Genre ???

    So far my main issue that I seem to be facing is simply not knowing what I am going to do for my project.  In regards to both genre and plot.  So I thought that doing some more in-depth research on some possible genres I may want to explore would be beneficial, and may inspire me.  I usually like to play around with horror, specifically the sub-genre of psychologically horror.  I'm just not sure if I would like to also do something within that sub-genre or do something that's more out of my comfort zone.  

    I would like to begin by researching some of my favorite director's work (Darren Aronofsky, Jim Jarmusch, Gregg Araki, etc.)  and find out the origins of their style to maybe find a pure source for inspiration.  I think that this could give me a new perspective on unique techniques to implement in my film opening.  

    When researching my first director, Darren Aronofsky, I'm reminded that many of his films play with themes of perfectionism and self-destruction.  These are also themes that I have touched on before in my own work, but I'm not sure if I would like to continue that pattern or not.  What I do think I would like to do is go the more melo-dramatic route.  I would like to lean into having more characteristics of an arthouse film, so definitely on the formalistic side.  I'm thinking kind of reminiscent of Gus Van Sant's My Own Private Idaho (although it's argued whether or not this is actually an arthouse film).  

  I like the fun and experimental visuals that are paired with more melancholic plot lines and themes.  This film especially speaks to me because of the LGBTQ representation in an otherwise nonconventional situation.  I like how the film kind of shines a light on the possibility of raw human connection, even in some of the darkest spots in one's life, and the pain that comes with losing that connection.  I like stories that are able to take something that might otherwise seem unnoteworthy, and representing in such an interesting way with writing and visuals, that the audience is just forced to be interested.  In my research I've found that the film is "notable for its then-taboo subject matter and avant-garde style."  What a coincidence, I love taboo subject matter and my blog's name is literally Garde Avant !!!  I think I'm starting to get some clarity on what I want to do.

    I don't necessarily want to go the romance route, even if it's portrayed in a negative light.  I just don't feel like doing that.  But on the other hand, I think I would like to play around with LGBTQ representation and themes of self destruction/ a journey to self acceptance.  Someone with just a lot of uncertainty and unsatisfaction in their life.  The character's sexuality may not be at the forefront of the film opening, but it would certainly be an important part of their character and relate to different themes within the film.  I think I'm keeping on the psychological route but instead of going more horror, per se, I would like to go more of the drama route.

    Thankfully I now feel more confident in the fact that I'm starting to have more of a vision for my final idea.  Although I still have quite a ways to go, it's a start.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Own_Private_Idaho

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darren_Aronofsky#Early_work