...Film Appreciation Final Exam The film “what dreams may come”(Vincent Ward 1998) can be described as an emotional and dramatic film. This film should be preserved for a variety of reasons. The film is aesthetically significant for its unique special effects and storyline. The reason this is so is because many of the elements produced and the Mise-en-scene of each effect and character is quite stunning. The first aesthetic element shown is the story’s unique storyline, as many twists and turns shift your expectations left and right. The point of view in this story is subjective, and the first establishing shot begins as we follow the pediatrician Chris Nielsen, and we eventually see him meet and marry his wife and have children. The plot twists when the children die in a car crash, and the audience is shocked, and just when everything starts to feel right again, Chris dies in another car crash. The wife commits suicide, and audiences are in awe as the entire family they began to know was diminished. The storyline itself shows unique twists to each expectation the audience has, and proves to be significant because many films followed these plot twists of tragedy to create drama. The special effects in this movie proved to be quite unique. The main character Chris dies and goes to heaven, and the special effects show him inside a painting like world as the environment can be changed around him and is very slushy. The scene shows him dashing across a river of...
Words: 1070 - Pages: 5
...has occurred in the development of film is the linearity of narrative. The history of film spans over one hundred years ago, with classical narrative emerging in Hollywood around the nineteen thirties. The classical narrative period had a strong emphasis on linearity and coherence, where characters where goal centred and consistent in personality and action. In the nineteen sixties a change began to emerge in Hollywood, with Breathless (Jean-Luc Godard, 1960) breaking the editing rules, and narrative coherence, with the introduction of jump cuts. This film among others greatly contributed to the outburst of non-linear narratives, a narrative technique wherein events are portrayed out of chronological order. In the twenty-first century a range of independent films with a variety of non-linear narratives have been getting mainstream release. Within this essay I will briefly explain the different types of narratives and the reasons for their popularity. The directorial intent for many non-linear narratives can be to evoke mood, maintain suspense, indicate the malleability of memory, signify dream, and above all to provide visual pleasure. The involvement that a spectator can feel from a non-linear narrative can offer both a sense of pleasure and relation. The fact that it is up to the viewer to keep up, put things together, and make sense of the narrative provides a sense of satisfaction, and can become the reason they are watching the film. Removing the chronological order of...
Words: 1318 - Pages: 6
...opened to rave reviews and roaring box office success, says he chooses a film on the basis of the script and not box office prospects. "PK", which came out Friday, has managed to gross Rs.95.21 crore in three days. When asked if it is true that he chooses films on the basis of box office prospects, Aamir said: "It's a very unfortunate trend because the moment creative people start thinking about numbers, then the shadow of the numbers influences the kind of film they choose and pick." If the team of Aamir, director Rajkumar Hirani and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra created history with "3 Idiots" in 2009, the trio have repeated the same success with "PK", a film that boasts of a unique concept. It uses an alien to talk about the ills of society and not only makes viewers laugh and cry but also makes them think. "The moment I start choosing films that can do Rs.100 crore business, then my choice becomes very limited and I can only do films like 'Avengers' or 'Spider-Man', which go on to achieve those numbers. This really kills creativity to an alarming extent, so I have always selected my films based on what I feel towards them," he said. "Like 'Taare Zameen Par' went on to do good business and I didn't know it would. I just did it because I liked the script. Also, I selected 'Rang De Basanti' because I loved the script. I did 'Lagaan' when the entire film industry thought it was a disaster. "So these films I have not picked looking at the box office collection, I picked them because...
Words: 337 - Pages: 2
...invention. How did the Kinetoscope modify the capabilities of earlier camera and projection systems? 2. What steps did France's Lumière brothers take to make cinema a commercially viable enterprise? What kinds of Lumière movies were the most popular? How did the Lumières' activities influence the development of world cinema? 3. What were Edwin S. Porter's significant contributions to the development of early narrative film? In what sense did Porter build upon the innovations of contemporaneous filmmakers, and for what purposes? 4. What is the difference between vertical integration and horizontal integration? 5. What were the factors behind the nickelodeon boom of the middle 1900s? What were the reasons for the nickelodeon's popularity—what advantages did this type of exhibition venue offer to both theater owner and patron? 6. In what ways did the motion picture industry in the late 1900s attempt to make films more prestigious and film going more respectable? What pressures were producers and exhibitors responding to? 7. How did the animated film develop during the early twentieth century? What types of animation techniques did the earliest animators use? Give examples of specific animators or from specific...
Words: 279 - Pages: 2
...than ever before. Amid the high-tech atmosphere of the twenty-first century, it is interesting to note the recent resurgence of the ancient world as the setting for new films. In 2000, Ridley Scott's Gladiator proved that audiences could be as receptive to the ancient world as they had been in the 1950s and 1960s, when now classic movies like Ben Hur (1959) and Spartacus (1960) commanded so much attention. In 2004, Mel Gibson upped the ante further with The Passion of the Christ, daring not only to present Jesus' sufferings with gut-wrenching realism, but also to take the remarkable step of using Latin and Aramaic in the film's dialogue. Even the critically disparaged Troy (2004) managed to be financially successful on account of audiences' enduring interest in the antiquity. The success of these movies, in turn, has led to new television offerings exploring the ancient world such as HBO's Rome (2005) and ABC's Empire (2005). Given Hollywood's revived interest in antiquity as a setting for films, it seems appropriate to look back on the ancient film genre as a way of understanding the history of the cinema and examining our enduring fascination with the ancient world itself. This course will introduce you to the history of Hollywood's treatment of the ancient world, acquaint you with the fundamentals of film criticism and teach you to use critical techniques...
Words: 414 - Pages: 2
...Film Viewer Opinion Paper Movies are a big part of life. People love movies because they can relate to them. Others like them for mere enjoyment and see them as an escape from reality if only for a few hours. The types of movies out in the world today are numerous. There is everything from horror movies, to romantic comedies, to drama, to documentaries, indie movies, foreign, and so on. Everyone has their taste of movies, and people decide to watch certain movies based on the actors and actresses who are staring in them and the storyline of the movie. These are all things that help people decide which movies are enjoyable to them, and which ones are not. Deciding Which Films to Watch Ramon decides on what movies to watch with careful consideration. Any movies that have actors that Ramon doesn't like he will not go spend money on them. In his opinion, some actors play the same role over and over again. A perfect example of this is the lead actress in the Twilight Saga movies. Ramon thinks that they could have found a better actress to play the part of Bella, some who could have played a role that was different from all her other movies. He also bases his decision on the type of movie it is. Scary movies, romantic comedies, and action thrillers are some movies that Ramon likes to see. Action movies that do not involve a love story, or have the story be about the love interest is another factor in my decision making. What Makes a Film Enjoyable? The movies...
Words: 605 - Pages: 3
.... 7) “Write a critical study of a recent Spanish or Latin American film or play that you have seen, and that has made a social or political impact in the country in which you are living. You should bring into your study criticism and reviews, both from the press and, where possible, from academic sources, and…discuss the ways in which the film has been received and analysed, making comparisons with other films where appropriate.” Almodóvar ’s 2001, La piel que habito, received mixed reviews from Spanish critics, one favourably calling it an “irracionalidad transcendida” whereas Spanish film critic Carlos Boyero called it a “notable idiotez”. However, most critics agree that this film merits a second viewing in order to appreciate the rich texture of the film, in which a lonely and haunted plastic surgeon (Banderas) becomes dangerously entangled with his personal experiment, Vicente, or “Vera” (Anaya) whom he believed had assaulted his mentally ill daughter, provoking her suicide. The film is the director’s first exploration of science fiction, containing an amalgamation of themes concerning gender and sexuality identity, whilst at the same time exploring the prison house of the self. In this essay I will discuss the ways in which these main themes are manifested in the plot and cinematography, their effect and finally the way in which Spanish critics have received Almodóvar’s latest work. Entrapment, or, the prison house of the self, is the confinement that all...
Words: 2230 - Pages: 9
...length. Your responses should include examples from the reading assignments. 1. How did the advent of home video technologies change the American film industry? In what ways did the studios—who in 1976 regarded home video as a competitor—exploit these technologies to their advantage? The way home video technologies changed the American film industry was by the invention of the home videocassette recorder in 1976, and Matsushita introduced its Video Home System (VHS) soon after. Sales took off in the early 1980s, and by 1988 most U.S. households, nearly 60 million, had a VCR. Studios established divisions to make and distribute cassettes. Sales to rental stores, particularly the growing national chains, proved very lucrative. 2. How did the policies of "synergy" and "high concept" transform American film industry structure in the 1980s and 1990s? What kinds of films resulted from these policies, and in what ways did distributors and exhibitors try to profit from such films? 3. What is "intensified continuity"? In what ways does this system of formal conventions depart from the classical continuity style of Hollywood filmmaking? Intensified continuity is a more rapid editing i.e. shorter average shot lengths, more close framings in dialogue scenes, and a free-ranging camera. Intensified continuity encouraged some film- makers to enhance the trend through...
Words: 799 - Pages: 4
...Choosing a film to watch can be very personal and emotional. When I choose a film I always go with how I am feeling that day, whether I am sad and want to cry, happy and want to laugh, have a lot of energy and want to see an action film it all depends on how I am feeling at the moment. Other than how I am feeling, there are also a lot of different things that make a film enjoyable for me and very unenjoyable. When I go to see a movie I will take a fair amount of time to decide what movie to see, with the prices of a movie ticket I don’t want to choose something that I will not really enjoy. Some of the things that really make a film enjoyable for me are the plot, the music and actors. As I said before I am a very emotional person and the right kind of film can make me really happy, one thing that I really enjoy about certain movies is when there is a well thought out plot. I appreciate when someone has taken the time to really think about the plot of a film. When the plot has substance the film is usually a pretty successful and enjoyable film to watch. The right music can make a film very enjoyable. I think music can convey many different emotions and with the right soundtrack you are able to really feel what is going on in the film. The last thing that makes a film enjoyable for me is the actors in the film, when I find an actor that I really love I will be more likely to see a film they are in. Most of the actors I really like are able to be very versatile and can play several...
Words: 382 - Pages: 2
...Women On Screen In China Film, as a unique art form, has come to China nearly centuries. In 1920s, female images just can be seen as the tools in silent movies, which own not only very vague character, but also lack of adequate connotation of the times, not to mention women’s awareness of self-consciousness. However, after the establishment of People's Republic of China, government vigorously promotes that the "men and women are alike". Also with the influence of western feminist movement, the status of women began to turn upside down. Women are demanding equal status with men, and these demands also reflected in the films. Until now, women as a sign of beauty, some are gentle and virtuous, some are sweetie and pleasant, and some are full of unique personality but still attractive enough. In such a representation, it is hard to notice, even their own aesthetic values are deeply affected by the male views. Not so much a woman as a sign of beauty, as it is a sign to attract male attention. In many generations of Chinese directors, only one of the few is female director. In the Male-dominated film industry, obviously, female characters are created by them, reflecting men’s centralism’s view of women. This paper applies feminist film theory, by analyzing the feminine images in a famous Chinese director—Jiang Wen’s films, to reveal the hidden gender inequality as well as the phenomenon of “male gaze”. Through the criticism and introspection of these hidden and potential...
Words: 2391 - Pages: 10
...Scream 2 Elements of Design I chose the movie clip from the film Scream 2. In this clip there is a movie preview of the movie Stab which is based on the book written by the reporter Gail Weathers from Scream 1. The setting is dark and rowdy with people running around joking. Some movie goers are dressed in the slasher attire complete with the mask and carrying plastic knives. They all seem to be horsing around, running, throwing popcorn, and emulating the slasher character with plastic knives. The camera focuses on a young couple, Maureen and Steven. Maureen is sitting alone when her “boyfriend” Steven with the slasher masked on came back to their seating area unbeknownst to her that her boyfriend was a victim of the real killer and is now dead. Upon her hugging him she finds blood on her hands and the real slasher immediately begins stabbing her multiple times. Although this murder happen in public view, the movie goers assumed it was a part of the show and did nothing as Maureen was killed. The Scream 2 film was a horror flick in one of many other Scream series. The artists involved in the production of this film are; the director Wesley Craven, production designer Robert Zimebicki, and the art director Ted Berner. This team worked hand in hand to deliver a phenomenon horror film. The director Wesley Craven is not new to horror film making. He also is also popular for his direction and acting in the well known film series Nightmare on Elm Street. In the movie Scream as the...
Words: 935 - Pages: 4
...A Time for Film Noir Scarlet Street Marina Workman University of Maryland University College Film Noir is the French term “black film” used to describe an era of movies filmed in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Films that are considered to fall under the film noir category touched on themes that were not yet acceptable in society. These types of films were centered on crime, drama, deceit, and sex. The films were the first of their kind to cross the line pass conservative films. Many people debate whether or not film noir is a genre, a style, or a tone. Film noir has not been proven to be a genre. Scarlet Street is a film noir that was filmed in 1945. The movie was directed and produced by Fritz Lang. It was filmed in a studio in Universal City, California. The setting of the movie was New York City. Scarlet Street is an hour and forty-three minute black and white film. It follows an older gentleman, Christopher Cross, played by actor Edward G. Robinson, as he falls in love with a young beautiful woman. In Chris’ mind there is nothing he wouldn’t do for this woman. The very beginning of the movie shows a group of men celebrating Chris’ 25th year as a cashier. He received a very expensive pocket watch from his boss, JJ Hogarth. Chris was first portrayed to viewers as an innocent, loyal, hardworking, and dedicated friend and co-worker. As Chris was presented with a cigar the camera focused on his fingers as they crossed in superstition. Chris watched his boss, JJ, leave...
Words: 1782 - Pages: 8
...INTERNATIONAL FILM CONFERENCE 2015 GLOBAL VIEW: Engendering Film Industry Connections 06.27.15 SMX CONVENTION CENTER - MANILA, PHILIPPINES www.ifx.ph T HE INTERNATIONAL FILM CONFERENCE (IFC) provides an opportunity for a group of international and Philippine film industry leaders to share their expertise with film enthusiasts and industry specialists. From the discussion on the newest film technologies to the value and efficiency of co-production, from the rise of national cinema to the significance of international film festivals – these and many other topics will addressed at this year’s conference. MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN O n behalf of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, I’m delighted and very honored to welcome you to the third International Film Conference in Manila, 2015. This collective gathering of film enthusiasts and members of the film industry serves as a testament to our commitment to the craft. In 2013 we launched the first International Film Conference with the intention of making filmmaking more accessible and efficient for the entertainment industry. Stakeholders from all over the Philippines and various Asian states came together for fruitful discussions on achieving financial sustainability, the advantages of co-productions, and new avenues of growth in the filmmaking industry. In 2014, as IFC assumed a core role with the establishment of World Premiere’s Film Festivals Philippines, we took a step further towards our goal of reaching...
Words: 1859 - Pages: 8
...Essay films are arguably the most innovative and popular forms of filmmaking since the 1990s”, Timothy Corrigan claims in his diligent new study, The Essay Film. Corrigan may have an agenda to press, and a thesis to justify, but the recent critical and commercial success of the genre is hard to ignore. A cinematic wave that arguably has its contemporary roots in the late 1980s, when American filmmakers such as Michael Moore and Errol Morris rose to public prominence, reached an apotheosis with Moore’s hugely popular, though hugely flawed, Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) and Davis Guggenheim’s information-heavy An Inconvenient Truth (2006), which conjured a compelling piece of screen drama from Al Gore’s Powerpoint presentation. Nowadays, the Award for Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars is one of the most highly coveted. For Corrigan, the essayistic film “describes the many-layered activities of a personal point of view as a public experience”. While this is a perfectly good starting point, the author is so convinced of the elasticity of his subject that he has trouble constraining it under the broader umbrellas of documentary, non-fiction or even fiction. At times it appears that, for Corrigan, all filmmaking is essayistic. Nevertheless, he traces a convincing history of the genre(s) from D. W. Griffith’s prototypical A Corner of Wheat (1909), which contrasts the lives of the agricultural poor with those of their capitalist exploiters, via Dmitri Vertov and Sergei Eisenstein to...
Words: 368 - Pages: 2
...INTRODUCTION The film Rain Man was released in 1988 and won the Best Picture academy award that same year. I chose the film because it represented a wonderful mix of story, filmmaking, acting and comedic timing. It is my assertion that acting was the most powerful element of this film and crucial for the emotional arc required from the lead actor Tom Cruise. STORYTELLING The story of Rain Man is presented in a way that keeps the viewer in the dark as the story develops; delivering surprises and plot twists along the way. Writers Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass provide an excellent framework for the actors to really shine in their portrayal of the two main characters: self centered, smooth street-smart Charlie Babbit and his institutionalized autistic savant older brother, Raymond Babbitt. We are introduced to Charlie at the start of the film and quickly understand that he is a successful import automobile broker and willing/able to do whatever is necessary to deliver his product- this even includes paying off EPA officials, if necessary. Charlie is unrelenting in his quest to accomplish his goal. When he finds out that his long estranged father has passed away, he is expecting to inherent a portion of his late father’s $3 million dollar estate; only to uncover that he has an autistic brother who has received all of the inheritance money from their late father, the irony is almost too much for Charlie. This is pure genius from a storytelling perspective as it helps to...
Words: 1470 - Pages: 6
