I spent a lovely Saturday afternoon at the American Museum of the Moving Image. The first thing I noticed about the museum was its unique architecture. The front doors doubled as mirrors and inside, the museum seemed small with simple white walls. I was in a state of repose as I scanned the area with my eyes. I did not feel overwhelmed in any way by exhibits, as they were not to be discovered until the next floor up. I made my way up to the second floor, and while there, I viewed masks created for such films as The Mask and Babel. I also viewed the prosthetic legs used in the film, Black Swan. The walls were adorned with photographs of acting/singing legends—Marilyn Monroe, Liza Minnelli, Doris Day, and Mary Astor to name a few. Additionally, I saw the set designs (along with their sketches, and drawing schedules) for films such as The Wiz and one of my favorites, The Silence of the Lambs—in fact, I was especially excited to see that one! I had a great time trying on different famous character outfits, such as those of Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz in a very cool virtual mirror. After that, I sat down, put on headphones, and listened to the musical scores of such films as, Lolita, Requiem for a Dream, and Titanic. On the next floor, I threw on a pair of 3D glasses and enjoyed an interesting interactive experience in which I felt as though I had been placed in a maze. I particularly enjoyed making all three of my stop-motion films, and had trouble pulling myself away from creating more. Finally, I caught a showing of the film, Wendy and Lucy, directed by Kelly Reichardt. The film stars Michelle Williams as Wendy, a woman who destines to go to Alaska, taking her dog, Lucy, along with her, but instead ends up stranded in Oregon. Wendy finds herself homeless and is arrested for shoplifting. While in jail, Lucy disappears. Throughout the film, Wendy is searching for Lucy, and eventually discovers she has been adopted by a very caring family. Wendy decides to save up money to continue her journey, but leaves Lucy behind with a family she knows can take care of her. The film was quite eye opening to the issue of poverty in America, and how easy it is to become victim to it. All in all, my visit to the American Museum of Moving Image made for a great supplemental lesson to our media class. I had never heard of the museum before, and am glad I was able to experience all that it has to offer.
