Abstract This paper explains how the Vietnam War is one of the most enigmatic and disturbing eras in America's past. It lasted a decade, but it left a legacy of pain and suffering that will survive for many years to come. It discusses how one would think that a nation that underwent such a painful and turbulent time would do everything in its power to forget the experience. However, such has not been true of America's reaction to the Vietnam War. The public has a desire to know all that there is to know about the only war ever lost by American soldiers. This paper provides an analysis of the effects of Vietnam War on society's will to relive the experience.
From the Paper "The Goal of the military war is simple,? says a friend of mine who has worked at the pentagon, ??killing people and breaking things.? In addition to being killed, people are among the "things" in war that are broken? (Dossey 1). The Vietnam War is one of the most enigmatic and disturbing eras in our nation's past. It lasted a decade, but it left a legacy of pain and suffering that will survive for many years to come. The emotional and psychological effects of Vietnam on its veterans and the American public have yet to be completely decided upon, but there is little doubt that the tragedies of the war, both at home and abroad, have been seared into our nation's memory forever."
A look at three films "The Piano", "Once Were Warriors"; and "Broken English" which offer insight into the social plights of New Zealand and its frequent manifestation of domestic violence.
1,415 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 47.95
Abstract A look at the release of domestic violence in New Zealand cinema. The author investigates the nature of conflict and gender bias that viewers are exposed to and how this reflects the social history and how it has impacted past and modern culture in New Zealand.
From the Paper "The three films, "The Piano" (1993), "Once Were Warriors" (1995) and "Broken English" (1996) all offer insight into the social plights of postcolonial New Zealand and its frequent manifestation in domestic violence. The films are set in societies where gender conflict is rampant as a result of the country's colonial history. The film, "The Piano" assumes a euro centric approach to colonialist New Zealand, dealing with the abusive relationship that results from an arranged marriage between a young Scottish woman named Ada and a European settler, Stewart, in the mid-nineteenth century. This film scrutinizes the subjugation of women during colonial times, but also correlates it with the conquest and oppression of the Maori aboriginals. "Once Were Warriors" centers on the life of Jake Heke, a member of the indigenous Maoris who, living a life of urban poverty, finds refuge and solace in the only thing over which he retains control ? his physical strength. A failure in most respects, Jake is only able to derive a sense of dignity through his physical power and masculinity, and therefore uses it as his only weapon. "Broken English" is a film which broaches domestic violence by examining a separate social reality of modern New Zealand; the strife of Croatian immigrants residing in the multi-ethnic, ghettoized urban outskirts of Auckland. This film elucidates the fundamental nature of conflict and gender bias within immigrant cultures."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the movie, "Jason and the Argonauts", to the actual myth. The author provides a brief summary of the story and examines the similarities and differences of the characters in the movie and the myth.
From the Paper "The myth of Jason and the Argonauts is told differently in books and movies. I rented the movie, "Jason and the Argonauts", which was made in 2000. In this essay I will be comparing the movie version to the actual myth from mythology books. Many things in the book are left out of the movie and vice versa.
This paper compares the methods of satirizing war and the military used in "Apocalypse Now", "Catch-22", and "Dr. Strangelove", with "Apocalypse Now" as the primary text.
1,915 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 3 sources, 2001, $ 61.95
Abstract This paper discusses how Francis Coppola's movie, "Apocalypse Now", satirizes war and the military. The author focuses on comparing how the satire in "Apocalypse Now" is serious in nature, and thus more deeply impacting than humorous satires such as "Catch-22" and "Dr. Strangelove" both of which are quoted and compared in the paper.
From the Paper ?Apocalypse Now uses its main plotline to exhibit the hypocrisies present in the United States Military. Willard's mission to kill Colonel Kurtz for murder is a perfect example. Willard comments on the charge against Kurtz by saying that, ?Charging a man for murder in this place is like handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500.? (Copolla) When Willard narrates this line, the audience is forced to open their eyes to the ridiculously immoral reality of his task.?
Abstract Since the recent bombings the image of Arabs in America has changed. The media leads us to feel the way we feel. This paper shows how the media affects our views of Arabs after the Sept 11 bombing.
From the Paper "Through the above examples, I have been conditioned to develop an unconscious hatred towards Arabs. After examining the different forms of media and the feelings they provoke in me, I realized my biased attitude towards specific ethnic groups. Although I do not disagree with the message of the media, especially after the tragedies we have experienced in the past weeks, I do feel that I have been conditioned since I was a child to develop feelings of hate towards certain ethnic groups."
Abstract A look at the novel by Anthony Burgess and the film representation by Stanley Kubrick. The author discusses Burgess's moral message, unique use of language, and plot structure in comparison to Kubrick's use of cinematography, visual symbolism, and plot alteration. The author argues that Kubrick's film is successful in representing Burgess's narrative.
From the Paper "Kubrick's adaptation of Burgess? novel would obviously be viewed as incomplete to someone who read the novel prior to watching the movie. However, Kubrick's film comes complete with all the elements needed to create a full literary tale, making it successfully stand on its own as an individual work of art. The fact that Kubrick paid attention to much of the detail, such as symmetry, shapes, and other symbolism, further validates the film in being considered by serious critics as a thought-provoking piece of work, and a reliable account of Burgess? intentions concerning free will."
Abstract This is a comparative essay dealing with patriotic, religious, and social symbols apparent both at home and in the movie, "American History X".
From the Paper " A symbol is a person, animal or thing that stands for something else, that has a deeper meaning than what appears on the surface. It is "something concrete that represents or suggests another thing that cannot in itself be pictured" (Webster's New Explorer Dictionary and Thesaurus). Symbols are present in everyday life, whether it be in the form of a statue or just an understood representation of a value or concept, such as the Statue of Liberty or the American Flag. In the 1998 film, "American History X", there are many different symbols represented. These symbols represent different political, cultural, and social aspects of society and history."
Abstract This essay examines historical fiction as seen in the famous Hollywoood movie Quo Vadis. The successes and failures of the film in accurately portraying Roman history and the struggle between early Christianity and Roman society are analyzed. Through a look at real historical sources, we can see that for the most part the film is an entertaining but flawed example of the retelling of a historical event and the personalities of that time. For example, the film leads viewers to believe that this period of history was the climax of the conflict between imperial Rome and early Christianity, but in fact Nero was no worse for the Christians than many other emperors before and after his reign.
From the Paper "The characters of Marcus Vinicius and Lygia in the film are symbolic of the rift between imperial Rome and the early Christians, however, they are fictional characters and did not exist in ancient Rome. Galba was in fact the real leader who replaced Nero (he does in the film as well), but he was a seventy-year old man who only ruled for about six months before he was executed by rivals in the forum and replaced by Otho."
Abstract This paper examines how Spike Lee manipulated the Malcom X story in his film by toning down Malcolm's radical message and even completely altering it at times.
From the Paper "Popularizing Malcolm X by making his message more appealing to a broader base of people than it was initially, is Spike Lee's agenda. As I mentioned earlier this is not an easy task especially in America today as contrasted with the America Malcolm had faced. It is one thing to see eye to eye with a man who insists whites are devils when they act in evil ways toward you, it is entirely another thing to accept that same argument when whites act fairly, friendly and as your equal. Winning over this new generation of young Blacks who have grown up isolated from the centuries of racial injustice and animosity that proceeded them, is the dilemma that Spike Lee has to overcome."
Abstract This paper explores the validity of genre theory in cinema by comparing and contrasting the works of renowned director, Oliver Stone. The author looks in particular at two of his films, "JFK" and "Natural Born Killers". It attempts to prove the significance of genre theory in cinema as a basis for the study and indexation of film.
From the Paper "The genre theory is both constraining to film producers and beneficial to audiences. Audiences will go into films advertised as being of a certain genre with a pre-concluded set of expectations from the film. The director focused on in this essay works predominantly in one Genre. 7 of his 10 films published before 1994 were Historical Dramas, with the remaining 3 being horror and Fictional Drama. The two films to be analyzed will be JFK, 1991, a Docudrama Based on the 1963 assassination of U.S. president John F. Kennedy, and Natural Born Killers, 1994, a controversial look at two white trash serial killers/mass murderers who become Tabloid-TV darlings thanks to a sensational press."
Abstract This essay discusses the issues of righteousness, truth and reality as depicted in "The Republic" and the movie "The Matrix". In addition, the author provides examples from the movie? The Matrix" to support his views.
From the Paper "Where does the truth lie? And if we were to discover its hiding place, would we necessarily be happy with what we find there. Plato, in his allegory of the cave as put forth in The Republic, and the movie The Matrix each suggest to us a metaphor, a symbol, of the relationship between truth and the larger society ? although both the ideas of society and the ideas of truth vary dramatically.
The Republic was meant by Plato to be a criticism of the-current political system. Much of the criticism that Plato leveled against his own government was based in the philosopher's metaphysical system, in his belief in a world of permanent Forms that existed well beyond the limitations of human experience. Plato argues that the state and political institutions should exist to promote these ideal Forms. "
Abstract This paper discusses how certain movies and television shows today that portray trials adequately and correctly to the public viewers but there are some details that are incorrect. The author discusses the correct way of selecting a jury, examining witnesses and introducing evidence into a trial, and looks at particular films which may affect the general public's opinion of a trial by jury, such as "My Cousin Vinny" and "The Rainmaker".
From the Paper:
"Movies and television display correct as well as incorrect details about the process of a trial by jury. The public's perception can be easily influenced by watching movies and television that present incorrect details of trials. By learning the actual and correct process of a trial by jury, the public will become more informed of the errors presented in television and movies."
Abstract This paper looks at the problem of fracture sociale in France. The author examines this problem as seen in "Le D"ner du Cons? and "La Haine" and compares the two with particular attention to class and social barriers in modern France.
From the Paper:
""Le D"ner de Cons? is a farcical comedy about a club of bored, successful and obnoxious Parisians whose lives revolve around a male adolescent game of one-upmanship. Pierre Brochant is an arrogant publishing executive who livens up his upper class existence by attending idiot dinners. The concept is discomforting, rooted as it is in an attitude of arrogant superiority."
Tags: alienation, class, cons, dinner, du, d?ner, france, francis, game, haine, idiot, la, le, race, veber
Abstract This essay critically examines the film, "Don?t Say a Word", by looking at the contemporary notions of modern psychology used both as the focus of the film's dramatic plot, and also in the way it plays out the themes of madness and sanity that run throughout the film.
From the paper:
?In "Don"t Say a Word.? Michael Douglas portrays a New York psychiatrist. He has a beautiful, young, and innocent daughter. He also has a mad, beautiful, nearly catatonic patient. This mental patient resides in a locked ward. She does communicate occasionally, but not in any comprehensible, normal fashion. Instantly the theme between madness and sanity is set up between the two girls, one young and innocent, one young and unappealing. It also introduces the theme of catatonia relatively recent in the plot.?
Abstract This essay draws on the similarities and comparisons between Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and Tim Burton's film, "Sleepy Hollow" with specific reference to the daydream scenes.
From the paper:
? Yet this daydream has no few of the aspects of a nightmare as well. In the real world, the worst Ichabod will ever endure is a fall from his faithful, and borrowed, steed Gunpowder. In the daydream film, he shall be skewered with a ghostly sword, beaten, choked, and otherwise bodily assaulted. The horsemen will not be a possible figment, a traveler who merely keeps pace and tosses pumpkins; to the contrary, he shall kill any number of people.?
