viewers and leaves them feeling joyful and triumphant alongside Elle. Legally Blonde is ultimately a story about self-discovery, self-acceptance, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The movie’s message resonates with viewers of all ages and backgrounds, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift audiences. 

However, for me, this movie was memorable as a feminist film that’s message affirms that women do not need to change their identity to be successful in traditionally male-dominated areas. In a world where the demeanour of women often changes in male-dominated arenas to achieve the same level of success as their male counterparts, Elle shows that being feminine and fashionable does not make her any less capable than her male counterparts. This message is the part that inspires, influences and elicits an emotional response from me making it such a memorable story. 

If you’ve scrolled through Tik Tok lately, particularly on a weekend, you’ve probably come across the phenomenon that is the Sunday Reset. A Sunday reset can be described as a process in which you dedicate a block of time in a weekend to prepare for the week to come. This typically happens on a Sunday.

Have you ever scrolled through Sunday Resets on Tik Tok and seen the absolutely beautiful apartments these vloggers live in? I wish I lived in a place like that!#exsm3989 pic.twitter.com/pHKovAIvIS

— Nicole Neagu (@nneaguuofa) December 20, 2022

As you can see throughout the above tweet and clip, Sunday Reset videos are often made by lifestyle vloggers. The scene is often set in a stark white, expensive, and modern apartment, with a few things to clean here and there. But for the most of us, we don’t have the nice apartment with stunning views and a Roomba to do our vacuuming for us. For many of us, keeping an apartment clean is a laborious task that can be overwhelming to do in one fell swoop.

The Idyllic Notion of Perfection

Sometimes, I find it difficult to find the motivation to keep my space clean, and in turn, give myself a peaceful place to live and work. In watching Sunday Reset videos, I actually find the inspiration to get up and clean my house.

I appreciate the message that that these influencers are sending and how a small community has grown from it. If you subscribe to the Sunday Reset ideology, you’d be cleaning at the same time as many people around the world (give or take a few time zones). This sense of group motivation can be great to get you going.

On the other hand, I understand how difficult it can be to watch these creators do a lot of cleaning all at once in what, to us, is a few mere seconds in a video. You can be watching this while drowning in your own chores and procrastinating the many hours of cleaning you may have ahead of you.

While these “perfect” influencers are just looking to share their lives to their followers, the lines between “real” and “online” can blur.

To rectify this, I tried to make my own Sunday Reset video, while reassuring watchers that it’s alright if your Sunday Reset doesn’t look like everyone else’s. Watch below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nicole Neagu (@nneaguuofa)

Sometimes, perfect isn’t everything. But if a sense of community and motivation is what you need to get up and get you ready for the week ahead, Sunday Resets might be great for you.

To reiterate, Sunday Resets are different for everybody. In fact, a Sunday Reset could even be a little bit of cleaning here and there throughout the entire week and leaving your Sunday free for relaxation.

Once again, I ask, what does your Sunday Reset look like?