The movie Imitation of Life by John Stahl can be acclaimed as one of the most successful dramas released in 1934. This is no wonder as the film features outstanding play by actors, an interesting and thought-provoking layout, and good quality of its accomplishment. Overall, the film appears to be a great piece of film-making art representing the themes of real friendship between women, tackling racial issues, and solving family problems. The theme of tackling racial issues appears to be the central theme in this film.
The film Imitation of Life is based on the cognominal novel by Fannie Hurst. Similar to the novel, the film aims to address such complicated issues as racism and discrimination. Overall, the directors work in this movie can be evaluated as very progressive because in several cases racial issues are addressed in a very sensitive way. The films plot shows racist issues from different angles. The audience may notice the situations when black people are approached without any bias and discrimination, and when racism is shown as an outrageous matter. For example, a black woman Delilah Johnson, who is one of the main protagonists in the movie, is shown as an industrious woman. Her unusual culinary talent enables her to become a successful businesswoman which is very remarkable for the period when the movie was shot because black people especially black women were subjected to severe discrimination. In addition, Delilah makes friends with a white woman Bea Pullman. This incredible friendship lasts for decades, and it is by no means affected by racist ideas. The other example is in reinforcing racism through the family conflict between Delilah and her daughter. Delilahs daughter, who is of light skin color by chance, becomes greatly affected by the ideas of racism. She feels ashamed on the reason of her origin, and she rejects her mother. The actions of this girl may be evaluated as an outrageous case of racism.
Reflecting on the films value, it appears that this drama can be marked as a strong address to a number of critical issues such as racism and discrimination which are timely during the period when the film was shot and even nowadays. This film impels thinking about such important questions as what is to be done in order to preserve strong relationships between parents and children despite the ideas of discrimination spread in society. The film also encourages thinking of whether those people who broke their family bonds are right. Imitation of Life impresses greatly and can be evaluated as very engaging; it is mainly explained by the team of professionals busy in it; especially, the directors cut and the incredible play by its cast including inimitable Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers.
In conclusion, the film Imitation of Life can be mentioned among the most successful drama films of 1934. The film relates the themes of friendship between women, tackling racial issues, and solving family problems. One of the main themes in this film is the theme of racism and racial discrimination. The life of one of the main heroines Delilah Johnson is a life of contrasts. This black woman managed to occupy her own significant place in the world of business belonging to white people those days, but she lost her own daughter who rejected her mother being affected by the ideas of racism.
The movie Norma Rae by Martin Ritt can be acclaimed as one of the most successful dramas released in 1979. This is no wonder as the film features outstanding play by actors, an interesting and thought-provoking layout, and good quality of its accomplishment. Norma Rae won two Academy Awards and was also nominated in the other categories. Overall, the film appears to be a great piece of film-making art representing the themes of tackling ethical issues at work and striving for the triumph of democracy within a collective body of workers.
What is the plot of the movie? What is the original release date of the film?
The film Norma Rae relates the story of a woman who can be called a modern-day heroine. Initially, Norma Rae is shown as a modest worker in the mill with a small salary, and little or no chances in her life. Just as the other workers of the mill, Norma suffers from terrible working conditions created by the employer. The woman has no choice, but to suffer just as so many of her fellow workers. The mill is the only opportunity for her to be employed and get a small salary that would help her provide for the family. The luxury of quitting this dangerous job and finding a better place is not available for Norma and hundreds of the other workers. However, one day Norma becomes inspired by the ideas of Reuben. Reuben is a union organizer from New York who encourages workers to fight for their rights and do not permit the rich owners of the company where they work to oppress and tyrannize them. Norma begins to think that she is strong enough to help her fellow workers and herself to organize a working unit in the mill to fight for their right to safety and security at work. After many sleepless nights and hard battles, Norma manages to succeed. She creates the union of workers. Thus, the hope for a better future appears. However, great achievements are still ahead because the woman has to spend the next ten years in her strife for better working conditions. All these years, she, her companion Reuben and the other employees of the mill live with their hopes to affect the mills owner and make him create new working conditions in the mill. Eventually, they succeed.
The main idea of the films plot is in showing that combined efforts of oppressed people will certainly help them improve their situation for the better. The film shows that people of strong will like Norma Rae can achieve mind-blowing results if they are devoted to the ideas of liberation and democracy. Norma Rae is shown as an example of a person having outstandingly strong character and unshakable faith in the possibility of good future. Her way of thinking is something that modern-day human rights activists including women rights activists should study and try to cultivate in their minds and hearts.
The films original release date is March 2, 1979. This period in the history of the United States is especially characterized by the activity of the feminist movements and human rights defenders. Thus, Norma Rae can be descried as a well-timed address to the matters critically important in American society those days. In addition, speaking about the historical context of the film under consideration, it should be stated that the events described in it have their reflection in the real historical developments. The films story is a story of a real woman Crystal Lee Sutton. This courageous woman became the symbol of free spirit and strong will enabling common people of modest origin to have enough strength to fearlessly fight with the high and mighties for their rights and freedoms. The data in the film is presented thoroughly, carefully and veraciously enabling the audience to have a deep understanding of what actually occurred during those days.
What are the major ethical issues/dilemmas in this story?
The major ethical issues shown in Norma Rae are the unwillingness by the mills owners to improve the working conditions for their employees, and their desire to punish those who struggle for their own rights using legal means. The workers of the mill must suffer terrible noise which goes on without an end, long hours of work, having no breaks of sufficient duration, abnormally high temperatures, physical and psychological stress, inhumane attitude of the mills management. Working in such conditions, people soon developed serious health problems. They went to the mill doctor but could not find any help there because the doctor was a part of a scheme by the mills owners and top managers.
Such way of thinking by the mills owners is outrageous because they act against human rights and freedoms, and against the federal law as well. Their thirst for riches and egoism make them think only about themselves and their welfare. The ideas promoted by the owners of the mill are inhumane; they reject all the good foundations that made the progress of humanity possible. In addition, the film addresses the ethical issues connected to the interaction between the mills management and the workers including unfair labor practices, and the violation of the unionization process.
Who are the stakeholders that are affected by these issues/dilemmas?
The stakeholders that are affected by the above-mentioned moral issues are the owners of the mill who are bad players in this conflict, the top management of the mill, and the workers of the mill who are the victims in the conflict.
Who is responsible for resolving the ethical issues/dilemmas in the story?
Of course, the resolving of the ethical issues in the story should be done by the mill owners themselves and the top management of the mill responsible to them as these people are guilty in all the problems that their employees have. The mills owners are informed about all the sadness of the real state of affairs in the mill, but they are unwilling to exercise their authority for the good of their working personnel. Thus, the other people should occupy their position in this story.
Norma Rae becomes one of the honest-hearted people who want to help others. She assists her fellow-employees and in fighting against the despotism of the mill owners. Along with her faithful partner Reuben, she organizes a movement at the mill aiming to create a working union that will help the mills employees protect their rights and have a hope for a better future. Normas example inspires the other people in the mill to take the position of responsibility for resolving the moral dilemmas existing in the mill, and they join her.
How did the responsible individuals resolve the issues/dilemmas?
The responsible individuals put a lot of efforts into defending their interests and resolving the ethical issues that they are faced with. Initially, they join into a working union that will have them protect their rights legally. This was a very difficult project because the mills employees were constantly stopped by the top managers. Eventually, the union was created. However, though it was the main step on their way to the victory, this step was only the first step.
For ten years Norma and her companions strived to approach the mills owner to force him to improve the working conditions. After these long years, the coalition from the working union headed by Norma Rae managed to meet the mills owner, and made him sign up the documents regulating the conditions in the mill. All these long years, Norma and her fellow-workers lived with their hopes in mind and heart, but they managed to realize their American dream.
What recommendations would you make to produce a better/more effective resolution of the ethical issues/dilemmas?
Evaluating the efforts made by the defenders of ethical standards, and their achievements, I should say that they are considerable. Thus, it is not easy to offer my piece of advice about producing a better resolution of the ethical dilemmas shown in the movie. Actually, Norma, Reuben, and the other leaders of the working union did their best and managed to achieve mind-blowing results.
Reflecting on Normas actions, I can only add that the other effective idea that she could utilize was in attracting the government to the problem. She could write to the representatives of authority with a petition of interfering into the situation and punishing those people who are guilty in inhumane practices that took place in the mill.
The other good idea to utilize in such a situation is to attract the mass media to the problem. The journalists may make a running commentary in the news about the situation in the mill, and the terrible facts of violating basic human right for safety at work. The journalists should show that employees had to suffer unbearable sufferings at work for long hours that is banned by the law. In addition, interviews with the employees who developed health problems can be shown along with the medical tests proving the facts of acquiring terrible diseases at work. Besides, the interviews with medical doctors testing the patients from the mill may be shown. Thus, the wide public will learn about the terrible facts of violating basic human rights. Such resonance of the case will force the top managers and the owner of the mill to change their policies to avoid the punishment form the government and public disapproval that may affect the opinion of the mills clients, and may cause them choose the other team to make business with.
Besides, the employees of the mill may engage in picketing local or federal buildings of the government, and may organize actions of protest in which they may block federal roads or railways. Again, picketing attracts the attention of the wide public to the problem which inevitably causes the pressure on the mills owner. The actions of protesters will be seen as an obstacle of a normal work of the government, and the functioning of the state communication systems. Thus, the situation will be created that will require urgent development and implementation of measures that would stop it. Thus, the mills employees will find a way to defend their interests and achieve the results they wanted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be stated that the film Norma Rae can be mentioned among the most successful drama films of 1979. The film relates the themes of tackling ethical issues at work, and striving for the triumph of democracy by a collective body of workers. Norma Rae impresses greatly and can be evaluated as very engaging; it is mainly explained by the team of professionals busy in it; especially, the directors cut and the incredible play by its cast including inimitable Sally Filed and Beau Bridges. Besides, the value of the film is also supported by the fact that it was made on the basis if real events that took place in the United Sates in the beginning of the 1970s. Reflecting on the films value, it appears that this drama can be marked as a strong address to a number of critical issues such as injustice, the abuse of power, the violation of democratic standards and norms, and exploitation which are timely during the period when the film was shot and even nowadays. This film impels thinking about such important questions as what is to be done in order to stop inhumane practices by business owners who oppress their employees and make them work in conditions that are dangerous for their lives. The film also encourages meditating about the examples of outstanding people such as Norma Rae who managed to succeed in their strife for good against all odds.
Ushpizin, which roughly translates to holy guests from ancient Aramaic, is a 2004 Israeli film directed by Gidi Dar and written by Shuli Rand. The latter plays the main character while his wife, Michal Rand, who had never acted before, is his spouse in the movie set as well. The picture is groundbreaking for several reasons: for starters, it is the first movie starring ultra-Orthodox Jewish actors and shot in the insular Jerusalem neighborhood Mea Shearim. What is more, Ushpizin breaks stereotypes about Hassidic marriage and challenges the commonly held beliefs about its limiting nature that promotes female subservience. This essay provides a movie analysis of Ushpizin that seeks to demonstrate that even an extremely conservative culture can be relatable to the secular viewer.
Main body
The movie opens by introducing the Rands characters: Moshe and Malli Bellanca. The Bellangas is a devout couple that is going through hard times. They are eager to start a family but seem to be reproductively challenged. Besides, Moshe and Malli are not in a good place financially and struggle to make ends meet. Right from the beginning, Ushpizin gives the viewer two strong, multidimensional characters that do not fit the stereotypes about Hassidic Jews. The wife Malli might be following a predominantly patriarchal religion, but she is not a spineless servant to her husband. If anything, she has a vibrant personality and a fiery temperament that she is not afraid to show. As for Moshe, scattered scraps of information point to his less-than-perfect past and mature transition from a secular to religious Jew. This character development is especially interesting because it allows the viewer to understand how choosing to live in faith can be independent and not indoctrinated.
As the story begins, Moshe and Malli are overcome with fear and anxiety. The married couple is anything but ready to celebrate one of the most important Jewish holidays: Sukkot. The celebration takes place over a week and glorifies life essentials. It requires building a temporary shack of both deprivation and hospitality and having enough food for a seven-day feast, neither of which the Bellangas are able to afford. The couple believes that their poverty and Mallis infertility are somehow interconnected, and they pray ceaselessly to Lord to deliver them from their troubles.
Suddenly, their prayers are answered: Moshe proves to be eligible for a $1,000 donation from a yeshiva and receives a sukkah, a temporary shack, from his friend. Another miracle is instantly hosting guests as the couple welcomes Moshes old friend Eliyahu accompanied by Yossef, an awkward sidekick with a shaved head. In a plot twist, the blessing that Malli and Moshe have been enjoying so far shows its ugly side. The couple soon learns that they are hosting two convicts escaping the police. The strange guests are testing the limits of their patience by misbehaving, draining their budget, and disturbing their peace. After one too many trials of faith, the couple comes to a resolution of all their problems.
While some of the movies details will be truly relatable only to Jewish viewers, the overarching message has the potential of striking a chord with general audiences as well. Despite being a light-hearted comedy, Ushpizin poses a serious question regarding the limits of faith and logical reason. On the one hand, the Bellangas may come off as laughably blind believers that are spineless in their zeal to please their guests during the holiday season. On the other hand, Malli and Moshe support each other through sharing common beliefs and making their dreams come true by the end of Ushpizin. The question of having steadfast faith in the Lord is relevant for all religions, which is why this movie may appeal to viewers of other confessions. Those who do not adhere to any religion might want to revise their views on optimism and whether they should trust life and take it as it is.
Another important point that the movie makes and that might be not as obvious as the central theme of religion is the transient nature of life. At first, the title Holy guests may surely be seen as ironic: the misbehaving convicts overtaking someones sukkah are nothing but holy. Upon further analysis, however, the viewer might arrive at the conclusion that every person is a guest who comes to Earth to spend only a limited amount of time. During that time, nothing is set in stone: today, one might be grappling with a thousand problems, and tomorrow, they might as well magically disappear. By trusting the Lord, Malli and Moshe accepted this simple truth about life and learned to be humble and accepting.
Conclusion
Ushpizin is richly humane and revelatory: as much as it depicts a specific culture, it also shows that all humans share the same concerns about their personal integrity and the validity of their life goals. The movie approaches the Hassidic culture carefully and thoughtfully without ostracizing the central subject and making it unnecessarily exotic. Ushpizin successfully combines elements of comedy and drama and makes space for both comic relief and contemplation about the nature of life, the meaning of family, and the possibility of miraculous salvation.
Bombay Talkies begins with a young man declaring to his father that he is a homosexual, and not a eunuch that his father has envisioned him being. After such an intense coming-out scene, it becomes clear that the 2013 anthology production sets out to be different from most Bollywood projects. Bombay Talkies is a celebration of the Indian cinema centenary, claiming to be an overview of Bombay film history. The anthology includes four short films, but the focus of this essay is going to be the piece directed by Karan Johar, who comes from Chopra-Johar family clan, a dynasty of actors, directors, and film producers. Johar established himself as a commercial Bollywood personality, his stardom helping to publicize Bombay Talkies. Meheli Sen criticized the movie for misplaced narcissism and I agree with her. Other authors, including Ravi Vasudevan and Manishita Dass, partially agreed with Sen regarding the disregard of Indian movie history. The movie was originally promoted as an homage to the Hindi film industry but ended up being a distinct representation of commercialized mass production associated with Bollywood.
Sentimental Look on Homosexuality by Karan Johar
The short movie directed by Johar begins the anthology but does so in a controversial manner. Traditional Bombay films explored the concepts of social identity and individual liberation. The combination of poor editing choices and overacting make Johars segment appear disorganized and shallow. The short movie often takes itself too seriously and relies on linear storytelling instead of experimenting with the form like the 1950s classics. Lingering and dissolved shots mixed with an abundance of abrupt cuts make the piece unfinished. The content presented is overly dramatic and unrealistic, which belittles the struggles of gay men. The main character deliberately pursuing his colleagues husband proves to be a poor representation of the community as a whole. Physical abuse demonstrated in the film is concealed under the mask of coming-out struggles of Gayatris husband. Johar makes a plot device out of the scene, where Dev beats up Avinash at his apartment, instead of exploring the mental and emotional consequences of such toxicity.
Even though Bombays pictures of the 1950s were sometimes excessively sentimental and over-emotive, Johar fails to recognize the broader mission of traditional Hindi films. They played a crucial role in exploring the anxieties and aspirations of the masses, becoming an effective weapon for social change and national liberation (Dass). Bombay Talkies lacks any thematic unity between the short films taking away the enjoyment the audience is seeking from the celebration of the Indian cinema.
The Issue of Excluding Parts of the Hindi Cinema History
Bombay Talkies proves to be a quite stereotypical tribute to Hindi film history. Meheli Sen argues that the film is not an official homage as it is produced by a corporate entity and therefore lacks government involvement to make it more authentic and historically accurate. The industry chooses to celebrate and memorialize its past but fails to include essential parts of the Indian cinema history such as silent films and regional cinemas (Sen 77). The film manages to disregard the narratives of the past and remain an exercise of willful forgetting (Sen 79). While being innovative in its location choices and the deliberate absence of orchestrated dance and music sequences (with the exclusion of a little girl singing Ajeeb Dastan Hain Ye in Johars film), Bombay Talkies remains a celebration of a commercial industry, rather than an authentic art form.
The New Era of Brand Value in Bollywood
Apart from failing to demonstrate the role Hindi cinema plays in the life of India, Bombay Talkies erases the long history of contests between commercial and independent cinemas. The film combines indie directors such as Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banerjee, who like experimenting with film language and strategies, with Zoya Akhtar and Karan Johar, who are keen on creating mainstream products (Sen 78). The latter pair tries to engage audiences with modern issues (cross-dressing, homosexuality) and musings on identity discovery. Johar opens his film with Avinash bursting into his home to declare his homosexuality, while Akhtar includes scenes of Vicky dressing up as Sheila and being caught by his parents. Both directors utilize current social problems without modern execution, which makes their short films lack substance.
Despite the criticism, Bombay Talkies is not overly reliant on celebrity actors like many other Bollywood productions. The film, however, is an example of a new marketing strategy used by movie companies. Popular filmmakers add brand value to the work and publicize it capitalizing on their own fame (Sen 79). Bombay Talkies became another commercialized project that decided to use the veil of celebration and homage to attract larger audiences easily.
The Complexity of Melodramas
Melodramas stylistic features and over-emotive narratives are associated with realism. Sentimentality and naive plot mechanics disregard the authentic, innovative experiments Hindi directors of the past century have been known for (Sen). Ravi Vasudevan, on the other hand, presents a new perspective by stating that along with stereotypical, morally bipolar characters, melodramatic narratives have been known to deploy narration through awareness (114). Whatever the degree of fabrication, melodramas manage to keep integral aspects of real life with its struggles, chaos, and constant movement. Vasudevan, however, agrees with Sen on the importance of addressing pressing issues in the Bombay cinema. Modern Bollywood movies seem to attract the masses by sacrificing authenticity and quality. Kohar and Akhtar are an example of using coming-of-age themes as a plot device rather than exploring identity in a social setting like old Hindi pictures.
Social Realism in the Bombay Cinema
Bombay Cinema of the 1950s was realistic in terms of the social settings that characters inhabited. The city street became an effective instrument for exploring the lives of displaced people (Dass). Manishita Dass emphasizes that Bombay films of the past included a key element of an unintended city, which would have been nice to see in Bombay Talkies. Instead of a linear narrative focused only on the main characters, the short film could have included the city landscapes of Bombay through the eyes of a little beggar girl. The absence of family dynamics (except the opening scene and one flashback) in the segment does not represent the symbolic value a family has in a characters life in any early Bombay classic. Static features of the Bombay cinema of the 1950s were naive and simple. Still, they exceeded the expectations of audiences when it came to their ability to portray realistic and relatable characters and locations. Bombay Talkies, on the other hand, tries to appeal to everyone losing its social substance along the way.
Conclusion
Bombay Talkies is an attempt to remember Hindi cinematic history and celebrate the centenary of its existence. Lacking state involvement and appropriate research, the movie appears to be representative of the industrys present rather than the past. The film chooses to erase parts of Hindi cinema history as well as exclude the essential elements of Bombay classics. The segment directed by Karan Johar presents a melodramatic narrative that includes naive plot devices, overacting, and stereotypical portrayal of closeted gay men. It seems overly reliant on the themes of homosexuality and music to enhance the story but fails to reintroduce audiences to social filmmaking that characterized the Indian film industry in the middle of the twentieth century. Bombay Talkies is an example of the unnecessary narcissism of film executives focusing exclusively on the commercial side of Bollywood. The film could celebrate the centenary of Hindi cinema by putting an end to Bollywood-style exaggerated storylines and introducing a fresh perspective of the film progression over the years of Indian cinema history.
References
Dass, Manishita. Cinetopia: Leftist Street Theatre and the Musical Production of the Metropolis in 1950s Bombay Cinema. Positions, vol. 25, no. 1, 2017, pp. 101-124. doi: 10.1215/10679847-3710353.
Sen, Meheli. Bombay Talkies and the Indian Cinema Centenary. South Asian Popular Culture, vol. 13, no. 1, 2015, pp. 77-80, doi: 10.1080/14746689.2015.1026654.
Vasudevan, Ravi, editor. Making Meaning in Indian Cinema. Oxford UP, 2000.
The paper is going to be centered on researching the themes of peace and conflict through a prism of rhetoric in a film adaptation of a book series Hunger Games. Hunger Games were written by Suzanne Collins. The series consists of three books, The Hunger Games (2008), Catching Fire (2009), and Mockingjay (2010) complemented with films with identical names (McEvoy-Levy 185). This particular example of cinematography (and literature) is fascinating due to its dystopian setting, in which the narrative gradually develops from a status quo situation and relative peace to a declaration of war.
In the imagined state of Panem people experience severe class division and physical separation. While the few enjoy the pleasures of civilization and lead a joyful life, the many have to suffer and endure the hardships of daily work. In addition to that, there is an annual event held for the pleasure of the royal citizens where each group of the working class sacrifices a child to be a part of a fight-to-death game. The president of this imaginary country is a man named Snow, who seems to be an eloquent speaker. Yet, in the end, he fails, which raises the topic for investigation. In particular, it is of interest to trace the rhetoric of war and peace and the manipulation of the topics in the speeches of President Snow.
It is noteworthy to mention that the author of the books was influenced by her fathers involvement with the Vietnam campaign. She recollected reaping the spoils of the war in the form of his nightmares, constant feeling of his absence and helplessness when he was deployed. Such groundedness in actual consequences and the correlation of war and peace in the mind of an author makes the book and its main characters rather interesting to analyze from the standpoint of perception of those constructs. In addition, both sides of the conflict use the power of persuasion, lies, fact changing, and a variety of other tactics to manipulate public opinion and influence, people, into either hostility or tranquility.
This research will be focused on identifying the rhetoric that led dictator president Snow to the downfall of his empire through the consecutive analysis of his speeches throughout his appearance as a public speaker. For example, the use of plural pronouns of the first or third person, us or them could give a clue on the meaning of juxtaposition in the speeches of politicians. The informed use of linguistic means such as these might contribute to the success of persuasion or its failure. The rhetoric significance of the research is dictated by the high relevance of the strategies and tactics to successfully manage unrest in a country. President Snows speeches present an excellent negative case, which presents an opportunity to learn and project the findings to real-world situations.
Literature Review
Mor (1) reviews the concept of public diplomacy in the environment of a foreign audience. The author argues that propaganda can be effective if proper tactics are used. His main claim is that an established image is a significant factor that influences the success of ones rhetoric. Applied to this research, the findings can help evaluate the value of the image that Snow had before the conflict and how it helps him convince the audience of his idea.
BenPorath (183) studied three presidents rhetoric styles to identify tactics that help leverage public opinion when needed. He states that demonizing the enemy is an effective tactic to gain an advantage of the political opponent and the trust of voters. In the film, Snow uses this tactic in his third speech, which makes the study relevant to research the peculiarities of its use and effectiveness.
Hajo and Brett (47) explore the dependence of the negotiations success on anger. The researchers found out that no greater effect is produced by anger as compared to anger-free talks. President Snow in his last address shows the signs of anger to instigate fear into his enemies in the last attempt to win the war. This makes the research helpful in analyzing new data and gaining further insight into the topic.
Reeves and May (623) analyzed president Obamas Nobel lecture he gave in 2009 to analyze the patterns of contracting war rhetoric that would win the support of electors. They argue that changing the harsh war-related lexicon into a more inclusive one Obama created an even bigger platform for violence. The key takeaway for the present research here is the precise use of wording that one could use to fuel war while retaining a positive image.
McEvoy-Levy in chapter six analyze the peace and resistance rhetoric in the Hunger Games trilogy. The author conducts a textual analysis of the characters speeches to comprehend the nature of the conflict and grasp each partys psychological tactics to win the war. The research uncovered that harsh punitive measures such as hunger games were measures to retain control but were presented in the words of the ruling minority as a peace-keeping and justice-enforcing. This research is paramount to learn about analysis measures, and deeper understand the problems occurring in the world of Panem, which in the context of Snows speeches under analysis.
Arizona State Universitys guide to rhetoric analysis seems to provide a comprehensive model for evaluation and in-depth understanding of any speech (Rhetorical Analysis). It could help this research establish a solid methodology for rhetorical speech analysis. This is why the audience-message-speaker paradigm will be used to analyze Snows speeches.
Method
The research will specifically focus on the character of President Snow and his addresses to the nation. Throughout the movies, he addressed the people three times in which he consistently followed the same narrative and techniques such as repetition of keywords, the use of logical stress, pauses, etc. All of the three addresses will be analyzed from the standpoint of rhetoric. The speeches will be analyzed from the side of the speaker, the audience and the message (Rhetorical Analysis). The following items will be analyzed: purpose, intended audience, idea quantity, idea arrangement, diction, repetition of key terms, sentence structure, use of pauses, and effect on the audience, etc.
Thesis statement
Due to the lack of Snows flexibility and naive understanding of the needs of the audience, through his addresses, he failed to communicate the message and produce the anticipated effect.
Argument
The key argument will be that the class division or background has the most influence on the rhetorical failure of Snow. The underlying cause for Snows rigidity as a leader and, consequently, as a speaker, is his belonging to another class. The continuous repetition of the word unity fails to deliver the effect because of the misunderstanding of his audience and a lack of alignment with them. Another key flexibility issue is the treatment of the audiences disagreement. The changing situation requires new speech tactics to adapt and assert control of the situation through addressing the root of the problem. Snow through his speeches seems to demonstrate a strong resistance to change. With the lack of adaptability and will to admit that the old fear-inspiring techniques will not work in the new reality, he continues to apply the old logic to new issues.
Conclusion
Poor usage of negotiation tools and anger seemed to have driven Snow from the productive dialogue and brought him nothing but defeat. He kept repeating the word unity while no unity existed in the first place. The poor and the rich of Panem were by default living different lives and the latter always exploited the former. The attempts to keep peace president Snow used were non-negotiate in nature. Therefore, no dialogue could happen between the resistance and the rulers. Snow failed to realize that the new age required change and all he offered was stability in working as pieces of the whole, parts of the body. The problem with Snows peace rhetoric, in this case, is that they were based on the old data. The war became a threat but not imminent had Snow changed his rhetoric of punishment and old methods. For instance, in the first address, he used the metaphor in which he compared the district people with the body and the capital with the heart. He also used it in his third address when the war had already begun.
Works Cited
BenPorath, Eran N. Rhetoric of Atrocities: The Place of Horrific Human Rights Abuses in Presidential Persuasion Efforts. Presidential Studies Quarterly, vol. 37, no. 2, 2007, pp. 181202.
Hajo, Adam, and Jeanne M. Brett. Context Matters: The Social Effects of Anger in Cooperative, Balanced, and Competitive Negotiation Situations. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, vol. 61, 2015, pp. 4458.
McEvoy-Levy, Siobhan. Peace and Resistance in Youth Culture. Palgrave Macmillan, 2018.
Mor, Ben D. The Rhetoric of Public Diplomacy and Propaganda Wars: A View from Self-Presentation Theory. European Journal of Political Research, vol. 46, no. 5, 2007, pp. 66183.
Reeves, Joshua, and Matthew S. May. The Peace Rhetoric of a War President: Barack Obama and the Just War Legacy. Rhetoric & Public Affairs, vol. 16, no. 4, 2013, pp. 623-650.
The purpose of this paper is to develop a critical review of documentary films with an aim of examining their analysis of issues related to the youth music and the culture developed through music. The analysis attempts to develop a comprehensive understanding of the identities and identity formation through music and the consequences of these identities to the individuals involved. In particular, the documentaries reviewed provide a firsthand information from interviewing individuals who participated in the development of some music cultures during their youth and their perceptions towards the identities assumed at the time and how this has had an impact on their current lives.
Summary
The 2011 American film The other F word attempts to explore the lives and worlds of some former musicians under the punk rock genre. Using an interview approach to examine the topic, the film attempts to show the transition of the aging musicians from their assumed identities two or three decades ago to adult life. In particular, it emphasizes on the process of transition from rock identities to parenthood. In addition, the film shows how these individuals try to maintain a contrast between taking responsibilities as a parent in the current life and the assumed rock identities that were characterized with authoritarian lifestyles.
The film interviews more than twenty musicians that actively participated in the rock culture in the 1970s and 1980s. In addition, the film focuses on examining other individuals that were not part of the music group, but assumed punk or rocker identities, thus becoming part of the subculture.
The film begins with a review of the acts and scenes that were common during the active days of the rockers and punks between 1960s and 1980s. It shows episodes of the dynamic activities involved, including live performances, rough and daring acts such as fights, jumping from high grounds, excessive speeding and other vigorous activities. As each individual is examined, the film shows how he copes with the current life. The responsibilities of taking care of their children and families seems to be an important part of their current life (The Other F-Word). Among the main interviewees in this film is Jim Lindberg, the former lead singer of Pennywise group.
It shows his former activities as a leading punk and compares his former life and identify with his current situation. He is filmed at home in South Bay, Los Angeles, with his wife and three daughters. He says that he still loves music and often participates in playing guitar (The Other F-Word). As a part of his parental role, Lindberg teaches his daughters how to play guitar. However, his emphasis is to give them a good life and education. He says that he faces challenges trying to balance between being a punk and a father, where taking responsibilities is a critical issue.
The film also examines other individuals such as Fat Mike, a heavily built individual, who was active in the NOXF group of punk musicians. In this film, Fat Mike is at his home taking care of his daughter. He struggles to fit in the common mans life. For instance, he still likes punk clothes, including jackets bearing graffiti. However, he has to bring up a modern and normal family, focusing on giving the best life possible for his daughter. In addition, the heavy tattoo marks that were placed on his body, especially the arms, are still clear. He seems not to like them anymore, often wearing long sleeves to hide them from his daughter and other individuals.
The interview further shows how most of the unlucky former punks and rockers have had to undergo social problems in their families. For instance, most admit that their former identities caused family breakages early in adult life. Due to the vigorous activities and tours involved, the individuals were mostly absent from their families. The film shows that most partners could not withstand being left for days and months, which ended up in marriage breaking away. In addition, most other former punks such as Art Alexakis still hold the memories of their brutal life, including abusing their partners. They remember their lives in music and drugs.
Since aging is inevitable, some of the former punks, such as Lindberg and Andrea Blaugrund, admit that they have to balance between normal and punk life. As such, they are currently trying to remain young by applying hair dye and hemorrhoid ointments.
Critical analysis
The film was made in 2011 in the US and features more than 20 former active members of various punk and rock groups that contributed to the formation of the rock and punk subcultures in the US. It was written and directed by Andrea Blaugrund Nevins and explores the lives of the aging punk rock musicians in transition into parenthood but trying to maintain their former identities. Therefore, the main subject of this film is the transformation of identities of rock, punk culture to adult life, where parental responsibilities take much of the individuals life and time. The film uses an interview approach to examine the topic at hand.
It features a number of leading musicians in groups such as the adolescents, Total Chaos, Everclear, NOXF, Bad Religion and others. In most of the scenes depicted in the film, the individuals are examined in their homes as they take parental roles such as taking children to school, teaching them basic skills, playing and even cooking. For each individual interviewed in the film, it is shown that there exists a contrast between the former identities and the new identity as a father. It further focuses on the contrast in lifestyle between the old punk identity and the modern life, including the type of clothing worn, the time dedicated for entertainment and perceptions towards life and culture (Steinberg, Parmar and Richard 54).
Quite evidently, the films major target audience is the modern youths who are currently in the a critical stage of development, a stage that affected the current lives of most of the individuals. It seems that the filmmakers wanted to help the modern young people who are active in hip hop and other subcultures to be careful, especially in their personal lives and avoid certain things such as violence, drugs and irresponsible behaviors. It tends to use the interview examples to remind the young people in the modern times that they have a future to care for. It also reminds them that they are still growing and will soon be unable to be active in these subcultures.
Nevertheless, the film also targets individuals who witnessed the growth and decline of the punk and rock subculture. These are individuals who were fans or active members of the subcultures, especially between 1970s and 1990s. Today, as they struggle to fit in their aging self, they find it enjoyable to reflect on their previous lives. They are most likely to find the film enjoyable as it reminds them of their old lifestyles, but shows its impacts on the current life.
As described above, the film maker is conversant with the punk subculture. The quality and nature of storytelling can be described as excellent for a number of reasons. First, it is based on narrations by individuals who were actively involved in the formation and growth of the punk and rock subcultures. For instance, individuals like Jim Lindberg, Rob Chaos and Art Alexakis are known to have undergone transitions in difficult situations, which caused them humiliations as they lost public interest and try to settle with their families.
The information given by the interviewees in this film is based on firsthand experience rather than historical narrations. Secondly, the film uses visual evidence to develop the argument. For instance, the filmmaker attempts to shift scenes to show the former activities of each individual during his active years and the current situation. It shows individuals taking part in the vigorous music activities, including the vigorous dance moves and instruments involved, fighting and taking daring tasks such as jumping from higher grounds. The film then shifts to show how the individuals are coping with life. In most of the scenes, the individuals are filmed from their homes, where they have to take responsibilities as fathers and breadwinners.
The filmmaker also attempts to describe the plurality of the viewpoints held by the interviewees. For instance, most of the individuals admit that their current life is good. They find it important and enjoyable to break away from the past and assume a normal and less public profile. Several interviewees such as Fat Mike and Jim Lindberg seem to care about the tattoos they received as a mark of the punk identities. Yet, they seem to have some regrets for offering their bodies to the punk subculture, which left permanent marks. On the other hand, some individuals such as Lindberg says that they still like their old identities.
They are struggling to maintain their old self against the aging self. For instance, the application of hair dye and hemorrhoid ointments proves that they have a negative perception towards aging. It is also worth noting that some individuals like Tony Cadena, Josh Freese and Fleas hold that their old punk identities provided them with what they were looking at life. With the popularity and rapid growth of the punk rock during their active years, the individuals achieved economic gains, which sustains their current life. Thus, some of them, though no longer active, hold the punk life of 1980s with high regards for its contribution to the American music and the economy.
It is also clear that the filmmaker has attempted to use visual and audio aspects to contribute to the ideas presented. As depicted in the film, the heavy sounds involved in rock music are used in the background when scenes of the current life for some of the individuals are shown. In addition, the heavy sounds are used when presenting scenes recorded in 1970s to 1990s, when some of the individuals were active in punk rock.
The film is an excellent analysis of the situation at hand- the transition of individuals from public identities (rock identities) to parenthood. Although it emphasizes on the challenges that these individuals undergo trying to fit in parenthood and maintain their former identities, it leaves out the audience to make their own conclusions. For instance, it provides first hand information from interviews and video depiction of some of the individuals in their current lives. It does not try to make the audience believe that assuming identities associated with music culture is good or bad. In addition, it does not warn young people to be responsible even when they are active members of certain subcultures. Nevertheless, the idea is to show the negative impacts of dedicating a persons whole youth to music, drug and other activities at the expense of the family and the future.
Response
I find the film an an important source of education and inspiration to the younger generations. The film invokes a mixed of feeling among the viewers. For instance, the depiction of the scenes recorded during the height of punk rock inspires the current young people. The active roles and tasks taken by most of the individuals are attractive, including vigorous dance and musicals. However, comparing the current life and old identities for some of the interviewees invokes a feeling of sympathy. For instance, the narration by Alexakis is quite sad. One sympathizes with his situation, having lost contact with his former family. Nevertheless, the dedication of some of the individuals to their families is an encouragement to the young people, giving them hope that even after involving in the popular culture, they will eventually be in a position to fit in the normal life.
The film is similar to some of the films watched in this course. For instance, it is similar in some aspects to Forever Young , which shows how rock and roll grew. It is also similar to Dancing in the Street , a documentary film that depicts the growth of rock music and subculture. Nevertheless, it is unique in that it attempts to show the difference between the two identities- the punk identities and the identity as a parent. Thus, this film fits the sociology of youth culture and subculture and the impact of assuming personal and collective identities on an individuals future life.
Works Cited
Steinberg, Shirley, Priya Parmar and Birgit Richard. Contemporary Youth Culture: An International Encyclopedia. New York: Greenwood Publishing, 2012. Print.
The Other F-Word. Dir Andrea Blaugrund Nevins. New York: Oscilloscope Laboratories, 2011. DVD.
Generally, Desire for Love by Jerzy Antczak commences with Frederic Chopin, living with his sisters and parents in Warsaw, practicing to play the piano. Chopins father advises him to go to Paris before the November Uprising. Chopin goes to Paris, a city that he defines as full of love (Desire for Love 00:13:24 00:14:19). Chopin meets George Sand, whereby Alberts helps them to start dating. The movie ends with George, her children, and Chopin separating. Overall, the film is engaging, thought-provoking, and believable because it focuses on happenings in society today. In modern times, people in love face several challenges that may lead to divorce, as in case of George separating from Mallefille and Chopin. She divorces Mallefille due to domestic violence ordeals. The film is also interesting as it jogs up the audiences mind relating to the different love entanglements. The film reaches the climax when Chopin and George become lovers (Desire for Love 00:24:13 00:25:34). Moreover, it is set in Paris, which affects the story, considering that people know Paris as a romantic city.
Themes and Tone
The movies central goal is to develop awareness among the audience that love sometimes can frustrate. It also promotes the importance of biological family. When Sand disagrees with both Mallefille and Chopin, she decides to quit the relationship, opting for a better life after that. Moreover, the film creates an impression that family matters a lot. Understandably, when Chopin is left alone, he decides to call one of her sisters to take care of him until his last breath. Symbolically, tuberculosis in the film is used to present the hard times people go through. Chopin is left alone in his poor health conditions instead of George being around and ensuring that his husband is comfortable in his recovery journey (Desire for Love 00:37:17 00:39:29). Argumentatively, the piano in the movie represents love, whereby it can be interpreted that Chopin moves to Paris to find a lover, considering that it is known to be the city of romance.
Acting and Characters
The characters are excellently portrayed. Chopin is described as a young man discovering new things in life. The actors are stereotyped considering that they want something to happen in life just because they desire it, including Maurice and George, whereby Maurice disregards Chopin as his stepfather (Desire for Love 01:42:09 01:46:07). Chopin embodies the resiliency archetype since, despite the challenges that come to his life, he perseveres and looks for alternatives to overcome them. The acting supports Chopin since his shift to Paris commences his discovery journey, where he finds George Sand and falls in love (Desire for Love 01:52:16 01:54:40). George decides to part ways with his longtime lover, Mallefille, opting for Chopin with the anticipation that their love would be perfect (Desire for Love 01:32:21 01:37:01).
Direction
I liked how the director chose to tell this impactful story. He showcases how peoples expectations turn to be the opposite. Partially, Chopin lives his dream, considering that he was playing piano for the Grand Duke. However, life turns unfair when he is diagnosed with tuberculosis. Sympathetically, the director raises sorrowful emotions among the audience, hence achieving his main target of the film, showing Chopins life until he decides to call his sister to help him (Desire for Love 02:10:21 02:14:02). The movies pacing and speed were average, making the audience better see the film. Besides, the storytelling was straightforward as it follows Chopins happenings from childhood until adulthood. Chopin falls in love with George and subsequently leads a miserable life after his health retrogresses due to tuberculosis (Desire for Love 01:14:14 01:16:47). Moreover, suspense worked among the movies audience, whereby we are not sure whether Chopin recovered from his illness and found another love. Generally, the direction of Jerzys movie Desire for Love closely resembles that of Nights and Days, whereby he traverses through the epic family drama.
Cinematography
The shots uniquely tell the audience more about the story. There are both light and darkness in the movie, the same way Chopins life is light and dark. At times, Chopin proves to live his dream and afterward ravages in disaster in his love life and his health. The coloring and lighting equally affect the tone of the story. For instance, when Chopin calls one of his sisters to help him until he succumbs, the lights darken, and Chopin is seen from a distance, exemplifying the cameras movement effectiveness (Desire for Love 02:05:10 02:14: 54). The lighting and coloring aim to enhance the movies tone, developing the somber mood in the viewers. The actors were well because they did everything according to the scene. For instance, George kisses Chopin after accepting his courtship proposal (Desire for Love 00:58:33 01:01:31). The audience expects characters to kiss as a sign of love. Therefore, the film was coherently shot, focusing on one aspect, and bringing the required unity, making the audience understand the film plot easily.
Production Design
The sets feel lived-in and believable to the story. Chopin and George are seen in a vast restaurant during their early days of courtship (Desire for Love 01:12:43 01:18:21). Here, the director creates a lively comprehension of how the love circle starts at first. Notably, the movie is shot during Fall, and Chopin wears a trench-court in the better part of the film. George also wears seductive pants and tops and night dresses during evenings and nights, giving the audience an understanding of how people expect lovers to behave.
Editing
The editing of the movie is clean, making the flow consistent. Fast motion is one of the editing styles that is used in the film, for example, when George flashbacks on her previous marriage are shown (Desire for Love 01:27:57 01:38:13). Moreover, fade in and fade out is used whereby Chopin thinks about his life as a superstar pianist (Desire for Love 00:23:54 00:27:04). The cut approach is used to join the different scenes. After the end of a specific location, another set commences on the same point that it left before it was cut.
Pace
The flowing of the movie is excellent. The flow is neither too fast nor too slow, making the audience digest every bit of it. The movies organization gives it a distinctive form, where the audience is kept guessing on what might happen as the film continues. However, scenes like flashback fragged down the movie, whereby George reflects on the suffering of the past affair with Mallefille (Desire for Love 00:44:25 00:48:39). Understandably, the flashback makes the viewer comprehend Georges past life.
Dialogue
The conversation throughout the movie is believable. For instance, Chopin and George converse over their disagreements, and George decides to leave despite Chopin requesting her to stay and take care of him (Desire for Love 02:05:34 02:15:37). Here, the conversation develops both the character of Chopin and the plot wholly. It exemplifies that Chopin is determined to get whatever his heart desires. The exchange also contributes to the sorrowful tone in the movie, where the audience sympathizes with Chopin.
Musical Score
The music supports the mood of the movie, considering that it is subtle. Rock and pop music play almost throughout the whole film; for example, when George packs her things and goes away, leaving Chopin alone. The songs lyrics mention that this is another almost perfect that did not work (Desire for Love 02:00:17 02:04-57). These words contribute to the movies mood, whereby the audience feels terrible and sympathizes with what the films starring goes through in life, where everything seems not to work, making him despair.
The music works amazingly for the script, and the music cues were timed well for the scenes since they come at the right time when the characters are going through different life scenarios. As mentioned above, pop song lyrics resurface when Chopin is left alone in the house, without anyone to help him despite being sick (Desire for Love 02:08:11 02:10:17). The music and lyrics are in line with the movies tone, whereby it makes the audience feel sorry for the ordeals that Chopin is experience in his life. Listening to the lyrics attentively and internalizing them, the audience can find themselves crying. They relate what they have seen the starring go through in the movie with the songs. Connectedly, the music goes hand in hand with the tone of the film.
Blade Runner is a classic dystopian work, in which highly advanced technology dominates the world. Human beings have advanced to the level of creating humanoids with the capacity to think and operate as normal humans. The story is set in Los Angeles in 2019. At the time, the Tyrell Corporation clones humans to make replicants or humanoids, which are designed to help human beings colonize outer space (Scott). In case the replicants are run out of control, each one has a fixed lifespan of four years. Therefore, it becomes easy to tame all the rogue replicants given their short lifespan. However, the replicants have advanced to become more and more intelligent, thus gaining some kind of consciousness together with developing some sense of human emotion. Thus, they have the internal conflict of their identity and start to think about the meaning of their existence, like real human beings. In the quest to expand their lifetime, a group of Nexus-6 replicants escapes from the off-world colonies and go to Earth with the hope of finding their maker to change their predetermined death time. The story is happening under such circumstances. The main character Derek, a cop, is given a mission from his captain to catch those escaped replicants and retire or kill them. Throughout the film, replicants are tracking their creator, as Derek follows them retiring them one by one. When the replicants finally find their creator, the owner of the Tyrell Cooperation, Dr. Eldon Tyrell, only two replicants are alive, that is Roy and his lover, Pris. Roy pleads with Tyrell to have his lifespan extended, but he is told that time to die is preprogrammed and thus unchangeable. Roy becomes angry and then kills his creator. Derek constantly follows Pris and Roy in an attempt to accomplish his mission of killing them. Ultimately, he retires Pris in a building after a protracted duel given that she is highly trained in gymnastics. After learning about Priss death, Roy is angry and he plans to kill Derek. They fight in the rain and Derek is seriously beaten because Roy is designed for combat. However, in the final moment, when Derek is almost falling from the top of a building, Roy saves him. He (Roy) knees on the floor, commenting on his life by stating the famous monologue on tears in the rain . Roys lifespan is up and he dies the same night. At the end of the movie, Derek completes his task and falls in love with another replicant, Rachel.
The movie motivates our reflection on human nature, which is the reason why I recommend it. What is the boundary between human beings and the replicants? Replicants are created by humans to behave more human than humans. They embody timeless human value but ends on a note of complexity. The motivation to create a dystopian movie, such as Blade Runner can be found in the Tears in the Rain monologue by Roy. Once he saves Derek from falling from a building, which would have killed him instantly, Roy kneels down and deeply reflects on his life. In a monologue, he laments that he has seen things that human beings would not believe, but all those memories will be lost with time just like tears in rain. This section underscores the nature of human beings and the greatest mystery associated with death at the end of ones life. Even though the replicants lifespans in the movie are set at 4 years, one of the issues that arise from this is whether the lifespan could be infinite. Just like Roy cries and laments that his thoughts would be lost like tears in the rain, humans are highly concerned with the fact that they would die and with time, they would be forgotten. As such, it suffices to argue that at the bottom of human hearts, one of the unquenched desires is the need to live eternally and do exploits on the earth and outer space. A pertinent question that arises at this point is whether during the creation of the humanoids their lifespan could be set in a way that it does not have an expiry date. If this were possible, then humanity would transform itself by ensuring that it lives forever. Roys tears in the rain monologue towards the end of the film is a reflection of the directors reflections. It underscores humans silent wish for immortality. The humanoids only problem is that they have a lifespan all other aspects are perfect in that they could survive in outer space and colonize other planets without the weaknesses that affect humans. Their bodies do not age like those of humans and yet, they have all other human attributes. They are compassionate, kind, forgiving, and can express all other human emotions. Therefore, the only thing that is remaining is for them to be designed in a way that they become immortals. Therefore, I recommend this movie because it highlights some of the pertinent issues affecting human beings can we become immortal?
Work Cited
Scott, Ridley, director. Blade Runner. Warner Bros, 1982.
W.E. is a film paralleling the lives of two women, from the past and the present, who had to sacrifice much for the sake of their marriages. Both suffered from the Myth and the expectations imposed on their gender, and one of them also faces the challenges associated with motherhood, while the other is a historical figure under constant scrutiny. In this paper, I will argue how various harmful concepts of motherhood, marriage, and gender expectations affected the lives of the films two main characters.
The idea that men are breadwinners and women are housewives is traditional, but it has consequences in the world where women are capable of performing myriads of jobs. According to Mehta (2005), such husbands are more likely to divorce than those who believe in equal gender and family roles. In W.E., Wally leaves her husband after a domestic violence incident caused by not having a personal bank account, as she does not work (Madonna, 2011). Wally sacrificed her job after marrying William, and the idleness only aggravates her fears of Williams infidelity and sparkles her own (Madonna, 2011). Similarly, Walliss first husbands conviction about breadwinning and the wifes role could also lead to their divorce, although the times were different (Madonna, 2011). Thus, the two womens experience demonstrates that outdated views about who provides for the family may lead to a couples separation, which also involves domestic violence.
As women are denied work, they are also expected to offer emotional support for their husbands and be in charge of all housework, which might be more physically demanding than a potential job. That is why marriage is an institution which could be more beneficial to men, as their wives have to shoulder many responsibilities (Mehta, 2005). Although the viewer does not see the physical aspect of their marital duties, both Wallis and Wally carry a big emotional burden in the respective unions (Madonna, 2011). The latter constantly worries about her husband and the rarity of bonding between them, as she actually wishes to support him (Madonna, 2011). Meanwhile, Walliss suffocating position is revealed through her letters, which highlight that the abdication scandal made the couple bound for life, so she had some regrets and complaints (Madonna, 2011). Nonetheless, Wallis remains by Davids side until his death, accepting her lot, while Wally leaves hers after finding a better alternative (Madonna, 2011). Overall, marriage puts an enormous emotional burden on the women, which they either have to accept or eventually refuse, ending the relationship.
The hypocritical attitude towards womens role in society and its institution is apparent in the Madonna concept, which dictates a woman to act in a certain way. To be more exact, the phenomenon is called the Madonna-whore complex, which implies that women can either be entirely pure or completely corrupted and promiscuous (Bareket et al., 2018). It transpires Wally and Williams relationship, as he refuses to view his wife in a sexual way (Madonna, 2011). At one point, William accuses her of being a whore for dressing seductively for his sake (Madonna, 2011). Therefore, as Bareket et al. (2018) claim, the complex may enable patriarchy and deteriorate relationships. On the other hand, Wallis is victimized by British society, which shares that perception, for the previous divorces, but the king himself loves her regardless (Madonna, 2011). To summarize the idea, a man subscribing to the Madonna concept is likely to have a poor family relationship, as demonstrated by William, while the opposite will solidify it, as evident with David.
While pondering over why women aspire to marry and have children, the concept of external conditioning becomes relevant. It suggests that society encourages them to engage in those activities, as they do not have such urges naturally (Carroll, 2012). To some extent, Wallis realizes that, being unenthusiastic about marrying David and preferring to fill Thelmas role as his mistress (Madonna, 2011). She also takes the second marriage lightly and probably uses her husband to infiltrate the high society, which is the opposite of the expectations (Madonna, 2011). Wallis seems interested in having children, according to a TV announcement, but never acts upon it, and the non-royal status further saves her from having to perform the child-bearing function (Madonna, 2011). Conversely, Wally seems highly affected by external conditioning, as she is married and wishes to have children (Madonna, 2011). Eventually, she becomes disillusioned with her marriage, although the desire to be a mother remains (Madonna, 2011). Despite the difference in their circumstances, both women agree that they are under a life-controlling plan (Madonna, 2011). Altogether, external conditioning affects womens lives, and they may not even identify the influence.
Another reason a woman may decide to have children is to save her marriage from disintegrating. It is an essential part of the Myth, aiming to mend the union, but the statistics indicate that marriages without children are happier (Rollin, 1970). If one takes the idea into consideration, Wallys desperation to get pregnant from her husband appears logical (Madonna, 2011). The distinction is important, as she initially only considers William as a potential father, meaning that Wally may have viewed a child as a means to restore their failing union (Madonna, 2011). However, her affair with Evgeniy implies that she abandons the idea, and the unspoken confirmation of her pregnancy signifies that Wally no longer associates it with marriage (Madonna, 2011). Walliss case is more complicated but bears similarities with Wallys, conceptually and visually (Madonna, 2011). Her first husband rejects the unborn child, insinuating that it would not save their marriage, even if Wallis wanted to have one for other reasons (Madonna, 2011). Consequently, the concept of children making marriages hotter is toxic, as it does not lead to the suggested outcome and hurts women who want them for love.
In conclusion, this paper analyzed how outdated and harmful concepts intertwined with marriage deeply impact the lives of W.E.s main female characters. Wallis suffers from emotional pressure, society viewing her as impure, and the whole idea of marriage, having experienced it twice already. Wally is mostly antagonized by her husband, who forbids her from working, does not view her sexually, and refuses to conceive a child with her, also causing the woman great distress. Both women are victims of domestic violence due to them not conforming to social expectations. Still, they manage to overcome those obstacles, even if it requires the assistance of men who do not subscribe to patriarchic views. Through the parallels of Walliss and Wallys lives, the film relays the idea that women have always had to fight those noxious concepts to achieve happiness, as submitting to them only brings misery.
The film making industry produces a huge number of movies every year. It goes without saying that each of them has its own plot presenting the main idea and the moral. The aim of this report is to analyze three films: Late Spring by Yasujiro Ozu, Sicko by Michael Moore, and The Aviator by Martin Scorsese.
Late Spring by Yasujiro Ozu
Late Spring is the film of the Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu. The film encompasses the traditions of the Japanese film-making and has rather symbolic meaning. The author of the film masterly depicts the complicated relationship in the Japanese family and touches upon the issues of loneliness, care for children, and family values. Noriko and her father are the central characters of the film. The traditional Japanese family relationships have been perfectly presented by the actors.
Despite Norikos self-reliancean Ozu earmark from the thirties that became an axiom in Late Springthe acquiescent, ever-smiling heroines desires are never considered; she explicitly asks why her contented life cannot just go on as it has been (Atkinson 2013, par. 6)
The shooting techniques used in the film are the following: the static camera, false eyeline-matches and the use of 360-degree shooting space (Wood 1998). All of them are considered to be the typical features of Yasujiro Ozus movie making. The discussion of the black-and-white films can be found in the Chapter I of the Film Art: an Introduction. On a black-and-white film strip the emulsion contains grains of silver halide (Bordwell & Thompson 2003, p.5).
I think the film Late Spring is interesting from several points of view. First, it depicts the traditions of the Japanese culture and the family relationships, in particular. Second, it is unique in context of the shooting techniques applied. And finally, its meaning is not straightforward and the plot of the film makes us thinking about the message which the author tried to send us.
Sicko by Michael Moore
Sicko is the documentary film made by the American director Michael Moore who is famous for his bold and provocative films depicting the realities of the American society and politics. Moore uncovers the weaknesses of the medical insurance system in the US. He clearly shows that the system requires changes as it does not achieve its purpose of taking care of nations health.
Narration is the process by which the plot presents the story information to the spectator (Bordwell & Thompson 2003, Chapter 3, p.74). Moore uses the interviews with people to uncover the plot. Essentially the interviewed are the narrators in the film.
In Sicko, Moore touched upon the problems of the healthcare system in the US criticizing it for its inefficiency creating the inequality in the access to healthcare. Even if you disagree with Moore, this film is worth watching for its chilling and disturbingly accurate portrayal of the failings of healthcare in America (Montgomery 2007, par.2).
I think the film is very interesting. I like Moores style as he does not say his own views only. He tries to bring his point of view through the interviews with other people and communication with them.
The Aviator by Martin Scorsese
The Aviator is the bibliographical movie by Martin Scorsese presenting the life of Howard Hughes, the passionate aviator and businessman. The film is rather interesting not only for its historic plot but also for the captivating subject and the brilliant work of actors. Because of the contract between the filmmaker and the audience, the promise of something new based on something familiar, genres may also respond quickly to broad social trends (Bordwell & Thompson 2003, Chapter 4, p.99).
Leonardo DiCaprio played Howard Hughes, the main character of the film. DiCaprio masterly featured the character of Hughes, his passion for aviation, mentality and style. Kate Beckinsale played Ava Gardner, the Hollywood start of the beginning of the XX century who had a long relationship with Hughes. Cate Blanchett played Katharine Hepburn, the American movie star of the XX century and a close friend of Howard Hughes.
The film is valuable for its beautiful representation of the style of 20s and 30s, the manner of behavior of people, their habits, language, and emotions which are very different from those which characterize modern people. The special attention should be paid to the settings and costumes used in the film. They perfectly match the atmosphere of the presented period of time.
The screenplay of the film is consisted of five main points which seem to be confusing for this genre of film but give the deeper structure to it and make the film stand out in the movie making (Carter 2007). These discrete story points include the Inciting Incident in Act 1, Turning Points 1 and 22 in Act 2, and the Crisis Decision and Climax in Act 3 (Carter 2007, n.pag.).
In my view, The Aviator is one of the best Hollywood movies of the last decades. It is not only interesting but also valuable from the standpoint of the creative approach the director applied in the structuring the plot and shooting.
Conclusion
In summary, the film making is a sphere of art producing a large number of works which are worthy to analyze and compare. Each film is unique in its genre and each director uses their own shooting techniques which make the film stand out.