1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.
The classic movie "The Godfather" directed by Francis Ford Coppola is one of the most memorable gangster films ever made. Following the original feature film, Coppola was also able to make a sequel followed by "The Godfather 3", which excitingly ended the trilogy of his Godfather movies. Exciting, gritty, and real "The Godfather" tells the story of a crime mafia family who is ran by the mob boss Don Corleone who eventually passes away and leaves his throne to his reluctant son Michael who initially never wanted to be apart of the family business. The movie has won numerous awards including an Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from another medium. This successful gangster film is timeless and continues to be relevant in the movie world as quotes from this movie will forever be remembered in film history.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/6189162/The-Godfather-Nobody-enjoyed-one-day-of-it.html
Even though "The Godfather" is a filled with very dramatic scenes and actors and actresses who did such an amazing job with their performances, Coppola agrees that the process of making the movie was, "just non-stop anxiety and wondering when I was going to get fired." In a article written in September of 2009 by writer Phillip Horne, "The Godfather" movie making process is revealed in article tilted, "The Godfather: 'Nobody enjoyed one day of it'." In the article Horne reflects on how the idea of "The Godfather" was brought up and how Coppola wasn't to thrilled about directing the film at first as he felt the novel that was based on the movie was, "a popular, sensational novel, pretty cheap stuff”. He later referenced the novel to, "a king, almost Greek-a King with three sons". When coming to the selecting of picking who would play the Don Marlon Brando was not a first option, in fact Paramount President demanded that "Marlon Brando will never appear in this picture," but with the smooth talking Coppola convinced the Paramount President to allow who he felt to be the greatest living screen actor Brando play the Don Vito Corleone. The rest of the casting was also very problematic as selecting an actor to play the Don's son Michel was hectic, eventually choosing Al Pacino to play the role. Throughout the filming of the movie Coppola felt that he was being undermined by his group of cinematographers and producers and thought that he would be fired at any moment, Pacino also felt that he would get fired, feeling that he still hadn't won over the cast. Lucky for Coppola every idea he had turned out great as he was quoted saying, "without exception, every one of his crazy ideas I used turned out to be a terrific moment”, and also filed the film with, "hundreds and hundreds of interesting specifics".Other things such as the music, Don Vito's death scene and the move length, were controversial in the process but in the end created a wonderful masterpiece.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.
The article did support the way I initially felt about the movie as I could tell it would not be an easy process to develop a movie with so much psychological and drastic dimensions placed into one film. After reading the article and reflecting on the film I could appreciate the film even more as I felt that in the end all the right choices were made as for the actors and the way Coppola directed was very intriguing. Even being criticized by his own cast Coppola overcame the negative comments and was able to make film history with a phenomenal film that eventually would become a trinity of films that would be relevant for an eternity as people young and old are still discovering the magnetism of the film "The Godfather".
4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.
Before watching "The Godfather" I heard of its plot and dramatic filters in the movie and I was highly satisfied after watching the movie for myself. It was everything that was discussed to me prior such as the good directing, moving performances by the actors and actresses, and also a long but interesting plotline that served as a basis for a very good gangster film. I have always been a fan of gangster and mob films and comparing "The Godfather" to some recent works I must conclude that without the "The Godfather" as a foundation for gangster films to follow, this type of genre probably wouldn't have been as successful in modern days.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
The Graduate
1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.
Mike Nichols', "The Graduate" could have very well been the funniest American comedy movie that came out in 1967 according to film enthusiast Roger Ebert. The film itself was nominated for seven Academy Awards and Nichols actually won the Academy Award that year for Best Director. "The Graduate" is a very entertaining love story which follows Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), as he intervenes with a married wife only in the end to fall in love with the same woman's daughter. The film was definitely a great start for Hoffman who later won two Oscar and also made Nichols a well-known name as an acclaimed director.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content.
"Any good movie is filled with secrets"- are the words of the late Mike Nichols who passed away just last week on November 19, 2014. "Here's to You, Mr. Nichols: The Making of the Graduate", is an article that was published in the Vanity Fair Magazine, that focused on the production process of making the iconic film. Sam Kashner offers insights as well as a lot of background information as he carefully in a 7 page article explain how the film came to life from the original novel written by Charles Webb. Several secrets are revealed in the article such as the casting of the relentless Benjamin Braddock, which Nichols initially wanted Robert Redford to play but instead casted little-known actor Dustin Hoffman.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.
From reading the article I developed a better understanding of the format used in the production of "The Graduate." I also was able to learn more about the movie making process and how selecting a the right cast can really be beneficial in the success of the film. Without the seductive Mrs. Robinson being played by Anne Bancroft, and the wittiness and shyness of Hoffman the movie might not have been as entertaining or convincing. Both put on amazing performances and make the movie very believable and amusing. Not only was the film entertaining but also became the highest-grossing motion picture of 1968, earning $35 million in its first six months, and The New Yorker referred to it as , "the biggest success in the history of movies."
4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.
In my opinion, I really enjoyed watching "The Graduate" because it was interesting from beginning to end. It showed a problem in which was very unethical and uncommon, which was a younger male having an affair with a married women. I found the plotline very intriguing as I liked watching Hoffman go on a relentless journey to find the girl of his dreams. From reading the article and watching the film I can agree with Kashner as he says the movie came out at the right time and that could also be another reason it was very popular when it first came out. Even 40 years later the film is still very relatable to society and it is a must watch in my opinion to really understand the history of films.
Mike Nichols', "The Graduate" could have very well been the funniest American comedy movie that came out in 1967 according to film enthusiast Roger Ebert. The film itself was nominated for seven Academy Awards and Nichols actually won the Academy Award that year for Best Director. "The Graduate" is a very entertaining love story which follows Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), as he intervenes with a married wife only in the end to fall in love with the same woman's daughter. The film was definitely a great start for Hoffman who later won two Oscar and also made Nichols a well-known name as an acclaimed director.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content.
"Any good movie is filled with secrets"- are the words of the late Mike Nichols who passed away just last week on November 19, 2014. "Here's to You, Mr. Nichols: The Making of the Graduate", is an article that was published in the Vanity Fair Magazine, that focused on the production process of making the iconic film. Sam Kashner offers insights as well as a lot of background information as he carefully in a 7 page article explain how the film came to life from the original novel written by Charles Webb. Several secrets are revealed in the article such as the casting of the relentless Benjamin Braddock, which Nichols initially wanted Robert Redford to play but instead casted little-known actor Dustin Hoffman.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.
From reading the article I developed a better understanding of the format used in the production of "The Graduate." I also was able to learn more about the movie making process and how selecting a the right cast can really be beneficial in the success of the film. Without the seductive Mrs. Robinson being played by Anne Bancroft, and the wittiness and shyness of Hoffman the movie might not have been as entertaining or convincing. Both put on amazing performances and make the movie very believable and amusing. Not only was the film entertaining but also became the highest-grossing motion picture of 1968, earning $35 million in its first six months, and The New Yorker referred to it as , "the biggest success in the history of movies."
4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.
In my opinion, I really enjoyed watching "The Graduate" because it was interesting from beginning to end. It showed a problem in which was very unethical and uncommon, which was a younger male having an affair with a married women. I found the plotline very intriguing as I liked watching Hoffman go on a relentless journey to find the girl of his dreams. From reading the article and watching the film I can agree with Kashner as he says the movie came out at the right time and that could also be another reason it was very popular when it first came out. Even 40 years later the film is still very relatable to society and it is a must watch in my opinion to really understand the history of films.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
The Big Sleep
1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.
"The Big Sleep" is one of Hollywood's best known anecdotes that has a confusing plot line, and is also a confusing novel written by Raymond Chandler. Director Howard Hawks, orchestrates the first film version of the novel. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall co star in this ingenious production of crime, love, and deception. The plot of "The Big Sleep" is described as "a lust story with a plot about a lot of other things," in Roger Ebert's movie review which ranked the movie an intriguing 5/5 stars.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content.
"The Big Sleep" could be described as multiple genres as it occurs to be a crime story, or some people find it a romantic story, but the film has most often been described as a film noir, which is "a term coined by French critic Nino Frank in 1945 when a flood of dark Hollywood thrillers made during the war....Nearly 40nyears passed before the term became current in the English-speaking world." A very popular movie review article was written in the Pulitzer Prize winning UK newspaper the Guardian, recognizing the brilliance behind the film. In the review Phillip French refers to the film as a film with "infinite interest." French then breaks down the significance behind the film in different characteristics. Such as its Warner Brothers production and the stardom of Bogart and Bacall.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.
The article supported how I felt about the film as it supports highly of the works Hawks and Bogart. The article also helped me understand the film better because I did find it quite confusing when I first watched it but after reading over this review I could understand Hawks' production more clearly. From watching Casablanca, I already developed a liking for Bogart's way to portray his always tough character in the films. The author of the novel Ray Chandler was quoted saying, "Bogart is so much better than any tough-guy actor. As we say here, Bogart can be tough without a gun. Also he has a sense a humor that contains that grating undertone of contempt," this quote supports how Bogart made a truly genuine performance as the lead detective in the film.
4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions. text material and the article.
The thing that I found most interesting about the movie "The Big Sleep" is the unpredictability. From scene to scene you didn't know what to expect as Marlowe (Bogart) would discover something new on every endeavor he went on. This dramatic effect made the movie more intriguing in my opinion and served as a clever technique to develop a very complex storyline. This movie is the type of movie where you watch it multiple times and learn something new every time you watch it. I definitely found this movie different in style to similar films made in the era as it focuses on other qualities of cinematography, and not a hard -boiled narration, distorted camera angles, or flashbacks.
"The Big Sleep" is one of Hollywood's best known anecdotes that has a confusing plot line, and is also a confusing novel written by Raymond Chandler. Director Howard Hawks, orchestrates the first film version of the novel. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall co star in this ingenious production of crime, love, and deception. The plot of "The Big Sleep" is described as "a lust story with a plot about a lot of other things," in Roger Ebert's movie review which ranked the movie an intriguing 5/5 stars.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content.
"The Big Sleep" could be described as multiple genres as it occurs to be a crime story, or some people find it a romantic story, but the film has most often been described as a film noir, which is "a term coined by French critic Nino Frank in 1945 when a flood of dark Hollywood thrillers made during the war....Nearly 40nyears passed before the term became current in the English-speaking world." A very popular movie review article was written in the Pulitzer Prize winning UK newspaper the Guardian, recognizing the brilliance behind the film. In the review Phillip French refers to the film as a film with "infinite interest." French then breaks down the significance behind the film in different characteristics. Such as its Warner Brothers production and the stardom of Bogart and Bacall.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.
The article supported how I felt about the film as it supports highly of the works Hawks and Bogart. The article also helped me understand the film better because I did find it quite confusing when I first watched it but after reading over this review I could understand Hawks' production more clearly. From watching Casablanca, I already developed a liking for Bogart's way to portray his always tough character in the films. The author of the novel Ray Chandler was quoted saying, "Bogart is so much better than any tough-guy actor. As we say here, Bogart can be tough without a gun. Also he has a sense a humor that contains that grating undertone of contempt," this quote supports how Bogart made a truly genuine performance as the lead detective in the film.
4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions. text material and the article.
The thing that I found most interesting about the movie "The Big Sleep" is the unpredictability. From scene to scene you didn't know what to expect as Marlowe (Bogart) would discover something new on every endeavor he went on. This dramatic effect made the movie more intriguing in my opinion and served as a clever technique to develop a very complex storyline. This movie is the type of movie where you watch it multiple times and learn something new every time you watch it. I definitely found this movie different in style to similar films made in the era as it focuses on other qualities of cinematography, and not a hard -boiled narration, distorted camera angles, or flashbacks.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Citizen Kane
1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.
"Citizen Kane" , a classic film by Orson Welles is remembered as one of the greatest films of all time. Welles casts himself as the lead actor as well as he directs, and produces his first feature film. Welles receives high honor for his cinematography, music, and narrative structure in the film. "Citizen Kane" is known for its wonderful production and Welles is recognized as developing this production a pure masterpiece. One could argue that Welles was ahead of his time in his visual style, as he learned and mocked styles of film greats such as King Vidor and John Ford.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-07-08/entertainment/0507080040_1_jed-leland-charles-foster-kane-orson-welles
"Just what's so great about 'Citizen Kane?'," is an article that was published in the Chicago Tribune July 8, 2005. In a short clear article writer Michael Wilmington focuses on the qualities of Citizen Kane, and suggests to readers why watching Citizen Kane is a great experience. Wilmington writes, "Dome younger moviegoers even profess themselves bored with "Kane" and puzzled by its renown, They find it hard to follow. Boring? Never." In his following words he writes about how "Citizen Kane" is not like any other normal film and takes some understanding to really be able to stay along with the movie making it a movie of "aesthetic shock and exhilaration." Explaining that, "It's a film of deep long views that take you far past the borders and boundaries where other movies stop. Wilmington then goes on to explain how the soundtrack and the cinematography play along perfectly and enhances the film making it captivating from beginning to end.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.
The article supports the way I felt about the film because it is relatable to my opinions in which I didn't really understand the movie fully my first time watching it. Being a younger minded individual, and growing up watching more understanding films I had to really follow and observe closely how Welles portrays a story in a different structure through flashbacks to deliver a very sorry full story of a publisher who had his ups and downs and dies with his last words being something significant to his reasoning in which he lived his life. Welles' use of sound and production using frames really comes together perfectly to provide a vivid plot and storyline, and is reasoning into why the film was so successful.
4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text materials and the article.
"Citizen Kane" is an enjoyable film and was known as the best movie ever for centuries for many reasons. All the elements in which are in the film are comprised to make a very intellectual and thought provoking film. It isn't an ordinary film for sure, and it does stand out in the way it produced and also the way it is narratively structured. Welles' was indeed ahead of his time when making the film as he captures frame by frame of cinematography genius to deliver such an interesting film. His acting as well as his screenplay is said to had been linked to his actual life and I can definitely see the comparison. "Citizen Kane" is the type a film you can watch 60 times and still learn something new every time and also will not lose attention as the film captivates viewers through sound and structure from beginning to end.
"Citizen Kane" , a classic film by Orson Welles is remembered as one of the greatest films of all time. Welles casts himself as the lead actor as well as he directs, and produces his first feature film. Welles receives high honor for his cinematography, music, and narrative structure in the film. "Citizen Kane" is known for its wonderful production and Welles is recognized as developing this production a pure masterpiece. One could argue that Welles was ahead of his time in his visual style, as he learned and mocked styles of film greats such as King Vidor and John Ford.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-07-08/entertainment/0507080040_1_jed-leland-charles-foster-kane-orson-welles
"Just what's so great about 'Citizen Kane?'," is an article that was published in the Chicago Tribune July 8, 2005. In a short clear article writer Michael Wilmington focuses on the qualities of Citizen Kane, and suggests to readers why watching Citizen Kane is a great experience. Wilmington writes, "Dome younger moviegoers even profess themselves bored with "Kane" and puzzled by its renown, They find it hard to follow. Boring? Never." In his following words he writes about how "Citizen Kane" is not like any other normal film and takes some understanding to really be able to stay along with the movie making it a movie of "aesthetic shock and exhilaration." Explaining that, "It's a film of deep long views that take you far past the borders and boundaries where other movies stop. Wilmington then goes on to explain how the soundtrack and the cinematography play along perfectly and enhances the film making it captivating from beginning to end.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.
The article supports the way I felt about the film because it is relatable to my opinions in which I didn't really understand the movie fully my first time watching it. Being a younger minded individual, and growing up watching more understanding films I had to really follow and observe closely how Welles portrays a story in a different structure through flashbacks to deliver a very sorry full story of a publisher who had his ups and downs and dies with his last words being something significant to his reasoning in which he lived his life. Welles' use of sound and production using frames really comes together perfectly to provide a vivid plot and storyline, and is reasoning into why the film was so successful.
4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text materials and the article.
"Citizen Kane" is an enjoyable film and was known as the best movie ever for centuries for many reasons. All the elements in which are in the film are comprised to make a very intellectual and thought provoking film. It isn't an ordinary film for sure, and it does stand out in the way it produced and also the way it is narratively structured. Welles' was indeed ahead of his time when making the film as he captures frame by frame of cinematography genius to deliver such an interesting film. His acting as well as his screenplay is said to had been linked to his actual life and I can definitely see the comparison. "Citizen Kane" is the type a film you can watch 60 times and still learn something new every time and also will not lose attention as the film captivates viewers through sound and structure from beginning to end.
Gone with the wind
1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.
The 1939 blockbuster film "Gone With The Wind" is a film in which deserves all the praise. It is one of the most beloved, enduring, and popular films of all time. Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh co-star to deliver a cinematic masterpiece of a love and hate relationship that transpire to a great plot line taken place in the Civil War era. The film takes us back to civil war times as we explore the rough times Americans and African Americans went through in the time of despair. The film is recognized in the African American cinema as African American actress Hattie McDaniel is well known for her role as Mammy, in which she was the first African American to win an Academy Award in the selection for best supporting actress.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://www.gulf-times.com/entertainment/240/details/412239/gone-with-the-wind-turns-75
An article was published in the Gulf times, a daily Arabic newspaper published in Qatar, Doha, titled "Gone with the Wind turns 75" talking about the 75th anniversary of the feature film "Gone with the Wind" directed by Victor Fleming, George Cukor, and Sam Wood. The article talks about the portrayal of the Civil War in the film and how the film shows is not exactly accurate at the events it shows. The article mentions how slavery is a key component of the film and that even though African American actress Hattie McDaniel won the Academy Award for best actress the film still shows little respect for African Americans during that time period and how since its opening the film has been criticized about that. "So Gone with the Wind despite being a cinematic masterpiece, is a politically a disaster." This quote from the article reveals that although the film showed parts about slaves it didn't show the bigger picture in which some southern slave owners treated their slaves as family members, but others were quite brutal and didn't show respect. Basically meaning the movie didn't cover all aspects of the Civil War and the initial purpose that the war was fought
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.
The article did support the cinematic genius behind the production of "Gone with the Wind." The article also mad me change the way of thinking now that I have read the article and viewed the film. The film did show mostly all positives about slaves and slave masters having a good relationship with each other. I'm sure that slave masters like that did exist in that time period but they were not a lot of them. I believe the film could have been more realistic if it showed some of the more negative themes of slavery as well as the positive to serve as a purpose of giving history to a time period in which America was split into two different parties.
4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.
Before watching the film and learning that this was one of the top films recognized in African American Cinema I was expecting to see more African American actors in the film. The film did glorify slaves during the Civil War and showed the brighter sides of the Southern plantations. The film was very believable and enjoyable as I could watch a piece of history in time where not much history had been recorded and America was still fighting for overall equality and peace amongst the nation. I admired Clark Gable as well as Vivien Leigh's work in the film and also gained more knowledge about early film making and production.
The 1939 blockbuster film "Gone With The Wind" is a film in which deserves all the praise. It is one of the most beloved, enduring, and popular films of all time. Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh co-star to deliver a cinematic masterpiece of a love and hate relationship that transpire to a great plot line taken place in the Civil War era. The film takes us back to civil war times as we explore the rough times Americans and African Americans went through in the time of despair. The film is recognized in the African American cinema as African American actress Hattie McDaniel is well known for her role as Mammy, in which she was the first African American to win an Academy Award in the selection for best supporting actress.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://www.gulf-times.com/entertainment/240/details/412239/gone-with-the-wind-turns-75
An article was published in the Gulf times, a daily Arabic newspaper published in Qatar, Doha, titled "Gone with the Wind turns 75" talking about the 75th anniversary of the feature film "Gone with the Wind" directed by Victor Fleming, George Cukor, and Sam Wood. The article talks about the portrayal of the Civil War in the film and how the film shows is not exactly accurate at the events it shows. The article mentions how slavery is a key component of the film and that even though African American actress Hattie McDaniel won the Academy Award for best actress the film still shows little respect for African Americans during that time period and how since its opening the film has been criticized about that. "So Gone with the Wind despite being a cinematic masterpiece, is a politically a disaster." This quote from the article reveals that although the film showed parts about slaves it didn't show the bigger picture in which some southern slave owners treated their slaves as family members, but others were quite brutal and didn't show respect. Basically meaning the movie didn't cover all aspects of the Civil War and the initial purpose that the war was fought
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.
The article did support the cinematic genius behind the production of "Gone with the Wind." The article also mad me change the way of thinking now that I have read the article and viewed the film. The film did show mostly all positives about slaves and slave masters having a good relationship with each other. I'm sure that slave masters like that did exist in that time period but they were not a lot of them. I believe the film could have been more realistic if it showed some of the more negative themes of slavery as well as the positive to serve as a purpose of giving history to a time period in which America was split into two different parties.
4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.
Before watching the film and learning that this was one of the top films recognized in African American Cinema I was expecting to see more African American actors in the film. The film did glorify slaves during the Civil War and showed the brighter sides of the Southern plantations. The film was very believable and enjoyable as I could watch a piece of history in time where not much history had been recorded and America was still fighting for overall equality and peace amongst the nation. I admired Clark Gable as well as Vivien Leigh's work in the film and also gained more knowledge about early film making and production.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Stagecoach
1. Relate what was discussed in class or in the text to the screening?
John Ford is a director known mostly known for his western films. Stagecoach is one of his most famous western films, known for its dramatic cinematography. The film is shot at Monument Valley as Ford uses the location on the Arizona-Utah border, to provide a landscape view as the star actor John Wayne does heroic actions. The film was nominated for a Academy Award in the categories of best picture, best director, best art direction, best cinematography, and film editing.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/23/entertainment/la-ca-second-20100523
On May 23, 2010, an article was published in the Los Angeles Times by Sam Adams, titled "A Second Look: John Ford's 'Stagecoach." The article starts off with the iconic quote that Ford said at a Directors Guild meeting in 1950 introducing himself, "My name's John Ford. I make westerns." In the beginning of the article Adams talks about Stagecoach not being Ford's first western but was a film in which Ford did some things for the first time such as using the landscape of Monument Valley and the establishment of John Wayne as his favored leading man. The article then glorifies Ford's work for his cinematography and how he puts everything together perfectly in unison from his ordinary scenes to his action scenes. Stagecoach was brilliant in many aspects of the cinema and the article explains how other directors used John Ford's tactics to develop different films. "Ceilings hang low, inspiring the muslin-topped mise-en-scène of "Citizen Kane," whose novice director watched Ford's film dozens of times to learn his craft," is an example of how other directors appreciated Ford's work.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.
The article provided more positive insight to which Stagecoach was so successful and is known as of the most successful western films to ever be made. After reading the article and doing additional research I learned that Ford was very intelligent in his craft and knew exactly how he wanted to make his western become a hit. Ford knew that John Wayne was meant for the role and all the other supporting actors were significant in the film's success. At first Wayne didn't even want the role of the Ringo Kid, but Ford knew that he would fit perfect and after the film Wayne received more positive recognition and would become Ford's lead man for upcoming films.
4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text materials and the article.
"Every string in Ford's ensemble vibrates in perfect unison, from John Carradine's gaunt Southern gambler, whose gallant gestures clash with his ignoble profession, to Trevor's pride-stung whore, whose expulsion from polite society takes the form of a joyless parade, a sanctimonious procession of black-clad matrons whose drawn faces suggest a world no living soul would care to inhabit," this quote from Adam's article was very intriguing to me because it exemplifies the true definition on Ford's work ethic. It is clear that Ford was very dedicated to his directing and made movies smartly and accordingly. At first I didn't think I was going to enjoy a western movie because I am not really a big fan for cowboys and Indians but from watching the movie my opinion of westerns has changed as I actually had enjoyment in watching the stunts and shots that showed John Wayne performing incredible acts. For the film to be so old it still showed very good background and landscape views making it seem very realistic in a sense.
John Ford is a director known mostly known for his western films. Stagecoach is one of his most famous western films, known for its dramatic cinematography. The film is shot at Monument Valley as Ford uses the location on the Arizona-Utah border, to provide a landscape view as the star actor John Wayne does heroic actions. The film was nominated for a Academy Award in the categories of best picture, best director, best art direction, best cinematography, and film editing.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/23/entertainment/la-ca-second-20100523
On May 23, 2010, an article was published in the Los Angeles Times by Sam Adams, titled "A Second Look: John Ford's 'Stagecoach." The article starts off with the iconic quote that Ford said at a Directors Guild meeting in 1950 introducing himself, "My name's John Ford. I make westerns." In the beginning of the article Adams talks about Stagecoach not being Ford's first western but was a film in which Ford did some things for the first time such as using the landscape of Monument Valley and the establishment of John Wayne as his favored leading man. The article then glorifies Ford's work for his cinematography and how he puts everything together perfectly in unison from his ordinary scenes to his action scenes. Stagecoach was brilliant in many aspects of the cinema and the article explains how other directors used John Ford's tactics to develop different films. "Ceilings hang low, inspiring the muslin-topped mise-en-scène of "Citizen Kane," whose novice director watched Ford's film dozens of times to learn his craft," is an example of how other directors appreciated Ford's work.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.
The article provided more positive insight to which Stagecoach was so successful and is known as of the most successful western films to ever be made. After reading the article and doing additional research I learned that Ford was very intelligent in his craft and knew exactly how he wanted to make his western become a hit. Ford knew that John Wayne was meant for the role and all the other supporting actors were significant in the film's success. At first Wayne didn't even want the role of the Ringo Kid, but Ford knew that he would fit perfect and after the film Wayne received more positive recognition and would become Ford's lead man for upcoming films.
4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text materials and the article.
"Every string in Ford's ensemble vibrates in perfect unison, from John Carradine's gaunt Southern gambler, whose gallant gestures clash with his ignoble profession, to Trevor's pride-stung whore, whose expulsion from polite society takes the form of a joyless parade, a sanctimonious procession of black-clad matrons whose drawn faces suggest a world no living soul would care to inhabit," this quote from Adam's article was very intriguing to me because it exemplifies the true definition on Ford's work ethic. It is clear that Ford was very dedicated to his directing and made movies smartly and accordingly. At first I didn't think I was going to enjoy a western movie because I am not really a big fan for cowboys and Indians but from watching the movie my opinion of westerns has changed as I actually had enjoyment in watching the stunts and shots that showed John Wayne performing incredible acts. For the film to be so old it still showed very good background and landscape views making it seem very realistic in a sense.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
It Happened One Night
1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.
"It happened one night" is a comedic film that was directed by Frank Capra. The film is one of Capra's greatest works and is on a short list of movies to ever win an Academy award for Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Director, and Screenplay. The film was debuted in 1934 and basically set the pace for a new genre of movies referred to as screwball comedy. The excitement of this brand of movies was popular in the mid-1930s and was a building block for movies to come as the format of a man and woman with mismatched personalities and social status's coming together into making a wonderful love story was very intriguing to audiences. This genre of movies was very popular when they first came out espicailly because they were released in the Great Depression era, so it made audiences delightful in a time when grief and despair was at an all time high.
"It happened one night" is a comedic film that was directed by Frank Capra. The film is one of Capra's greatest works and is on a short list of movies to ever win an Academy award for Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Director, and Screenplay. The film was debuted in 1934 and basically set the pace for a new genre of movies referred to as screwball comedy. The excitement of this brand of movies was popular in the mid-1930s and was a building block for movies to come as the format of a man and woman with mismatched personalities and social status's coming together into making a wonderful love story was very intriguing to audiences. This genre of movies was very popular when they first came out espicailly because they were released in the Great Depression era, so it made audiences delightful in a time when grief and despair was at an all time high.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/movies/bestpictures/night-ar1.html
Frank Capra wrote an article that was published in The New York Times on December 16, 1934 titled "Frank Capra Tells All." The article is exactly how it is titled, as Capra breaks down his movie making process from beginning to end. Capra first thoughts express that he is indeed a visionary as he goes on to say, "The pictures I direct are practically finished before I go on the set," meaning he already knows what to expect out of his films. Capra's also reveals in his article that he doesn't do a lot of "directing" while making his films, as he wants his actors to feel free trusting that they understand stand their so their isn't much directing necessary. The article is a very interesting because Capra gets personal with his fans and confesses that he doesn't even like watching his own films after he sees them once in the theater.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class
After reading Frank Capra's article, I realized that the reason "It happened One Night" was so successful was because the director and screen writer put a lot of time developing a great script than actually shooting the picture. The film portrayed a great story that was heart warming and was brought to life by a star studded cast that made an amazing performance. Capra didn't choose big names just because, he would primarily choose big name actors because he knew that the public would come see a film by the names in front of the theaters. Capra's success was mostly built on his preparation and anticipation of how the audience would react to a certain scene and if the audience didn't respond the way he thought then he believed that something had to be changed. In all "It happened One Night" wasn't a complex production but its simplicity made it enjoyable and relatable. Capra believed in simplicity when making his films, he felt "camera tricks and artistic directional smartness" only distract the audience rather than enhance the entertainment in them.
4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.
"It Happened One Night," had all of the qualities to be a classic, good acting, good script, good directing, which makes it an overall great production. Even though the film dates all the way back to 1934 I still found it very relatable to today's average man and woman relationships. I believe that this was one of the first black and white movies I enjoyed watching from beginning to end. The screen play is very intriguing to me and I liked the storyline as a couple with completely different personalities came together and fell in love as they go on an entertaining adventure to New York City. Screwball comedies are very comparable to today's romantic comedies, but I can say I might of enjoyed watching this older genre than these new movies.
http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/movies/bestpictures/night-ar1.html
Frank Capra wrote an article that was published in The New York Times on December 16, 1934 titled "Frank Capra Tells All." The article is exactly how it is titled, as Capra breaks down his movie making process from beginning to end. Capra first thoughts express that he is indeed a visionary as he goes on to say, "The pictures I direct are practically finished before I go on the set," meaning he already knows what to expect out of his films. Capra's also reveals in his article that he doesn't do a lot of "directing" while making his films, as he wants his actors to feel free trusting that they understand stand their so their isn't much directing necessary. The article is a very interesting because Capra gets personal with his fans and confesses that he doesn't even like watching his own films after he sees them once in the theater.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class
After reading Frank Capra's article, I realized that the reason "It happened One Night" was so successful was because the director and screen writer put a lot of time developing a great script than actually shooting the picture. The film portrayed a great story that was heart warming and was brought to life by a star studded cast that made an amazing performance. Capra didn't choose big names just because, he would primarily choose big name actors because he knew that the public would come see a film by the names in front of the theaters. Capra's success was mostly built on his preparation and anticipation of how the audience would react to a certain scene and if the audience didn't respond the way he thought then he believed that something had to be changed. In all "It happened One Night" wasn't a complex production but its simplicity made it enjoyable and relatable. Capra believed in simplicity when making his films, he felt "camera tricks and artistic directional smartness" only distract the audience rather than enhance the entertainment in them.
4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.
"It Happened One Night," had all of the qualities to be a classic, good acting, good script, good directing, which makes it an overall great production. Even though the film dates all the way back to 1934 I still found it very relatable to today's average man and woman relationships. I believe that this was one of the first black and white movies I enjoyed watching from beginning to end. The screen play is very intriguing to me and I liked the storyline as a couple with completely different personalities came together and fell in love as they go on an entertaining adventure to New York City. Screwball comedies are very comparable to today's romantic comedies, but I can say I might of enjoyed watching this older genre than these new movies.
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