Abstract This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the war film genre, its history and examples of some of the films that have been identified as a war film genre. The writer provides a list of common characteristics of the genre and examines several historical as well as modern war movies -19th century ?Tearing Down the Spanish Flag"; "The Birth of a Nation" (D. W. Griffith); ?Full Metal Jacket"(Stanley Kubrick) and "Life is Beautiful" (Roberto Benigni).
From the Paper "The war film genre is also referred to as the anti-war film genre, since some of the war films do not only discuss war sentiments, but anti-war sentiments as well. War as a film genre ?often acknowledge the horror and heartbreak of war, letting the actual combat fighting (against nations or humankind) provide the primary plot or background for the action of the film.? Furthermore, war films can also be "paired" with other film genres, wherein the topic of war can be interspersed with comedy, drama, or romance as a co- or sub-genre of the film. Tim Dirks, in his article about the war film genre, enumerates several characteristics and themes that can often be found in war film genres:"
Abstract This paper discusses Neil Postman's observations, in his book "Amusing Ourselves to Death" about the way television makes us perceive issues, commodities, people and countries. It explores Postman's concept that medium has actually become more important than the message itself,and that the way American television presents information actually breeds ignorance because it turns important issues into nothing but entertainment.
From the Paper "Media has a very powerful impact on people, which is the reason its advantages and disadvantages are discussed so very often. With every new technology entering our world, we start wondering just how this would later impact our society, culture, consumer market etc. This is because every medium brings along a message and while we believe that message is more important, some social critics maintain it is the medium, which was more powerful than the message itself. Neil Postman admittedly based his book, Amusing ourselves to Death? on the aphorism. "Medium is the message" which was coined by media expert Marshall McLuhan in 1959."
Abstract This paper discusses the movie "A Beautiful Mind" while it compares the movie with the true-life happenings of a Nobel Prize winner John Forbes Nash, who had suffered from schizophrenia. Both the story and the movie played a successful part in portraying the disease as having no association with brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Abstract This three-page undergraduate paper is on the movie Shakespeare in Love directed by John Madden. It includes the review of the movie, what was the movie all about and how right was it historically.
Abstract This paper explores the movie Mississippi Burning and discusses whether the movie was based on fact, Hollywood Hype or some of both. Many of the events were indeed factual events but for box office ratings the movie takes off with an artistic license to attract movie goers across the nation.
Abstract Uses the artistic elements in "Schindler's List" to show how light and shadow suggest meaning in the film. Schindler begins the story trying to start a factory to make money, but he becomes fond of the Jews he employs and does not want the Jews to die. This is a story of the Holocaust designed into a film.
Abstract In this paper, the film, "American History X", is analyzed to provide a clear perspective on the formation of biased ideas. Covering different manifestations of political socialization, the concept of resocialization and the behavior associated with these characters, one can see how people can be driven to these beliefs. Comparisons with several sociological texts on indoctrination and resocialization are provided.
From the Paper "Cameron Alexander could be considered the major persuasive element in American History X. He does a good job of being a "credible communicator", which according to Myers "is someone the audience perceives as credible and trustworthy" (Myers 2004, pg. 164). Cameron is a middle-aged propagandist who seeks to recruit Caucasians disillusioned by how other races are supposedly taking over America and adopts them into his "family", which makes it easy for Derek and Danny to look upon him as a father figure."
Abstract A discussion of the non-linear film "Memento" in terms of narrative continuity and rupture. It looks at film technques and the thematic effect of the films unconventional narrative. The paper explores the film noir elements used and philosophical and psychological issues in terms of the films structure and themes.
From the Paper "Christopher Nolan's Memento, described as a neo-noir revenge film uses a rather unconventional non-linear narrative structure to achieve thematic effect. Protagonist Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) suffers from a memory problem, limiting his short term memories to only a few minutes; the narrative structure attempts to put us within Leonard's world by creating a reverse chronological order of events, starting with the killing of Teddy, and moving backwards from there. There are also, in contrast the chronological black and white scenes. Through the "rupture" of the narrative into a series of non-chronological scenes, making meaning and continuity rests on the readers fabula ? "the viewer's or reader's mental reconstruction of the narrative's nonchronological arrangement of events into chronological order" . Memento in this sense ?demands constant attention from its spectators.? , with the movie hinging on the viewer's ability to make continuity from rupture. This narrative structure works to great thematic effect, emphasising the conventional noir elements, mirroring the alienation and disorientation of Leonard, and exploring philosophical and psychoanalytical themes."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the film "Schindler's List," directed by Stephen Spielberg in 1993. Specifically, the paper contains a historical analysis and review of that film. The paper concludes that "Schindler's List" is a moving account of the Holocaust, and anyone who views it cannot help but be touched by the plight of the Jews during World War II.
From the Paper "Many historians and authors discussing the Holocaust believe only those who managed to survive the horrible conditions of the Nazi concentration camps are in fact qualified to write about what happened during those terrible times. Many writers and directors have attempted to tell the story of those who lived and died, but several maintain that the accounts by survivors are the only ones which accurately depict the ultimate evil of the Nazis and their policies of elimination for Jews, and anyone who did not belong to their blonde and perfect "master race." One of these writers is Michael R. Marrus, who wrote "The Holocaust in History," which discusses in depth the historical aspects of the Holocaust. Since Spielberg also interviewed many survivors of the Holocaust, his film does tend to accurately portray the experiences of Jews in the Auschwitz concentration camp, and in the Poland ghetto of Krakow."
This paper compares Odysseus from the epic poem, "The Odyssey" by Homer, and Ulysses Everett McGill from the film, "O Brother Where Art Thou?" by the Coen brothers.
Abstract This paper explains that Odysseus and Ulysses Everett McGill seem to be two heroes who have little in common at first glance; but, in reality, they are quite a bit alike. The author stresses that the Coen brothers took much of their inspiration directly from Homer; however, they kicked Homer "up a notch" with their modern look at an age-old story of triumph over evil and love conquering all in the end. The paper concludes that Odysseus, for all his strengths, seems a bit outdated and pass", while McGill seems to be the type of hero that could make it in just about any century.
From the Paper "Throughout the poem, the reader sees Odysseus grow and mature. It is clear he is a sound and great leader, but he also learns to use his wits along with his authority, overcome temptation, and reach his goals by defeating incredible difficulties. The same can be said for Ulysses Everett McGill, the hero of "O Brother Where Art Thou?" McGill also must overcome incredible difficulties to get what he really wants at the end of the movie ? his wife and children back. McGill is a quick learner, like Odysseus he is a great leader, he manages to get his friends a pardon from the governor, and all ends happily, just as it does in "The Odyssey.""
Abstract This paper examines how in the films, "Raging Bull", "Goodfellas", and "Casino", all directed by Martin Scorsese, the characters portrayed by veteran actor Robert De Niro come from backgrounds full of poverty, violence, and disillusionment. It shows how, in "Raging Bull", the character of Jake LaMotta is the product of a very disturbing life, replete with jealousy and sexual insecurity, and how, in "Goodfellas", the character of Jimmy Conway represents the quintessential New York City gangster, whose life overflows with violence and betrayal as a direct result of his upbringing. It also shows how, in "Casino", the character of Sam "Ace" Rothstein is also a product of his background, being one of brutality and dishonesty. It explores how all three of these characters portrayed by De Niro are images and reflections of their individual life stories that were often wrought with decadence and hard living.
From the Paper "In Scorsese's Raging Bull, considered by many film critics as a great cinematic masterpiece, the story focuses on prizefighter Jake La Motta, a middleweight icon from the middle years of the 20th century. De Niro's characterization of La Motta has to be one of the most compelling character studies ever brought to the big screen, for he is an individual highly influenced by his poverty-stricken upbringing, a man full of self-pity, sadness and disillusionment. As an historical/biographical film, Raging Bull contains many details taken from La Motta's autobiography, but Scorsese found it necessary to portray La Motta as an uncouth, insensitive lout in order to round out De Niro's portrayal."
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the movie, "Pearl Harbor", and compares and contrasts it to the actual event. The paper points out that, while the movie follows the basic lead-up to the horrific day, many things seen in the movie are, in fact, fictional and did not necessarily take place. The writer explores all aspects of the movie, from the two main male characters to the portrayal of President FDR, the Japanese fighters, and those who lost their lives on that tragic day.
From the Paper "Still another debatable point of contention is the attack its self. In the film, the Americans immediately take to the skies and fight back. Yet historical accounts will tell us that it was not immediate, for a number of reasons. In the film, there appear to be many people wandering around the base. In actuality, the base was far less populated than usual, due to the timing of the attack. This meant it took longer for the service men to fight back. In addition, the film shows the Arizona being hit once, and sinking. History tells us the Arizona was actually struck eight times before sinking."
Tags: world, war, 2, film, ben, affleck, movie, cinema
Abstract This paper examines how the media plays a prominent role in modern society and how the depiction of controversial topics, such as racism, sexism, and homophobia tends to influence social values, often to an inflammatory degree. In particular, it looks at how, recently, an increasing number of films and television programs have focused on homosexuality and how depictions of homosexuality in the media have not only affected how others view homosexuals, but also how gay people see themselves and the rights that they have.
Outline
Homosexuality in Film since the 1890s
Ignoring the Issue: Censorship
Homosexuality as the Subject of Laughter
Homosexuality and Violence
Conclusion
From the Paper "During the 1990's and the first years of the new millennium, homosexuality has become an increasingly prominent issue in the media. The most controversial issue currently is same-sex marriages, forbidden by law in several states. Not allowing homosexual people to have rights is a type of censorship resulting from willfully ignoring the issue. General society is often not comfortable with the issue of homosexuality because it is either ignored or maligned by the media. Advertisements, television programs and indeed films featuring homosexuality is the exception rather than the rule. The consequences of ignoring the issue however is that the fundamental rights promised by the Constitution to every citizen are becoming a travesty of its original intention (Erwin)."
Abstract Very few films attempt to tackle tough issues that we as human beings face. This paper shows that the movie, "Crash" is a thought-provoking look at racial stereotypes in America. Written and directed by Paul Haggis, "Crash" is set in Los Angeles, a city in which strangers never come into contact unless they crash into one another - literally. The paper shows that the makers of the film had the guts to face racism in a way that is tasteful and yet entertaining. Racism and its depiction through film are discussed first. A plot overview is outlined, followed by the conclusion which ties the two together.
From the Paper "This night, Jack crosses the line when he sexually assaults a woman whose car he pulled over, in full view of Thomas and her terrified husband. Terrence Howard plays black TV director Cameron Thayer, whose wife, Christine (Thandie Newton), endures this humiliation. The incident, combined with his treatment at work, pushes Cameron over the edge. The movie then climaxes with a turn of events that makes Los Angeles look like Redding itself with a bunch of coincidences that would never happen in a big city. All of these people's lives come to one big intersection for the grand finale, which leaves the viewer with subject material for plenty of discussions about racism and how it affects American life."
Tags: Ryan, Phillippe, Matt, Dillon, Thandie, Newton
From the Paper "The use of color in "Life is Beautiful" is integral in making the dramatic shift that takes place halfway through the film. Through the efforts of cinematographer Tonino Delli Colli and director Roberto Benigni, the film's color and general visual technique play a large role in the film's impact and message."
Tags: benigni, cinematography, colli, delli, life, beautiful, film
