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Federico Fellini's "8 1/2", 2006.
A review of director Federico Fellini's film "8 1/2".
787 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper provides a synopsis of the film, and praises Nino Rota's musical score and Gianni di Venanzo's cinematography. The paper concludes that the film demonstrates the failure of a quest for greatness with the acceptance of mediocrity.
From the Paper
"Guido is at a critical point in his career and he has been contracted to do a new film with the actors hired, a massive set of a spaceship built and a crew ready for production, but Guido has not a single germ of an idea for the movie. Beleaguered by actors wanting to know their parts, producers and crew asking what they should do, battling his own inner fears that ridicule his inabilities and at the same time his personal life is coming apart. Guido fantasizes likely scenes and his daydreams are brought to life through exquisite cinematography by Gianni di Venanzo, as he examines his life, his past and all his present problems."
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"Pirates of the Silicon Valley", 2006.
A review of the 1999 movie "Pirates of the Silicon Valley".
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This movie critiques and reviews the 1999 straight-to-video film "Pirates of Silicon Valley", starring Noah Wyle. The movie is about the competition between Apple founder Steve Jobs (played by Wyle) and IBM founder Bill Gates (played by Anthony Michael Hall). The author of this paper provides a very detailed summary of the plot line and then critiques the movie. He concludes that the movie "offers fairly accurate coverage of this dynamic period in the growth of the two companies", however he feels that the role of Jobs was over-emphasized, while Gates' role was minimized.
From the Paper
"Because of the constraint of time, only 96 minutes, the full impact of the accomplishments of these two giants of the industry and the fast and turbulent times of their rise to the top of their respective companies and the computer industry couldn't be fully explored. The time frame being the period of the early 1970s through the middle to latter 1980s simply cannot be covered in a 96-minute film no matter how cleverly accomplished. The accuracy of the work however was amazingly true to the real world happenings between Apple and Microsoft."
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"The Natural", 2006.
A comparison between the Bernard Malamud novel "The Natural" and the 1984 movie based on it.
975 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and then compares and contrasts the Bernard Malamud novel "The Natural" and the 1984 Hollywood movie by the same name. The paper begins with a two-page summary of the novel, calling it the greatest baseball fiction ever written. The story of a farm boy Roy Hobbs, the novel inspired the 1984 movie, directed by Barry Levinson and starring Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Barbara Hershey, Kim Basinger and Wilfred Brimley. The author of this paper lauds the book, saying it reveals how an innocent country boy falls to the temptations of the urban life and style. On the other hand, he criticizes Barry Levinson's "The Natural" for portraying how Roy, despite all adversities, comes out on top -- what the author maintains is typically, disappointingly Hollywood.
From the Paper
"Over the course of the season, Roy gets emotionally involved with the dangerously seductive Memo Paris, Pop's niece. He also finds himself in the company of Gus Sands, Memo's friend and a professional gambler. Memo for all her beauty and style is a costly proposition. In the event of his desire for Memo, and need for sufficient money to maintain her style, Roy is led astray from his quest for success and honor. Realizing his mistake, Roy tries to redeem himself and, Pop too, who played into his hands of things. But alas! It turns out that Roy had run out of luck, the natural gifts deserted him. His magic bat "Wonder Boy" shattered in the final game of the season. Thus, Roy squandered a life destined for fame by pursuing women and, fortune. The tools designed for him by God, Wonder boy, and his Excaliber deserted him in his moment of trial. Roy fell an unworthy man."
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The Movie Remake, 2006.
This paper examines the movie industry's practice of remaking previously successful films.
2,786 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper explores movie remakes and questions whether the film industry uses its assets efficiently or wastes the audience's, as well as the film industry's, time and money by rehashing socially irrelevant characters and worn out plots. When a movie company produces a film, they have a tangible asset by owning the rights to that particular movie to do with as they please. The writer of this paper asserts that while the original movie may have been good in its time, it may not always stand the test of time when producers remake the film in an attempt to spark a renewed interest in it. This paper focuses on two films, "Shaft" and "Planet of the Apes," both socially controversial films from 1968 and compares them to their remakes in 2001.
From the Paper
"The 1960s was a time of racial turmoil. After nearly 250 years of oppression, blacks had finally won equal rights with the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Gone were the Jim Crow laws and other attempts to legally separate people according to race. However, simply making a law did not automatically erase the social confines that surrounded the issue of racial differences. Blacks and Whites had been legally separated for many years. Their origins were two different perspectives and ancestries. Even though blacks could no longer be discriminated against according to the law, this did not mean that they automatically gave up their own unique styles and culture."
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"Shawshank Redemption", 2006.
An analysis of the movie "Shawshank Redemption" directed by Frank Darabont.
1,257 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 0 sources, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between Red and Andy in "The Shawshank Redemption" which is a drama about the experience of being in prison. "Red" is an inmate who has been in prison for thirty years and develops a relationship with the protagonist, Andy Dufresne, a New England banker who is wrongly convicted and given two life sentences for the murder of his wife and her lover. The paper shows how during his incarceration, Andy is assaulted, carves a chess set from stone, procures the funds and builds a prison library, assists other inmates achieve their high school equivalency diploma, launders money for the corrupt prison warden and after twenty years, escapes to Mexico and exposes the warden.
From the Paper
"Andy's central conflict is his view of himself. "My wife used to say I'm a hard man to know - like a closed book. Complained about it all the time. She was beautiful. God, I loved her. I just didn't know how to show it, that's all. I killed her, Red. I didn't pull the trigger, but I drove her away. And that's why she died, because of me, the way I am." Andy becomes introspective and analyzes his own behavior in the past and finds it lacking. The history and culture in which Andy originates is that of education, success, and professional dedication. Twenty years of prison has had a profound effect on Andy. Prison where the culture is comprised of each man having to look out for himself and do whatever is necessary to survive, but the need is still there for help and support."
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Edward S. Curtis and "Coming to Light", 2006.
An analysis of the work of American photographer Edward S. Curtis and the film by Anne Makepeace, "Coming to Light", which depicts the life of Curtis.
1,401 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the parallels that can be drawn between various aspects of the film "Coming to Light" and the work of photographer Edward S. Curtis, the subject of the film. By exploring these parallels, the paper then highlights what is both positive and negative about the film.
From the Paper
"The 84-minute long film depicts the life of Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952), who took it upon himself to preserve traditional American Indian cultures by means of photographic art. It was during 1900 when he attended a Piegan Sundance, that the photographer was so moved that he made the preservation of the cultures of the various tribes of North American Indians his life's work. As he believed that the Sundance was to be the last the he would see, he was inspired to use photography to preserve what he could of the beauty of the culture. Thus, with around 10,000 recordings, 40,000 photographs and one full length ethnographic film about his subjects, Curtis became the most famous of his time. However, with the Great Depression in the 1930's people's interest in Indian culture wavered and Curtis eventually died in poverty, nearly forgotten. His work did however survive and was rediscovered during the 1970's. It is from this material, and the help of both Native Americans and Curtis's family members, that Anne Makepeace was able to create her remarkable film."
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"The Good Woman of Bangkok", 2006.
This paper reviews and analyzes the semiotic references in Dennis O'Rourke's 1991 film "The Good Woman of Bangkok."
1,734 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the semiotic references that are found in Dennis O'Rourke's film "The Good Woman of Bangkok." The writer defines semiotics as being primarily concerned with how meaning is generated and conveyed and explains how the director used this form of communication to confuse his audience. The film, which is reviewed in this paper, discusses the prostitution industry in Bangkok and the director's goal to find the bond between the banality and the aesthetics of love. The writer also explores the semiotic codes used to define the signifier/signified relationship between prostitution and its meanings which are initially the typical codes of contemporary culture.
From the Paper
"Of course the code that these men use to interpret themselves and their own behavior is of a mostly deceptive nature. It could be argued that the filmmaker uses his own interpretive code in the same manner to deceive himself. Some argue that the true reason for the film was to indulge in gratutous sex only to justify oneself afterwards. The rice farm is seen as a reward, or a payment, for Aoi to provide her services as a prostitute."
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Scary Movies, 2006.
This paper examines plot and character development as well as the creative process involved in various horror films and focuses on how 'slasher' films have changed from the 1970s to the present.
1,715 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper evaluates the horror film industry and discusses how story plots and characters are created. This paper alludes to the constantly advancing and improving computer generated visual effects that are practically a requirement in these types of films. This paper also examines how issues of sexuality and morality are incorporated into these types of movies and how the horror film genre has drastically changed from the 1970s to the present. Several films discussed in this paper include: "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "Leatherface" and "Friday the 13th."
From the Paper
"The horror films of the past were simpler, had a single-minded direction and probably did not have today's pressure to make a lot of money. Many of these films were original in thought, contained a creative element lost in much of today's horror. Today, the pressure is to show a lot of blood and gore, the more explicit, the better. There often appear the same themes and character roles over and over again.
In the past the "monster" is seen in numerous scenes by the film's characters without it being at that point a threat to the character."
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"Once Were Warriors", 2006.
This paper explores the issues of domestic abuse, poverty and violence which are vividly portrayed in director Lee Tamahori's film "Once Were Warriors."
1,375 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the vicious cycle of poverty, crime and domestic abuse in director Lee Tamahori's film "Once Were Warriors" which is set in New Zealand. The writer of this paper focuses on the film's main character Jack, a surprisingly complex character which is a tribute to the director who avoided the temptation to make him completely unsympathetic. Jack the patriarch is an abusive man with a penchant for alcohol, parties and using his fists whenever he can, even on his own wife. This paper details and analyzes the film's plot as well as Tamahori's witty use of symbolism which is displayed at the end of the film when layers of illusion are peeled away.
From the Paper
"Jack is a surprisingly complex character, a tribute to the writer and director who avoided the temptation to make him a completely unsympathetic character from the beginning. At first, we see Jack as a relatively nice guy, working his fish shop job and doing it well. There is an undertone of darkness even here, though, when Jack gets into a bump-and-stare conflict with a clumsy passer by. His anger here was easily provoked, but since nothing came of it, we can still believe that he is a generally good person."
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Cinema- Voice for Political and Social Issues., 2006.
An examination of cinema as a means to voice political and social issues.
3,690 words (approx. 14.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 102.95
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Abstract
In this paper the author highlights many of the uses of cinema as a means to political and social communication. He cites many examples of where politics have been affected by the use of cinema and social trends have been established as a result.The author also centres on cases where American movies have been banned due to political issues and influences. The paper concludes by stating that cinema is not the only influence on the changes that have occurred in politics and society.
From the Paper
"A lot of Canadians seem to be loyal to Canadian art, Canadian music, orchestras perform works by Canadian composers, and theatres that perform Canadian plays. But at the same time there are movies that are being now produced and shot in Canada when once they sued to be shot and filmed in the US. Although a lot of Canadians say that they would prefer to be distinctive of their own culture and society at the end of it seems like if they were given a choice they would rather opt for the American way of living."
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History of Polish Film and Television, 2006.
A comprehensive review of Polish film and television from its beginnings until today.
2,971 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 87.95
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Abstract
In this paper the author starts with the humble beginnings of the Polish film industry in 1902, examining its roots and highlighting how the first movies were made. The paper then examines the cultural aspects of the Polish nation and how they are incorporated into its film and television industries through arts and education.In conclusion the paper identifies how Poland is recovering from the 40 year censorship that was applied to this industry.
From the Paper
"Polish cinema continued to thrive, with fine works by Roman Polanski and Jerzy Skolimowski, despite the threats of censorship, until the late 1960's, when general turmoil and student revolts prompted a crackdown on filmmakers. These cultural purges caused "many leading figures in the industry (to be) replaced or demoted" (1094). Jewish directors were especially adversely affected by the purges, which smacked of antisemitism. Several of these Jewish directors, including Aleksander Ford, were forced to leave Poland. "
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"Dances with Wolves", 2006.
This paper critiques and analyzes the plot, the director's use of certain camera angles as well as the depiction of Native American Indians in the 1990 film "Dances with Wolves."
1,551 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper details the historical filled plot of the 1990 film "Dances with Wolves." This paper also examines the daily life of the Indians as seen in the film who are depicted as living a peaceful existence with no real threat of attack from the white man. While the film portrays many conventional elements of the western genre, at the same time it obliterates the requisite stereotypes which generally permeate these types of films.
From the Paper
"As the film sends us back and forth through time, and switches between the Indians and the searching soldiers, we are able to learn John's story at the exact pace that director and star Kevin Costner wants us to. The beginning of the film immediately shows the soldiers involved in what seems to be a meaningless confrontation that no one is able to resolve until John Dunbar, out of sheer anxiety, sets off the action. The commanding officer at Fort Hayes is the stereotypical power hungry official we've become so accustomed to seeing in westerns and war movies, and it is from this point that we begin to understand just what John Dunbar is facing at Fort Sedgewick."
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| Term Paper # 66089 |
temporarily unavailable
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Richard Boleslawski's Film "Les Miserables" (1935), 2005.
A comparison of the plots of Richard Boleslawski's 1935 film version of Victor Hugo's novel "Les Miserables" to the Old and New Testaments.
1,375 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how themes from the Old Testament, including the absolute authority of the law above all else and from the New Testament, including unconditional love, forgiveness, salvation and atonement, can be found in Richard Boleslawski's 1935 film version of Victor Hugo's novel "Les Miserables".
Outline
The Law
Unconditional Love
Forgiveness
Atonement
Salvation
From the Paper
"The concept of absolute authoritarian law is represented by Javert, the policeman. The law, according to Javert, is the answer to all conflict. This guides his judgment and decisions throughout the film. His relentless pursuit of Valjean is evidence of this. The only way to atone for wrongdoing is through harsh punishment, whether fully deserved or not. This concept is also representative of the society at the time. Paris during the 1830's was a harsh place, where many were poor and desperate. It is in fact a desperate crime that leads to Valjean's arrest and imprisonment. Thus, the slightest error would bring upon the perpetrator the harshest punishment. This is reminiscent of the Old Testament, where there was a law for everything from crime to the dress code. If God was not happy with something somebody did, they would be struck dead on the spot. Thus Valjean represents the merciless law of the Old Testament."
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Broadcast Journalism, 2006.
A personal perspective on choosing to pursue a career in broadcast journalism.
1,140 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper presents the author's struggle to decide if she wants to pursue a career as a broadcast journalist. The author outlines the drawbacks, including low wages and the extreme competition. She also discusses the educational requirements for the field, and the need to intern. Finally, she examines the particular struggle to find meaningful opportunities for women in TV news. The paper concludes with the author's decision to continue pursuing the field, despite the challenges.
From the Paper
"Besides the extreme competition there are many other disadvantages in this career path. One of them is the pervasive low wages. According to Stone, "there's a widening gap between the salaries of anchors and news directors and those of the majority of staff. In small and middle markets, the basic news handlers-- reporters, photographers and producers--have lost ground to the cost of living in recent years." The obvious reason that attributes to the low wages is the aforementioned overabundance of applicants. They don't need to pay the entry-level people very well because many people are willing to take any job to get their foot in the door. A survey done in 1994 shows that the median salary for a reporter is around $21,000 and the top anchor $55,000; the sports and weather people fall somewhere in between. According to US News magazine's own survey conducted in 1997, the average salary for entry level journalism jobs in general, is around $22,000."
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Hollywood and the Military, 2006.
An analysis of three Hollywood films and whether they have affected public opinion about military or foreign policy actions.
1,421 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how certain movies produced by Hollywood have influenced public opinion about U.S foreign policy. Specifically, the author looks at how three specific films have manufactured public support for U.S. military incursions: "Green Beret" (1968) about Vietnam, "Black Hawk Down" (2001) about Somalia and "Pearl Harbor" (2001) about World War II.
From the Paper
"The directness of the relationship is proportional to money the military establishment will outlay for a film, as well as personnel and hardware support. This arrangement does not always work out: several Vietnam movies were refused by the military establishment, including Apocalypse Now, yet were still commercially successful films. The timing and content of military propaganda films is important for achieving success. Foreign policy, defense objectives, and the domestic public mood must be correctly read. This needs close communication between Hollywood and the military establishment."
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"The Holy Ghost People?, 2005.
This paper describes Peter Adair's documentary film "The Holy Ghost People", which explores the mysterious culture of Appalachian snake-handlers.
2,105 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Peter Adair's documentary film "The Holy Ghost People" is about people in a Pentecostal church in West Virginia who claim to receive the Holy Ghost as a source of power and happiness, and, when possessed by the Holy Ghost, their bodies jerk and they speak in unintelligible languages. The author points out that the main message, which Adair's cinematography is trying to convey, is that people can express their emotions without using words. The paper relates that the most telling shot in the entire documentary is the last one in which the camera focuses on the bloody cloth, which the man is using to wipe his hand thus showing the real danger, but the man, who was bitten by a poisonous snake, stays calm.
From the Paper
"One interesting aspect, for me, was that I couldn't understand some of what people either said or sang, partly because of their accents, partly because of the muffled sound quality. However, this added to the feeling of intrigue and made me focus more on the tone of the songs and voices and rely more on body language and other visual stimuli. The few shots of the area in West Virginia this documentary was shot in tells a lot about who these people are. It is barren, poor, and run down. These people are disenfranchised and suffering under poverty. Even the trees cannot bear leaves, life is so cold. This is the reality of the snake handling people."
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"The Godfather" and "The Sopranos", 2006.
A comparison between Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" and David Chase's "The Sopranos".
2,210 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 0 sources, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper compares the main themes and characters of the popular television series "The Sopranos" and the famous film "The Godfather". The author explores the similarities and differences in their approach to religion, family, morality and humor. The paper also includes society's reactions to these two works. In conclusion, the author offers a personal opinion on the reason for the productions' successes.
From the Paper
"In assessing these two different approaches to the Mob, the question is not "Do the writers and producers 'use' religion?" but rather, it is obvious that religion plays a role in the real life of gangsters - particularly Italian ones. For instance, we do not see Hyman Roth (a prototype of the real-life Meyer Lansky) attend a synagogue. Yet, we see various scenes of interplay with the clergy, and attendance at baptisms, marriages and funerals within a church or cathedral- not in the U.S. and in Sicily. We cannot eliminate the influence of the church- whether we can consider it positive, neutral, or negative. Religion is there. It cannot be eliminated, even from fiction pretending to be real life."
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"Roger & Me", 2005.
This paper discusses the documentary film "Roger & Me" by Michael Moore, which chronicles the rise and fall of the American auto industry through the eyes of one of General Motor's company towns Flint, Michigan.
2,300 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, unlike most documentary films, Michael Moore in his film "Roger & Me" uses irony, satire, dry wit and black humor to make his point. He maintains the idea of a documentary by showing real life, which he intersperses with almost ludicrous situations and quotations by those being interviewed. The author points out that Michael Moore, the son of an autoworker, who video-taped the documentary himself, created the "plot" by which Moore attempts to bring General Motor's Chairman of the Board, Roger Smith, to Flint so that he can see firsthand the devastation to people's lives caused by the plant shutdowns. The paper relates that, although the film is biased against General Motors, the film was effective in illustrating Flint's political mentality by showing the futile attempt of the city to throw money at a problem when they haven't a clue as to what to do.
From the Paper
"Beyond that, as Michael Moore states at the beginning of the movie, success is escaping Flint. The lack of a timeline also leaves a question in the determination of the movie's effectiveness. The movie covers several years of time and it is difficult to follow the sequence of events or the time period through which they unfolded. It should have been obvious real soon that GM was not going to reopen the plants, nor assist with any type of transfers or workplace assimilation for the workers from the assembly floor. The political structure of the city must have existed in the clouds, because they seemed to not any idea either as to what could be done. Throwing millions of dollars into a tourism market that did not exist was a waste that should have been foreseen. The opinion voiced by the affluent and the celebrities that the people should "so something" shows a complete lack of empathy for the people involved."
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