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Genetic Nightmares, 2007.
An examination of the film "Gattaca" by A. Niccol, 1997.
896 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how the film "Gattaca" is a look into a possible future based on the concerns people have today about DNA testing, genetic engineering, privacy and similar issues. The paper discusses how the film raises a number of questions about what these trends might lead to in the near future and the film plays directly on fears that have been expressed by many people today. The world depicted in the film is centered on a huge corporation that monitors its employees closely and that makes decisions on the basis of genetics. The paper highlights the danger that a few scientific facts can become an excuse for unlimited social control.
From the Paper
"The main character is Vincent, who has found a way around the system and is passing as a man named Jerome. Every morning, he goes through a ritual to install the hair, skin cells, and urine of a crippled man named Jerome, a man who would have had a bright future if he had not been crippled in an accident. Jerome dreams of going into space, which is the business of Gattaca, and he is about to fulfill that dream unless he is uncovered and his true genetic make-up discovered. This might happen because the director of the project has been murdered, and the police investigation could discover the truth about Vincent's DNA."
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American Dream and Criminology, 2006.
This paper examines how the American dream may relate to crime.
1,255 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the theory, proposed by Steven F. Messner and Richard Rosenfeld, that the American dream may in fact be a major causal factor in crime and criminal behavior. The writer explains that this theory, known as institutional anomie theory or more simply as the American dream theory, suggests that the relentless pursuit of material success creates anomie, a state of social lawlessness. Further, the writer notes that anomie in turn causes crime, which is in many cases the easiest and quickest way of fulfilling the American dream. The writer also discusses this theory as depicted in Martin Scorsese's 1990 film 'Goodfellas'. The writer concludes that policy changes need to be targeted at restructuring social norms, values and beliefs.
From the Paper
"Moreover, Messner and Rosenfeld point out that the values and beliefs underlying the American Dream also erode cultural values and subsequently lead to anomie. The American Dream has led to enormous structural changes within American society, and nearly every political, economic, social, and even spiritual institution operates under its spell. Messner and Rosenfeld's theories can be illuminated through the depiction of organized crime in films such as Martin Scorcese's 1990 Goodfellas, starring Ray Liotta, Robert DeNiro, and Joe Pesci. Based on the true story of Henry Hill, Goodfellas illustrates how the American Dream is a major causal factor in criminal behavior, showing also how law enforcement institutions cannot adequately address crime without there first being a major upheaval of values, norms, and beliefs in the society."
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"Tunes of Glory", 2006.
A discussion of the theme of managerial failure in the film "Tunes of Glory".
709 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the film "Tunes of Glory" by Ronald Neame. The paper discusses the theme of managerial failure in putting particular individuals in positions of authority when they are not suited for that sort of responsibility or assignment. The paper discusses the consequences of this managerial failure.
From the Paper
"Jock Sinclair, for instance, gains his position without being prepared for it. For one thing, he drinks more than he should. For another, he is put in charge of a peacetime unit when that is not what he wants to do at all. His lack of desire for the job is a major reason why he does not do well at it, and it is also a reason why he should not have been given that job in the first place. A prerequisite for being a good manager is to want to be a good manager, and without that desire, Jock will not give the job the attention it requires and deserves."
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Film: "The Caine Mutiny", 2005.
This paper analyzes several management questions regarding the officers and their decisions in the film "The Caine Mutiny", directed by Edward Dmytryk.
1,020 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the film is based on Herman Wouk's book "The Caine Mutiny", which is one of the best-known fictional works about mutiny and what it involves, and focuses on dramatic but poor management decisions and choices made aboard the ship "Caine" during World War II. The author points out that, although Captain Queeg did suffer some kind of mental disorder and was unfit for command and the officers may have been correct in assuming command, they did not work hard enough to make things right and relate to Queeg; instead, they waited until he actually endangers the ship and then take over. The paper also states that the U.S. Navy was certainly responsible for the situation because they allowed a man like Queeg to command a ship, even if it was a "rust bucket".
From the Paper
"It is hard to say what the impact of the court martial was on Steve Maryk's career, but common sense would point to his career never making it to the zenith it might have. No matter the outcome, most officers and commanders would probably be afraid to serve with him because he took regulations into his own hands. In fact, at the end, some of his fellow sailors admit they do not like what happened. At a party celebrating his acquittal, one sailor notes, "I defended you, Steve, because I found the wrong man was on trial - so I torpedoed Queeg for you. I had to torpedo him. And I feel sick about it.""
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Media and Adolescent Viewers, 2006.
A research proposal of the effects of the media on adolescent viewers.
999 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This research study analyzes the effects of media on adolescent viewers. In particular the research attempts to determine what, if any, forms of censorship may be necessary to limit adolescent access to overtly violent or sexual media images. It also discusses what psychological and physical effects such images have on adolescent viewers, both in the short term and the long term.
Table of Contents:
Synopsis
Research Goals & Methods
Discussion
Overview of Major Issues
Literature and Historical Evidence
Sexual Harassment and Media
Violence and Media
Mass Media and Sexuality
Summary of Report
From the Paper
"Cognitive social learning theory suggests that adolescents viewing negative, violent or overtly sexual behaviors in the media will mimic them when other more appropriate models are not available (Brown, 2002). Modeling also occurs when the model "is perceived as attractive" or when serving some functional values (Brown, 2002). If children are spending so much time in front of mass media images it is likely they will begin to form their own conclusions about what is and what is not appropriate."
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"Multi-Facial", 2006.
An analysis of the film "Multi-facial" and the way it presents the reality of actors to the audience.
986 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the film "Multi-facial", written, directed by and starring Vin Diesel. The paper discusses the way in which the film makes use of its pseudo-documentary style of filming to highlight the difficulties of an actor whose multi-racial appearance causes casting directors and filmmaking insiders to view him with suspicion. The paper describes the way in which the film suggests to the viewer that this is a reality that is encountered by actors behind studio walls.
From the Paper
"This rough texture of filming places the viewer, constantly in the position of the auditioning casting director of the actor played by Diesel. It forces the viewer to ask, how do I read this actor, racially? It is thus just not a point of plot to ask how will Mike's face be 'read' by the individuals who may or may not give him a job. The viewer is asked to reconsider his or her assumptions. Time and time again, Mike's auditioning directors reject the actor because they feel that the audience's eyes will not read Mike's facial characteristics correctly as a member of a particular racial group."
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Comedy, 2006.
An analysis of comedy as a form of entertainment, looking at two particular plays, "Candida" by George Bernard Shaw and "The School for Scandal" by Brinsley Sheridan.
1,898 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes the use of comedy within the entertainment business. The paper specifically compares two plays - George Bernard Shaw's Victorian-era comedy "Candida" and Richard Brinsley Sheridan's "The School for Scandal". The paper discusses each of these plays in detail and focuses on the use of comedy within them.
From the Paper
"Shaw presents a play that is designed to teach as well, however, although Shaw holds up a far less socially acceptable model for his viewers to embrace. The characters are not immediately humorous in as broad a fashion as Sheridan's caricatures, even though the Shaw comedy does aspire to a didactic purpose. "Candida" tells the tale of the Reverend James Morell who is happy in his marriage to a woman named Candida. "Get a wife like my Candida; and you'll always be in arrear with your repayment." (Act I) Morell speaks some of the common, conventional notions about morality, marriage, and loving one's wife that would likely have been embraced by Shaw's Victorian audience. This creates a sense of connection between the audience and the conventional characters that Sheridan lectured his audience overtly to feel."
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"Twelve Angry Men" and Communication Conflict, 2006.
This paper discusses the film "Twelve Angry Men" and looks at the aspect of communication conflict seen in the film.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 80.95
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Abstract
The writer explains that the film "Twelve Angry Men" concerns a jury of twelve men and their deliberation over a case. Initially, all but one of the men finds the defendant guilty. One jury member, Mr. Davis, refuses to agree to this verdict. Instead, he argues that they should at least consider that the defendant may not be guilty. The writer discusses that this results in an ongoing conflict situation where the jury members debate the issue. The writer shows that throughout this process, Mr. Davis emerges as the leader of the jury. Through his effective conflict management skills, he is able to influence every member of the jury and they finally agree on a not guilty verdict. Through the situation presented in the film, an insight into effective conflict management techniques is gained. This is considered further in the paper by describing several key insights gained from the way that the jury members interact and especially the way that Mr. Davis manages the conflict.
From the Paper
"Jameson gives one example of opposing needs by referring to the need to create both stability and change. That is, members involved in the conflict want to create and maintain stability. However, they also want to move forward which requires change. Conflict then exists as the individuals struggle between creating both at the same time. This struggle is seen in the film as the jury members struggle between their desire for stability and their desire for change. Initially, it is seen that all the jury members except one have a guilty verdict. The fact that one member, Mr. Davis, has a not guilty verdict is an initial source of conflict. For the remaining jury members, their focus is not on understanding why Mr. Davis is saying not guilty. Instead, they want him to agree with them and choose a guilty verdict. In doing so, they are trying to achieve stability, since if Mr. Davis says not guilty, there will be no conflict."
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The "Babe" Movies, 2005.
This paper compares two animated movies, "Babe" and its sequel "Babe: Pig in the City".
1,190 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that both the Australian movies "Babe" (1995) and "Babe: Pig in the City" (1998) center on the title character, Babe, a cute talking pig that is continually thrust into extraordinary circumstances; however, despite both starring Babe, the pig protagonist, the movies themselves are very dissimilar. The author points out that (1) "Babe" is non-picaresque but 'Babe: A Pig in the City' is relatively picaresque, (2) 'Babe' features only a few and less varied animals but the animals in "Babe: Pig in the City" are more varied and (3) "Babe" takes place on a farm with Farmer Hoggett, the main human character, while "Babe: Pig in the City" takes place in the city with Mrs. Hoggett the main human character. The paper concludes that both stories are skillfully told, moral, entertaining, humorous and deeply satisfying.
Outline
Introduction and Thesis Statement
Non-picaresque ("Babe") vs. Picaresque ("Babe: Pig in the City")
Animals in "Babe" vs. Animals in "Babe: Pig in the City"
Farm Setting of "Babe" vs. City Setting of "Babe: Pig in the City"
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The Hoggett farm where Babe (1995) mainly takes place is, after all (notwithstanding the presence of a whole cadre of talking animals) a rather ordinary farm. However, the city where Babe and Mrs. Hoggett find themselves, within "Babe: Pig in the City", is no ordinary city. It features the Hollywood sign, the Sydney Opera House, and the Statue of Liberty, for example, all in one. It is, overall, a rather heartless city, but it still possesses a hotel with an owner kind enough to accept and care for, many animals, a sort of "homeless shelter" for unfortunate creatures."
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European Nationalism, 2006.
A discussion on Gillo Pontecorvo's "The Battle of Algiers" and Erich Remarque's, "All Quiet on the Western Front".
1,279 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the novel "All Quiet on the Western Front" and the film "The Battle of Algiers". . It explains that the film paints a portrait of a society gone awry and that the novel paints a portrait of an individual psychology that is used to show the suffering of all ordinary people caught up in the web of war and the nationalism of the European powers during World War I. The author offers examples from both the novel and the film to qualify points made.
From the Paper
"One of the reasons for the relatively sympathetic portrayal of the soldiers in the service of imperialism in Remarque's novel is the young men's relative youth and low status in the army. The novel is told from the perspective of a nineteen-year-old student who was convinced to enlist with the German army when his schoolmaster Kantorek told him fine things about the glory of battle. However, after seeing the horrors of war, this young man can only think about seeing his ailing mother at home. In "The Battle of Algiers," although ordinary civilians are a presence in the background as victims of terrorist attacks, the decision makers at the heads of both sides dominate the film, thus forcing the viewer to chose sides as to who is correct, politically, in the war."
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"Mr Smith Goes to Washington", 2006.
A review of the 1939 film, "Mr Smith Goes to Washington".
705 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper reviews the film "Mr Smith Goes to Washington" (1939) and its educational value. The paper examines whether the depiction of congress in the film is an accurate one. The paper concludes that although the film was accurate in some ways (eg. passing a bill), it does not give an accurate portrayal of congress today.
From the Paper
"The way the outsider is treated in the film is dramatically necessary but far too cynical for any institution pretending to even a degree of populism. The time frame for the film is compressed so that events seem to take place quite rapidly, but still the condescending treatment given to this one Senator would be highly unlikely from a body that needs every member. The political machine idea also gives more power to political parties than they actually have, though they have become staples in Congress as a way of organizing actions and maintaining order."
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Todd R. Wagner, 2006.
A discussion on Todd R. Wagner and his plans to change the Hollywood movie distribution network.
830 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Todd R. Wagner and his plans to revolutionize the movie distribution network as a means to cut down on piracy. The paper explains that Wagner intends to try releasing films simultaneously in theaters, on DVD, and on one of the two cable channels, effectively collapsing Hollywood's drawn-out release schedules. The paper concludes that while Wagner's idea may have merit, it has yet to be tested on a major Hollywood production.
From the Paper
"Wagner has not really tried the simultaneous release plan as yet. He produced the movie Godsend in 2004 and released the film to theaters in April, then releasing the DVD in August. That is a short release date, though not so short that the studios have not done the same, but it is also far from a simultaneous release. He also produced the film The Jacket and released it in March 2005, with the DVD release in June."
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Reality Television, 2006.
This paper looks at the trend of reality television programs.
3,400 words (approx. 13.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 96.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the trend of reality programs that appeared on television in the late 1980s and has continued to the present. The writer declares that although reality television has become a dominant part of TV viewing, it is important to realize that along with any "entertainment" there comes responsibility. One needs to be concerned when the lines between reality and fantasy become so blurred that one can no longer recognize the difference. The writer concludes that as long as one recognizes that reality television is solely for entertainment purposes, then all is well.
From the Paper
"Another feature of the genre is the format of the shows. Here again producers borrow from both fiction and nonfiction. In the opening minutes of the first episode of Big Brother 5, we meet the eight core houseguests--mostly twenty something, all with movie-star good looks and figures, who are introduced with fast-paced editing that includes flashbacks of good-byes to family and jobs presented with a mix of game-show and sitcom-production techniques. After a commercial break comes act 2 and the exposition of the plot. Here is where we learn how "guests" stay in the game, how viewers participate in the fates of the participants, and what has to be done to be the big winner who takes home five hundred grand.
In act 3, the producers of Big Brother, represented by a petite Asian American who speaks to the contestants though a television monitor--tell the houseguests that each has a minute to choose his or her bedroom and bed. Choices include sleeping alone or with a partner in a double bed."
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Courage in Film, 2006.
Compares the theme of courage in "Erin Brokovich" and "Kill Bill".
956 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The true story of Erin Brockovich shows the triumph of the single mom over huge corporate interests as an astounding example of human moral courage. Similarly, the story of The Bride in Quentin Tarantino's 2003 action film "Kill Bill" is entirely fictitious but demonstrates in exaggerated cinematographic form the value of physical courage. This paper examines the theme of courage and shows how it is portrayed throughout both movies.
From the Paper
"Were it not for her rigorous traditional training sessions, The Bride would not have had the courage to take on a whole army of enemies as she did throughout the film. Her physical endurance during the training sessions enabled her to endure the remarkable amounts of pain she encountered through her battles. Kill Bill illustrates how physical and mental courage converge to strengthen character. The Bride's rewards were not fully realized until the sequel to Tarantino's movie, when the protagonist confronts Bill and reunites with her child."
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"Behind the Lines", 2006.
This paper discusses the film "Behind the Lines" that is subtitled "Regeneration" .
1,273 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer analyzes the film "Behind the Lines" and looks at soldiers that are all victims of World War I. The writer discusses that the film implies that the soldiers are also all victims of the folly of the previous generation of European leaders. The writer describes that the film, in chronicling the rehabilitation of British soldiers, thus makes a case that the 'war to end all wars' was actually a class-based war, waged by the rich for the sake of preserving their way of life, that killed both the next generations, of rich and working-class young men. The writer concludes that whether one agrees or disagrees with its historical assessment, the film's accuracy in terms of the literature and incidents it cites, gives it an ideological weight.
Outline:
Introduction--Plot Analysis and Theme
Body - Historical Accuracy and Thematic Analysis
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper
"Although the film is set behind the battle lines, the presence of the futile 'no man's land' is present in the minds and the images of the entire film. The film is structured in a serious of flashbacks, flashing from wartime past to present, from present to the childhoods of the young men. The ever-present tyranny of the aristocracy is underlined by the location of the film, a Scottish Castle that was used as a military hospital for wounded officers. This is based upon an actual wartime 'truth,' namely that such old relics of the past gentry were used as hospitals. The image also creates a poignant and pointed backdrop that underlines the main themes of the film visually, namely that the beauty of such old ways of life was not worth the tremendous suffering used to preserve such a way of living."
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