Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Film or Play Analysis


Analyze a movie, or a play of your choice.

4 comments:

  1. I reviewed Dumb and Dumber here:

    https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7AeKm6s_LIeQlRWM1JxTVNIdkk/edit?usp=sharing

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  2. Sherlock, a British crime drama television show, is a modern day interpretation of Conan Doyle's detective stories. It was written and created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss. The show stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson.

    In Season One, A Study in Pink, we first meet John Watson, a physically injured and mentally damaged soldier doctor. He is later introduced to Sherlock Holmes through an old friend. First impressions of Sherlock is a person who's extremely observant and intelligent, but arrogant. Evidence of his personality shows through his relationship with others who are close to him. For example with Molly Hooper, he is often distant and only warms up to her when he needs something in return. Sherlock's relationship with Inspector Lestrade is only on a professional standpoint and with the rest of the police force, Sherlock believes he's above them all. With Watson, Sherlock begins to develop a sense of comradery and trust.

    The costume for Sherlock is a long tween coat, a navy scarf and a classic suit. The iconic deerstalker hat did not make a reappearance until the next season. For Watson, his look is very casual; a knitted jumper (sweater), a simple black jacket and a pair of jeans. The props for their apartment, on 221B Baker St. are very unique (like a bison skull for headphones and a human skull), but still add a sense of home.

    With longer episodes than normal hour long t.v. shows, Sherlock has developed a very cinematic quality. The simplicity and effectiveness of text written on screen allows for viewers to follow Sherlock's deductions quickly and easily. The lighting of Sherlock is colder compared the warmer version in the pilot. This creates a harder and more serious appearance on the faces of the characters. The cooler lighting also creates a fitting atmosphere for the plot as the scenes progresses. The camera usually captures the actions of the whole scene, but during Sherlock's deductions, they are focused on certain details that prove clues in solving the case.

    -May contain spoilers. Sorry in advance-

    A Study in Pink has many reference to Conan Doyle's A Study in Scarlet. In the novel, it is also the first meeting of Watson and Sherlock through a friend of John's. The appearance of the word “RACHE” in the novel also appears at the crime scene in Sherlock. The use of two pills in the crime, along with the villain dying from an aneurysm in A Study in Scarlet is also parallel to the details in A Study in Pink. The John Watson in Doyle's novel records their adventures and act as Sherlock's biographer. In the show, Watson will be documenting their adventures in a blog, an activity recommended by his therapist.

    Here's the link to his blog: http://www.johnwatsonblog.co.uk

    For those who have read and enjoyed Conan Doyle's work, this modern adaptation of Sherlock Holmes may be your cup of tea. Even those who like a good mystery along with impeccable crime solving skills may find this series extremely addicting.

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  3. Sex in the City:

    Sex in the City the movie is a continuation of the successful TV series under the same that aired for six years on HBO. The series itself was based on a book under the same name. Even if you've never read the book or watched the show, you will not feel lost in this movie since its setting takes place a few years after the finale of the TV show. The summary of where the four main woman are in life for the people that did follow the show provides a sufficient introduction for those of us just meeting Carrie, Sam, Charlotte and Miranda.

    Each woman has been put in a much more mature situation than they have evidently ever experienced. Even though the main character is Carrie, we see each character develop to fit their unique mature role in life. Each development is different, but the stories intertwine nicely as the four friends still have some familiar adventures together. I personally found the different examples of human development very interesting and thoroughly enjoyed the comedic relief that is scattered throughout the film. Not all critics, however, feel the same way. Many people criticized the film as being sexist, portraying the role of each woman to have a man. I disagree with this view as Carrie’s career plays a big part in her sub-plot, and the other characters’ stories – although centering on men – all have completely different morals in the end, none of which being that a woman needs a man.
    I believe if anyone was to watch this film with an open mind, and no prejudgement on how it’s portraying woman, they will enjoy it. Sex in the City is full of funny scenes, but is also touching and makes you feel good. Definitely the type of “chick flick” a couple could happily watch together.

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  4. Since I'm very interested in the German culture, I chose to analyze the film "M", produced in 1931 and has a profound impact on German cinema.

    “M” is considered by many to be the defining film of the thriller genre, and it is a masterpiece. Directed by Fritz Lang, this German classic gives a terrifying look at a child-murderer who holds a city captive with fear. Peter Lorre delivers a chilling and unforgettable performance as Hans Beckert, a conflicted psychopath. While his friendly demeanor entices vulnerable children in the city, his mannerisms scream madness and portend horrific acts, which we gratefully never witness. The murders are more unsettling because they are hidden from us, our minds left to fret out the details.

    “M” feels well ahead of its time. The subject matter is very heavy, and everything about the film just has a dark feel to it. This isn’t the type of film one would expect to come out in the 1930s. There is a common theme within the film between several groups of people; even though they are all looking for the same killer, they are doing it for completely different reasons. The police are involved in the chasing of the killer because it is their duty and they want to maintain the respect from the citizens. The Berliners volunteered because they want to seek retribution for the fear and paranoia that they have suffered through with this man’s existence. The criminals get involved simply for business reasons. While their collective goal is a noble one, they are all motivated by their own desires, not necessarily for the safety of others. Therefore, this film brings up interesting questions about morality and public justice; is everybody involved doing the right thing, or are they only escalating the
    hysteria and danger? How can justice be properly served by a large group of people, each
    with their own interpretation of how the assailant should be punished?

    The film also reveals a true problem in our society, as we seem to always demand revenge against a wrongdoer without even thinking about what it does to our own humanity. We believe that by making this person pay for his crimes will somehow make everything better. Therefore in the film, instead of taking the killer to the authorities so that they can study him and maybe try to help him, they demand the instant self-satisfaction of execution, something worth to think about.

    This is a very interesting film and I would definitely recommend everyone to watch it.

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