Abstract In this paper, the author compares StevenSpielberg's films "Saving Private Ryan" and "Munich." The basis for the comparison is Spielberg's personal cinematic style as a director. Spielberg is able to integrate the visual setting in both films as realistic, but not necessarily for sheer visual impact. Instead, he lets the scene tell the story. Additionally, the conclusions of both films allowed the viewer to resolve the themes of the movies themselves, another trademark of Spielberg.
From the Paper " It was easier to immediately reject Saving Private Ryan because of its category than it was to reject Munich. At least Munich was interesting. Upon hearing the titles of both films, Munich (at least in this reviewer's case) was far more intriguing than Private Ryan. This critic's automatic rejection scenario was immediately initiated upon hearing of Private Ryan, while being intrigued by hearing of Munich."
Tags:Steven, Spielberg, film, Munich, Saving, Private, Ryan
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts Thomas Keneally's book, "Schindler's Ark", with StevenSpielberg's film, "Schindler's List", which Spielberg based on Keneally's book. The paper looks at the differences in how Schindler is portrayed in the novel and how he is portrayed in the film, and the details about Schindler that are included in Keneally's book, but omitted in Spielberg's film. The paper also comments on Spielberg's ability to effectively depict the horrific treatment of the Jews by the Nazis.
From the Paper "Perhaps no other movie in recent history has had such an effect on the American public and the citizens of the world than Steven Spielberg's ?Schindler's List.? Based on Thomas Keneally's book, ?Schindler's Ark,? the movie was hailed by most critics as a masterpiece of cinematography. It was also praised as being an important and crucial link to the untold stories of the survivors of Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Through the years the movie has been studied in classrooms across the world and has become the centerpiece for museums dedicated to the camps? victims and survivors. However, one could argue that, among other differences, Spielberg's movie over-dramatized Oskar Schindler, compared to the Keneally's portrayal of the man."
This paper discusses the use of symbolism to portray the stereotype of the American male hero in StevenSpielberg's "Indiana Jones" trilogy, especially "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981).
Abstract This paper explains that not only are there actual symbols present in StevenSpielberg's "Indiana Jones" trilogy, especially "Raiders of the Lost Ark", such as Indiana's most feared enemy, the snake, but also the movies themselves serve as a symbol of American pop through the Hollywood's glorification and stylization. The author points out the symbolism in the main character Indiana Jones, played by Harrison Ford, who is a young, powerful educated man, coming from a civilized background with a catchy nickname "Indy", which all heroes must, and dressed in his classic American archaeologist attire of leather jacket and bullwhip. The paper concludes that the Indiana Jones trilogy continues to be an incredible success because it is so easy for the American population to relate to Indy, a hero who never failed, and because it reflects American pop culture of adventure, power and heroism.
From the Paper "It is very possible for even one trailer that is a mere one minute and fifty seconds long, to encompass so many different symbols, that have significance all throughout the movie. The clip that portrays the most symbolism in the shortest amount of time is definitely the part of the movie when Indiana Jones finds himself fighting a town full of Arabs in the middle of a marketplace in Cairo, all in order to rescue Marion. First and foremost, this entire sequence is filmed to fully capture the role of having a damsel in distress, as Indy is fighting in attempt to save Marion. Secondly, a very apparent form of symbolism appears in the background of the shot, where the entire marketplace is full of Arabs who are all wearing turbans and sandals, a very stereotypical image of the people of the eastern culture living in that region. The most noticeable glorification of the American culture becomes very evident when Indy is facing a large Arab man with a sword, who is prepared to fight him."
Abstract This paper explains that Sigmund Freud in his 1919 essay "The Uncanny" examined the different meanings of the term 'uncanny'. To understand how familiar things can become frightening, Freud examined the usage of the term 'uncanny' in various languages, which the author presents in this paper. The author points out that, as Freud indicated, the fear of the 'double' can produce an uncanny feeling, which is portrayed in Spielberg's movie, "Artificial Intelligence" (A.I.). The paper concludes that Freud's essay was interesting but confusing; however, Spielberg's "Artificial Intelligence" is a must watch movie.
Table of Contents:
Sigmund Freud's "The Uncanny"
StevenSpielberg's movie "Artificial Intelligence"
Conclusion
From the Paper "The theme of the 'double' by Otto Rank has also been discussed in Freud's essay. The 'double' relates to the mirror reflection, shadow, spirits, and fear of death. "The double was originally an insurance against the destruction of the ego" (Freud, 2003). According to Freud, the uncanny can be produced by the 'double', as the 'double' has become a factor of terror. For instance, when we look at ourselves in the mirror, we may not see ourselves as being what we are, but as something else, which may be negative, and this is derived from our conscience."
Abstract This paper relates that StevenSpielberg's ?Schindler's List was made superbly, using techniques that enhanced the impact of a powerful storyline. The author points out that the cinematography, the unique camera work, sharp angles, and black-and-white filming contributed to the success of this brilliant film. This paper explains that John Singleton's "Rosewood", another movie that captures the horrors of racial violence, is not as superbly made as Spielberg's film; nonetheless, it does full justice to the issue of violence, especially lynching.
From the Paper "Based on true events that took place in 1920s, the movie was hailed for its realistic depiction of violence; but it failed to win accolades at the box office because of its not so powerful cinematography and less than unique film techniques. Unlike "Schindler's List" where everything contributed to make the movie successful, the same things did not serve the right purpose in "Rosewood". Singleton's camera work effectively captured fear and terror of racial violence, but it did nothing to accentuate the impact of important scenes. Unique camera work and exceptional editing skills were required to add excitement to an otherwise clich?d issue. However, neither Singleton's direction nor Gregory Piorer's script could lift the film to the status of "Schindler's List". In the opening scenes, for example, the contrasts between white and black towns are almost too obvious and are given elementary treatment."
Abstract This paper explains that the films "Jaws" (1975), by StevenSpielberg, and "Deep Blue Sea", (1999) by Renny Harlin, reveal similar films, but with different twists within the action/thriller shark movie category. In regards to the technology used in Spielberg's 1975 masterpiece, it appears that less was more in creating a monster that brought terror to the American population.
From the Paper "This formal film analysis will examine the comparison and contrast between the two films: "Jaws", (1975 by Steven Spielberg, and "Deep Blue Sea", (1999) by Renny Harlin. In this manner, the narrative structure of the film closely follows the dictates of dramatic representation in how human beings survive against sharks. The fury of nature and social hysteria becomes the critical focal point in both of these films, as the terrifying darkness of what may lurk in the oceans is brought forth."
Examines the career of this director, from his first film in 1960 to "Saving Private Ryan". Examines success, style, content, themes and special effects.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 6 sources, 1999, $ 95.95
Abstract "StevenSpielberg is arguably the most financially-successful film director in history, having directed several of the highest-grossing films in history. These films include Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Raiders of the Lost Ark (and its sequels), and now Jurassic Park, quickly on its way to becoming the number one box office grosser of all time.
From the Paper "Steven Spielberg is arguably the most financially-successful film director in history, having directed several of the highest-grossing films in history. These films include Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Raiders of the Lost Ark (and its sequels), and now Jurassic Park, quickly on its way to becoming the number one box office grosser of all time. His success as a moneymaker has not always been greeted with critical acclaim, and there may indeed be some tendency on the part of critics to overcompensate for Spielberg's success with barbs at some of his films. His supporters think this is the case, and they also feel that the Hollywood community has joined in that effort. They point to the fact that The Color Purple, directed by Spielberg in 1985, won eleven Oscar..."
From the Paper "Steven Spielberg is arguably the most financially-successful film director in history, having directed several of the highest-grossing films in history--Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Raiders of the Lost Ark (and its sequels), and now Jurassic Park, quickly on its way to becoming the number one box office grosser of all time. His success as a moneymaker has not always been greeted with critical acclaim, and there may indeed be some tendency on the part of critics to overcompensate for Spielberg's success with barbs at some of his films. His supporters think this is the case, and they also feel that the Hollywood community has joined in that effort. They point to the fact that The color Purple, directed by Spielberg in 1985, won eleven Oscar nominations, but not one for the director. Actor-director Clint Eastwood has speculated that..."
Discusses the theme of feminism in Walker's prose "In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens", her novel "The Color Purple" and StevenSpielberg's adaption of the novel into a movie.
Abstract According to African-American author Alice Walker, tradition and inheritance of culture are more important to black women than resistance and denunciation of the typical problems affecting them. This paper is an analysis of feminist issues discussed in Walker's prose "In Search of Our Mothers? Gardens", her novel "The Color Purple" and StevenSpielberg's film adaptation of the latter in 1985; highlighting the role played by a major character of the novel and the portrayal of this character in the movie.
From the Paper "The story is not one that allows for easy transposition to the screen. Given its complex themes and recurrent debate of the "contrary instincts" of Walker's book, the actors and producers were called upon to handle the film with great sensitivity. Celie is a black woman who grows up in the rural South in the early decades of this century, in a world that surrounds her with cruelty. When we first see her, she is a child, running through fields of purple flowers with her sister. But then she comes into clear view, and we see that she is pregnant, and we learn that her father has made her pregnant, and will give away the child as he had done with a previous baby. Her situation worsens with her marriage to a cruel husband, her inability to bear children again and her separation from her sister to whom she is deeply attached. None of these adversities dampens her spirit, and she endures, even prevails by the end of the film. The film is not about suffering but about the victory of the human spirit. There are many examples of this victory that are shown through Celie's actions."
Abstract This paper uses five sources besides the movie to explain how "Saving Private Ryan," directed by StevenSpielberg, presents a false depiction of World War II. The paper argues that the movie is lying to the public about the realities of WWII and in fact glorified a horrifying time period in history.
From the Paper "In the movie Saving Private Ryan, Steven Spielberg tries to recreate war as close as possible. At certain times in the movie you feel as if you are right there in the battle scene. However, the majority of the movie and the overall plot of the movie leave the lingering question in a historical mind, "Did that really happen?" or "I can't believe that really happened." The answers to these questions are not simple answers, but rather a system of comparing and contrasting accredited sources with the movie. By comparing actual footage of wars in current times and relating how the wars might have been different back then is a test people might use to determine how truthful the story is."
Abstract This paper presents a critique of Charlie Chaplin's "The Great Dictator" and StevenSpielberg's "Schindler's List." The critique includes a summary of the film, characterization in the film, audience reaction, and critical reaction. Also included is a discussion about how the films relate to the Nazi regime and the Holocaust.
From the Paper "Before the horrors of the Holocaust became evident, Charlie Chaplin's "The Great Dictator" advocating the forces of democracy to collectively stand against fascism found its way into theaters. Ironically, production of the film began on September the day Britain and France declared war on Germany. Prior to WWII Britain's policy of appeasement and the U S policy of isolationism did little to persuade Chaplin against making the film a parody of Hitler's and Mussolini's fascism. Britain announced it would not release the film for fear of..."
Abstract This paper reviews StevenSpielberg's movie 'The Terminal', discussing the movie's focus on one man that has entered the United States to put the past of his father at peace. The paper reports that the main character soon discovers that his country has undergone a civil war while he was en route to the United States and the powers that have overtaken his country have now abolished its existence. Airport authorities, therefore, refuse to honor his visa and confine him to the airport terminal. The paper further discusses the apparent cultural differences and language barriers between the main character and the airport employees.
Abstract The Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Color Purple (1982) by Alice Walker was translated into cinematic form by the popular American director StevenSpielberg in 1985. The representation of a literary work in a radically different media form presents many complicated issues for directors who are not only incorporating their own vision of a text into their adaptation but must also consider such issues as commercial interests and film censors. This essay argues that the differences between the novel and the film version of "The Color Purple" are extraordinary and go beyond simple additions or omissions.
Abstract This paper reviews the film "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (the first action adventure of a series of Indiana Jones movies), directed by StevenSpielberg and George Lucas. The paper introduces and discusses in detail, the basic plot of the film. It also briefly discusses characterization and camera use in some of the scenes of the film.
From the Paper "The final scene involving the Nazis and the rescue of the ark, is the site where the Nazis, who have retrieved the ark, plan to open it to discover its secrets, is one that employs the most intense special effects of the film. There is panning to set up the sense of how Indy is greatly out numbered by the Nazis and a lot of medium shots of Indiana as he poses with a rocket launcher threatening to destroy the ark. Of course, as an archeologist, he can't himself to do that, and surrenders to the Nazis. Taken prisoner with Marion, once again, there is a montage of action as the special effects through light and laser demonstrations take over to the thundering warning of the music warning the viewer of doom. In the end, the Nazis are destroyed with close ups of their faces melting through the layers of skin, ligament to bone demonstrating, first, their horrific terror of what they are seeing just before they disintegrate."
Discusses the theme of social justice in Richard Wright's 1958 classic "Native Son" and the 1985 StevenSpielberg film adaptation of Alice Walker's "The Color Purple".
Abstract This paper relates that Richard Wright's 1958 classic "Native Son" and the 1985 StevenSpielberg film adaptation of Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" present a distorted sense of social justice, which provides an undercurrent for the mistreatment foisted upon others as a hierarchy of oppressive abuse. Both approach society with the understanding that its sense of justice has been deeply skewed by cultural characteristics of racism and patriarchy. The author relates the story and key protagonists of the book and of the film. The author concludes that, through the conflicting figures as Bigger Thomas in "Native Son" and Mister in "The Color Purple", social justice without equality or sound moral orientation is not simply empty but also potentially dangerous.
From the Paper "Ultimately, the course of events around which Richard Wright's important 1940 novel on political and racial issues of the time centers is Bigger's lifelong disengagement from the society that has given him so little. Wright does not take long to introduce, simultaneously, the miserable conditions of Bigger's life and the formative responses which have manifested within him. In the opening sequence of the novel, Bigger and his brother are forced to hunt and kill an enormous rat while his mother and sister stand on the bed and watch in terror."
Tags: racism patriarchy, moral orientation, heroism resentment
