The Godfather

The Godfather

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

In class we discussed one of the most critically acclaimed films of all time, The Godfather. Released in 1972, the film was a big blockbuster hit and help bring out the new career of Francis Ford Coppola after trying to make it big with 7 films. It went on to be nominated for 11 Oscars taking home 3 for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Leading Actor. It was winner of 5 Golden Globes and a Grammy award. 

2) Find a related article (on the film, directed, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, ect.) You can use the library or the Internet. Cite the article or copy the url to your journal entry. Summarize in your own words the related article but do not plagiarize any content.

My article was on the Oscars controversy that followed The Godfather at the 1973 Oscars. The biggest story was Marlon Brando declining his Oscar for Best Actor and sending instead American Indian Rights activist Sacheen Littlefeather to state that Brando was not accepting his award due to Hollywood and television depiction of Native Americans. Al Pacino also boycotted the ceremony because he felt he was begin insulted by not begin nominated for Best Actor, but for Best Supporting Actor even noting he had more screen time then his co star winner Marlon Brando.

http://www.today.com/id/5354208#.U1mHtSDD_ug

3) Relate the article to the screening.

Despite all the controversy, The Godfather deserved every nomination it received. Marlon Brando stole every scene, even when he was just laying in bed in various scenes. He brought this character to life and that is the reason he won Best Actor. From the film's plot twists, score, camera lighting and angles, and overall effect really is the definition of Best Picture.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film

This is my first time actually seeing the whole film because of how graphic it was for me as a child, but I do believe it lives up to the hype it got when it was released and still does today. The story line is so captivating and all are so interesting. It shows a different look of what it means to be family. It impacted film so much that you can see where filmmakers and writers are inspired by this movie in various other films. The Godfather may have only taken home three Academy awards, it's still recognized as the most acclaimed and beloved films of all time. 

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.

The Graduate

The Graduate

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

In our last class we discussed the film, The Graduate. The film was directed by Mike Nichols and the screenplay was by Buck Henry and Calder Willingham. It was a huge hit at the box office. It received 7 Oscars nominations. One for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Leading Actor, Best Leading Actress, and Best Supporting Actress and took home the award for Best Director. The Graduate was known as one of the first true youth rebellion films, and was also famous for the use of overlapping cuts.

2) Find a related article (on the film, directed, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, ect.) You can use the library or the internet. Cite the article or copy the url to your journal entry. Summarize in your own words the related article but do not plagiarize any content.

The article I found was on the making of The Graduate, specifically thr casting. Mike Nichols wanted Doris Day for Mrs. Robinson and Robert Redford for Ben Braddock. Neither of that happen. Doris Day turned down the role due to nudity in certain scenes. Patricia Neal turned down the role due to just recovering from a stroke and didn't feel ready to accept such a major role. After saying no to Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, and Jane Fonda, the producers felt that Anna Bancroft would be prefect as Mrs. Robinson. For her younger daughter, Elaine, casting was a major issue. Patty Duke, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, and Joan Collins all turned down the role. After a shortlist of Ann-Margret, Goldie Hawn, and Natalie Wood, the role went to Katharine Ross. When it came to role of Ben, Robert Redford and Warren Beatty were among the top choices. Beatty turned it down due to a prior commitment and Mike Nichols believed that Redford didn't have the underdog flair that Dustin Hoffman had. Nichols really enjoyed Hoffman true raw talent during a cold reading with Katharine Ross, a love scene from the movie and Nichols loved Hoffman's awkwardness. 

http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2008/03/graduate200803

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

Overall, the article really gave us a outlook on the casting that went into The Graduate. Casting must have been such a difficult process with great and complex characters seen in the film. A great example of the difficult casting process was choosing Dustin Hoffman. Hoffman was not well known and was given a role of such depth and made a name for himself just because one person gave him that chance. Also Anne Bancroft and Katharine Ross were excellent in their performances as mother and daughter. All together, many people believe that the casting of the film is one of the many reason the film was so successful.

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

The Graduate is one of best films I have seen in this class. From the soundtrack, to the story line, to the acing, this film is truly iconic. This movie is decades old and still relatable to every young adult, especially college students. The casting also made this film as great as it was and I am very happy they did not go with well known names back then.

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.

Casablanca

Casablanca

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

In our last class, we discussed one of the most popular films of all time, Casablanca. It was number 3 on AFI Top 100 Films of all time, right below Citizen Kane and The Godfather. It was nominated for 8 Academy Awards and took home 3 for Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Picture. It starred leads Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The film is based on the play: "Everybody Comes to Rick's" By Murray Burnett and Joan Alison.

2) Find a related article (on the film, directed, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, ect.) You can use the library or the internet. Cite the article or copy the url to your journal entry. Summarize in your own words the related article but do not plagiarize any content.

The article I found about when the world found out Casablanca star, Ingrid Bergman, was having an affair with playboy Roberto Rossellini and many other famous friends. At the time, Ingrid was married  had a young daughters. Even on the set of Casablanca, Humphrey Bogart’s then-wife Mayo Methot accused him of cheating with Ingrid while making the film, which led to their divorce. It started in 1949 when Ingrid, penned a "fan" letter to Rossellini. The romance grew and Rossellini even fired his other lover, Anna Magnani, from his next production, Stromboli, and re-wrote the lead role for Ingrid. When the news was out, Ingrid left her family in America to join her new love in Italy, both ending their other marriages. The affair and then marriage with Rossellini created a scandal that forced her to remain in Europe until 1956, when she made a successful Hollywood return in Anastasia for which she won her second Academy Award, as well as the forgiveness of her fans.

http://www.nationalenquirer.com/from-saint-to-whore-ingrid-bergman-cheating-scandal

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

It's funny that this movie centers around a relationship that was essentially an affair because Ingrid's character was still married and loved another man. That was her real life issues played out on film, excluding the war. She was a woman who loved love and I think that was shown well in the film. She fought for her love although it did not work out in the end.

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

I always heard the title of this film when I was little and I was excited to finally seeing this highly praised movie. But in honesty, I was not overly impressed with it. I was very happy to hear the most memorable and reused quotes, though. And many of the minor characters were very enjoyable to watch. The ending of the film was the best part and I was pleased about how the film went, even though I can't agree with the hype it got. 

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM

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



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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane

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

In our last class, we discussed the motion picture Citizen Kane. When Citizen Kane was viewed as a bomb when it first came out and the production company, RKO Pictures, was close to burning the films negative because of how bad the film turned out. After several months, Citizen Kane became a hit. It had a huge following do to the star, writer and director of Citizen Kane, Orson Welles. At only 24, RKO Pictures gave Welles all control of this movie. 

2) Find a related article (on the film, directed, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, ect.) You can use the library or the internet. Cite the article or copy the url to your journal entry. Summarize in your own words the related article but do not plagiarize any content.

The article I found on the film is about the death of Richard Collins, the late husband of Dorothy Comingore, the actress who played Susan. It was a discussion of both the blacklisting of Dorothy and Richard.  After the shot of fame, Dorothy felt ill for a short time. She stop showing up to work and RKO suspended her. Dorothy had hoped to star in many films, but upon returning to work, she found nothing to do. Her career shortly ended in 1951. Soon after, she was accused of heavy drinking in custody hearings for her children, and on March 19, 1953, she was arrested for prostitution in West Hollywood. She, and many fans believed that is was part of scheme to make her seem that she was part of the Communism Movement. After that she moved to Connecticut and died at the age of 58, due to her alcohol problem and died of pulmonary disease. Her late husband Richard Collins has been in hiding up to his death because of the harsh things that was done to Dorothy.

http://www.avclub.com/article/rip-richard-collins-blacklisted-screenwriter-92610

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

 Citizen Kane itself is well known as the most controversial movie to date. The movie itself was rumored for being communism propaganda. Any movie with Hitler in it in the very beginning is a movie that will be up for speculation. Welles never speculated that Comingore was a Communist and he would always answer questions about the rumors, stating it was no such thing.

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

 Although this film is considered one of, if not the, greatest movie of all time, I did not particularly understand the significance of it. The story had so many flashbacks for this average man. I didn't understand the importance of this character's life that it needed to be documented by this reporter. I will say that the concept of "Rosebud" was a nice mystery, but to be quite honest, halfway through the movie, I had already figured out the importance of him not having a childhood would lead to a path of destruction. I believe that because this movie was the first movie with this concept, that it is a brilliant idea. But because of so many movies I have seen that have been inspired by this film, it lost its "wow" factor for me.

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM

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



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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Gone with the Wind

Gone with the Wind

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

In class, we discussed Black Cinema and Gone with the Wind. In mainstream Hollywood, black actors were mostly cast as extras, the help, or happy/funny characters. They were never given serious and were rarely cast as a main character in films.They were usually only cast in musicals or comedies. Blackface was a major thing white actors would use to portray black characters. Several films with black casts were made between the years of 1915 and 1950, which were funded by black producers or white supporters. Gone with the Wind gave black actors an opportunity to have major roles in a dramatic film. Actress Hattie McDaniel was the first African American to win an Academy Award, which she won for best supporting actress in the film, Gone with the Wind.

2) Find a related article (on the film, directed, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, ect.) You can use the library or the internet. Cite the article or copy the url to your journal entry. Summarize in your own words the related article but do not plagiarize any content.

The article I found expresses how racist the film was. The New York Post film critic Lou Lumenick states that the film romanticizes slavery and the confederate south. If we continue to celebrate the film, then we are giving an okay to slavery and not addressing it as a serious issue.

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jun/25/us-critic-deniably-racist-gone-with-the-wind-should-be-banned-from-cinemas

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

With the discussion in class about black cinema, I do agree with the article. Although this movie is considered the "greatest movie ever made" by almost ever critic and viewer, Gone with the Wind does romanticized the portrayal of the South during and after the Civil War. The depiction of black people in the film make it seem as if they were happy to serve white people and did not want to be free after the Civil War. 

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

Despite the film being nearly four hours long, Gone with the Wind is an epic tale of love and loss. The plot is what catches the attention of the audience. You go through all these phases of each character's life and it is such a personal touch that you feel like you know these characters and they are actual people. I have to admit, I did not follow along at the beginning, but by the end of the first act, I was hooked. I could not wait to continue the story line of Scarlett. I do not enjoy viewing the depiction of slaves or the glorification rape in Rhett and Scarlett's marriage, but I do understand that this was filmed in a completely different time frame than where the world is in today.

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM

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



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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Stagecoach

Stagecoach

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

In class we discussed The Greatest Period in American Movie Making, which was 1939 to 1941. During this time, classics like Citizen Kane, Gone with the Wind, and The Wizard of Oz. We viewed Stagecoach, which was directed by John Ford. Westerns at this time were not very popular. They were looked at as budget and director killers. In fact, Ford was told that making Stagecoach would ruin his career. Despite doubts, Stagecoach was a huge success. In 1939, Stagecoach took home 2 Oscars after being nominated for 7. It took home best Supporting actor and Best Music but was in the same list for Best Picture and Director for John Ford.

2) Find a related article (on the film, directed, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, ect.) You can use the library or the internet. Cite the article or copy the url to your journal entry. Summarize in your own words the related article but do not plagiarize any content.

On filmsite.com, the roles and the sight of symbolism being played in Stagecoach was discussed. Like so many films in the 1930's, there were characters vividly portrayed and socially different from one another. You have for example two sets of women. On one hand, you have Dallas, who is a prostitute and is looked down upon. Then you have Mrs. Mallory, the prefect women, who is looked at as so lady like. At the scene with the dinner table, you see that no one that was on the Stagecoach, except Ringo, who himself is looked down upon in society, wants to sit next to Dallas. The two characters understand each other. That's why the odd pairing get along so well and later fall in love. You see that each character has something different to give within the movie You see that certain people are respected, while others are treated badly. 

http://www.filmsite.org/stagec.html

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

The article gives you a second look within the film. It shows all the hidden symbolism that John Ford was getting out and really gave the film a more personal feel. The explained symbolism is that at first you might now see within the first glance but other a discussion with peers or a second viewing you notice what the characters and the actors are doing. It gives us the meaning of why the director did what he did and does what he does. It gives a understanding of how the characters begin to where their end at the end of the film. 

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

Many people believe that Stagecoach is one of the greatest movies ever made, but I do not agree. I honestly had a negative judgement of the film from the opening scene and that set my opinion for the rest of the film. There was so much going on that I was lost. There were too many characters coming onto the scene at once for me. I didn't even realize that they were in the stagecoach until they picked up Ringo. I believe this was an issue on the director's part. A lot was very disorganized and had to many extras walking around through the town, in my opinion. It was difficult to focus. Overall, I can see why this movie was so important but I personally would never want to see this film on my own time 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.

It Happened One Night

It Happened One Night

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

In the 1930's, the silent film industry was coming to an end and the screwball comedy was the next big thing. The film It Happened One Night, directed by Frank Capra, was one of the first film to established what was happening in film during that era. Censorship was starting to grow as well when in 1922 the MPPDA, the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, was created by Will Hayes. The program was created to make sure movies were following guidelines regarding sex, drug use, nudity, and many other factors. Many scenes in the movie were clean cut, like the "Wall of Jericho" scene, you see neither of them sleeping in the same bed. 

2) Find a related article (on the film, directed, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, ect.) You can use the library or the internet. Cite the article or copy the url to your journal entry. Summarize in your own words the related article but do not plagiarize any content.

The article "Studio's Luck Day" written by Crosby Day, had a inside look on the making of It Happened One Night and it's stars. Columbia Pictures wasn't a well known or highly praised studio. After ever well known actress declined the role, Claudette Colbert signed onto the film unwillingly after begin promised 4 week shooting period and a double pay increase. Many problems arrived on set because of the unwillingness from Colbert. During the hitchhiking scene, she refused to show her leg because she wanted to present her acting skills, not her sex appeal. After Capra suggested bringing in a Chorus Girl to do the scene, Colbert changed her mind and performed the scene and showed her leg. The film was a huge success and made stars out of both Gable and Colbert. 

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-06-15/entertainment/0306110349_1_claudette-colbert-gable-capra

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

I was actually shocked to read many articles about how bad Colbert's behavior was on set. By how great her acting was in the film, I assumed she was extremely professional. I was also shocked to learn that film garnered 5 Oscars. I was also surprised by how many scenes in this film have been recreated in several other films, television shows, and music videos. Such as the runaway bride scene, which I've seen in several films. A fun fact: the scene with Gable eating a carrot gave inspiration to Looney Tunes character, Bugs Bunny! 

　

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

"It Happened One Night," deserved every award it received. From the set, to the characters, to the plot, the movie was absolutely amazing. This screwball comedy took home Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Adapt Screenplay, and overall Best Picture. The movie has shown time and time again why its one of the greatest movies of all time. Its been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. It Happened One Night will always be one of the greatest films of all time. 

 

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.