Hour 21: A Film and Interactive Media Blog

  A Little Princess (1995) “It's all right Papa. I'm going to be fine.” “What are you doing? memorizing me by heart?” “No, I already know you by heart." -A Little Princess (1995) It may come as a surprise that the most eloquent of stories often present themselves in the most eccentric of ways. Children's stories especially offer us a unique vantage point into the art of storytelling. They grant us a pattern to follow. A script that allows their young audience to engage effectively in the message or lesson that is presented. However, for adults, these patterns are well worn and easily detected, frequently lessening the impact of the story for this older subset of narrative consumers. That is an issue. This narrative malaise from an older audience consistently robs these stories of the relevance they deserve. It strikes me at this moment, is there a way to engage both sets of this captive audience? Indeed there is, it's happened many times. Though, to steer u...

  Ken Burns's The American Revolution (2025) documentary series= “We the people.” -The United States Constitution “I wish the Constitution which is offered had been made more perfect. But I sincerely believe that it's the best that could be obtained at this time. And as a constitutional door is opened for amendment here after, the adoption of it is in my opinion desirable.” - George Washington “Our government daily acquires strength and stability. The union is complete. Nothing hinders are being a very happy and prosperous People. Provided we have wisdom rightly to estimate our blessings, and hearts to improve them.” - Abigail Adams There are certain moments in history that are emblazoned onto the popular consciousness. It is fascinating to me that these moments become so accepted as pivotal components of the human experience. They are monoliths that become untethered from time and obtain a mythical status. However, this untethering disallows these moments to maintain thei...