The Godfather

1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.


                                 For the final film in our class, we watched the Godather. Already an American classic on paper, the film was adapted by the popular novel of the same name. Directed by Francis Frod Coppola, the film was filled by an iconic cast led by Marlon Brando, of the screen's biggest names, and followed was the future of Hollywood, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, James Caan, and Diane Keaton. The films tells the story of a crime family during the 40's and events that followed, that would change the family forever. Again, we talked about the film's characters being anti-heroes, and that despite how bad they are, we still love them and root for them throughout the film. By many as THE greatest film of all time and the winner of 3 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Coppola, and Best Actor for Brando.

2. Find a related article and summarize the content.


                                    The image of the mafia as been around for over 100 years. During the time of prohibition, gangsters were well known and well feared. It was in the 20's and the 30's where organized ruled with an iron fist. Figures like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano are what inspired the gangster films of the 30's, 40's, and so on. Films like Scarface, the 1932 version, The Public Enemy, and Little Caesar have all been inspired by those gangsters. The mob movies we know of now, like the Godfather and Goodfellas, and even television, The Sopranos, have been inspired by the real criminals of the 20th century.  


http://www.history.com/topics/the-godfather-and-the-mafia-in-popular-culture

3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.

                                    The criminals of that era took advantage of their surroundings. Prohibition was a dream because it would allow them to finance in liquor and to move it around the country, without being discovered, although some were founded out. It all went downhill when prohibition was abolished, the business was destroyed. These criminals and the ones that came after, inspired the criminals on screen.


4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.


                                     After watching it, I wanted to watch it again. I thought The Godfather was an incredible film to watch, and it was my first time watching it as well. Many say Citizen Kane is the greatest film of all time, but I don't think so and have seen that film. The Godfather is, to me, the greatest film ever seen.

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM

1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.

Name: Brian Meyers   Date: 5/8/13 


 
                                   

The Graduate

1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.


                                           We talked about The Graduate and how it changed the way film was then and how it is now. The Graduate was released in 1967, and was one of the top grossing movies of that year. Based on a novel of the same name, The Graduate tells of a recent college gradaute who's lifestyle is dramatically changed after having an affair with an older woman. It stars Dustin Hoffman, in possibly in his first big film role, Anne Bancroft, and Katherine Ross. We talked on how Hoffman's character is an anti-hero and how his attitude and behavior change throughout the film. My teacher said that the film would relate to us personally, seeing that we are college students and that the film is about a college graduate's life after college.

2. Find a related article and summarize the content.


                                            The Graduate tackles the issues of society, gender and generation throughout the film. A new generation was forming in the 1960's, and it had to do with being rebellious. With women wanting equality, and dividing the country on the view of war, these issues were put onto film for audiences to relate with. The film is set in the suburbs and reolve around people who are wealthy. Benjamin himself is a college graduate, unsure of what he wants do with his future, or if he even has one. He thens he seduced by Mrs. Robinson, who has known him for a long time. As the affair continues, his behavior changes, as once was uptight and quiet, now is the total opposite. His character quickly becomes an anti-hero, someone the audience can relate to.

http://www.articlemyriad.com/issues-gender-generation-film-graduate/

3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.


                                           These issues are shown and talked about in the film. It's afilm that make grow a conscience and think about your future. How your whole life can change because of a woman. Benjamin's life changes very quickly in the film, and that this new side of him displays the question, What is your future? The film came out during a time where he were trying to decide if we should trust our country on deciding our futures, and that Benjamin's life is an example of that. That can you change your life, or will someone do it for you?

4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article. 


                                           From the start, I extremely enjoyed the film and do consider it to be a new favorite of mine. I can relate to the film being a college student and looking forward to graduating. Waht the film does is show an example of a college gradute's journey towards his future and then changing it. Can I or any other person do that? We can only try and see what happens.

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM

1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.

Name: Brian Meyers     Date: 5/8/13


                     

Casablanca

1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.


                                      After watching Citizen Kane, we talked about another classic American film, Casablanca. The film was released after America entered in World War 2. We talked about the director of the film, Michael Curtiz, who ended up wininng the Best Director Oscar for directing Casablanca. We talked about the film's two main stars, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Bogart is highly recognized as one of the greatest screen actors, possibly the best. Bergman, a famed swedish actress, is also highly regarded as one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood's history. The film was based off of a play of the same name. We went over the film's themes, love, romance, honor, war, and how they were used in the film. Set in World War 2 Monaco, nightclub owner Rick's past comes up as a lost love of his shows up. This film is noted for being one of the greatest films of all time, and memorable for it's many quotes, including "Here's looking at you kid", "Round up the usual suspects", "Play it again, Sam" and "We'll always have Paris." Casablanca is the winner of 3 Oscars, including Best Picture. 

2. Find a related article and summarize the content. 


                                   Perhaps the greatest film critic of all time, Roger Ebert reminiscences about Casablanca on the 50th anniversery of the film. Ebert's first sentence boldly shows what he thinks of the film: "Casablanca" is the Movie. By that, you can tell that he is a fan of it, probably gave the film 4 stars himself. He describes the film as something you have to see, and that many, before the age of 21, see the film, and say it's one of their favorite films. He goes on to say that on its 50th anniversery, everyone involved in the film is dead and what a shame that is.

http://www.reelclassics.com/Movies/Casablanca/casablanca-article3.htm

3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.

                                 
                                  I can see why Ebert is obsessed with the film, because it is an American film classic. I can relate because I too feel what he feels about it, it is a great film to watch for the first time. I know Ebert died recently, and what a shame it is not to know what he thinks of the films in the future, but he knows his movies, and his word is safe to say that if it's good, it's good, if it's bad, it's bad, but if it's great, it's great.

4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.

                                

                                  Now, after seeing the film first hand, I have to say, that is was a great experience. The film was really good, and it did not matter how long ago the film was released, it was iconic to witness. I mean, it one of the greatest films of all time, who would judge that! I look forward to watching Casablanca again, in the near future.

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM

1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.

Name: Brian Meyers    Date: 5/8/13
 


 
  

Citizen Kane

1.                             In class, we talked about Orson Welles and Citizen Kane. Before he made the picture, Welles worked on radio and famously was responsible for the 1938 radio broadcast of The War of The Worlds. He also worked in theater as well. For making his first film, RKO gave him permission to write, produce, star and direct the entire film. They basically gave him the right to do whatever he wanted. When it was released, the film was not successful. This panicked the studio, making them almost burning the film's negatives. Despite that, the film went on to be nominated for many Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay, all for Welles. Years and years later, the film has appeared on many lists for greatest films, almost entirely taking the number one spot. The American Film Institute named it the greatest film, twice.

2.                             The article I have chosen is from brightlights.com and is on the film's impact, themes, and analysis. David Thomson wrote in America in the Dark, that the film should be praised for its romantic and idealistic passion for power, style, impact, meaning, and success, everything a true American might desire — like Charles Foster Kane or George Orson Welles. It also tells that not only William Randolph Hearst was an inspiration for the character, but Welles himself. Kane loved the world of newspapers and Welles loved the world of film. It discussed the mystery of the film's big question, "What is Rosebud?" 

 http://brightlightsfilm.com/45/kane.php

3.                             The film's mystery is riding on the question of figuring what Rosebud actually means. You try and guess what it means in every sequence in the film. At the end, when they start to burn Kane's treasures, a sled is shown and what is said on the sled? Rosebud. I thought to myself, " I have the answer!" Rosebud is about his sled, which was a toy to him as a boy, so it implies that in the end, this wasn't the life for him. Instead of going away, he should of stayed with his mother, and the sled reminded him of that time, as a child.

4.                            I had to say, first watching this film, I wasn't impressed. I don't see this as the greatest film of all time. I guess many saw this as Welles's first film and that he created the film all by himself. I may have to see it again, to maybe understand it all together, but, that could be awhile.

 CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM

1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper. 

Name: Brian Meyers    Date: 4/16/13  

Gone With The Wind

1.                     In class, we talked about Gone With The Wind and Black Cinema during that time period. The film was originally based on the 1936 novel of the same name by Margret Mitchell. What was curious about her was that when Warner Bros. bought the rights to the book, she only wanted $50,000 and wanted nothing to do with the making of the film. Another curious thing about the film was the casting of Scarlet O'Hara. The actress who famously played by Vivian Leigh was British, while the character has a Southern Belle accent, as this was considered rare back then. For a film from 1939, it was extremely long, as it ran for more than 3 hours. So long that in the middle of the film, the words "INTERMISSION" was displayed for the audience to take a break from the last 2 hours. Race was a main issue and because of the Jim Crow Laws in the south, during the film premiere in Atlanta, the black actors that were in the film, including Hattie McDaniel, who would later on win the Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mammy, were banned from the premiere. The film became a huge success and went on to win 10 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress. It also went on to become the highest grossing film of all time for more than 30 years. It has since become one of the greatest films of all time.

2.                   The article is from reelclassics.com and is on Olivia de Havilland, who played Melanie in the film and her reflection on the film now. Surprisingly, unlike her character in the film, she lived longer than Clark Gable, Vivian Leigh, and Hattie McDaniel. During the interview, she talked about her experience making the film and after the film was released. She talked about the trouble with the production of the film, including the switching of directors. First, George Cukor, who left after clashing with the producer, then Victor Fleming, who was given the credit as the film's director and went on to win Best Director for the film, but fell ill and had to leave. Then Sam Wood, who directed Goodbye, Mr. Chips. She talked about the legend that she made Clark Gable cry, knowing that he didn't want to cry during filming, and she confirmed it.

http://www.reelclassics.com/Movies/GWTW/gwtw-article2.htm

3.                    This article surprised me because it didn't even know if anyone from the film was even alive and happy that she happily described her experience when making the film. I didn't know that there was trouble on the set. That it took three experienced filmmakers to complete the film and only one was given the credit and awarded the Best Director Oscar for it. After seeing the film and thinking about it now, I can see that it had to take something crazy to make a true, masterful piece of film making.

4.                     This was my first time seeing Gone With The Wind and I truly liked it. I can see why it is still a masterpiece of film and is considered one of the greatest films of all time. The concept, the story, the setting, the characters and its backdrop of the Civil War is what makes this film a true classic and I can't wait to watch it again.

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM

1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper. 

Name: Brian Meyers    Date: 4/2/2013

       

Stagecoach

1.        In class, we watched a clip on John Ford, Stagecoach, and a look back at the Western classic. Ford wanted to make a film unlike any of his previous ones. He wanted a good story, one an audience would be surprised. The clip also talked about the before and after effect of casting John Wayne. Until Stagecoach, he was unfamiliar to many studios. Ford really wanted Wayne for the film, but Wayne was unsure of the role. Eventually, Wayne went for it and joined the cast. The studio behind the film was unsure of Wayne, because of test screenings, they didn't like the way he walked, talked or looked, but Ford made sure that they would give him a chance. So they did, and it proved to be successful. The film was a box office hit, won major Oscars, and made John Wayne an icon.

2.       The article I chose was on a look back on the film. The article talked about the retrospect on the classic Western. It also celebrated the release of it on DVD/Blu-Ray and a screening of the film at Harvard. Aspects of the film was discussed, as was it's imagery. Including the introduction of John Wayne's character, an iconic closeup of Wayne twirling a gun. There is accounts of how the movie inspired many filmmakers. It is claimed that director Orson Welles watched Stagecoach over 40 times to prepare himself to film Citizen Kane. John Ford broke ground when making the film and made history after it's release.

http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2010/05/23/with_stagecoach_ford_delivered_iconic_images/

3.       No one would expect Stagecoach to become a hit. Ford went everywhere to get the film to be made at a major film studio. All of them said that the Western genre was dying and not as popular as it seemed later on decades later. When the film was green light, Ford knew he wanted an unknown John Wayne to star in it. Wayne had starred in over 80 movies, but mostly they were B-movies and he was used as an extra. Stagecoach will forever to be known as one of the greatest westerns of all time and one of the most influential films of all time, inspiring many filmmakers, some to this day.

4.      Watching black and white films is still a new experience to me. Some of them happen to be the most influential and iconic films of all time and with me being a future filmmaker, I'm all for watching films that would inspire me to make films. Watching Stagecoach made me wonder what kind of filmmaker John Ford is. It was a great experience to watch it and to see how the film effects me and see if it would inspire my future film making career.

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM

1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.


Name: Brian Meyers     Date: 3/19/13     

It Happened One Night

1.     In class we talked about the new use of sound in films, which led to dialogue being useful in films. With that, the 1930's brought us the rise of screwball comedies to the screen. These films came around during the time where the Production Code, the Hays office, the MPPDA and the MPAA came into Hollywood. These associations were to help guide the film industry with copyrighting and ratings. A screwball comedy would basically characterize a female that would dominate the relationship with the male main character, whose masculinity is challenged throughout the film and shows off the bumbling differences and similarities between the two main characters. It Happened One Night is a perfect example of a screwball comedy. Some say that the film was the first major screwball comedy.

2.   The article I chose was on the before and after of the making of It Happened One Night. It describes the filming of the film and its aftermath. The Columbia Pictures studio was known as "poverty row", due to it being known for making cheap, B-movies. The article also showcased the troubles that dealt with lead actress Claudette Colbert. Before being casted, other major actresses were considered for the role. She was hard to deal with, as she objected to many of the film's best scenes. The famous "Walls of Jericho" scene was created by director Frank Capra, because Colbert's refusal to be seen taking her clothes off on screen. She also refused to show her upper leg in the infamous hitchhiking scene. Her experience making the film made her remark, "I've just finished the worst picture in the world!" I guess she didn't expect the success the film would have later on.

http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/12648/It-Happened-One-Night/articles.html

3.     I would take a guess in saying that she felt uncomfortable taking off her clothes because she felt like that she was bigger than that. Maybe being an actress means that you can do anything and tell people what to do and how to do it. I don't think that is what being an actress is. Being an actress represents yourself as being a part of the film industry and to be respected, you have to earn it. Maybe the idea of being a star got into her head and it spread farther than she or anyone would have thought of.

4.     I have never been a fan of black and white films. It's rare that I would watch one, but I could see myself starting to watch some. Watching It Happened One Night made me reconsider my views towards black and white films. I could see where many romantic comedies today got their inspiration from with It Happened One Night.

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM

1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.

Name: Brian Meyers  Date: 2/25/13