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Confronting the Powerful in Film, 2007.
An analysis of two films, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" directed by Frank Capra, and "Matewan" directed by John Sayles.
1,036 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews two films that deal with confronting the powerful to maintain one's dignity. In both "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" directed by Frank Capra, and "Matewan" directed by John Sayles, the protagonists must take on those with power. The reviewer also analyzes the differences in these two films, particularly in the ways the characters choose to overthrow the system. A brief plot summary is given for each film.
From the Paper
""Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is a classic Jimmy Stewart, Frank Capra film that shows just how much political influence exists in Washington D.C. In this film, Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart) is appointed as a Senator after the man holding the office dies. He is a naive and trusting, honest man who the political leaders of his state feel they can manipulate and puppet in Washington. He has no idea he has been sent to Washington to ensure the state's political bosses profit from a dam the state does not need, built on land the politicians secretly own. When he finds out, his honor and honesty will not allow him to do anything but fight them for his own ideas, which include building a boy's camp on the very same land. He even finds that his own boyhood idol, Senator Paine, is corrupt and manipulated by the political bosses back home. "
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"World Trade Center"--A Film Review, 2007.
A review of Oliver Stone's film "World Trade Center."
1,020 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and analyzes Oliver Stone's film about the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. The paper focuses on the themes presented in the film, particularly that of hope. Although this review is positive toward the movie "World Trade Center," it does include some criticism toward the film. The reviewer concludes that the audience of "World Trade Center" should take away a message of hope.
From the Paper
"Some reviewers found the film too patriotic and flag-waving, and too religious in nature. Another critic writes, "The visual approach of 'World Trade Center,' heavy on the intense close-ups and fervent in its embrace of the characters' religious and patriotic strains, flies in the face of everybody's preconceptions about what a Stone film feels like" (Phillips). However, these are some of the things that helped the two men remain alive, and this seems as if it is a natural reaction to the unnatural events surrounding them. They turn to their spiritual side and introspection to help make some sense of their predicament and their lives. Above all, they realize they have everything in the world to live for, and they do not want to die. They realize they have made mistakes, and they want another chance to make things better if they survive. "
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"Gangs of New York", 2007.
An analysis of the main themes of the movie "Gangs of New York".
1,081 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how "Gangs of New York" is a disturbing film about New York City during the Civil War era. The story revolves around "the son of Priest Fallon." Priest Fallon was a Roman Catholic Irish immigrant who was killed fighting against "The Natives," a gang that hated all minorities. In particular, it focuses on the representation of three major social problems of the times: Boss Tweed and the corrupt Tammany Hall political machine, the enormous surge of new Irish immigrants entering the city every week and the first compulsory draft. The paper examines these three elements as they contributed to gang-related problems.
From the Paper
"William M. "Boss" Tweed controlled the Tammany Hall political machine, which was infamous for its corruption and influence on all levels of government, including the police force. The film shows Tweed sending soup to the starving immigrants as they get off the ships, thus garnering their votes. It shows his people buying votes. It also reveals that Tweed was unwilling to really control crime because he was profiting from it. The police, for instance, instead of stopping looters, take a cut from the booty. Boss Tweed announces sarcastically, "The appearance of the law must be upheld." He decides to hang three or four ordinary family men falsely accused of "corruption of the public good." This was to show that Tweed was tough on crime. "
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'Sabrina', 2006.
A comparison between the 1954 version and the 1995 version of the movie 'Sabrina'.
925 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews, discusses and compares the 1954 version of 'Sabrina' directed by Billy Wilder, with the 1995 version directed by Sydney Pollack. According to the paper, feminine value of love reigns triumphant, reflecting common cultural and social myths, if not the practices and norms of real life in both versions.
From the Paper
"But Sabrina's initial rough exterior is still presented in terms of a kind of casual tomboyishness, in this case, Julia Ormond's bespeckled visage rather than Audrey Hepburn's ponytail. The young woman must put away childish, gender-ambiguous play and adopt a feminine norm, to show she is a 'real' woman, worthy of David's class. Contemporary norms in terms of how males and females are portrayed in the two versions, are perhaps more manifest in how the newer version seems to take a more damning view of David's love of fast women and fast cars and his frequently boorish behavior with the fair sex. But by virtue of replicating the plot, Linus' equally crass seduction of a vulnerable young woman to preserve a corporate merger is still viewed in a reasonably tolerant light. "
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Sexual Politics in Film, 2007.
An analysis of the theme of sexual politics in the movies "Pulp Fiction" and "Swept Away".
1,354 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how media is particularly dependent on sexual politics as a thematic representation and as a guiding force for human emotion and how this is particularly true with regard to dramatic representations in film. It focuses on two movies, which pay particularly close attention to sexual politics, "Swept Away" (the original 1974 and the newer 2002 versions) and "Pulp Fiction". It looks at how "Swept Away" pays particular interest to social class with an emphasis on sadomasochism and how "Pulp Fiction" deals with the inner workings of the sexual politics in a complicated subculture of sex, drugs and crime.
From the Paper
"The cinematography and setting of Swept Away in both film versions detail the loneliness of man in a world where individuals and whole societies express love and longing through materialism and end courting with violent and absurd expressions of pain and pleasure. The film, is similar in tenor to Nine 1/2 Weeks (1986) another cult classic film dedicated to the idea of sexual politics driving personal relationships and leading to not real love but love that is expressed through dominance and possession as well as objectified bodies. "
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Movie Director's Notes, 2007.
A presentation of a movie director's notes for shooting a film beginning on an airplane.
1,194 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 0 sources, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper is written as a creative writing piece. It presents instructions for a director for shooting a movie that begins on an airplane. It describes the scenery, the types of shots that should be taken and how the characters should be positioned in the shots. The paper presents details for three scenes in this short movie.
Table of Contents:
Airplane Scene One
Scene Two: Having fun in Europe
Final scene
From the Paper
"The next scene spins in showing dancers with the mountains visible out the windows but only lit by the lights of the slopes. We identify the couple as they dance by the camera and the next scene spins in showing a 45 degree angle shot of the couple at a table is a nice restaurant with a different view out the window. The lighting is romantically low and warm, but not dark. The story action can be continued here, as the camera moves to full frontal table shot and then dollies in until we have full frontal couple shot. The camera angles alternate between full frontal couple, and individual head and shoulder shots as they talk while drinking wine and sampling hors d'ouvres. They are seated almost as closely as the airline seats enforces. Outside the large windows it is dusk and we see a cityscape of Paris."
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Political Awakenings in Cinema, 2006.
A comparison between Pudovkin's "Mother" (1926), "Erin Brockovich" (2000) and "Good Night and Good Luck" (2005).
2,106 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper compares the 1926 film, "Mother" with "Erin Brockovich" and "Good Night and Good Luck", both from the turn of the century. According to the paper, the archetypal and purely visual images of acting like that of "Mother" can no longer be taken seriously in modern film acting. The paper goes on to say that never-the-less, the power of the film's images raises a profound question about the nature of modern filmmaking because the film should not move the viewer, and yet it does.
From the Paper
"Both film's focuses are psychological in terms of how the acting renders the main character, unlike "Mother." Although it was also based upon a past historical event, "Mother" does not try to tell the mother's internal and unique story in relation to these events, it uses one mother's image to uphold its own political values. The mother comes to realize that she must bend to the forces of history, and support revolution, rather than change history. Her actions, like holding a flag in protest, are symbolic rather than personally gratifying. The acting, rather than personalized in both American films, is general, and depicted in broad, sweeping gestures rather than subtle shifts of dialogue, or changes in hairstyle or expression to indicate the character's growing political awareness."
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"The Dead Poets' Society", 2007.
A look at the psycho-social concepts present in the film "The Dead Poets' Society."
1,064 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the film is based upon conformity of behavior according to accepted traditions and accepted societal standards of the 1950s in America. The paper portrays how acting was not an accepted vocation, as accepted vocations were those which carried prestige and high salaries. The paper shows how the ideas of gender roles in adolescents, especially boys and narrow tradition-based attitudes about what is valuable in society are represented graphically in this film.
From the Paper
"The story centers on a group of boys in a very traditional private school for boys, and all the problems of both the boys and their teachers. It focuses on a particularly avant-guard literature teacher played by Robin Williams, Mr. Keating. In the opening scene we meet the boys coming for school, and a collage of scenes gives us the idea that this school has very solid traditions. The theme of group behavior and tradition is a constant background in the film with techniques like bagpipes, walls full of portraits, monuments and costumes."
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"Clash of the Titans"--A Film Review, 2007.
A review of the film "The Clash of the Titans" and its mythological basis.
1,367 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper describes and reviews the film "The Clash of the Titans," while also considering the mythological basis of the storyline. The paper examines the deeper mythological themes present in the movie, especially how human beings try to satisfy the willful nature of the gods. The review describes the intent of Greek mythology in the paper, also giving attention to its deeper psychological meaning. The review concludes that although the film "The Clash of the Titans" does add some changes for dramatic effect, it does not veer too far away from the themes found in the original Greek myth.
From the Paper
"The symbolic frame for the mythology considers that the people form cultures with their own rites and ceremonies, mythology, heroes and stories as unique as any other culture. The Greeks developed over time a massive and complex mythology that explained in animistic, anthropomorphic terms many of the natural phenomena seen in the world around them and at the same time propounded a direct relationship between themselves and the gods as part of that explanation. In mythology, the Oedipus myth suggests that the hero is challenged and reformed by his encounter with his anima in the form of Jocasta, but his daughter Antigone is herself faced with her animus in the form of her father and all that he represents. Even a superficial reading of the story and an examination of the mythology behind it points to the fact that Antigone's character has been formed from her relationship with her father. Her relationship with her mother is secondary and indeed only sketchily formed at all in the context of the myth. Jocasta plays a role that is vital more because she is the mother as well as the wife of Oedipus than because she is the mother of Antigone. Elements of this myth are apparent in the way Perseus seeks to reconnect with the mother and rebuild the family lost so long ago. The godly world inhabited by these characters is a world where human passions have been projected on the deities so that rather than act as deities might be expected to, keeping some distance from the passions of the world, they instead exhibit human passions heightened because they are part of the behavior of the gods."
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Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho", 2007.
A review of Alfred Hitchcock's famous film "Psycho."
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece of suspense, the film "Psycho." The reviewer describes the innovations, taboos and transgressions that Hitchcock explored in this film. Additionally, the paper discusses the emotional states of fear and horror that the film inspired, and how Hitchcock enticed his audience by giving them just enough information to lure them into the world of the protagonist, Norman. The paper also discusses how Hitchcock promoted his film prior to its release. The reviewer concludes that in "Psycho," Alfred Hitchcock lured his audience into the forbidden, made them uncomfortable but at the same time made them enjoy the brief experience of unspoken transgressions as seen in the film.
From the Paper
" When Norman purposely gives Marion the key to room number 1 so he can watch her through a peephole in the office, Hitchcock is enticing the audience with another transgression, voyeurism. The audience is forced into this secret world, forced to participate in Norman's forbidden thrill as he watches her undress. Such scenes resulted in much criticism. For example, a letter to the New York Times claimed that Psycho was "deliberately calculated to stimulate the jaded appetites of the middle-aged and arouse the worst latent instincts of teen-agers," suggesting that the transgressions depicted might be contagious (Hendershot). "
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McCarthyism and Literature, 2006.
A discussion regarding the influence of McCarthyism on literature.
1,614 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at Senator Joseph McCarthy's obsession with communists and his black list of people considered to be subversives, communist sympathizers and people who would not cooperate with the committee, which meant they would not testify against their fellows or name names of "other suspected subversives". According to the paper, this black list prevented anyone on it from working in the entertainment industry, publishing their work or often even from getting an ordinary job.
From the Paper
"Arthur Miller was another big name playwright who was blacklisted. While the McCarthy era squashed some literature, it also stimulated some great work. On Saturday June 17, 2000, Arthur Miller wrote, "It would probably never have occurred to me to write a play about the Salem witch trials of 1692 had I not seen some astonishing correspondences with that calamity in the America of the late 40s and early 50s. My basic need was to respond to a phenomenon which, with only small exaggeration, one could say paralyzed a whole generation and in a short time dried up the habits of trust and toleration in public discourse." (Miller, Arthur 2000) The plot of The Crucible deals with the Salem witch trials, and many readers and audience members do not even make the connection to McCarthy, especially the young. However, when it is pointed out, it is completely transparent. "
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The Canadian Film Industry, 2007.
This paper discusses the difficulties faced by the the Canadian film industry.
3,842 words (approx. 15.4 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 105.95
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Abstract
The paper presents a brief history of the Canadian film industry and discusses how the English branch of Canadian cinematography continues to lack in distribution on the domestic market. The paper attempts to explain why it has been so difficult for the national industry to develop. The paper looks at various causes and examines the lack of connection Canadians have with their cultural heritage. The paper suggests that perhaps each individual's efforts to reconsider his national identity will lead to an appreciation of the indigenous film industry.
Outline:
A Brief History of the Canadian Film Industry
An Attempt to Explain the Paradox
From the Paper
"When talking about movies, most people's mental representation consist of the sign from the Hollywood Hills, the well known Hollywood's Walk of Fame or the glamorous Oscar ceremony which allows them to recognize their favorite actors or actresses. But how many realize that the roots of celebrities who are given the red-carpet treatment aren't exclusively American? For instance, how many cinephiles who have been touched by the story of Titanic, the renowned film that won 11 Oscars in 1998, know that its director James Cameron has Canadian origins? Furthermore, how many moviegoers have found out that contemporary cineplexes representing one of their favorite leisure destinations were invented by a Canadian?"
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The Bible, The Ten Commandments and Moses, 2007.
An analysis of John Huston's film ""The Bible: In the Beginning" and his discussion of it in his book "An Open Book."
9,430 words (approx. 37.7 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 193.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on John Huston's auto-biography "An Open Book" and his discussion of his 1966 film "The Bible: In the Beginning," which is an Old Testament film. The paper discusses issues that relate to a vast area of theological discourse that are raised by a close reading of the film. It describes Huston's characterization in the film and criticizes the director's interpretation and manipulation of the Biblical text.
Table of Contents:
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
The Ten Commandments
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
From the Paper
"In the Biblical text Moses appeals to God and begs that he not destroy the Israelite people. He in fact argues with Goes and appeals to God's vanity, as it were. "Why should the Egyptians say, 'It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people." (Exodus 32: 12) This would, in my reading of the film, certainly be an aspect that DeMille would not include in his version of the Biblical events as it would, at the very least, compromise the message of freedom from tyranny that the Ten Commandments is meant to portray and represent."
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"Chocolat", 2007.
A study on chocolate, focusing on the film "Chocolat", directed by Lasse Hallstrom and based on the book by Joanne Harris
4,424 words (approx. 17.7 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 116.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the history of chocolate and its role in the globalization of food. It provides a brief synopsis of the film "Chocolat", directed by Lasse Hallstrom and based on the book by Joanne Harris. The paper argues that the film uses chocolate as a thematic representation of the human experience of modernization and then describes how it comes to this conclusion.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Brief History of Chocolate
Brief Synopsis of the Film Chocolat
How Chocolate is the Thematic Link Between Old and New
From the Paper
"Josephine, the battered wife undergoes a transformation as well, a defining rebirth, as the new owner of the cafe, which she renames for Armande and after her husband has fled when the Conte tells him to leave, after his admission of starting the fire on Roux's boat, and potentially murdering innocent souls in the name of the Comte. (Mcfadden 126) The value of tradition, based upon Vianne's history and beliefs are demonstrated by her utilization of 2,000 year old recipes as well as by the grandeur of her chocolaterria, decorated with Mayan symbolism and relics. The theology and symbolism of chocolate comes full circle within the film as it works its magic, through Vianne's hands and transforms the drabness of the village to a colorful and free representation of the loving and human nature of faith."
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WWII and Movies, 2007.
This paper explores how World War II affected movies in America.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
The paper presents the thesis that World War II caused the movies and Hollywood to produce pro-war films during the period before the US joined the war and propaganda films at the height of the war. The paper shows how the movie industry was in support of America's war against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. The paper discusses how Hollywood encouraged the war and then worked to positively bring the realization that the war was a fight between good and evil and its soldiers were heroes and defenders of democracy.
Outline:
Introduction
Thesis Support 1
Thesis Support 2
Thesis Support 3
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Moving pictures, the cinema or films are some of the terms used to describe the movies. America has been known to give birth to the motion picture industry and as such, Hollywood becomes the Mecca not only of the American film industry but set the worldwide standard as well. Hollywood and the movies have become part and parcel of the American culture and as years or decades go by, the U.S. film industry mirrored what is happening in America at a particular period and produced films that captured the lives and histories of the time. One of the pivotal moments of the American film industry is during World War II when the film genre produced pro-war support themed movies."
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Silent Films and Talkies, 2007.
A discussion of how much the transition to sound changed the nature of films, according to Scott Eyman, in his essay "The Speed of Sound: Hollywood and the Talkie Revolution, 1926-1930."
924 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the effects on Hollywood of the transition from silent films to films with sound. It analyzes the transition from the point of view of film historian Scott Eyman, in his essay "The Speed of Sound: Hollywood and the Talkie Revolution, 1926-1930." The paper discusses Eyman's theories based on certain films that have been produced since sound was introduced.
From the Paper
"Eyman may be correct that technology changed the financial dynamics of the studio systems, made filmmaking more expensive, and required the import of new actors and talent to Hollywood. Individual actors whose voices clashed with their on-screen personas, like John Gilbert saw their stars diminish, or end. But the nature of the cinematic medium as a visual medium remained constant, even after the introduction of sound. Of course, this is not to deny the presence of films like screwball comedies that were purely the production of the talkies, or the presence of some staged plays for film that became popular. But for the most part, audiences still come to films to see a good show, unlike the theater, where they expect more dialogue and character development, and less technology and spectacle."
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"The Elephant Man", 2007.
An analysis of the film "The Elephant Man," directed by David Lynch, as viewed by the philosophy of Anita Silvers in her essay "From The Crooked Timber of Humanity, Beautiful Things Can Be Made."
898 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the film, "The Elephant Man," directed by David Lynch. It specifically analyzes the film according to the philosophy of Anita Silvers in her essay "From The Crooked Timber of Humanity, Beautiful Things Can Be Made." The paper describes Silvers' view that the standards of symmetry and wholeness should be rewritten as a standard for human health and discusses how this relates to the themes in "The Elephant Man."
From the Paper
"In her essay, "From The Crooked Timber of Humanity, Beautiful Things Can Be Made," Anita Silvers makes a profound call that the standards of symmetry and wholeness be rewritten as a standard for human health in a way that is sounded like a clarion call throughout the film "The Elephant Man." Merrick's unique plight is not simply tragic, rather his presence elevates the lives of others, and shows the valuable moral contribution that persons with so-called disabilities can make to society. Because of Merrick's unique presence in their lives, the cold medical professionals gain insight into the need to view human subjects and illness in a mode that is not simply mechanical, but humane and compassionate. The concept of how health is understood in moral terms becomes destabilized because of Merrick's overwhelming, instinctive morality, based upon his skillful perception of his situation."
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"The Other Sister", 2007.
An analysis of the portrayal of mental retardation in the movie "The Other Sister".
829 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the film, "The Other Sister", portrays a developmentally delayed woman named Carla Tate who has been extremely sheltered for most of her life, by both her family and her educational system. It discusses how the film suggests that Carla is a highly functioning and compassionate woman, despite her disability. It also discusses how despite the positive portrayal of mentally challenged individuals, critics have felt that the film's treatment of the condition is very patronizing.
From the Paper
"The main problems, the film suggests, lie not with Carla's inherent abilities but the ways that Carla's family has reacted to her disorder, with a near-pathological sense of over-protectiveness. Because the family has another child of normal intelligence, the family tends to constantly measure Carla's functionality against their older daughter, who is highly capable, intelligent, and gets married over the course of the film. This family tension underlines the fact that mental retardation does not always have a clear, organic cause. Thus the fact that mentally challenged individuals often exist with in the context of a so-called normal home means that parents often have difficulties understanding what their child is or is not capable of achieving or understanding, in comparison to themselves or other siblings."
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'Hamlet', 2006.
A look at the female characters in Lawrence Olivier's 1948 production and Kenneth Branagh's 1996 film version of 'Hamlet'.
1,044 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the contrast of the female characters in "Hamlet", as portrayed in two 20th century film productions: Lawrence Olivier's 1948 production and Kenneth Branagh's 1996 version.
From the Paper
"Shortly after this sequence, Hamlet bursts into his first soliloquy, and through this "textual transposition," placing the Ophelia scene immediately after the first soliloquy...a direct link is created between Hamlet's sense of sexual betrayal in Gertrude's "dexterous posting" between "incestuous sheets" with his uncle Claudius and Ophelia's refusal of him as a chaste or sexual lover. (Dawson 178; "Hamlet" I.2) The former seems likely, given that the actress who plays Ophelia seems so innocent, blond and docile to her father and brother's wishes, in contrast to the young, sensual brunette Gertrude. Oliver's Gertrude hardly seems old enough to have a mature son, although she also seems anything but innocent in the caressing way she behaves towards Oliver, even at the outset of the film."
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