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Award-Giving Bodies, 2007.
A comparative analysis of the Academy Awards (Oscars) and MTV Movie Awards (MTV-MA).
994 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a comparative analysis of the Academy Awards and MTV-MA as award-giving bodies. The paper posits that both award-giving bodies have similarities and differences that arise from the culture, audience, commercial value and socio-political relevance of the movies and processes that each award-giving body undergoes. The paper in general attributes specific segments of American culture as the primary driver that distinguishes the Oscars from the MTV-MA.
From the Paper
"These award-giving programs have their own niche and place at the spectrum of American entertainment. The Academy Awards' image differs radically from the MTV Movie Awards, though both programs enjoy popularity and renown not only in the entertainment business, but more specifically because of their influence in American culture. The Academy Awards' (referred to from now on as the Oscars) and MTV-MA's (MTV Movie Awards) importance is based, then, on their relevance to the entertainment business and the general public (as the audience and patrons of the entertainment business)."
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Film: "West Side Story", 2006.
This paper discusses sociology issues in the film "West Side Story".
1,155 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that discrimination of all sorts at many levels is a main theme of the film "West Side Story", which is a modern day version of "Romeo and Juliet" with many of the same problems of prejudice, male domination of the family, and social unrest. The author points out that the film presents the difficulties of an inter-racial marriage in New York City during the 1960s when racial issues were boiling over around the nation. The paper relates that this film illustrates very well the theories of group membership and how the group members live by the accepted norms and govern their actions by the attitudes they have internalized.
From the Paper
"The two main groups are racially segregated gangs: the Puerto Rican Sharks and the White Jets. The members of each of these groups see themselves as the in-group and the others as the out-group. The struggle is for the control of the New York City West Side streets. The actions of the characters seldom deviate from the accepted group norm. When any character acts differently he or she is suspected of disloyalty to the group. Even pronouncing the Spanish correctly makes Tony's loyalty suspect. Group membership is the driving force behind the actions of most of the characters."
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"Psycho", 2007.
An analysis of the use of costume in the film "Psycho".
1,457 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper shows how dress and costume is crucial to the promotion of the central themes and intentions of the film, "Psycho". The paper examines how, not only do the costumes used add to the atmosphere and realism of the movie, but also how the costumes are essential in terms of the final impact and meaning of the film. The paper explains that when the character of Norman Bates dresses as his mother, it is a complete transgression of normalcy and is diametrically opposed to the mundane costumes worn by the rest of the cast. The paper concludes that this contrast serves not only to heighten the horror and shock aspects of the film, but also functions to highlight and to provide insight into the twisted mind of Bates.
From the Paper
"The image of Bates acting out a series of murders dictated by his own mind while dressed as his own mother is made visceral and horrifyingly tangible by the actual incongruity of the man in an ill - fitting and inappropriate dress. The costume that Bates wears is purposely mismatched in relation to his angular figure and creates a compelling physical image. There are also subtle touches in the way that Hitchcock chooses elements of the costume. For instance, the script make reference to the fact that he wears a "cheap" wig, which tends to direct our attention to the pathetic and deranged nature of his psychosis."
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"Rules of the Game", 2007.
This paper analyzes the characterization in Jean Renoir's 1939 movie "Rules of the Game".
3,097 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the stark contrast between the world of the aristocrats and the world of the servants who attended to them in rural France before World War II. The paper shows how Jean Renoir brings these two groups together in the classic 1939 movie "Rules of the Game." The paper explains how Renoir violated many rules of writing, both in the number and complexity of the characters and the number of subplots that he allowed. This allowed Renoir the ability to create an entire world within the Chateau. The paper discusses how this film offers modern viewers a glimpse at the mood which prevailed in France during World War II.
Outline:
The Importance of Characterization
Plot Summary
Stylistic Notes
Characterization
Symbolism and Theme
From the Paper
"Movies and novels are classified as to the key driving force of the plot. Some stories are clearly plot driven. Plot driven story lines depend on the events to create interest for the audience. Plot driven stories depend on forces outside of the characters themselves to create interest. These types of stories have several pitfalls. The first is that the characters can seem shallow. The true test of a plot driven story is if one could imagine other characters in the same situation without affecting the impact of the film. The characters themselves are not essential to the success of the story. Plot driven stories often involve generic characters such as hero and heroine archetypes."
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"Silkwood", 2006.
This paper discusses the film "Silkwood", which represents a genre of films, including "Erin Brockovich", that exposes real cases of corporate greed and criminality in the area of environmental protection.
1,380 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that "Silkwood" is a disturbing movie because, at first, the film comes across as being a horror story and then it strikes you that it is really a true story. The author explains that the movie is about Karen Silkwood, a chemical technician at the Kerr-McGee's plutonium fuels production plant in Oklahoma who investigates the breach of safety conditions at the plant and possible plutonium exposure, but soon dies in a suspicious car accident. The paper also relates what happened after Karen Silkwood's: After her death, her relatives sued the Kerr-McGee plutonium fuels production plant in a civil case for the inadequate health and safety conditions at the plant that led to Silkwood's contamination.
From the Paper
"Twelve years after Karen Silkwood's death, in 1986, the case benefited from a retrial, however it did not end up in front of a court and it was settled for the amount of $1.3 million . It seems that there was more to the story and some new evidence had surfaced in the case as the media of the time reported. There allegedly were ample pieces of evidence that Karen Silkwood had been deliberately contaminated with plutonium, only to be murdered some days later. The accusations from the trial had gone even further. It was alleged that Karen Silkwood had discovered a large conspiracy which involved a number of US public institutions regarding a network of international plutonium smuggling."
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Racial Issues in "Glory", 2007.
An analysis of racial prejudice in the film "Glory".
1,424 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the film "Glory" directed by Edward Zwick. Specifically, it discusses the ideological message of the film using formalist analysis supported by research on the film and its filmmaker. The writer proposes that race seems to be the only issue in Edward Zwick's classic film "Glory". The paper examines the film's depiction of the racial tension that exists in the army unit, in the other fighting units, and in the nation as a whole. The paper concludes that the film graphically illustrates those tensions for the viewer, and indicates a country torn not only by war, but also by racial prejudice and stereotypes.
From the Paper
"Many scenes throughout the film indicate the tensions between blacks and whites. It is quite clear not only the Confederates hate blacks. Many of the white soldiers and officers also dislike the African Americans, and do not want to work with them. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick, has to convince his friend to lead the regiment with him, and there are scenes of the black soldiers marching through Boston to the jeers of the crowds and other soldiers. One graphic scene during the men's training shows how the Irish Sergeant Major holds the new recruits in contempt. He calls them monkeys and animals, and treats them just the same. He is vulgar and prejudiced, and it takes a reprimand from Shaw to calm him just a little. Much of the U.S. population at the time held the same ideas as the Sergeant Major, and so, simply because of their race, blacks were seen as not trainable, animalistic, and dimwitted."
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"Glory", 2007.
An analysis of the leadership qualities portrayed by the main character in the film, "Glory," directed by Edward Zwick and Dan Lerner.
1,023 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the film "Glory," directed by Edward Zwick and Dan Lerner. Specifically, the paper summarizes the film and applies various leadership theories to the main character, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. The paper concludes with a personal reflection on the film's portrayal of leadership qualities through this character.
From the Paper
"Finally, Shaw had a great moral sense, and a strong sense of what is right and wrong, and this is another mark of a fine leader. Shaw tried to right some of the wrongs his regiment faced, from prejudice to cheating and low pay. He was a moral man who wanted justice and equality for his men at a time when blacks were still slaves in the South. A fine leader has morality, common sense, and a sense of fair play. This helps develop loyalty in the people they lead, and security, too. His men knew they could trust their leader and that he would never cross them or turn his back on them. That develops loyalty, and loyalty is one of the things a good leader needs in order to continue to be effective and successful."
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American Film Comedy, 2007.
An analysis of the styles contributing to the comedy in "The Reluctant Debutante," directed by Vincent Minnelli, and "What a Girl Wants," directed by Dennis Gordon.
909 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the two films "The Reluctant Debutante," directed by Vincent Minnelli in 1958 and "What a Girl Wants," directed by Dennis Gordon in 2003. The paper discusses the plot, setting and styles of the two films and discusses how these contribute to the comedic portrayal of the cultural clashes between the British and American characters in the films.
From the Paper
"In "The Reluctant Debutant" Lord Broadbent brings his daughter willingly over to England. He always knew of her existence, and both he and his wife, in however bumbling a fashion, take an interest in the girl's coming out into society and becoming part of their lives. In "What a Girl Wants," the barbed insults of the aristocrats are more cruel than witty, and they lack the glittering, attractive if cruel perfection of the persons involved in the social whirl of "The Reluctant Debutante." Because there is less of a believable cultural difference between nations, and more of an obvious class difference between middle-class America and upper class England, the aristocrats seem cruel. In the earlier film, this sense of social hierarchy is simply not in the film's frame of reference. England equals class and money. America equals culture and democracy."
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"Monty Python and the Holy Grail", 2007.
A review of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", a film directed by Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam.
976 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how, even though "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" was first released in 1975, the movie remains edgy, topical, and funny even today. The paper analyzes how the film remains a cult classic, and aficionados can still recite lines from the screenplay verbatim. The paper examines numerous Web sites and reviews dedicated to the film, including unofficial scripts online, and a scientific discussion on one of the opening parts of the film, called "Estimating the Airspeed Velocity of an Unladen Swallow". The writer proposes that one of the reasons that the film has stood the test of time is the writing and the incredible talent of the cast in their delivery and ability to play off one another.
From the Paper
"This film is so chock-full of sight gags, one-liners, and comedic situations it immediately became a comedy icon. From the horseless knights who follow the grail trail by clapping coconuts together, to the early debate regarding African verses European swallows, the film goes for the jugular, sometimes literally. Not for the feint of heart in some scenes, such as the famously bloody battle with the Black Knight, the film does go over the top and stay there for many segments. Perhaps the most memorable scene is the musical number "Knights of the Round Table," which includes the lyrics, "We're knights of the round table / We dance whene'er we're able / We do routines and chorus scenes / With footwork impeccable./ We dine well here in Camelot / We eat ham and jam and spam a lot" ("Monty Python")."
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The Corpse Bride, 2007.
This paper discusses the film "The Corpse Bride" directed by Tim Burton.
872 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the film "The Corpse Bride" and examines its popularity. The writer maintains that the popularity of this film is really quite amazing if you look at the fact that it seems to have a highly specialized, niche target audience, some of which are not known to be the most mainstream of audiences. The writer notes that ultimately the timing of 'The Corpse Bride' allowed what might have been a small, quiet film to blossom into an impressive box office draw. Further the writer points out that the partnerships that Tim Burton, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter have forged together through multiple films have been able to provide a fascinating and varied body of work that leaves the audience anxiously awaiting the next move for these now A-list actors and director.
From the Paper
"The story of The Corpse Bride is a stop-frame animation film by Tim Burton that is loosely based on a Russian-Jewish folklore from the 19th century. In the story, a reluctant groom, Victor Van Dort, is being forced to marry in an arrangement between his family and the family of Victoria Everglot, his betrothed. Initially, neither are very happy with the arrangement, but after they meet for the first time they fall in love and are relatively eager for the wedding to take place. Because of his surprise affection for Victoria, Victor is nervous and proves to be a disaster at the rehearsal where he makes a mess of his wedding vows and sets his future mother in law on fire. Pastor Galswells is appalled by Victor's incompetence and declares that the wedding will not take place until Victor can successfully repeat his vows and can compose himself during the ceremony."
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"Xiu-Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl", 2003.
A review of Joan Chen's film "Xiu-Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl".
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the film "Xiu-Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl" by Joan Chen. According to the paper, the film is a moving love story that takes place during China's cultural revolution. The paper explains that when the film's character, Wen Xiu, or Xiu Xiu, is sent to the countryside in a cultural movement to learn from Lao Jin to care for horses, she is told that she will only be there for six months, but it becomes clear that she will not be leaving the countryside again.
From the Paper
"There are several places where we see the affection that Lao Jin has for Xiu Xiu. First, during the scene where the second visitor has come to Xiu Xiu, we alternately see Xiu Xiu being brutally taken advantage of, and at the same time in a different place, Lao Jin is collecting eggs. Lao Jin plans on bringing these eggs home to Xiu Xiu and the scene set in contrast to the scene in the tent turns the simple, every day act into something tender. The symbolism of the eggs, the pure white objects in the filth and dirt of a nest, also could represent the purity of Lao Jin's love."
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Docudrama Films, 2006.
A comparison between the films 'Fahrenheit 911' and 'Bowling for Columbine' versus films 'FahrenHype 9/11' and 'Celsius 41.11 - The Temperature at Which the Brain Begins to Die'.
4,669 words (approx. 18.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 120.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at, and compares, the docudrama films 'Fahrenheit 911' and 'Bowling for Columbine' versus the docudrama films 'FahrenHype 9/11' and 'Celsius 41.11 - The Temperature at Which the Brain Begins to Die'. The paper takes a look at how these films influence the reputation of docudrama as a film genre.
From the Paper
"Within Fahrenheit 911 Michael Moore uses footage that is simultaneously disturbing and humorous, in which President George W. Bush is shown, immediately after hearing the news of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, continuing to read the children's book My Pet Goat to a group of Florida elementary school children, while also looking blankly off into the distance trying to figure out what to do next. The sequence of events leading up to that series of shots, in which Bush reads "My Pet Goat" and looks perplexed, for at least five full minutes, is obviously intended by Moore to illustrate that, even though Bush comes from a powerful, privileged family, he is still unfit, on his own, to be President. "
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Schizophrenia, 2007.
This paper analyzes the development of schizophrenia in John Nash, the main character in Russel Crowe's movie, "A Beautiful Mind."
1,485 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the movie "A Beautiful Mind" by Russell Crowe that portrays John Nash, a brilliant but eccentric graduate student of mathematics at Princeton University. The paper describes how in spite of Nash's eccentricities, he manages to fall in love, marry, have a child and become a tenured professor. In spite of these accomplishments, the paper shows how paranoid schizophrenia gradually takes hold of him and dominates his life. The paper examines his diagnosis and treatment and explores the condition of schizophrenia in general.
Outline:
The Subject: John Nash
Diagnosis
Treatment
From the Paper
"In spite of Nash's obvious social awkwardness, he possesses a fair amount of charm. He tells his imaginary roommate that he is "quite well balanced" -- he has an equally heavy chip on both shoulders. However, he already believes himself to be special, too gifted to waste his time attending lectures and reading textbooks. In the opening scene, a professor tells the class that it was mathematicians who broke the Japanese code during World War II, and mathematicians who designed the atomic bomb, linking fine mathematical minds to national security. In the movie, his meeting with the Army when they hire him as a secret code-breaker is quite elaborate."
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Michael Collins and Terrorism, 2007.
This paper discusses the subject of terrorism focusing on Michael Collins.
1,357 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
In this essay, the writer maintains that the legend and reality of the life of Michael Collins is matter of much debate and also a certain amount of mystery. The writer notes that the subject of Collins' motivations and character are dealt with in the film "Michael Collins" directed by Neil Jordan. The writer points out that there is a certain amount of ambiguity with which the film attempts to deal, in that Collins is the instigator of a brutal form of guerrilla warfare used as a reaction against the occupying British forces. The central aim of these actions was to oust the British from Ireland and to achieve an independent Irish Republic. There are two central aspects that this paper attempts to address in light of the view that the film puts forward about Collins. Firstly, the writer notes the view of Collins as an Irish patriot and secondly the writer assesses Collins' methods of retaliation against the British forces in Ireland.
From the Paper
"The film itself leaves little doubt that the tactics that Collins employed against the British, while ethically questionable, were the only tactics that he felt were left to him in the face of the overwhelming force of British domination. At one point in the films he states that he hates the British not because of their nationality, colonial dominance or even their brutality, but because they have left him no choice but to employ harsh tactics that would increase violence and hatred. This reasoning is similar to the rationale behind many other guerilla or terrorist groups and tactics throughout the world. There is also suggestion in the film and the literature that the way that Collins used guerrilla tactics against the British was emulated by other leaders and groups such as Argentinean Marxist revolutionary, Che Guevara."
"This reason for the use of guerilla or terrorist tactics is often given as being inevitable, when a smaller force is faced by an intimidating and overwhelming or numerically superior oppressor that cannot be fought in a conventional manner."
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'Schindler's List', 2006.
A summary of the movie 'Schindler's List' and the historical events depicted in the film.
815 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses Steven Spielberg's film, 'Schindler's List'. The paper reports that 'Schindler's List' is based on the actual life story of a German businessman, Oskar Schindler, who saved over 1000 Polish Jews from the Nazis by putting them to work in a factory he owned that made war materials for the Third Reich.
From the Paper
" Ultimately, Oskar Schindler, whose compassion for his Jewish workers continually evolves throughout the film, loses the entire fortune that he has amassed during the war in bribing the Nazis, again and again, to leave his Jewish workers alone. At the end of the war, though, Schindler still will face arrest by the fast-approaching Soviet Army of wartime profiteering, so he is forced to flee his factory as the Russian Army approaches his factory in Moravia. His workers give him a letter to carry with him testifying to his good deeds and how he has saved them all from death. The next morning, when the factory itself is liberated by the Russian Army, Schindler himself is already long gone. "
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Takeshi Kitano, 2007.
A review of the life and work of Japanese film maker Takeshi Kitano.
2,378 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the background of Takeshi Kitano, prior to becoming an actor, director and producer later in life, in order to understand his films. It looks at how he grew up with a mother who continually pushed the importance of education and experience so that he could break from an impoverished environment and how he has followed many different paths, positive and negative, to find the one that would be most significant to him and others. It discusses how his movies, including "Hana-bi", have fulfilled this objective by impacting audiences throughout the world with their vivid messages about the frailties and strengths of humankind.
From the Paper
"In contrast to many other directors, Kitano usually shoots his films sequentially, normally filming only one shot per scene--with the direction of the movie changing constantly. In the 1992 film Sonatine, the actor Ren Osugi's character was supposed to die in one of the first scenes. Kitano liked his acting so much, he kept him in the movie until the end. "Everyday, I thought, OK, today I am going to die," says Osugi. "I never knew what my character was going to do" (Tashiro, 2001). Sonatine was the tale of a yakuza boss, also played by Kitano, who takes refuge with his men in a coastal hideaway. "
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"The Wizard of Oz", 2007.
A discussion on "The Wizard of Oz", directed by, Victor Fleming.
940 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces and discusses "The Wizard of Oz". It offers an archetypal analysis of the movie from the viewpoint of Jung's theory of the collective unconscious. The paper offers quotes from the film to qualify points made.
From the Paper
"Dorothy's journey through Oz to find the Wizard, or "trickster," is a journey through a magical land filled with strange and wonderful creatures. It can also be seen as a very real journey through the Jungian philosophy. First, Dorothy must travel through an unreal or unconscious landscape in an attempt to return to her normal conscious state. The entire time in Oz is a dream sequence in the film, so Dorothy is literally exploring her unconscious mind from the moment she is hit on the head and goes to sleep. Her return home (waking up) is a return to her conscious self. "
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'Bicycle Thief' and 'Un Chien Andalou', 2006.
A review of Vittorio De Sica's 'The Bicycle Thief' and Luis Bunuel and Salvador Dali's 'Un Chien Andalou' as two examples of avant-garde cinema.
1,798 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews two examples of avant-garde cinema, Italian neorealist filmmaker Vittorio De Sica's 'Bicycle Thief' and Spanish filmmakers Luis Bunuel and Salvador Dali's 'Un Chien Andalou'. According to the paper, avant-garde pushes the boundaries of what is accepted as the norm within definitions of art, culture and reality.
From the Paper
" For example, Lamberto Maggiorani, the actor who played Antonio, was in real life a factory worker in Rome ("Bicycle Thieves"). (In the aftermath of World War II, it is also likely, however, that this casting of "real people", instead of professional actors, was done to save money by not having to pay professional actors). The documentary-style camera work of De Sica's The Bicycle Thief, moreover, further increases for the audience the sense that the film is about true-to-life people and real situations, a characteristic also typical of post-World War II Italian neo-realist cinema. This is, also, an avant-garde filmmaking technique that resists, explicitly and implicitly, the commercialism of Hollywood, while offering, instead, a "purer", more "realistic" (and lower-cost) alternative to film audiences."
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'Scarface', 2006.
A review of the 1932 film 'Scarface' and the remake 50 years later.
2,854 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the original and the remake of the film 'Scarface' and compares the two. According to the paper, a change in the gangster genre can be seen when comparing the two versions. The paper further discusses how while attitudes toward crime changed in some degree between these two films, both films are based on the primary view that the criminal will ultimately fail, a victim of his own evil actions, leading to a well-deserved death.
From the Paper
"The first version of Scarface was actually produced in 1930 and not released for two years while the filmmakers battled "with industry censors over its sensationalism and glorification of the gangster menace" (Dirks para. 1). When the film was released, it had as its subtitle "The Shame of a Nation," a way of telling the public that the production company disapproved of the main character and his style of life. Such disclaimers were a response to public concerns raised after the release of films like Little Caesar (1930) and The Public Enemy (1931), films cited both for glorifying criminals and for excessive violence (though given the way the gangsters in each film were killed, it is difficult to see the film as a whole glorifying them or their crimes). "
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