...Frank Vargas Professor Beverly Whitson English 52 24 March 2014 The Era We Live In What’s one of the worst parts about living life? It can be not being able to find that one true love in life, or even living with regret in your heart. I always hear conversations about people being together with a person they don’t love, or people talking about something they wish they could have done when they had the chance, but were too concerned about another factor in their lives, now having to live life full of regrets. Like Gil Pender says, “That’s just the era we line in…” In the 2011 film, Midnight In Paris, written and directed by Woody Allen, tells the story of Gil Pender’s, played by Owen Wilson, longing for self-fulfillment and his love for historical 1920’s Paris, France. The film also stars veteran actress, Rachael McAdams, playing Gil’s significant other, Inez. The film starts off with Gil and Inez, two engaged Americans in modern Paris having a little vacation. On a lonesome late night stroll, Gil finds himself lost in the backstreets of Paris and sees an old car from the 20’s drive up to him with open doors. Ready for an adventure in Paris he decides to get into the vehicle. Little does he know that he just stepped into a time portal transporting Gil back to the wonderful times of 1920’s Paris. Confused and full of awe, he assures himself that, “He was born too late.” While trying to figure out where he is, he runs into another young American couple, Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald...
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...MATE: ROMANTIC IDEALS IN POPULAR FILMS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH YOUNG PEOPLE‘S BELIEFS ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS BY VERONICA HEFNER DISSERTATION Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Speech Communication in the Graduate College of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2011 Urbana, Illinois Doctoral Committee: Professor Barbara J. Wilson, Chair Associate Professor John P. Caughlin Associate Professor Kristen Harrison Associate Professor Travis L. Dixon ABSTRACT Romantic comedy films have been popular since motion pictures first entered the media world. Scholars have speculated why these movies remain appealing to viewers and have argued for several reasons. These movies might foster hope about real-life romance (Galician, 2004), or demonstrate that that there are no limits to how love may manifest itself (Harvey, 1998). Despite this speculation, few studies have systematically investigated the content of these movies or the effects they may have on viewers. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate that potential. In particular, I conducted two studies that explored the nature of romantic ideals in romantic comedy films and their influence on viewer endorsement of romantic beliefs. The first study was a content analysis of the themes or romantic ideals embedded in romantic comedies. The second study was a survey designed to explore whether exposure to such films encourages the learning of romantic...
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...Women and Female Adolescents: An Annotated Bibliography Green, C. (2013, April). The effects of romantic comedies on women and female adolescents. Paper presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), University of Wisconsin La Crosse, WI. In the article, Green points out how romantic comedies alter women’s and female adolescents’ perceptions of romantic relationships. She refers to Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (as cited in Green, 2013) to explain how they learn from observation and copy behaviors that are depicted by romantic comedies. She advocates that romantic comedies cause women to have high expectations of their romantic relationships and that these movies or series support conventional patriarchal ideals and post-feminist ideologies. She explains that romantic comedies make women believe that the behaviors of the male partners that are depicted in the shows are truly ideal and should be expected in a romantic relationship. With all these explanations, the article answers my research question directly as can be predicted from its title. The article’s being supported with Social Cognitive Theory and concrete examples makes it more reliable. Moreover, it is quite recent. Johnson, K. R., & Holmes, B. M. (2009, July-September). Contradictory messages: A content analysis of Hollywood-produced romantic comedy feature films. Communication Quarterly, 57(3), 352-373. Retrieved from http://academic.csuohio.edu/kneuendorf/c63310/ArticlesFromClassMembers/Joe...
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...My favourite movie is “The Dictator”. It was produced in year 2012 and starring one of the most renowned actor, Sasha Baron Cohen. It is a comedy film and it features a little mockumentary. As a form of parody to current world issues revolving around the topic of democracy and dictatorship, it tells the story of how a ruler risked his life for the sake of oppressing democracy. The movie takes a straight pinch at the world politics by making jokes of those we called our leaders. The brave act from the actor cum script-writer to film such a mockumentary is indeed worth the praises. The reason why I chose this as my favourite movie is because of the following reasons: Firstly, the movie is indeed a great joy to watch. I am very sure that it captured my attention from the start of the movie, where it paid tribute to the late dictator of North Korea - Kim Jong-Il, till when it ends with the ruler finally giving in to democracy. The plot of the movie is entertaining throughout. Secondly, I could not remember laughing as much from other comedies I have watched in my entire life. It is really a humorous movie throughout and the contexts of its parodies are indeed easy to grasp. Lastly, I have always been a fan of Sasha Baron Cohen. He is an intelligent and genius, I would call it in script writing for such films. One other notable film produced by him is, Borat. This movie is definitely suitable for people who are stressed up and in need of some laughter to brighten up their...
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...Transcript Analysis for Bridget Jones Script (Section B coursework) Bridget Jones is a romantic comedy film first released in 2001, based on the 1996 novel by Helen Fielding. The extract I have chosen to transcribe is the opening scene, when Bridget meets Mr Mark Darcy. The film focuses on how Bridget is unlucky with men, her weight and her job and many other aspects of her life. The movie is supposed to relate to women who feel they have the same life problems as her. The main speaker in this scene is Bridget Jones directly speaking to others and also she provides narration as well. Often speaking in the background of situations. Bridget Jones’s general target audience would be mostly women aged 17 upwards as some teenagers may enjoy Bridget’s story too, however some men may also be interested in watching the movie as it may explain the way women are supposedly meant to think. There are also numericals used, for example an ordinal determiner ‘32nd’ by using numerical it this gives more information to the reader and lets them into the life of Bridget, if they understand more about the topic of the character they will then enjoy the movie more, and understand key things which have happened in the film and what will continue to happen. There are many interrogative sentences used in the text for example ‘now what are you going to put on?’ and ‘how’s it going?’ this reminds the readers that in Bridget’s life everything is questionable as the topic of the movie is a comedy romance...
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...It Happened One Night This movie is a well put together movie and directed for being filmed during the depression. All thought the movie was filmed in (1934) I still found comedy in it today. Ellen Andrews character played by Claudette Colbert reminds me of a complete spoiled brat, she plays the character extremely well. She plays being spoiled, selfish and naïve and the original run away bride. She reminds me of the epitome of a complete spoiled brat who thinks everything needs must be bestowed to her. I feel that is why Colberts character Ellen Andrews and Gables character Peter Warne had fallen in love with each other as they had, because she had never been spoken to or treated that way she had from anyone because of his enormous personality. These two characters opened up the prelude to the romantic comedy seen for movies today like The Proposal, Failure to Launch, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. There are some scenes in the movie that today would seem toned down and not as risqué as it was in the 1940s, such as then Andrews hails a hitch hike using her leg and says “The limb is mightier then the thumb” this is both funny and then unheard of. Another part is the fact that they are even sleeping in the same room and put a sheet up through the middle of the room just to make it seem more appropriate. A part that I didn’t notice the first time watching it is when Warn is buttoning up Andrews shirt after they out witted the men who are searching to find Andrews for her...
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...Sandra Bullock Makes The Proposal Stands Sandra Bullock is one of the greatest actresses in the history of cinema. All her movies are beloved movies and are very close to the heart of the audience The proposal movie is a unique addition to her history. Sandra Bullock asserted in this movie how a skillful actress she is because she had the courage to choose a hateful mistress role and excel in it despite of being different from type of characters she used to present before, she could transit smoothly and professional from frigidness, to comedy, to romance, and she undoubtfuly could make us enjoy the movie despite of its easily predictable and stereotypic events. Bullock used to play the role of an ordinary woman who finds herself suddenly in the face of an extraordinary events and obstacles. Yet, in this movie, she portrays a powerful, cranky, pushy, and bossy woman. This “pitch” has been hated deeply by all her employees especially the miserable Andrew who had a lot of ambitions that he worked hard to achieve(). His devotion to his work is the thing that made him the perfect candidate for blackmailing by Margaret who threatened with ruining his future if he did not comply with her demands. She...
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...Brenley got a puppy for her birthday, she was so happy but she didn’t know what to name it. She decided to name it Todd. Everyday before school, she would let Todd outside to run around and play in the backyard. She left for school on February 17th 2016. When she came back home to let Todd inside she didn’t see him. She called her next door neighbor Timmy to ask him if he took Todd. Timmy said he didn’t take Todd out of the backyard because he is out of town in Denver. She went outside to her front yard. She saw Todd across the road. She whistled and called his name until she finally got his attention. Todd ran to her, but before Brenley knew it a young man named Mo came speeding down the street and hit Todd with the car. Brenley was in...
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...500 Days of Annie Hall Romantic Comedy contains the favorable elements of both romance and comedy genres. Some notables are funny jokes and humorous plots, which surround a love story or the search of a true love. Woody Allen’s Annie Hall (1977) and Marc Webb’s 500 Days of Summer (2009) are both movies that fall under the genre “Romantic Comedy”. These two movies are connected in many ways, for each film contains relatable characters and effective narrative techniques to portray a realistic relationship. Each film is also able to portray the differences between the reality and expectations of a relationship in humorous ways that allow them to be called a romantic comedy. Alvy and Tom are two different characters with separate mindsets. In 500 Days of Summer, Tom Hansen, despite his passion to be an architect is an unmotivated greeting card writer who deeply believes in the concept of true love and soul mates. Whereas in Annie Hall, Alvy Singer is a pessimistic comedian and control freak that is seen changing things to benefit him. Both characters due to their attitudes on life and relationships bring forth different aspects that make them such unique and likable characters. Tom strongly believes that he will never be happy until he meets the person that he believes is ‘the one’ for him. Whereas with Alvy he pushes Annie and doesn’t fully accept either Annie’s insecurities or support her as she finds ways to work through them. Summer and Annie, like their male counterparts...
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...Cortelyou Academy Lynmaud Paul Grade 5 September 21, 2012 Writing I do not think that schools have separate classes for boys and girls. I believe this because boys and girls will be able to work together better. They will be able to share their ideas. The noise level in the classroom will be reduced. I believe that boys and girls will be able to work together better. In school when boys and girls are in the same class, they will know how to respond to each other. They will be able to achieve higher grades in school as they were as a teen. For example most boys are weak in literacy, while girls are strong in literacy. In this way the girls will be able to help the boys in this subject in order to raise their grades. In addition, I also believe that boys and girls will be able to share their ideas better. For example, when the class is sharing ideas, boys and girls will not only ask for their own gender for their opinion, but ask anyone they wish to. They will also be able to hear opinions from both genders. When boys and girls share their ideas they will use the ideas they learned at school and continue to use them when they are adults . This will help them to become a better individual on their jobs. Hence, I think that the...
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...Mr A. Gambler , a very wealthy man dies 1st April, leaving a fortune to his wife, Boozy, and a bigger fortune to their son, Brian. The second the well-visited funeral is over, Boozy is contacted by Mr. Bad, who shows her an IOU signed A. Gambler, stating that he has borrowed 100.000 in January from Mr. Bad. The debt has accumulated interest and is now in full, 120.000. Mr. Bad wants Boozy to pay the debt now that Mr Gambler is dead. Otherwise he will track down Brian and hurt him. Brian is 17 years old and lives at home. He is a bright young man, who gets real good grades in school, even if he spends a lot of time with his girlfriend, Barbie (same age), who likes expensive jewelry and clothes. They smoke marihuana once a week, and talk about spending Brian´s inheritance on a flat in which they will live together. Brian is thinking seriously about the flat, but just as seriously about buying a Harley as soon as he gets his drivers-license, to impress his friend in Hells Angels, and maybe even make them a bit envious. Boozy doesn´t want Brian to move out just yet, so as soon as the inheritance is paid out, she spends a big part of her own inheritance and some of Brian´s, on decorating the garage in a super cool way, in order for Brian to live there. It looks real nice, but Barbie finds that it is short of a flat screen, so she visits Fona, and convinces the salesman to deliver one to the garage along with the bill. * Brian goes crazy, when he discovers that his mum has...
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...methods are working on himself, despite being a master of the art. After Hitch is unmasked, he and Sara break up, and Allegra and Albert follow suit. Finally, Hitch confronts Allegra and convinces her to reunite with Albert, before reconciling with Sara. In the process, he makes the startling discovery that he doesn't really do anything significant, and that most of his customers (particularly Albert) really were successful by just being themselves. In the end, Albert and Allegra get married and celebrate their marriage with Hitch and Sara, who are also back together again. Hitch, reflecting on love's unpredictability, addresses the audience in the last line, "Basic principles... There are none." Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitch_(film)#Plot_Summary taken on Dec. 24, 2008 Was race an issue in ‘Hitch’ casting? By Jeannette Walls Casting Will Smith’s love interest in “Hitch” was not a simple black or white decision. Eva Mendes was given the role opposite Smith because the moviemakers were worried about the public’s reaction if the part was given to a white or an African American actress, according to Smith. The actor is saying that it was feared...
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...to support the British war effort and one-hundred thousand dollars from Arsenic and Old Lace went to the American war effort ("Cary Grant (I) - Biography"). Clooney has donated money to a number of different organizations and even created some of his own. His foundation, Not on Our Watch, was created to help stop the genocide in Sudan ("George Clooney"). Despite their similar looks and charm, Cary Grant and George Clooney’s careers started and developed quite differently. Cary Grant started out as part of a British acrobatic troupe in the early nineteen-hundreds. When the act toured the United States, Grant stayed in New York and began a career on the acting stage. After years of working in plays, he traveled to California to launch his film career. Grant worked for Paramount Studios for years before deciding to fend for himself as...
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...The main difference in a tragedy and a comedy is the main character, what they go through and how they fare by the end of the play. In a tragedy, the main character usually commits a “deed that ultimately destroys them”, either by death or by or they are left in a death like state” (Barnet, Burto, & Cain, 2014). In a comedy the main characters and/or community, usually go through some hardship but at end they overcome their obstacles and live happily. There are typically two types of comedies, satiric and romantic comedies. Satiric comedies usually focus on the protagonist of the play who begins the play by being the bully and then later they are “outwitted by the younger generation, thus resolving the plot” (Barnet, Burto, & Cain, 2014). A Romantic comedy on the other hand focuses on a couple(s) who overcomes obstacles to finally be together. The end of a comedy is always joyous. Choosing between either a tragedy or a comedy is a hard choice to make; my feelings at the time, my emotional needs usually dictate what I’d choose. There are time when I feel like having a good cry, at those times I would chose a tragedy, and then there are times where I want to laugh and be happy for a couple who has found love, that is when I’d chose a romantic comedy. But if I was hard-pressed to make a choice, I would choose a romantic comedy; I really do enjoy a good...
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...Sandra Tamayo Prof. Elizabeth Lagaron ENC1101-876902 90s Romantic Films vs. Present Romantic Films With today’s growing industry of entertainment and technology, the concept of movies has increasingly changed, and this is especially true for romantic films, which in the last few years have become cultural product of consumption that calm the thirst of emotions and entertains audiences. We are been living in a decade where materialism, coldness, and convenience stands out compared to previous decades. A clear example of this are the romantic films of the 90s compared to the present romantic films. For example, when we look at the 1990 movie Pretty Woman, we can see that there is a gallant man, and the conquest and elegance prevails. However, when we look at the 2007 movie Good Luck Chuck, we can realize that there is nothing alike in this romantic film, or in this decade. It was only after comparing the courtly manners of the man, the intensity of the sensual scenes, and the song soundtracks of the two films, that it can be determined that there are several differences and similarities between the two romantic films. At first glance, comparing the 90s romantic films to the present romantic films, we can clearly appreciate that in the movie Pretty Woman, the character Edward (Richard Gere), demonstrates a high level of elegance and gentleman in how he treats Vivian (Julia Roberts), speaks to her, and how he expresses himself. In addition, how could anyone forget the scene...
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