Casablanca (1942)

CASABLANCA 

Relate class discussion/text to screening:

     The themes displayed in Casablanca, as discussed in class, are honor, self-sacrifice, and lost love. The themes of self-sacrifice and lost love are apparent when, at the end of the film, Rick makes Ilsa leave Casablanca with Victor. He sacrifices their possible relationship so that Victor Laszlo and Isla can leave together. Aside from the themes, the memorable scenes were discussed. The memorable films discussed in class made the viewer look for particular scenes and the reactions of the characters.

Related article:

     The article chosen for Casablanca was a review written by the famous movie critic, Roger Ebert. Distributed in class, Ebert’s review contains much background, plot, and his personal feelings towards the film.

(http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-casablanca-1942)

 

Apply the article to the film:

     Roger Ebert, a famous critic and author of the “Great Movie” article, mentions how both Rick and Ilsa sacrifice their love for something greater. This is apparent throughout the film as both want to pursue a relationship while Rick knows that Ilsa should be with Victor. The article also relates to the film because, as noted by Ebert, Casablanca was created with a tight budget but “A-List” stars, including Bogart and Bergman. Ebert’s personal feelings towards the film is that it, “never grows over-familiar… the more I know it, the more I like it.” Being that Casablanca is considered a classic and one of the greatest film of all time allows for Ebert’s review to be true to the average viewer and fan.

Critical analysis:

     Casablanca is considered one of the greatest films of all time, according to the American Film Institute, and proves that throughout with having Bogart and Bergman have the starring roles. On a personal note, my favorite part was the ending for a few reasons. Rick giving up what he could have had with Ilsa so that she and Laszlo could be together, is the first reason. Next, when we discussed how Bergman was not told how the film was going to end and the viewer was able to see her genuine reaction. Also, when, as shown below, Rick says to Louis, "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship," because that line is extremely memorable and still used to this day. Overall, Casablanca was and is a film its time that displays several themes while keeping and discussing a very small part of the war around them.

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.

Citizen Kane (1941)

CITIZEN KANE

Relate class discussion/text to screening:

     Many class discussions have revolved around the topic of "auteur directors" and, recently, it was discussed how Orson Welles, who plays Charles Foster Kane, takes the true auteur director approach for the film. Welles had complete and total control over the film while also starring as the leading role. Citizen Kane would be Welles' only opportunity to have the complete control over a film. Also discussed in class was how Welles used camera angles, lighting, and character features to develop the story, foreshadow, and symbolize the characters' roles. Welles based Citizen Kane off of the life of William Randolph Hearst, publisher of the San Fransisco Examiner and the New York Journal. 

Related article:

     In a biography of Welles, it states how Welles signed a contract with RKO who gave him complete creative control of two films, one of them being Citizen Kane. The biography also mentions how Welles based the fill off of the live of William Hearst, as mentioned previously.

(http://www.biography.com/people/orson-welles-9527363#hollywood-and-citizen-kane)

Apply the article to the film:

     The article relates to the film because it is about Orson Welles, the director, write, producer, and star of Citizen Kane. The article discusses Welles' life before, during, and after the release of Citizen Kane. Welles was not successful with the film at first being that it, Citizen Kane, was based off the life of Hearst who, when the film was released, did not allow any of the papers he published to write about it. The article also notes how the cinematography makes Citizen Kane one of the greatest films.

Critical analysis:

     Overall, Orson Welles was able to display a true auteur approach through Citizen Kane. Despite this film not being one of my favorites, the cinematography and the way Welles had complete control made the film much more interesting. The way that Welles made a complete circle with the film, filmed at different angles, presented the characters, and focused on the sound made his film, Citizen Kane, one of the greatest films made. And for this, the latter success is well deserved. 

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.

Gone with the Wind (1939)

GONE WITH THE WIND

Relate class discussion/text to screening:

     In class, the discussion prior to the screening was based on the background of the film and on African-Americans in cinema. In mainstream Hollywood, African-Americans were generally given menial roles as domestic, genial help or as singers or dancers. This could apply to Hattie McDaniel, "Mammy", who was a servant to the O'Hara family. McDaniel's role was particularly large for an African-American in mainstream Hollywood and her character as "Mammy" contributed much to the film, and the O'Hara family. Aside from McDaniel's role, Gone with the Wind also challenged the Production Code with Rhett Butler's (Clark Gable) famous line, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn". The Production Code made an exception in order for "damn" to be used in this film as well as future film to come.

Related article:
     Rotten Tomatoes, a popular film and television review website, gives Gone with the Wind a critic review of 8.6/10 and an audience rating of 3.9/5. Also, the critics came to an general agreement that, "Filmed and presented on a scale not seen in modern productions, Gone with the Wind is, if not the definitive Hollywood film, then certainly near the top of the list". Rotten Tomatoes also provides the summary of the film, the cast, audience and critic reviews, and many other resources on the film. (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gone_with_the_wind/)

Apply the article to the film:
     The analysis from Rotten Tomatoes on Gone with the Wind relates to the film because, besides being solely about the film, it provides the critics reviews and how the audience viewed the film. There were various types of ratings including both good and bad reviews. There were some viewers who raved about the film but did not enjoy it's length, making it hard to sit through. Some critics were not in favor of the film and found it boring while other critics found it astonishing and adored the film. 

Critical analysis:

     Overall, having never previously viewing the film, I found it enjoyable yet, at times, I was able to understand why some critics were bored with it. Also, I am a fan of Clark Gable and have enjoyed the films that he has starred in and enjoy his wit and acting style. The film, being set in the late 1800's, can still be related to and viewers can relate to Scarlett O'Hara's stubbornness and her own relationship issues. The film can be put into modern retrospect regardless of the time period the film was made and portrayed in. For being almost 4 hours in length, Gone with the Wind is a classic technicolor film that deserves the high rating and box office standings it possesses. 

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.

Stagecoach (1939)

STAGECOACH

Relate class discussion/text to screening:

     Stagecoach revitalized westerns and gave John Wayne a start in his career. Westerns were considered "B" movies and Wayne was considered a "B" move actor. Westerns were not in favor for the public and director John Ford was told that making westerns would ruin his career. Stagecoach, as discussed in class, made Wayne legitimate and famous. Wayne ended up working with Ford 24 times throughout their careers.

     

Related article:
     Stagecoach director, John Ford, is the "epitome of an American Director" and proved that by having the most director awards. Three of the four best director awards that Ford won are from his films The Informer, Grapes of Wrath, and How Green Was My Valley. Biography.com mentions how, in 1973, Ford was the first to receive the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award. Ford's career thrived beginning of the mid-1930's. 
(John ford biography. (n.d.). Retrieved October 18, 2015, from http://www.biography.com/people/john-ford-9298806#synopsis)

Apply the article to the film:

     The article that discussed John Ford's life relates to the film because Ford was the director of the film. Also, Ford was able to elevate westerns to "A" status with this film. Although he did not win an Academy Award from directing the film, he was nominated and the film won for best supporting actor and best score. Stagecoach demonstrated the many themes and concepts that Ford captures in his films with his characters and plot. Ford became known for shooting many of his westerns in Monument Valley. Ford can be considered one of the best directors and filmmakers of all time.  

Critical analysis:

     Overall, Ford and Wayne were able to better the public's view on themselves and on westerns. Stagecoach increased the popularity and fame of westerns and gave Wayne a boost in his career. This film, along with its actors and director, was crucial to the time period. What was once a chance to ruin his career, Ford risked it and started making westerns and ended up becoming most famous for them. Ultimately, I enjoyed the film more than I thought I would being that I have never enjoyed westerns. I found it enjoyable that this was this film, that challenged status roles, moral decisions, and the goodness of people, was able to be the movie that sparked interest in westerns. 

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.