1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.
Behind Citizen Kane and The Godfather, Casablanca, according to AFI, is the #3 movie of all time. Casablanca is a “near perfect entertainment balance of comedy, romance and suspense.” Casablanca's themes play a huge role in this film. Themes of love, honor, and self-sacrifice in war. During WWII, Casablanca,(French) Morocco is a neutral territory where refugees from the war hope to get exit visas to Lisbon (and then to the United States). For it's time, Casablanca was a very important film because even the people were not sure the outcome of WWII. This is why Casablanca played a huge role in film history.
2) Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034583/
In this article, IMDB shows the viewer the cast, director, writers, and the stars. Along with all this information, IMDB provides the main storyline to the film, plus trivia and goofs. Viewers to IMDB can also leave their own opinions and reviews to their page. IMDB is a great resource when you need to look up a film or if you just want to know more.
3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.
This article didn't help me too much. It only showed me things like box office, trivia, and goofs that I didn't know. I have seen this film several times prior to this class and it's one of my favorites. But, the article definitely can help someone out when they need to find out information out about the film.
4) Write a critical analysis of the film.
Casablanca is an American classic. This film for it's time was a very important one. Especially what was going on in history at that time. WWII was a pivotal point in history and Casablanca captured the essence of what was going on in other countries during wartime, especially a French Morocco. The characters were also key. The way they all interacted and knew each other prior. Rick and Ilsa had a "fling" while Ilsa's fiance was in a concentration camp. Also, Sam was a minor character, but a key character. He hid the letters of transit in this piano and he calms both Ilsa and Rick down with his piano playing, with Sam playing "A Kiss is Just a Kiss." In conclusion, Casablanca is an American classic capturing the hearts of many with the love story, plus showing people what it was like in other places during wartime. With themes like this, Casablanca will stand the test of time as one of the greatest films ever made.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Journal Assignment #5 - Citizen Kane
1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.
Citizen Kane is considered to be the greatest film ever made for many reasons. From Orson Welles' themes, lighting, photography, and symbolism. Citizen Kane was very advanced for it's time. Orson Welles paid great attention to detail, when it came to both shadowing and placing his shots. Even though he was only 24 years old and this was his first film, Citizen Kane was far superior than the other films. It's aesthetics within the film were flawless. The shots were perfectly placed and one can really feel what Charles Foster Kane was feeling just by the camera angles and shadowing. In conclusion, Citizen Kane is such a powerful and perfect film. If you haven't seen this film, you should.
2) Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/89/Citizen-Kane/
This article gives a brief synopsis on the film. Along with the synopsis, TCM provides the reader with a list of the cast and crew. It also gives additional information such as the rating, duration, production co., distribution co., and production date. Leonard Maltin, who is an American film critic, features his own personal review and rating for the film. Users who have a TCM account can leave their own reviews and ratings. TCM is a great company to use when it comes to dealing with classic films.
3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.
This article helped me somewhat, but since I have seen Citizen Kane several times prior to seeing it in class it did not help me fully. The class notes provided far more information than this article. The notes showed me other things the film offered such as all the major themes and symbols. All in all, this film was incredible and with help from the lectures and the article, I was able to learn other things that I have not seen or known.
4) Write a critical analysis of the film.
Citizen Kane in my opinion was a flawless film. Orson Welles' cinematography is pure genius and every shot has different elements to them. From the shot of him playing in the snow as a kid through the kitchen window to the use of the snow globe in scenes that represented his former self. For the time period it was made, this film was far advanced from the other films being made. Citizen Kane was technical and paid close attention to detail in every shot. Orson Welles seemed almost like a perfectionist and he wanted the best possible shots for his film. I almost feel the plot wasn't important, although it was, but the actual camera angles and shots told it's own story. Lower angles to show his superiority, to a high key lighting to show Kane's youth and low key to show his age and dishevelment. When it comes down to it, Citizen Kane is a cinema masterpiece which should be viewed by all. Films could try and copy this certain style of film, but none will live up to the reputation that Citizen Kane has.
CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class. 2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper. 3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text. 4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper. 5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read. 6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography. 7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality. 8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper. Name: Brandon Rossi Date: 11/20/13
Citizen Kane is considered to be the greatest film ever made for many reasons. From Orson Welles' themes, lighting, photography, and symbolism. Citizen Kane was very advanced for it's time. Orson Welles paid great attention to detail, when it came to both shadowing and placing his shots. Even though he was only 24 years old and this was his first film, Citizen Kane was far superior than the other films. It's aesthetics within the film were flawless. The shots were perfectly placed and one can really feel what Charles Foster Kane was feeling just by the camera angles and shadowing. In conclusion, Citizen Kane is such a powerful and perfect film. If you haven't seen this film, you should.
2) Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/89/Citizen-Kane/
This article gives a brief synopsis on the film. Along with the synopsis, TCM provides the reader with a list of the cast and crew. It also gives additional information such as the rating, duration, production co., distribution co., and production date. Leonard Maltin, who is an American film critic, features his own personal review and rating for the film. Users who have a TCM account can leave their own reviews and ratings. TCM is a great company to use when it comes to dealing with classic films.
3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.
This article helped me somewhat, but since I have seen Citizen Kane several times prior to seeing it in class it did not help me fully. The class notes provided far more information than this article. The notes showed me other things the film offered such as all the major themes and symbols. All in all, this film was incredible and with help from the lectures and the article, I was able to learn other things that I have not seen or known.
4) Write a critical analysis of the film.
Citizen Kane in my opinion was a flawless film. Orson Welles' cinematography is pure genius and every shot has different elements to them. From the shot of him playing in the snow as a kid through the kitchen window to the use of the snow globe in scenes that represented his former self. For the time period it was made, this film was far advanced from the other films being made. Citizen Kane was technical and paid close attention to detail in every shot. Orson Welles seemed almost like a perfectionist and he wanted the best possible shots for his film. I almost feel the plot wasn't important, although it was, but the actual camera angles and shots told it's own story. Lower angles to show his superiority, to a high key lighting to show Kane's youth and low key to show his age and dishevelment. When it comes down to it, Citizen Kane is a cinema masterpiece which should be viewed by all. Films could try and copy this certain style of film, but none will live up to the reputation that Citizen Kane has.
CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class. 2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper. 3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text. 4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper. 5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read. 6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography. 7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality. 8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper. Name: Brandon Rossi Date: 11/20/13
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Journal Assignment #4 - Gone With The Wind
1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.
Gone With The Wind is surely an American classic. Arguably one of the greatest films of all time. With Scarlett O'Hara, played by Vivian Leigh and Rhett Butler, played by Clark Gable, this film stands the test of time. According to the text, Gone With The Wind was one of the most expensive productions ever undertaken with massive war battles, including the burning of Atlanta. It swept the Oscars with winners in the Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Art Direction, Director, Editing, and Best Picture. The earnings for this film speaks for itself. Domestic earnings alone topped $198 million. For these reasons, the cast, the awards, and the earnings, this film will forever be an American classic.
2) Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031381/
This article gives a brief summary of the film. It gives all information who the directors, writers, and actors were. Also, IMDB has a storyline of the film, trivia, box office, credits, goofs, and quotes. It also allows you to talk to other fans of the film using their message boards to connect with various users. IMDB is a legit credible source for any movie or television show. All the information on the film is given on this site. It's a great tool to refer to.
3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.
Considering this is the first time I have ever seen this movie I would say this article helped a bit. I got more use out of the class notes and lecture, but IMDB was a good reference to fall back on. There were some things I liked and some things I did not like. I really enjoyed the shots used in this film. I liked the sunset shots and the battle scenes. One other thing I really like is Clark Gable. From seeing him in It Happened One Night and now in Gone With The Wind, I am really starting to appreciate and like him as an actor. I didn't like the film in regards to the genre, although some parts I did enjoy. Basically, I don't love or hate it, I am neutral. But, I did take some valuable information away from it and I can see why it's such a classic.
4) Write a critical analysis of the film.
First off, I am neutral in my overall opinion of the film. Some things I really enjoyed and others not so much. However, I really understand why this film is such a classic and why it should be held on a pedestal, especially since it's an adaptation of an American classic novel. The culture was portrayed perfectly to the time in which this film took place. The women were proper, the men were riled up about the war, it seems this film was flawless. The cinematography played a huge role in this film. My favorite shot was after the battle and the slow zoom out to show all the fallen soldiers, I think that shot was perfect. The adaptation of the time period was spot on too. Although, I am a neutral viewer, I truly understand why this film is considered to be one of the greatest American films of all time.
CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class. 2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper. 3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text. 4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper. 5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read. 6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography. 7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality. 8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper. Name: Brandon Rossi Date: 11/6/13
Gone With The Wind is surely an American classic. Arguably one of the greatest films of all time. With Scarlett O'Hara, played by Vivian Leigh and Rhett Butler, played by Clark Gable, this film stands the test of time. According to the text, Gone With The Wind was one of the most expensive productions ever undertaken with massive war battles, including the burning of Atlanta. It swept the Oscars with winners in the Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Art Direction, Director, Editing, and Best Picture. The earnings for this film speaks for itself. Domestic earnings alone topped $198 million. For these reasons, the cast, the awards, and the earnings, this film will forever be an American classic.
2) Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031381/
This article gives a brief summary of the film. It gives all information who the directors, writers, and actors were. Also, IMDB has a storyline of the film, trivia, box office, credits, goofs, and quotes. It also allows you to talk to other fans of the film using their message boards to connect with various users. IMDB is a legit credible source for any movie or television show. All the information on the film is given on this site. It's a great tool to refer to.
3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.
Considering this is the first time I have ever seen this movie I would say this article helped a bit. I got more use out of the class notes and lecture, but IMDB was a good reference to fall back on. There were some things I liked and some things I did not like. I really enjoyed the shots used in this film. I liked the sunset shots and the battle scenes. One other thing I really like is Clark Gable. From seeing him in It Happened One Night and now in Gone With The Wind, I am really starting to appreciate and like him as an actor. I didn't like the film in regards to the genre, although some parts I did enjoy. Basically, I don't love or hate it, I am neutral. But, I did take some valuable information away from it and I can see why it's such a classic.
4) Write a critical analysis of the film.
First off, I am neutral in my overall opinion of the film. Some things I really enjoyed and others not so much. However, I really understand why this film is such a classic and why it should be held on a pedestal, especially since it's an adaptation of an American classic novel. The culture was portrayed perfectly to the time in which this film took place. The women were proper, the men were riled up about the war, it seems this film was flawless. The cinematography played a huge role in this film. My favorite shot was after the battle and the slow zoom out to show all the fallen soldiers, I think that shot was perfect. The adaptation of the time period was spot on too. Although, I am a neutral viewer, I truly understand why this film is considered to be one of the greatest American films of all time.
CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class. 2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper. 3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text. 4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper. 5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read. 6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography. 7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality. 8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper. Name: Brandon Rossi Date: 11/6/13
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