Abstract This paper discusses the striking similarities between John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men" and Stephen King's short story and the film "The Green Mile". The author explores the characteristics of Lennie Small and John Coffey, how they are both inherently good people, and how those who are closest to them, eventually must take their lives mercifully.
From the Paper "In the book, "Of Mice and Men", Lennie Small, a developmentally disabled man unaware of his own strength, accidentally commits a murder and is killed by his best friend, George. In the movie The Green Mile, John Coffey, a simple man who possesses miraculous healing powers, is put to death for a crime he did not commit. The Green Mile and "Of Mice and Men" have much in common: both portray physically large characters that are nonetheless childlike and vulnerable, and both take the point of view that death, especially at the hands of a friend, is sometimes a merciful deliverance from the terrible pain inflicted by life. There is one important difference between these movies, however. Lennie Small is a life-taker; John Coffey is a life-giver."
Abstract This paper discusses documentaries as a form of expression which were introduced in the New Deal era and the Depression era. These were times when the nation needed hope and needed to understand the tragedy and stress they were going through. Documentaries were also a mode of transcribing history and revealing realistic the situation to gain a future understanding of the time. The documentary mode of expression was as much for the people as it was for the government. This paper studies this matter in-depth and concludes that the documentaries and history at the time were stated clearly from the governmental point of view.
From the Paper "When we view the media forms of the times we realize the strength the people had in that era. As the generation of the future we realize that while the generation of the past was termed as the "Greatest generation" it can also be called and at times is termed as the ?Lost Generation.? Today, the youth are shown as disgruntled and violent but though the nationalism prominent in the past may overshadow the turbulence, the fact remains that a thorough analysis of the documentaries will show that the past too had its share of problems. It is said that the media of every era will portray the society and culture of its times. A study of the 1930s media reports shows that the Depression era was not as 'great' for the people living in it. ''(A) generation, numbering in the millions, has gone so far in decay that it acts without thought of social responsibility,'' historians George Leighton and Richard Hellman proclaimed in a much-quoted Harper' s Monthly article in 1936. ''High-school kids are armed, out for what they can get . . . . The Lost Generation is even now rotting before our eyes.'' In 1935, Columbia University President Nicholas Butler summed up the grave ''youth problem'': ''Day by day the newspapers report one grave crime after another, one moral delinquency after another, and one dereliction of duty after another.'' "
Abstract This paper examines the process through which a typical friendship is developed and maintained, looking particularly at the ways in which interactions with other people help to mold our sense of self and how interpersonal communication is the bedrock of friendship using examples from the movies "Steel Magnolias" and "City Slickers". This paper incorporates a theoretical model developed by Long and Wood as well as drawing upon the writer's personal experience and popular notions of friendship.
From the Paper "Many of us would like to think that someone deep down inside of us is our own true self, a person who never compromises or is compromised, an independent person who makes up her own mind, who is never subject to peer pressure or societal influences, a person who stays the same through thick and thin, who endures over time and through all challenges.
But while such an image of a pure, unchanging and incorruptible self is appealing (and has its roots in the Romanticism of the 19th century, which taught that we should believe in the innate goodness of all people, a reverence for individuality, and in the primacy of the connection between the pure human heart and the state of nature), it is in fact not an accurate one. In fact, while our sense of self is dependent on some internal factors, such as our genetic heritage and our physical state of well-being, most of our sense of who we are is derived from the people with whom we interact, and especially our family and friends. We are not in fact always the same person: We differ from one situation to the next and certainly from one year (or decade) to the next."
Abstract A presentation and examination of a Charlie Chaplin Film 'Modern Time' and Robert Lynd's book called "Middletown" which describe the struggle against the dehumanization of the proletarian man by machine and the Industrial age. The author finds that the industrial age, while profitable from a financial standpoint for those who were in charge, dehumanized the proletarian man as well. The machine knocked him out of the running and sent him home to explain to his family that he was no longer able to provide.
From the Paper "The Industrial Age was one that moved mankind ahead in leaps and bounds. Within the few years of its explosion and growth the ability to use technology to speed up tasks and to get them done with precision allowed the world to concentrate on other expansions and needs. The Industrial Age was a boon to those who rode the top of the age to success, however, for many millions around the nation and the world the age actually set them back. The Industrial Age, while profitable form a financial standpoint for those who were in charge, it dehumanized the proletarian man as well. The machine knocked him out of the running and sent him home to explain to his family that he was no longer able to provide. There are two classic examples of what the Industrial Age did regarding the proletarian man. The movie by the late Charlie Chaplin called Modern Time (1956) and the book called Middletown by Robert Lynd both illustrate the ways the machine replaced the man. "
Abstract A disscusion on how meaning is enacted or re-created when a text is performed or adapted for a performance. A written comparison of a print text with the text's adaptation into film.
From the Paper "Cormac McCarthy's novel "All the Pretty Horses" examines in fine detail the maturing of a sixteen-year-old boy, John Grady Cole, as he travels through the scorched landscape of Mexico. Grady's quest to uphold the romantic ideals of "the Wild West" is beautifully illustrated through McCarthy's attention to detail in his writing. When comparing the delicacy McCarthy has taken to articulate his ideas, with Bill Bob Thornton's film representation of the same title, one can only feel utmost disappointed."
This paper discusses and compares Plato's 'Republic', 'Dead Poets Society' and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', with a focus on the messages they give out.
Abstract The following paper examines how movies can be even more instructive than more obviously "serious" forms of education because they wrap their messages in linguistic texts that are easier for us to recognize and understand. Plato's Republic, Dead Poets Society and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest each tell us something about the often precarious (and sometimes non-existent) balance between individual rights and desires and the conformity required by society to maintain organization.
From the Paper "It is braver, although in many ways more difficult, to keep trying to change society for decades ? to understand that the fight must be continued for year after year ? than to surrender. The difficulty of the fight in the long run is also the message of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. These inmates, unlike the students, are not in the first blush of youth. They understand that life is a series of the same battle fought over and over, and that those who come closest to winning on at least a personal level are those willing to lose skirmishes and then to return to fight again.
To the extent that the gods have given us the power to be wise, Plato and Socrates would have told us, we must use it to discover the nature of the natural and social worlds. But we must keep always with us ? like a mental Praetorian guard ? a constant reminder that we are limited in what we can and do know. Plato ? and Socrates too, despite his enemies? accusations of impiety ? knew that the wise person is the truly humble person, acceding omniscience, like omnipotence, to the gods alone even as he or she strains to see the world beyond the cave, and then to go forth to do whatever is humanly possible."
Abstract In this essay, the author analyzes Robin William's fictional character (Parry) from the movie, "The Fisher King". The paper contains five sections. First, it discusses the problem and gives its history. Second, it discusses the psychosocial background of the individual in question. Third, behavioral observations are given, and the importance of these are discussed. Fourth, the paper gives a DSM-IV diagnosis of the individual in question. Finally, a brief treatment plan is given for the client, and a prognosis is given.
From the Paper "Given that the primary diagnosis is that of post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment will focus mainly on treating this psychological problem. First, the acute symptoms of anxiety and depression will be treated with a commonly used prescription drug, Prozac.
Second, it is highly recommended that the client undergo intensive, personalized psychotherapy. This therapy should focus on dealing with his wife's murder, and Parry's feelings of guilt, loss, responsibility and betrayal. It is recommended that the client also undergo inpatient group therapy. It is recommended that the client undergo therapy as an inpatient, to allow constant supervision. The prognosis for this client is excellent. This assessment is based on his high degree of self-awareness, high intelligence, and the inherent potential for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder."
Abstract This paper argues that the comedic element found in "Life is Beautiful" is appropriate to the subject of the Holocaust. The opposing viewpoints of Gerald Peary, a critic for the Boston Phoenix, and the late literary scholar Terence De Pres are also presented.
From the Paper "Shortly after WWII, jokes associated with the Holocaust were found circulating in Israel. For example, "Do you know why Hitler killed himself" He got his gas bill? (Mamet, 142-3). Jokes like this one are often considered inappropriate because they mock a very tragic event and furthermore offend many Jewish people. Such people find jokes about the Holocaust disturbing to hear and yet others find them humorous. Therefore, this form of questionable humor poses the question, do comedy and the Holocaust mix? When dealing with an issue as serious as the Holocaust, it is debatable whether or not an element of humor is appropriate."
Abstract The paper examines the film "1492: Conquest of Paradise" in light of the historical telling of the Columbus story. The film's setting, portrayal of character, dialog and violence are assessed against fact. The film is found to overall not be a realistic portrayal of historical fact.
From the Paper "This film depicts the violence of the Spaniards when the first discovered the New World, and shows how cruel man can be to fellow man, in the name of conquest and riches. It depicts Columbus as "also a good deal more convincing as a human being. As played by Gerard Depardieu, he seems huge and shaggy and dogged, just the kind of man who would get an idea in his head and refuse to surrender it" (Ebert).
In the film, director Ridley Scott portrays him as arrogant at times, which an explorer would have to be to lead three tiny ships into the unknown to prove his theories. In the movie he says to Sanchez, the Spanish royal treasurer: "Look out there! What do you see?" Sanchez: "I see clouds ... I see palaces, I see steeples: I see civilization ... and I see spires that reach ... to the sky." Columbus: "All of them created by people like me. No matter how long you live Sanchez, there is something that will never change between us: I did it, you didn't" (1492)."
A discussion on how the American Cinema has succeeded in depicting the realities in the present-day America focusing on director Martin Scorsese's slow burn style in 'The Color of Money'.
Abstract The following paper argues that Scorsese's 'The Color of Money' indeed excels in terms of the power and wording of the script and the acting. In addition, it asserts that the film succeeded in communicating the themes of 'cynicism versus naivety', 'greed', and 'deceptive appearances' clearly.
From the Paper "The Color of Money was released in 1986 by Touchstone Studio (On Location, 2002). It was directed by Martin Scorsese with Michael Ballhaus as the cinematographer. The main cast featured Paul Newman, Tom Cruise and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio who played the three most significant characters around which the plot and the themes of the film are built. Lasting for an hour and fifty-eight minutes, The Color of Money is based on the novel written by Walter Tevis and is associated with The Hustler of 1961 to which it is believed to be a sequel (The Color of Money: Paul Newman, 2002). This film belongs to the genre of drama with a tinge of historic genre. The Color of Money is acclaimed to be a typical Scorsese's film conducted in his slow burn seventies style on which his film Taxi Driver too is patterned. "
Abstract The paper reviews the documentary, "Tough Guise" by J. Katz on the crisis of America's notion of masculinity. The paper discusses Katz's point that television and movie audience members are not passive recipients to the text and visuals, but instead incorporate what they see and hear into their own lives and social situations in many different ways. It shows how the effects of media and television manifest themselves in a multitude of anti-social behaviors, including the rise of hegemonic masculinity and violence in young and teenage boys.
From the Paper "As an agent of socialization in today's society, movies play a very large role in sculpting the thoughts, opinions, and actions of children and young adults. Most movies portray men as strong, dominant, intimidating, independent, respected and in control. By doing this, we as a society are reinforcing in boys that violence is conceived to be a normal part of being men and is admired."
Abstract This paper looks at William Golding's book "The Lord of the Flies" and its movie version. The paper shows how the book and movie portray certain aspects of society and leadership. The characters of the book are also discussed.
From the Paper "Here there is the formation of the hierarchy that will later set the rules, this pattern continues when the boys meet the others. Two bands of boys are formed, the choir boys with their leader being the former head chorister; Jack, gaining superiority due to his former position and the fact that he can reach top C. Ralph is the leader of the rest of the boys. Here we see the rules start to form. There has been no formal agreement on rules at this stage, only the recognition of a need for leaders. The split resulted in two groups quitet amicably."
Abstract This paper analyzes the documentary "Roger and Me" by Michael Moore with the purpose of detailing and describing the fact that economic globalization has fundamentally changed the face of labour in the United States. The writer illustrates how "Roger & Me" provides a personalized example of the realities of economic globalization on the American public.
From the Paper "The documentary is highly satirical in its treatment of the GM. The professed subject of the movie is Moore's attempt to interview Roger Smith, the Chairman of General Motors. Moore, a bumbling representation of the common man, fails in his attempts to get the interview, and eventually only manages to speak to a GM public relations man. The public relations man is slick, and explains to Moore that the layoffs are necessary, but very regrettable to GM."
Abstract This movie explores the effects of globalization on the lives of both U.S. workers and the newly formed workforces in third world countries such as Mexico and the Philippines. It is compared to other movies which deal with unfair labor conditions - William Adler's ?Mollie's Job" and "The Work of Nations".
From the Paper "The film illustrates the issues faced through stories of the destruction of a local community by a Barbie Doll factory in the Philippines; secret meetings of Filipino women trying to form a union; and a hunger strike by Mexican workers. The film pulls no punches and exposes the abuse of human and labor rights by showing military and police intervention used in situations where workers, in many different parts around the world, are organizing to fight the multinationals by attempting to unionize."
Abstract A paper which introduces and discusses the movie "Bedazzled," starring Elizabeth Hurley, Brandon Fraser, and Francis O'Conner which is directed by Harold Ramis. The paper focuses on movie reviews of this film which was made in the year 2000. It shows how critics are mixed about the humor and content of this remake. Also, many critics felt the script by Ramis and colleagues did not do justice to the 1967 film (starring Dudley Moore and Peter Cook) and was not funny enough to carry cast and characters.
From the Paper "Just like its ultimate theme of good vs. evil, "Bedazzled" is the kind of movie critics either loved or hated, there did not seem to be any middle ground. I personally found the film so funny, and entertaining, I purchased the DVD, and even taped the original on the Fox Movie Channel so I could compare the two. While I found some genuinely great moments in the first film, I think the new "Bedazzled" was funnier, and did not bog down in the middle as much as the first film. I thought the wish sequences were all played extremely well, with Fraser appearing uniquely different in each one. My personal favorite was the last sequence, when he encounters the angelic prisoner in the jail cell, and really discovers himself in the process. "Bedazzled" certainly had its flaws, as many critics pointed out, but it was a charming and amusing film."
