This paper is a psychoanalytic analysis of the film "Malice" (1993), directed by Harold Becker.
Book Review # 101266 |
1,200 words (
approx. 4.8 pages ) |
2 sources |
MLA | 2007
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$ 24.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in the 1993 film "Malice", although everything appears to be normal, the audience soon finds that not far beneath the superficially polite exterior of all the main characters there exists an unconscious and barely controlled subsurface of jealousy, anxiety, sexual insecurity and narcissistic greed, all common plot elements of the generic suspense thriller. The author points out that the thriller genre deals quite blatantly, with what Freud referred to as the resurgence of the repressed id, over and against the demands of society in the form of the externally imposed superego. The paper relates that, when the ego of repressed characters such as Andy, becomes threatened by loss of control, especially in the sexual sphere, it utilizes what Freud called defense mechanisms in an increasingly desperate effort to protect itself from the ever-increasing demands of the id.
From the Paper
'The two main male characters do not escape censure in the film, however. About midway in the film, Dr. Hill is described by another character as possessing a "God complex," which is not a psychoanalytic term in itself but which, in this context, implies someone possessed with an exceedingly strong form of narcissism, an individual trapped to some extent in an infantile phase of development and thus subject of his own libidinal impulses. In the film, this complex is narratively depicted as being not only self-destructive, but destructive of the other characters around Dr. Hill."
Tags:repression, sublimation, characters, narcissism, alienation
An in-depth look at the role of women in the genre of film known as film noir.
Research Paper # 61789 |
7,839 words (
approx. 31.4 pages ) |
21 sources |
MLA | 2004
|
$ 102.95
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Among the various styles of producing films, the noir style is one that has come to be recognized for its uniqueness in characterization, camera work and striking dialogue. Film Noir of the 1940s and 50s was well known for feminine characters that were the protagonists, the femme fatale. This was most common with the French and later accepted in the United States. This paper begins by introducing film noir, its definition, how it started and also the history of this genre in the United States of America. It looks at films such as the "Maltese Falcon" (1941) and "A Touch of Evil" (1958). In the second section, the paper explores how women are represented in film noir (heroine and femme fatal) by discussing the aforementioned films and analyzing them. The paper examines different authors, such as Ann Mary Doane whose research is based on feminism and psychoanalysis and Ewing Dale ("Style and Content in Film Noir"), to discuss their ideas. The paper also compares two film noirs - the "Maltese Falcon" (1941) and "Basic Instinct" (a contemporary noir), to see how women express themselves, looking to see whether they express themselves through their sexual diversity. In the third and last section, the paper examines how women are represented in contemporary noir by analyzing and discussing one contemporary noir - "Mulholland Drive" (2001). The paper analyzes sequences to demonstrate the movie's connection with film noir and examines the role of women in the film. The paper includes illustrations from movies.
From the Paper
"Mulholland Drive reinforces the dominance of the femme fatale in contemporary film noir. In present times the role of the woman in society is observed to have a variation, and this is because of the fact that there is a change in the way that she can express herself. It also highlights the way that she can dominate men without them even knowing it. It is perhaps only when they reach their ultimate doom that they realize that women have exploited them. This kind of character portrayal is one that has increased over the years since the beginning of the film noirs. From then it has developed itself in American filmmaking, which has reflected the strengths and weaknesses both in American society."
Tags:Touch, of, Evil, gloom, film, making
A review of the independent Canadian film industry.
Research Paper # 89481 |
5,625 words (
approx. 22.5 pages ) |
10 sources |
2006
|
$ 81.95
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This paper reviews the Canadian film industry, one that is said to be a composite of three different unique bodies that have combined to create a dynamic film environment; albeit not a uniquely Canadian one. The paper goes on to discuss how while the indigenous Canadian film industry is still extant it might be described as moribund at best. If not for governmental support for the indigenous film industry, independent Canadian film making might already be extinct. The Canadian film industry is relatively healthy overall but the figures indicate strictly indigenous Canadian films, outside of one or two major production houses, may suffer revenue and market difficulties in the years ahead.
Tags:canadian, film, industry
An analysis of the characters and the plot in the horror film "King Kong".
Essay # 73379 |
900 words (
approx. 3.6 pages ) |
1 source |
MLA | 2004
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$ 19.95
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This paper analyzes the 1933 film, "King Kong" and discusses several important elements of the film. More specifically, the paper analyzes the main characters in the film, the film's plot, the acting, mise-en-scene, the film's use of special effects, the use of sound, the cinemaphotogray and the main themes in the film. The paper also discusses the film's powerful emotional impact and the sexual interplay in the play.
Tags:King, Kong, Film, Horror, Monster, Beast, Mise-en-scene
An examination of the recent film "Capote" from a marketing perspective.
Term Paper # 95916 |
2,852 words (
approx. 11.4 pages ) |
7 sources |
APA | 2007
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$ 50.95
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This paper analyzes the marketing approach for the recent film, "Capote." The author acknowledges that this film was clearly meant for a more educated and selective audience, which impacted its marketing approach. This approach included waiting for the film to receive awards, and a careful release pattern that built on reviews and word-of-mouth to bring in the public. The writer concludes that the film's success shows that it found its target audience and may have drawn others along once the awards were announced and the quality of the film touted from the podium.
From the Paper
"Many widely-accepted ideas about film releases govern what the industry as a whole does, among them the idea that certain times of the year are best for certain kinds of films, that a big star can assure a large opening weekend, that a high-grossing opening weekend is necessary if a film is to succeed, and so on. Many of these accepted ideas have been challenged from time to time by one or more films, and even when shown to be wanting, the underlying belief remains powerful and affects next year's product. Many of the independent companies have been taken over by larger entities and act as boutiques, but they still manage to continue to be the most likely to challenge accepted doctrine and to take more chances. Sony Pictures Classics is the sort of in-studio arm that has been developed to handle this sort of release, with Capote a prime example."
Tags:Capote, In, Cold, Blood, Golden, Globe, Award, audience, film, revenue
An analysis of the representation of women in film using the film, "Jerry McGuire" as an example.
Analytical Essay # 88698 |
675 words (
approx. 2.7 pages ) |
4 sources |
2006
|
$ 14.95
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This paper analyzes the film "Jerry McGuire" in order to analyze the characterization of women in film. Several analysis techniques are used for the analysis, such as looking at the life styles portrayed in the film, the film's language, the argument within the text, and the reception of the audience.
Tags:film, media, analysis
Summary of Chapter 3 of "Film History: Theory and Practice" by Robert Allen and Douglas Gomeny, 1985.
Analytical Essay # 69742 |
1,840 words (
approx. 7.4 pages ) |
1 source |
APA | 2003
|
$ 35.95
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This paper presents a summary of "Chapter 3 of Film History: Theory and Practice" by Robert Allen and Douglas Gomeny that focuses on the need for an active process of reading and studying film history. It looks at film as a narrative and the personal agenda of the film historian. It looks at the economic and cultural assumptions of the film historian.
Tags:Film History, Robert Grau, Terry Ramsaye
This paper discusses the subject of truth and the documentary film, making use of the beliefs of film director Errol Morris.
Essay # 84282 |
2,250 words (
approx. 9 pages ) |
2 sources |
2005
|
$ 41.95
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This essay examines the question of the presentation of film and looks at the topic of truth within the documentary film. The writer considers the words of Errol Morris, the director of 'The Thin Blue Line', who believes that documentaries can be as personal as fiction film making. The writer discusses that Morris challenges the concept that objective truth may be captured through film.
From the Paper
"Errol Morris, director of 'The Thin Blue Line', has criticized the cinema verite style of documentary, arguing that: "There is no reason why documentaries can't be as personal as fiction filmmaking and bear the imprint of those who made them. Truth isn't guaranteed by style or expression. It isn't guaranteed by anything". In making this argument, Morris is not only challenging the idea that objective truth can be captured through film, but that the generic line between fictional film and documentary film can often be extraordinarily blurred."
Tags:film, documentary, truth
This paper discusses women and the male gaze in the film "American Beauty".
Essay # 83808 |
675 words (
approx. 2.7 pages ) |
1 source |
2005
|
$ 14.95
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This paper explains that the film "American Beauty" is an excellent example of how the male gaze not only configures looking at women as power but also how this gaze, through the film's use of multiple camera lenses, can shape the geography of space and gender relations. The author argues that the film represents women in visually constricted space in contrast with the representation of men in open space. The paper relates that this distinction mirrors the dominance of the male gaze as defining both geography and gender relations in the film.
From the Paper
"The film "American Beauty" is an excellent example of how the male gaze not only configures looking at women as power, but also how this gaze - through the film's use of multiple camera lenses - can shape the geography of space and gender relations. As this essay will argue, the film represents women in visually constricted space in contrast with the representation of men in open space. This distinction mirrors the dominance of the male gaze as defining both geography and gender relations in the film."
Tags:film, geography, culture
This paper examines the horror film genre, also known as realist horror, while focusing on two specific films, "The Blair Witch Project" and "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer."
Film Review # 67674 |
2,818 words (
approx. 11.3 pages ) |
10 sources |
MLA | 2006
|
$ 50.95
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This paper analyzes the realist horror genre in film. The realist horror genre was spearheaded by Alfred Hitchcock in his 1960 film "Psycho." Horror films proliferated throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s in Hollywood. Most of these films used comedy to portray killings, veering away from realism. The writer of this paper contends that the realist aspect of actual human killers is enough to leave lingering fears long after the viewing has ended. This paper focuses on this particular style of filmmaking, in which the approach is to focus on the killer rather than victim, resulting in terrifying the viewing audience. This well-researched paper notes the similarities and differences in "The Blair Witch Project" and "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer." This paper describes how both films leave the viewer with a lingering thought and fear of the real world. Specifically, fear of the horrific possibilities. "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer" is based on real-life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. The movie follows the daily life of Henry, beginning with aftermath shots of freshly murdered victims juxtaposed with images of Henry. This illustrates to the audience that Henry is indeed a bona-fide serial killer. "The Blair Witch Project" is a far cry from the typical slasher film. It uses an entirely different approach to realist horror. The film is shown as a documentary and the actors are not actors at all, but real victims captured on video.
From the Paper
"The presentation style changes only during the murder scenes. The pictures are graphic and almost too gory to be real. One woman is seen with a bottle shoved into her throat and the electronics salesman's head goes through a television picture tube - just before the television is plugged in - electrocuting him. Background electric guitar is also present mostly during the build up to a murder. It is not overdone and avoids appearing out of place. Rather, it helps the viewer realize something important in happening. Overall the film does achieve a realism most slasher films cannot approach. This purposeful use of a home-movie style subtly reminds the viewer that the onscreen events are based in truth. Blair Witch takes the realist style one step further by using the camera as a prop in the film. The viewer is constantly reminded that an off-screen character is behind the lens."
Tags:film, industry, analysis, slasher, horror, genre, alfred, hitchcock