Abstract This paper explores movie remakes and questions whether the film industry uses its assets efficiently or wastes the audience's, as well as the film industry's, time and money by rehashing socially irrelevant characters and worn out plots. When a movie company produces a film, they have a tangible asset by owning the rights to that particular movie to do with as they please. The writer of this paper asserts that while the original movie may have been good in its time, it may not always stand the test of time when producers remake the film in an attempt to spark a renewed interest in it. This paper focuses on two films, "Shaft" and "Planet of the Apes," both socially controversial films from 1968 and compares them to their remakes in 2001.
From the Paper "The 1960s was a time of racial turmoil. After nearly 250 years of oppression, blacks had finally won equal rights with the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Gone were the Jim Crow laws and other attempts to legally separate people according to race. However, simply making a law did not automatically erase the social confines that surrounded the issue of racial differences. Blacks and Whites had been legally separated for many years. Their origins were two different perspectives and ancestries. Even though blacks could no longer be discriminated against according to the law, this did not mean that they automatically gave up their own unique styles and culture."
Abstract This paper analyzes two postmodern road movies namely, Wim Wenders "Paris, Texas" and Jim Jarmusch's "Stranger than Paradise". It compares the film's characters, philosophy, existentialism and postmodern sensibility. It explores road movies as a reflection of American culture. The author discusses the chaotic state of American culture as depicted in the sensibility of the two films.
From the Paper "American road movies are a reflection of American culture steeped in the particular culture and images of their time. In spite of this, road movies in general have common characteristics. An individual, two people or a small group attempt to escape the world the ..."
Abstract The paper examines the "Star Wars" (Episode IV) and "The Matrix" movies and shows how the two movies are not only similar in genre, but also share the themes of humanity in peril and the idea of the chosen one who will save all. The paper notes that both were made with young adult audiences in mind and points out that the first was made at the onset of the computer and Internet revolution, while the second was made when this technology was the norm, and the world had already began to question its merits.
From the Paper "Star Wars' narrative is familiar to a wide range of audiences who have been prepared for it through fairy tales of childhood. The story is a very classic and uncomplicated tale of good versus evil. Most western audiences are familiar with the 'language' of fairy tales. There is also the theme of the 'chosen one' or the Messiah, and this is a characteristic that the film shares with the Matrix. The hero is a typical fairy tale character good, brave and possessing supernatural power. There many 'clues' that he is the good guy. He is young and blond. His clothes are made of natural fiber, white or warm earthly in color, as is his surroundings."
Abstract This paper studies the movies "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Welcome to the Dollhouse" which portray teenagers who are struggling with gender roles and outcast status. It details the main characters and their problems with their undecided sexual identities. It compares and contrasts the qualities of the main characters in each movie. It also describes society's reaction to these characters in both cases.
From the Paper ""Big boys shouldn"t cry.? "Little girls shouldn"t get angry.? From the moment of birth, children are socialized to know exactly what the world expects of them as girls or boys. Many people, however, are unable or unwilling to fit neatly into pink or blue boxes. People who challenge gender expectations, especially teenagers, often find themselves facing rejection from peers and family. The movies Rebel Without a Cause and Welcome to the Dollhouse show teenagers struggling with gender roles and outcast status. The main characters, Jim Stark and Dawn Wiener, respectively, have some similarities: both long for acceptance and are willing to pay a high price for it, both occasionally lash out with violent, hurtful behavior, and both make dramatic gestures to attract the attention of their parents. These characters also, however, have some important differences in their in their treatment of other outcasts, in their abilities to express their own needs, and in their outcomes."
Abstract This paper observes the movie theaters marketplace for facts in the nature of competition and the idea of "perfect competition", a concept rooted in the work of John Maynard Keynes. It examines the concept of equilibrium in the marketplace and traditional economic theory.
From the Paper "When we decide to go see our third viewing of "The Mummy Returns" we?re usually more concerned with what time the next show is than with what movie theaters ? with their 6-dollar tubs of popcorn ? can tell us about the nature of economic competition. However, the movie theater business is ? like all arenas of economic activity ? capable of telling us something about the structure of a particular market place, the history of that commodity or service and the nature of competition in that particular market place. Movie theaters can tell us something the nature of competition and indeed about the nature of the idea of "perfect competition", a concept with roots in the work of John Maynard Keynes and his questions about the concept of equilibrium in the marketplace. Traditional economic theory assumed that a group of producers operated in a perfect market for any given commodity with each producing only a small part of the whole supply. Thus, for each producer (and for each commodity) the price was determined by the market. Each producer maximized its profits by selling only as much as would make marginal cost equal to price, in other words, each producer would produce exactly the amount that, if any more were to be produced that the additional product would add more to costs than it would to profits (MacHovec, 1995, p. 38). Each producer of any commodity (whether widgets or blockbusters) thus worked to capacity, to the point where profitability was limited by rising costs (MacHover, 1995, p. 42)."
Abstract This essay discusses how movies portray violence and sex because doing so meets a demand. But this phenomenon is more complicated because the desires of audiences are very much shaped and molded by certain forces.
Abstract The comparison of two WWII movies and how they are both very important in teaching the history of what "The Greatest Generation" did for us and freedom.
From the Paper "For my assignment, I have chosen to compare, contrast, and review two of my favorite war movies. As a historical preservationist, I enjoy watching movies relating to American and world history ? but I also have a bad habit of scrutinizing them for errors. Is the character wearing the correct uniform? Did that really take place or was it made up for the movie? I felt that these two movies, which both dealt with the time around June 6, 1944 (D-Day), would be a good pair to look at from the old Hollywood style and the new "television age and beyond" movie style."
A look at the aspirations of the European Union (EU) for European unity and the obstacles it faces. The movie,"Europa Europa", is presented as a point of comparison of attitudes.
Abstract This paper supports the idea that it is possible to overcome many obstacles to integration on the economic and governmental fronts; however, Europeans will not fully embrace this unity in their hearts. It examines the nationalistic elements in these governments which do not fully support EU integration. The movie,"Europa Europa", is presented as a point of comparison of attitudes.
From the Paper "Since the end of World War II, the European community has been trying to achieve an atmosphere of cooperation and unity. They have broken down many barriers to trade and governments are learning to work as a unit. However, amid this happy cooperation, one fact cannot be denied. Europeans represent many cultures and identities, which have different histories and ideas. This paper supports the idea that it is possible to overcome many obstacles to integration on the economic and governmental fronts; however, Europeans will not fully embrace this unity in their hearts."
Abstract This paper shows how both the movies, "On the beach" and Testament?, deal with the dangers of a nuclear war. It explains that both the movies do not present any horror events, and there are no scenes of mass devastation or explosions in either of the movies. It states that the movies are, instead, presented through relationships and seen through the eyes of the characters and from the personality and expressions of the characters. How human beings deal with the aftermath of a nuclear war is presented in both the movies.
From the Paper "The movie "On the Beach" was based on the best-selling novel written by Nevil Shute, which was once called the most important movie of our times. The plot is based on a future event, which happens in 1964. As a result of a nuclear war, the Northern Hemisphere is completely wiped out. The story is the result of the interaction, which takes place among the characters of the story, which takes place after the disaster in the northern hemisphere. Since the radiation spreads to all parts to the world, they understand that only Australia is safe from radiation and so those who are alive should migrate to Australia before the radiation takes place. But after reaching there they understand that they will also be infected and would die, which would take only within a short span of time. The country waits for the winds, which will carry the fallout of radiation and would ultimately kill them also. (www.reel.com/movie)"
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 Female characters using their sexuality to achieve what they want in Hollywood films is a strategy that is used over and over again by film makers. The paper shows that while many movies use the same basic themes when it comes to female sexuality, there are some variances from the norm. This paper discusses different forms of female sexuality as they appear in three Hollywood films, "The Ice Storm", "Boys Don't Cry" and "Thelma and Louise". From these movies three specific characters are studied: Wendy Hood, Brandon Teena and Thelma, respectively. The paper shows that these three women all represent female sexuality differently. They don't all fit the stereotypes of women that other movies tend to portray. Although there are some similarities between the three characters, the portrayals vary as to how the characters use their sexuality and femininity and it is these differences the paper examines.
From the Paper "Another similarity between the movies is that they all portray women who are struggling with something. Whether it's coming of age, sexual identity, or a discovery of who they really are, all three women have something very important going on in their lives that they must deal with. Brandon Teena has the largest problem to handle of the three selected women, but Wendy and Thelma must struggle with their own beliefs and actions as well. The actions of others that directly affect each of the women must also be dealt with."
Abstract Two of the most popular science fiction movies over the course of the last five decades are "The War of the Worlds", circa 1953, and the 1996 blockbuster, "Independence Day". The writer explains that, although almost fifty years separates the two films, anyone who has seen both films becomes quite aware of the effect "The War of the Worlds" had on the creation of "Independence Day". This paper provides an overview of both movies and then discusses how the predecessor affected the latter.
From the Paper "The War of the Worlds was an updated movie adaptation of H.G. Wells book of the same name. Heralded as one of the greatest science fiction film of the 1950s, The War of the Worlds won an Oscar for its amazing special effects ("The War"). Although divergent from Wells? book in many places, the movie still holds the same central message. Martians have come to take over Earth and humankind appears to be doomed. Sinister looking, bowed crescent-shaped alien craft float above the cities. One glowing green eye juts from the top of each craft, firing red sparks and destroying targets at will. Despite using an A-bomb, dropped by a Flying Wing, human weaponry has no effect on the Martian craft ("The War")."
Abstract A comparison of three movie versions of "Romeo and Juliet". The writer examines why this play has been so popular a choice of film directors and looks at the different qualities each version stresses or omits. The version examined are Franco Zeffirelli's "Romeo and Juliet," Baz Luhrmann's version of "Romeo and Juliet," and the movie version of "West Side Story".
From the Paper "What occurs when a filmmaker attempts to translate this extremely word-focused medium into the image-focused medium of film? Anyone who has ever seen a filmed play of any kind will understand the dilemma facing a filmmaker in such a situation. He or she is often frustrated by the static nature of the camera, and of the lack of action in the bodies of the participants. What seems exciting on the stage can seem quite dull and overly verbose on film. Three filmmakers in recent memory have attempted to remedy themselves against this danger of dullness when translating the word-heavy medium of Shakespearean verse of "Romeo and Juliet" upon the screen in three different ways. Like the time in which it was written, these versions of "Romeo and Juliet" themselves are tied to a particular place and time and the techniques they use to make the play cinematic are quite particular to a particular vision of the play in cinematic history."
Tags: shakespeare, play, theatre, movie, film, actor, director
Abstract A film review of the movie ?Bataan,? and a comparison of its reality with the experiences of E.L. Sledge, in his book ?With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa.? The paper starts with a critical review of the movie and proceeds to provide the writer's own opinions.
From the Paper "We?ll stay as long as we can stand up.? The first man to die in the group thirteen men who are thrown together to defend a dying island, sums up the pervading force in the MGM film ?Bataan,? released in 1943. With his death, the squad is effectively without a leader, and they plunge into the jungle, determined to hold off the entire Japanese army, so General MacArthur can make his escape from the doomed island.
Starring Robert Taylor, George Murphy, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Nolan, Desi Arnaz, Robert Walker, and several others, this film, directed by Tay Garnett, attempts to show the realities of war, while showing American's how her fighting men were strong and brave, down to the last man."
