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How Camp Culture Changed "The Sound of Music", 2008.
This paper discusses the unique stylistic elements of "The Sound of Music" cinematography and genre, as well as its subject matter.
1,450 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This article analyzes the success of the musical film "The Sound of Music" from its introduction in 1965 to its high popularity in modern times. The author concludes that the continued popularity of the film has been largely determined by a small and enthusiastically devout alternative audience's demands, rather than by the sustained appeal of the factors which made for its dramatic commercial success in 1965.
From the Paper
"According to Rohrer's BBC News article, Joe Heaney (arts editor of the Gay Times) believes that "Maria's transformation is key to the story's enduring popularity" (Heaney, cited in Rohrer "BBC News Magazine"). Heaney adds that the film is "about someone who is a complete outsider, she has been living in a convent and is very afraid to live in the real world and yet she is able to conquer her fears" (Heany, cited in Rohrer "BBC News Magazine"). "
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Three Films about Education, 2008.
This paper examines how three films, "Dead Poet Society", "Renaissance Man" and "Dangerous Minds", reflect the American belief in individualism.
1,415 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Hollywood films "Dead Poets Society" (1989), "Renaissance Man" (1994) and "Dangerous Minds" (1995) represent distinct educational environments with different cultures in different eras. The author points out that, despite these differences, a common assumption of all three films is that education, whether in the 1950s or in the 1990s and in any society, is radically flawed. The paper argues that, while this assumption may be shaped primarily by the narrative need of all films for a dramatic "protagonist" whose intervention propels the plot, the fact that all three films depict cultures of teaching to be flawed and excessively institutionalized is reflective of the American belief in individualism.
From the Paper
"As such, it is not surprising to note a very similar structural motif in "Renaissance Man". The flawed educational institution in this film is the U.S. army, which is shown to have failed in teaching a group of recruits who are placed in the charge of outside teacher Bill Rago. This is evident in the scene when the teacher learns of the nickname his students have been given: "The whole fort calls us Double Ds. Dumb as dog shit." In many ways, the educational strategies in "Renaissance Man" are a midpoint between "Dead Poets Society" and "Dangerous Minds".
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"Citizen Kane", 2008.
An analysis of the techniques used in the film "Citizen Kane" by Orson Welles
1,128 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the film "Citizen Kane" by Orson Welles and analyzes its style and structure. The paper shows how the various elements used in telling this story contribute to its symbolism while centering on the mystery of the nature of Kane's character.
From the Paper
"Citizen Kane is a rich film in which one can find a wide variety of American values reflected or subverted in the actions of Kane and others in the film. The film also reflects a sense of the history of this country in the first four decades of this century, a period of change in the economic and political realms embodied in the changes in Charles Foster Kane himself. He begins as an idealist in the American mold, a man who wants his newspaper not merely to report the news but to provide a forum for the truth. However, this entails the accumulation of a good deal of power, and the growth of this power becomes a rationale for trying not merely to report the news but to make it."
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"A Time to Kill", 2008.
This paper discusses the social implications of John Grisham's movie "A Time to Kill".
985 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper explores how the movie "A Time to Kill" addresses the issues that surround the rape and murder of a young African-American girl, the justice dealt to her white rapist-killers and how the revenge meted out by her father is dealt with. The paper highlights how, with the characters acting as realistic representatives of life in the American South, the movie shows how racist socialization is both widespread and inevitable.
From the Paper
"The plot of the movie "A Time to Kill" contains several social implications. Each one of these social factors plays a role in how the movie addresses the issues that surround the rape and murder of a young African American girl, the idea of "justice" being dealt to her rapist-killers, and with how the vigilante justices meted out by her father is dealt. While the protagonist, portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson has clearly committed the act of which he has been accused, his character is more sympathetic than the men that he has killed. The sympathy that his story creates in the minds of both the jury--and the audience--is such that it transcends the actual demands of the justice system."
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A Character Analysis of "Blood Diamond". (2006), 2008.
A film review of "Blood Diamond" directed by Edward Zwick.
2,456 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This study analyzes and evaluates three central characters in the film, "Blood Diamond" (2006) by director Edward Zwick. It also provides a synopsis of the film's plot and the moral and ethical issues that arise.
From the Paper
"I.The ends and means of each character builds bridges into the central character, Danny Archer, as he is enveloped in the illegal conflict diamonds that are brought into Europe through smuggling as a result of the Sierra Leone civil war. The means of Archer's greed his one unethical standard that drives him toward making profits off the horror and destruction of whole communities in Africa during internal military conflict. He is willing to go to any means to rationalize his involvement with RUF, as he is directly linked to Europeans that are creating civil wars in Africa to exploit Africans and their natural resources. When Danny talks about his immoral perspective on the world with Maddy Bowen, an American journalist writing a story about the war, his means to an end as a businessman is made clear:"
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"Platoon", 2008.
An analysis of the war film genre of "Platoon" by Oliver Stone.
755 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to understand the plot, characters, and the biographical background of Oliver Stone's film "Platoon". By realizing the intensive mix of history and personal accounts of Stone's own involvement in the war, the paper discusses how Stone provides a crucial moral controversy about the nature of warfare. It also examines how Stone defines central moral problems with American imperialism, and how the lower class soldiers fighting the war were equally doomed as their equally poor Vietnamese enemies whom they fought. It contends that Stone brings forth a conglomeration of themes into this film, creating much fictionally portrayed drama and how he also defines the majority of issues that arose in Vietnam during the 1960s.
From the Paper
"The critical aspects of this type war film genre garner more to a sensationalized conglomeration of various personal experiences and the way that the war was fought in regards to atrocities committed by American imperialism. Stone often brings forth the lack of morality or ethical considerations that American commander held against their men in the filed of battle, and how the war was often mismanaged and not efficiently run in the best interest of American troops. Furthermore, the issue of American imperialism and its massive destructive power is represented due to the harshness and severity of atrocities done to soldiers, Vietnamese civilians, and the aggressive stance the American government had begun to take against communism in Asia. "
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"To Kill a Mockingbird", 2008.
A critical analysis of the theme of racism in the 1962 film "To Kill a Mockingbird" directed by Robert Mulligan.
808 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the critical elements of racism that arise as they pertain to Robert Mulligan's film "To Kill a Mockingbird". It looks at how in many scenes within the film, Mulligan effectively captures the spirit of Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) and his desire to defend a black man from being wrongfully charged with raping a white woman. The paper also discusses how, by acknowledging the problems of racism in the South in the 1930s, Mulligan provides cultural and community based examples of racism that are realistic and poignant.
From the Paper
"The major issue in Mulligan's civil rights era film To Kill a Mockingbird is how racism is prevalent between families within the town. The Radley's are the racist faction that seeks to have the black boy hung for supposedly raping a white girl, and it is the Finch's that help to bring about justice to seek a legal means to try the case. Mulligan brings this conflict into focus, which is a major reason why the film depicts racism effectively as a cultural issue that divided communities in the 1930s. In Mulligan's characterization of the families, Nathan (Richard Hale) is very similar to Boo's dad, as he is racist and does not care for outsiders to interfere with the events that occur inside the Radley home."
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"Hero" by Zhang Yimou, 2008.
A review of cinematography and martial arts stylization brought forth by director Zhang Yimou in the film, "Hero."
706 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the film, "Hero" directed by Zhang Yimou. It describes the plot structure of the film and discusses the cinematography and martial arts stylization brought forth by Zhang Yimou. The paper concludes that the film offers a high level of martial arts entertainment that rises far above other films that have come forth in this genre in the past decade.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, Hero, by director Zhang Yimou, offers a high level of martial arts entertainment that rises far above other films that have come forth in this genre in the past decade. Although Yimou had not put a great deal of innovation into the normative "assassin's" plot in this genre he invariably provides a deeper visual representation by showing more details and interactive special effects in the fighting scenes. Jet Li and the other martial artists in the film are high caliber martial artists that provide incredibly mythic choreographed acrobatics and fighting scenes that rise far above the competition. Hero is a film that demands more storytelling innovation, but certainly, the martial arts and special effects in the film make greater advances in this style of Asian filmmaking."
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Accurate Portrayals in the Film Industry, 2008.
This paper illustrates the realistic portrayal of teens in the film "Rebel without a Cause," directed by Nicholas Ray.
1,268 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper asserts that the portrayal of various groups in the entertainment industry can sometimes be realistic. The paper then analyzes, as an example, how teens are depicted in the film "Rebel without a Cause" and highlights how these young people exhibit all the angst and pain one finds in wayward, drifting youth. The paper is of the opinion that the film accurately conveys many timeless themes and challenges inherent in growing up and offers unusual clarity to the subtle dynamics that can rend families apart.
From the Paper
"To start with, the portrayal of teens in Rebel without a Cause is realistic. The film itself focuses chiefly upon the character of young Jim Stark (James Dean) and his difficult passage to adulthood. In the opening scenes of the film, as the three adolescent protagonists - Jim Stark, Judy (played by Natalie Wood) and Plato (Sal Mineo) - come into contact with one another at the local police station, the audience is made aware of the painfully dysfunctional nature of their respective home lives. To wit, Jim's father is a weak man clearly hen-pecked by a wife who seems to care more about "appearances" than she does about her children - or maybe even her spouse. For her part, Judy seems saddled with a father who views her as a tramp and has become cold and aloof now that his daughter is about to become an adult. "
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Theories of Contemporary Film, 2008.
Examines two distinct views regarding cinema and realism in terms of the industrial mass production of contemporary film.
2,140 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the theories of Andre Bazin and Theodore Adorno about the human condition in modern film. The author contends that, while it is undeniable that film is created in the context of a cultural industry as Adorno suggests, Bazin's insights regarding the origins of its psychological power over the mass audience are critical to the appreciation of how film can function as a vehicle of both commercial and popular interests. The paper shows how the theoretical perspectives of both Bazin and Adorno are flawed in not considering the complex relationship between cinema and "realism" in terms of style, aesthetics and the role of the author.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Divergent Views on Cinema, Its History and Functions
The Human Factor - Cinema and Realism
From the Paper
"This argument is flawed in two respects: first, it ignores the fact that Welles was an "outsider" of the Hollywood system from the earliest days of his career, and far from being "forgiven" he was persecuted by the industry and its major business backers such as Randolph Hearst; and second, the problem of the "auteur" is not isolated to Welles or even a handful of cinematic innovators. Indeed, the history of cinema - even Hollywood cinema in the era of the major studios - is one of extraordinary creativity, innovation and dynamism."
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Madame Bovary as Film and Novel, 2008.
This paper discusses 'Madame Bovary' as a novel by Gustave Flaubert and as a film by director Vincent Minelli.
1,260 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that in trying to bring 'Madame Bovary' to the screen, director Vincent Minelli had the problem that much of the story depended on Gustave Flaubert's brilliant narrative. In a novel, Flaubert's crafted sentences had held readers' attention for decades, but a translation into film seemed an insurmountable obstacle. The writer notes that Minelli found a device, by which he could have a narrator, a character playing Flaubert, introduce the movie, and at various time move the plot along. To do this, Minelli opens not with the novel itself, but with the trial of Gustave Flaubert on charges of presenting a morally degenerate woman as his heroine, thereby threatening to corrupt the morals of all of France. The writer maintains that as a novel, Madame Bovary remains a standard of the literary canon, one of the premier examples of realistic fiction, and effectively a benchmark against which much of modern realistic fiction is judged. The writer concludes that the movie is regarded as creditable, however it is not considered one of the great cinematic classics. A modern viewer sees the artificiality and yearns for more realistic movement in this movie version of a realistic novel.
From the Paper
" Trying to defend the movie, Flaubert paints a reasonable picture of the farm to which Charles Flaubert, a young doctor, has come one rainy night to attend to the broken leg of Emma Roualt. After he has set the patient's leg, he and Emma meet, and they are smitten with one another, he because she is a beautiful young woman, and he because she imbues him with a host of romantic ideals that he simply does not have. By his own confession, he is a rather simple, hard-working country doctor, but she declares him to be the most handsome and dashing man in the world."
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Film: "Walking Tall", 2008.
Evaluates the film "Walking Tall" as a Jesus narrative.
1,510 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by stating that some attempts to find the story of Christ in virtually every medium strains the contention beyond credulity. The author then tells the story of the film "Walking Tall" and attempts to relate it to segments of the New Testament. The paper points out that the film is a retelling of the Jesus narrative only in the loosest sense and that there is only token acknowledgment of the downtrodden, the outcast and the poor and there are no parables or no lessons. The paper concludes that, while many films can be seen as retellings of the Jesus narrative, "Walking Tall" is not such a film.
From the Paper
"Vaughn then goes to Jay's mill, where he is momentarily tricked onto a trap door. When this opens, he hangs as if crucified, but manages to escape, leading Jay into a climactic fight of fire-ax against crude club. Eventually Vaughn beats Jay, delivers a final, emasculating blow (compare Matthew 5:38-45 [turn the other cheek]), and announces proudly, "This is my town. You're under arrest." The movie ends with Vaughn and Ray making anti-gay jokes about Jay, while Vaughn basks in his unexplained but clearly miraculous accomplishment."
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Leadership in a Movie: The Case of Patton, 2008.
This paper assesses the film "Patton", by Frank Schaffner, through the portrayal of General George S. Patton.
1,156 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The essay examines the 1970 film, "Patton", and illustrates the sort of leadership that director Frank Schaffner (and lead actor George C. Scott) feels typified the command of World War II American Army General, George S. Patton. Specifically, the paper looks at how Patton led through a combination of technical ingenuity, mastery and sheer force of will. Specifically, the paper demonstrates that Schaffner sincerely wants to portray Patton in a well-rounded fashion and shows how brilliance can be complicated by poor people skills and by a grasping nature.
From the Paper
"Still, even as he acknowledges Patton's strengths as a military commander, Schaffner never fails when the opportunity is available to show the down-side of Patton's leadership style. For instance, his intemperate outbursts to the press ruffle enough feathers among the high command that Patton must promise, at one point, to keep his big mouth zippered. Similarly, his poor people skills cause considerable tension between himself and other senior commanders - and may partly explain why Patton was placed on probation for the previously-discussed slapping incident (Patton). All told, the film is an enthralling look at a gifted man who, not unlike Douglas MacArthur, simply could not get along very well with other human beings and simply could not, though he was far from perfect himself, tolerate perceived shortcomings in others."
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Two Tennessee Williams Plays, 2008.
Compares Tennessee Williams' plays "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Streetcar named Desire" as films and as stories.
990 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that two of Tennessee Williams' most notable plays "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Streetcar named Desire" have been made into movies, which have become classics. The paper then discusses the similarities and the differences between the plays and concludes that, while both are good movies, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" has an element of truth that "Streetcar Named Desire" lacks. The paper includes dialogue from both films.
From the Paper
"For all the fierceness of the conflicts among the various members of the family, in the end, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" is a story of triumph. The story opens with Goober and Mae, with their children in tow, trying to get control of Big Daddy's fortune, and while they claim to be acting for everyone's good, their greed is transparent. Maggie and Brick are fighting and he is drunk so consistently that there seems little hope that they can weather this crisis. But they do. "
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Intercultural Communication, 2008.
This paper focuses on the communication lessons learned from the film "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan".
1,674 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the film "Borat" that portrays a series of encounters between an individual, Borat, and people in the United States. The paper looks at issues of intercultural communication, how sex, gender and power are manifested in verbal behavior and how gender or culture influence non-verbal behavior. The paper also shows how the film illustrates the communication problems and cultural errors that result from using a second language. Additionally, the paper discusses how the film reveals that communication is affected by the tendency of people to hear what they want to hear and to only approve of what they want to hear.
From the Paper
"Intercultural communication is a major issue in the literature on communication and is emphasized in part as a way of training people to understand one another and to communicate in a way that is accepted by others. Many parts of the world today are becoming more alike because of the prevalence of media that exposes everyone to elements of different cultures, though even then, misunderstandings can abound because of a failure to understands and account for real differences in perception and meaning. Some of these problems can be seen illustrated in the film Borat."
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Early American Film History, 2008.
An overview of the history of the American film industry from the late 1890s to the 1920s.
1,848 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how American cinema from 1896 and thereafter really has its roots in Thomas Edison's early inventions relating to film projectors. The paper then takes a look at the development of early film and cinematography throughout the 1880s and 1890s, starting from the invention of the kinetophonograph. It also tracks the history of films beginning with the first motion picture called "Monkeyshines", filmed in 1891, through the building of the first film studio and movie theaters. In addition, the paper discusses how, by the 1920s, American film and cinematography seemed to mature as an industry and how the technology had advanced to such a degree that producers and directors could shift their attention from the technology to the actual making of a film and directing of the storylines.
From the Paper
"The development of cinema into an art form in its early years is inextricably related to the development and advances associated with the film technology itself. Eventually the dominance of the East coast film companies which had advanced various film projection technologies in tandem with film production such as Edison's own Edison Company and the American Mutoscope Company among others, gave way to film production companies which began to concentrate solely on film production rather than on the technology development as well as film production. This shift in focus from the film projector itself to actual film production began in earnest in the US with the work of Edwin Porter who is known as the father of the story film (Bordwell 57)."
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Film: "The Queen", 2008.
Analyzes the film "The Queen", directed by Stephen Frears.
2,665 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the film "The Queen" is an intimate and often shocking portrayal of the Royal Family as it faces the great crisis of the death of Princess Diana. The author believes that film is very much like a Shakespearean play, especially "Hamlet". The paper relates that the entire focus of this film is the conflict between what Diana represented and what the monarchy actually is. The author concludes that, even though the Queen is depicted in the most human and ordinary way, the final emphasis is on her determination and personal power to meet the almost impossible challenge of modernizing the monarchy.
From the Paper
"The second part of the film takes place two months after the funeral of Diana. Referring to the monarchy, the Queen asks Blair if he believes the affection that people feel for this institution will be diminished because of Diana's death and the Royal Family's behavior during that time. Blair replies that he does not feel that people's attitudes will be negative. It is clear during this private conservation with Blair that the Queen intends to be in control. She wants information but not in the form of advice."
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The Alamo and America's Image of Itself, 2008.
A comparison of the events that occurred at the Alamo with their portrayal in the movies named, "The Alamo" that were subsequently made.
761 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses America's image of itself over the siege and slaughter at the Alamo, as portrayed in the movies named, "The Alamo." The paper compares the historical accounts of the events that occurred at the Alamo with the way that these events were portrayed in the movies. It also looks at the role that Davy Crockett played in the defense.
From the Paper
"Finally, there is a lesson that America should learn from the Alamo. Desperate courage can carry men to feats far beyond what could reasonably be expected of them. This is not a trait exclusive to Americans. The defenders at the Alamo were hopelessly outnumbered, but fought with the savagery of men committed to their struggle. Although the Mexican army prevailed, the losses ran to some 1,600 men dead, including many of the finest soldiers. Although able to recruit some replacements during the campaign, the Mexican army was losing men, materials, and morale even as it managed its victories as it marched towards San Jacinto. In 2007 in Iraq, the United States faces a group of men fighting for their land, against a vastly technologically superior force of invaders. With their technology and firepower, the Americans can win every battle. Should we, like Santa Anna, feel entirely confident of final victory?"
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