| Papers [337-352] of 2770 :: [Page 22 of 174] | | Go to page : <— 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 —> | |
|
|
"King Arthur" and the Historicity of Guinevere, 2006.
This paper analyzes whether or not the character of Guinevere is portrayed in a historically accurate way in Jerry Bruckheimer's 2004 film "King Arthur."
2,463 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 11 sources, MLA, AU$ 122.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This well-researched paper examines the historical content of Bruckheimer's film which the director claims is the true story of King Arthur and his relationship with Guinevere, based on discovered archaeological facts. The writer of this paper contends and explains why this is somewhat inaccurate, due to the fact that the film is based on speculation put forward by the historian Kemp Malone in 1924. This paper focuses on the character of Guinevere as depicted in this film, while comparing it to available historical data that contradicts the director's claims. This paper discusses the difficulty of pinning down an accurate portrayal of Guinevere due to the fact that she is defined primarily by her relationship with Arthur. This paper details why the film's depiction of Guinevere and her relationship to Arthur is not necessarily based on historical fact or legend, but rather on entirely speculative historical fiction.
From the Paper
"Guinevere's clothing and hands are not the only thing critics point to; they also suggest that she is being presented in a historically inaccurate way as a female warrior. In many movies it may be true that women are ahistorically buffed up - however, this is not necessarily one of those cases. While the historical Gwenhyvar is unlikely to have been a warrior, there is no historical reason to suggest that she was not a warrior. Celtic women were considered equal with the men, and many of them went into battle. An article published in Keltria: Journal of Druidism and Celtic Magic, explains how primary sources indicate that "Celtic women also took an energetic part in melee."
| |
|
"Citizen Kane", 2006.
An analysis of the structure, theme, and cinematic elements found in the film "Citizen Kane".
2,467 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 122.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper summarizes and analyzes the famous film "Citizen Kane" and explains how it reflects a wide variety of American values through the actions of Kane and others in the film. The paper also explains that much of the originality of "Citizen Kane" came from a synthesis of techniques that, while they had been used in other films before the making of "Citizen Kane", had never been brought together as they were in in this particular movie. The paper further discusses and analyzes the plot and structure of the movie as well as the dramatic realism of the film and the use of of non-linear methods and expressionistic choices to tell the film's story. Finally, the paper discusses the film's effective and impressive use of visual elements and sound.
From the Paper
"The primary American values sought by Kane in the beginning are truth, honesty, idealism, and individuality. These continue to be the primary goals he has for the country and the citizenry as he enters politics and offers to fight the corrupt political machine then running the city. The scandal into which he falls is a personal one, but it becomes a public one, showing how the voting public often confuses private morality with the public values of a political figure."
| |
|
The Image of Los Angeles, 2006.
This paper analyzes the image of 1930s' Los Angeles, as seen through the eyes of two authors, Nathanael West and James Cain.
1,378 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 75.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper reviews and examines James Cain's "Mildred Pierce" and Nathanael West's "The Day of the Locust." Both authors give a detailed view of Los Angeles, which has been shaped by various writers over the years, as well as by film and television depictions of the city. The writer of this paper analyzes both authors' perception of 1930s L.A. which was a different sort of city than it is today. Los Angeles in the 1930s was a city beset by a corrupt administration in City Hall, a corrupt police department and a citizenry, affected as was the rest of the country, by the economic failures of the Great Depression. This paper reviews Nathanael West's "The Day of the Locust" which is a realistic portrayal of a sub-culture in Hollywood in the 1930s which includes a non-realistic vision of the horror hiding behind the surface in that society. The writer contends that in West's novel, Hollywood represents a target, the place where people flocking to the city believe their dreams can be fulfilled if only they could get hired and be seen by the public. The writer also discusses the issue of social class as an important motivating force in the plot of Cain's "Mildred Pierce." The writer of this paper details the plots and main characters of both novels.
From the Paper
"Social class is an important motivating force in Mildred Pierce and is a particularly strong force in the life of Veda Pierce. Mildred, her mother, has fought to build a business in a world where women rarely manage to accomplish this feat, let alone do so with the success that Mildred achieves. The Los Angeles of this novel is the area to the north, with an area of old money in Pasadena upholding an old idea of social class, and with successful entrepreneurs like Mildred creating a new moneyed class emerging from the working world and suggesting the power of the American dream for those able to make it a reality. The denizens of Hollywood want the same thing with less overt work, while people like Mildred fight their way up from strength of character and personal talent."
| |
|
Comparative Film and Perspectives on History, 2005.
Examines three movies ("The Best Years of Our Lives", "Seabiscuit" and "Malcolm X") to show how they have successfully and accurately portrayed events in history.
2,460 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 120.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The trouble with filmmakers using history as a genre to appeal to the mass audience is that most times the view of history is skewed to fit the status quo perception of the event. Fortunately filmmakers like Spike Lee, Gary Ross and William Wyler have brought it upon themselves to attempt to make movies that tell a history in the correct framework of historical context. This paper examines the three films: "The Best Years of Our Lives", "Seabiscuit" and "Malcolm X" to show how these filmmakers worked to bring the stories of historical events to light and used different film techniques to accomplish this feat.
From the Paper
"Because for much of his racing career the horse was considered undersized and therefore the underdog, this movie is considered a feel good film for today's audience. The movie takes place during a time of the American economy at its worst, during and after the Depression. The movie effectively paints the picture of how bad things were for people by using a grey color scheme and grey urban settings. The only time the viewer sees color such as reds and browns are in the context of the rich or the businessman's home."
| |
|
"Fight Club", 2006.
This paper reviews and analyzes the underlying themes of violence in David Fincher's film "Fight Club."
1,856 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 96.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The writer of this paper contends and explains why David Fincher's film "Fight Club" is a sincere narration about the lost generation of 1990s. This paper analyzes Fincher's film, as well as the main character of Chuck Palahniuk. The writer describes Palahniuk as a victim of civilization and of his own prejudices and alienation, who is unable to find satisfaction in his own life. This paper details the plot of this dark and violent film as well as the characteristics of Palahniuk who begins to lose himself upon his realization that he's unable to enjoy his life. This paper also discusses the importance of Tyler Durden in Palahniuk's life. Durden is a free person, whose inner freedom, natural charisma and self-dependent eventually take over and conquer Palahniuk's self esteem. The writer of this paper explains why the dark atmosphere and violent fight themes in the film are similar to the conditions that existed in fascist Germany in 1930s.
From the Paper
"The victim of civilization and more over of his own prejudices and alienation is the narrator of the story Fight Club Chuck Palahniuk. He doesn't get any satisfaction from life, as it's usual and routine: he is an average manager in the car company, no one pays any attention to his existence, he is not respected either by his boss or by his co-workers. His personal life is not successful too. The narrator tries to spend all his money on luxury attempting to create an illusion of a happy and wealthy young man but he fails, as he can not achieve self-realization and happiness. Moreover he starts to suffer insomnia and finds out that he there is no medical support to overcome this disorder."
| |
|
Empowerment Through Film, 2006.
This paper reviews and examines several films based on real events and actual educators who have empowered their students, while focusing in particular on "Coach Carter" starring Samuel L. Jackson.
1,009 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 57.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The writer of this paper details how Hollywood takes the examples of real-life educators to provide them with their plots. This paper discusses several such films in this particular genre, including: "Standby By Me," "Lean on Me," and "Remember the Titans," while focusing on "Coach Carter," starring Samuel L. Jackson. "Coach Carter" is a prime example of how students can be empowered to change their lives for the better. This paper describes the plot of "Coach Carter," in which the coach is shown as a human being and not just a savior. Carter attempts to put down student fisticuffs and fighting by using positive encouragement rather than intimidation to enforce discipline while at the same time inspiring his players to respect one another, as well as respect him as an authority figure. The writer also discusses how films like "Remember the Titans" and "Friday Night Lights" tell the tale of student empowerment through sports.
From the Paper
"Of course, films like "Remember the Titans" and "Friday Night Lights" also tell the tale of student empowerment through sports. But these football films are more intent upon showing the dark side of sports, rather than seeing sports as having any potential for becoming tools of empowerment for young people, when in the right hands. The use of football in these films is a tool more for the empowerment of the coaches, fans, and outsiders such as the depressed people of the town rather than students. In contrast, the students of "Coach Carter" are taught to succeed for themselves and to advance their own interests."
| |
|
Journalism vs. Sensationalism, 2006.
This paper analyzes the decline in newspaper readership as well as the issue of real journalism versus sensationalistic reporting of the news.
2,314 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 115.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The writer of this paper presents a critical analysis on the decline of newspaper readership. This paper details the statistics, the attempts by newspapers to attract readers by turning to sensationalism and the opinions of experts in the field about how to increase readership. The writer also proposes an ethical solution to the problem that avoids sensationalism, yet, still provides the readers with what they want. Newspaper readership has declined. It has a tremendous amount of competition to overcome. Maintaining strong ethics, targeting the young adult and providing more investigative, celebrity and health and fitness news are all ways that readership can be increased and maintained. This paper discusses the issue of ethics in journalism while comparing it to the recent popularity of sensationalistic reporting. This paper also delves into electronic newspapers on the internet and their impact on readership.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Readers' Needs and Wants
Solution
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper
"The ethical question of using sensationalism to attract readers continues to be asked. Are newspapers simply giving readers what they want to keep their attention, or are they stepping over an ethical line in a desperate attempt to maintain their readership? It is a question that is debated nationwide in the industry. A few years ago, rag news such as the National Enquirer and the Star were laughed at by "real" journalists. Today however, "real" journalists find themselves in a position of having to lean more toward celebrity gossip and sensationalized stories to attract readers to their work."
| |
|
Michael Almereyda?s "Hamlet", 2005.
A discussion on director Michael Almereyda's film version (2000) of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
4,755 words (approx. 19.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 198.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines how director Michael Almereyda uses technology and a modern setting to tell the story of "Hamlet". It looks at how Almereyda's use of various devices, as well as forms of technology, give "Hamlet" new relevance to an audience that may not understand or care much about the succession of monarchies but does understand the consequences of corporate buy-outs. It also discusses how the fact that Almereyda sets "Hamlet" in modern times not only makes it more accessible to a modern audience, but also changes the image of the play.
From the Paper
"After one has seen multiple productions of "Hamlet", one comes to expect each production to place a different emphasis on Hamlet's madness. Therefore, one of the most striking things about Almereyda's Hamlet was that it completely de-emphasized Hamlet's madness. However, by taking emphasis away from the very scenes in which other directors have chosen to have their Hamlets act the most mad, Almereyda and actor Ethan Hawke have created something unusual: a Hamlet that is definitely mentally ill. While Hawke's Hamlet lacks the frantic lunacy of other Hamlets, the movie makes it clear that Hamlet is severely depressed. In fact, Hawke spoke of rock star Kurt Cobain, who ended his life by suicide, as his inspiration for Hamlet."
| |
|
?Fight Club?, 2005.
An analysis of this movie directed by David Fincher.
1,288 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 70.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the film, "Fight Club", (David Fincher), based upon the book with the same title by Chuck Palahniuk. The paper examines how the main character, Edward Norton, unwittingly creates for himself an alter ego in the form of Tyler Durden. Tyler is everything that Ed is afraid of being but wishes desperately to become. This eventually happens, with catastrophic consequences. The paper shows, however, that the question is what exactly Ed was searching for, why he created Tyler, and whether he was eventually successful in his psychological journey.
From the Paper
"Fincher for example suggests that the film depicts the self-destructive nature of caring for others. Caring for others, according to Fincher, requires the destruction of the self's most vital part, which is what happens to Norton. I however do not entirely agree with this assessment. Norton does care for others in the film, but only briefly during his support group phase. Caring for others is not his primary goal. The primary theme of the film is Edward's journey towards finding the truth in himself that cannot be touched by the superficial paradigms of society."
| |
|
The Movie Version of "The Turn of the Screw", 2006.
A look at the psychological interpretation of the "The Innocents", the movie adaptation of "The Turn of the Screw".
1,075 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 60.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explores the supernatural tones of the movie "The Innocents" and the book on which it is based "The Turn of the Screw" and argues that it is more a psychological story than a supernatural story. Exploring various mental illnesses including bipolar disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder, the author of the paper illustrates why there are stronger psychological undertones than supernatural undertones.
From the Paper
"The Turn of the Screw was such a popular story that it was adapted into a play and then later a movie. The story is based on a governess and her experiences after accepting a job being in charge of two young children. Throughout the book, the play and the movie there are implications of supernatural powers, but never are they proven. As the movie, book and play unfold and one places them under a microscope of analysis one will see that it is more about the psychological problems of the governess that create the illusion of supernatural powers."
| |
|
Freud and ?Star Wars?, 2005.
Applies Sigmund Freud's theory to a character from the movie, "Star Wars".
1,455 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 78.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper presents a detailed examination of the main ideas of Sigmund Freud and how those ideas can be applied to the life of the "Star Wars" character, Darth Vader. The writer looks at some of the actions taken by the character and holds them against the theories of Sigmund Freud to explain Vader's personality and actions.
From the Paper
"The id, the ego and the superego were perhaps the most famous theories of Freud. Darth Vader demonstrates all three concepts in the movie series throughout his life. The id is demonstrated when he displays the instincts to love his son. He displays a sliver of good and right when he doesn't want to kill his own son. A seeming evil being with no feelings whatsoever suddenly develops the instinct to protect that son. It is human instinct and one he was born with which comes from Id."
| |
|
Automobiles and the Film Industry, 2006.
An in-depth look at how the film industry has used automobiles for many years to try and influence the public and popular culture.
1,871 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 96.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper presents a detailed examination of automobiles in the film industry, and how they are impacted by mass media. More specifically, this paper analyzes how mass media influences the use of automobiles and popular culture surrounding their use. The writer explores several books and movies in support of the analysis presented.
From the Paper
"Since the inception of the automobile, significant importance has been placed on its use and look. Young men are conditioned to believe that attracting women is based in part on having the right type of car. Young women are raised to think if a man has a nice car he is a worthwhile pursuit. In addition, media and society have conditioned Americans to place certain values on certain cars. If it's a sedan or a station wagon the owner must be old or boring. If it is sporty or a particular type of car the assumption is made that the owner is modern in thought and action. Autos have importance in all walks of life, including entertainment."
| |
|
The Realist Horror Film, 2006.
This paper examines the horror film genre, also known as realist horror, while focusing on two specific films, "The Blair Witch Project" and "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer."
2,818 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 135.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper analyzes the realist horror genre in film. The realist horror genre was spearheaded by Alfred Hitchcock in his 1960 film "Psycho." Horror films proliferated throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s in Hollywood. Most of these films used comedy to portray killings, veering away from realism. The writer of this paper contends that the realist aspect of actual human killers is enough to leave lingering fears long after the viewing has ended. This paper focuses on this particular style of filmmaking, in which the approach is to focus on the killer rather than victim, resulting in terrifying the viewing audience. This well-researched paper notes the similarities and differences in "The Blair Witch Project" and "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer." This paper describes how both films leave the viewer with a lingering thought and fear of the real world. Specifically, fear of the horrific possibilities. "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer" is based on real-life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. The movie follows the daily life of Henry, beginning with aftermath shots of freshly murdered victims juxtaposed with images of Henry. This illustrates to the audience that Henry is indeed a bona-fide serial killer. "The Blair Witch Project" is a far cry from the typical slasher film. It uses an entirely different approach to realist horror. The film is shown as a documentary and the actors are not actors at all, but real victims captured on video.
From the Paper
"The presentation style changes only during the murder scenes. The pictures are graphic and almost too gory to be real. One woman is seen with a bottle shoved into her throat and the electronics salesman's head goes through a television picture tube - just before the television is plugged in - electrocuting him. Background electric guitar is also present mostly during the build up to a murder. It is not overdone and avoids appearing out of place. Rather, it helps the viewer realize something important in happening. Overall the film does achieve a realism most slasher films cannot approach. This purposeful use of a home-movie style subtly reminds the viewer that the onscreen events are based in truth. Blair Witch takes the realist style one step further by using the camera as a prop in the film. The viewer is constantly reminded that an off-screen character is behind the lens."
| |
|
Homosexuality in "North by Northwest", 2006.
This paper examines director Alfred Hitchcock's practice of inserting homosexual imagery into his films, while focusing in particular on the film "North by Northwest."
2,725 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 132.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper analyzes Alfred Hitchcock's film "North by Northwest," while detailing the areas in which the director inserted homosexual references, albeit on a sub-textual level. This paper discusses the critical analyses of Robin Wood, author of "The Murderous Gays: Hitchcock's Homophobia" and D.A. Miller author "Anal Rope," who both explore Hitchcock's use of gay images in many of his films. This well-written paper details the manner in which the main character of Roger Thornhill's homosexuality is portrayed as perverse. The writer of this paper clearly describes how Thornhill's character is at first gay, his perception of the perversity of homosexuality which force him to become somebody else, resulting in his being reborn as a heterosexual. This paper also touches on the attitude of the film industry in the 1940s and 1950s regarding the issue of homosexuality, which at the time was considered illegal.
From the Paper
"The scene at Townsend's is a critical situation in Thornhill's character development. This is the first time that Thornhill is introduced to Van Damme, and at this point, Van Damme closes the drapes and turns on the lights. This presents two points that portray a homoerotic meaning. First, drapes in Hitchcock movies are usually portrayed as vaginal symbols. When Van Damme closes the drapes, he is denying Thornhill any kind of heterosexual sex. His turning on the light symbolizes the lighting of Thornhill's passion for Van Damme. The other point is that, with the drapes closed, they are free to do whatever they want without the intrusion of voyeuristic eyes. This is the beginning of the subtextual homoerotic relationship between Thornhill and Van Damme, which will play a major part in the overall context of homosexuality in the film."
| |
|
Milos Forman and the Czech New Wave Cinema, 2006.
This paper examines the history of the Czech film industry, as well as the accomplishments of prominent Czech filmmaker Milos Forman.
1,803 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 93.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper analyzes the history of the Czech film industry. Under Josef Stalin, the Soviet Union adopted the theory of socialist realism as the official state formula for works of art including the cinema. Socialist realism held that the arts should glorify the political and social ideals of communism. With the death of Stalin, the development of creative ideas in the film industry were part of a wider growth of ideas in economics, politics, literature and the arts which made up the Czech new wave movement. This paper details the characteristics and goals of this particular movement. The Czech new wave movement gave east European filmmakers various methods for solving ideological and historical issues while looking for new way of expressing reality. This paper focuses on the career and accomplishments of prominent filmmaker Milo Forman. The movies that Milos Forman made early in his career as a director in Czechoslovakia, notably "Loves of a Blonde" and "Fireman's Ball" broke the prevailing mold of socialist realism. This paper discusses various films directed by Forman as well as the director's motivations and methods for creating both timeless and memorable films.
From the Paper
"With the death of Stalin, the development of creative ideas in the film industry were part of a wider growth of ideas in economics, politics, literature, and the arts that made up the Czechoslovak Reform Movement, or the New Wave. Eastern European filmmakers were trying various ways of solving ideological and historical problems, and looking for new styles for expressing reality: metaphors were the safest way to raise these issues under the close scrutiny of government censors. In Czechoslovak cinema, the symbols were derived directly from daily life. With liberalization it became possible to comment on the horrors and absurdities of the previous decade while directors dealt more directly with the compromises and crises of daily life. Honest, patient observation and a refusal to bend reality to the demands of a narrative characterize New Wave films."
| |
|
"Memento Mori", 2005.
This paper discusses the theme of "memento mori" a Latin phrase that means "remember mortality" as presented in Jonathan Nolan's short story "Memento Mori" and Christopher Nolan's film "Memento".
1,240 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 68.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that the phrase "memento mori" forces the reader to remember mortality, specifically his own mortality. The author points out that there are specific lines that demonstrate this theme such as J. Nolan writes in "Memento Mori", "Everybody else needs mirrors to remind themselves who they are. You're no different." and, from the film "Memento" near the end of the film Leonard Shelby, the film's protagonist, says, "Everyone needs a mirror to remind themselves who they are. I'm no different." . The paper concludes that Jonathan Nolan's short story nicely exemplifies Jean-Paul Sartre's statement that, without our memories, we have no notion of how we have changed from one day or one year to the next; however, by contrast, C. Nolan's film separates the plight of the protagonist from the plight of the viewer.
From the Paper
"J. Nolan addresses the issues of memory and mortality in a powerful yet minimalist manner. It is precisely the brevity of Nolan's story that makes it memorable. It boasts few descriptive details and a plot that is developed so minimally that it is just enough to keep the story coherent. The result is a chilling experience in which the reader feels entirely absorbed in the person of Earl, the story's protagonist. There are no other characters in the story, and the absence of definite setting gives the story universal appeal. Even the first sentence is, in some sense, addressed directly to the reader: "Your wife always used to say you'd be late for your own funeral." "Memento Mori" is successful because, while it introduces Earl and his struggle with memory loss as he seeks to avenge his wife's death, it also manages to introduce the reader to his own memory, identity and mortality."
|
|
|
