La La Land Screening Report

La La Land

1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening. With discussing how films were presented in the past, many were musicals that had comedy and drama incorporated in them. Films such as Meet me in St. Louis (1944) and The Harvey Girls(1946) both starring Judy Garland. Films like those were very popular among audiences. The film presented in class was La La Land, a 2016 musical romantic comedy film written and directed by Damien Chazelle, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. The film centers around a jazz pianist and an aspiring actress who meet and fall in love in Los Angeles while pursuing their dreams. With many obstacles in their way, challenges their relationship and their dreams, leaving each other in the end to achieve their dreams. The film also won all seven of its Golden Globe nominations and the director won an Oscar for best director at the age of 32, becoming the youngest person in history to win the award.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content. In the article, “'La La Land' director on love, romance and that ending” by Sandra Gonzalez, CNN, director, Damien Chazelle is interview and gets personal on how he feels about bring emotion to a film. For up-and-comer actress Mia and creatively hungry jazz musician Sebastian, the two take on a whimsical journey, with instant attraction to each other. But by the end of the film, their relationship fell flat, a victim of two dueling ambitions. The film director Damien Chazelle was convinced that's how it had to be for it was bittersweet to watch the two characters part ways with a polite smile after a chance encounter at the end of the film.  He stated, “That ending was there from the get-go, he told CNN in a recent interview. I think I just have a thing about love stories where the lovers don't wind up together at the end; I find it very romantic.” Gonzalez, Sandra. “'La La Land' Director on Love, Romance and That Ending.” CNN, Cable News Network, 17 Feb. 2017, www.cnn.com/2017/02/05/entertainment/la-la-land-ending-damien-chazelle/index.html.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class. How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.?  Connecting to the article, the ending struck me most. I did not quite understand why the characters gave each other up for their dreams but in the end, it is what made them happy. Sabastian wanted Jazz and Mia wanted to be an actress, constant traveling and time being away from each other caused a drift in their relationship. The director insists if telling a story about love, love has to be bigger than the characters. He sees Mia and Sabastian’s love as a third character and something that lives on. Which does and gives the audience a glimpse of what could have been.
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. Overall the film was interesting, another insight of people who choose their career over love. This adventure gave this couple the ability to peruse their dreams even though they faced obstacles that made them second guess themselves. Musicals are not as popular in films as before but many still present excellent directing and script writing.

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: Andre Perez Date: June 21, 2018

The Silence of the Lambs

The Silence of the Lambs

1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening. The Silence of the Lambs was the film screen presented in class. With the topic of acting, the class discussed how film technology changed acting, what theater acting is-projecting to the audience, film- close ups, and various angles. How sound in 1928 changed acting; studio system and CGI/digital film making also changed acting. In Silence of the Lambs, a 1991 American horror-thriller, directed by Johnathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster, centers around a FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) in search of a serial killer nicknamed “Buffalo Bill”, who skins his female victims’ corpses. Interviews Hannibal Lecter, a former psychiatrist and incarcerated cannibalistic serial killer for assistant in finding “Buffalo Bill”. This movie is thrilling with an observation on people with mental disorders, gender, point of views and the possibility of a continuation of the story in the final scenes.  
2.  Find a related article and summarize the content. The article further expanded a thought in the movie I had which was Clarice having some sort of attraction to Hannibal Lecter; both complete opposites, Hannibal, a sociopathic genius and Clarice, a dedicated career woman. They meet under unusual circumstances, but the tension was strong. Making Jodie Foster’s character continuing visiting Hannibal and later trusting him.  Though she knows he is a psychopath, she must trust him in order to catch the serial killer and save a young girls life.  “'Silence of the Lambs' Is an Unnerving Thriller - NY Daily News.” Nydailynews.com, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2015, www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/archives-silence-golden-thriller-article-1.2018150.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class. How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.?  With the topic of acting, Jodie Foster’s Character had to play a role to gain a serial killers trust in order to find one on the loose. Clarice was the protagonist of the story. Involved in a lot of action and had a goal which was to become an FBI agent, and in the end became one. And for the antagonist, it can be Hannibal Lecter or “Buffalo Bill”. Having to trust a serial killer to find a serial killer.
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. Overall the movie was well written and filmed. Although some scenes did not make sense. Such as the story of “Buffalo Bill” how did he become how he become. What drove his madness? Into becoming a serial killer. This film also has a lot of controversy, targeting transgender community. Although back in the day it was not talked about and considered a sickness, causing more negative backlash on the community. The film also attacked mental disorder and how research is necessary to understand certain point of views.  

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: Andre Perez Date: June 19, 2018

Blade Runner Screening Report

Blade Runner

1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening. The film that was presented in class was Blade Runner, a 1982 neo-noir science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford. In class we discussed film noir – French for black film, is a term referencing to Hollywood crime dramas of the 40’s and 50’s. The films usually consist of low key black and white lighting, moral ambiguity, and violence. Mis en scene was also a topic in discussion referring to scenes of the movies and the themes related to the film, which was set in the future of 2019, with iconic scenes such as the retrofitted buildings and vehicles, crowded and chaotic outlook, the LA train station and LA tunnel. Harrison Ford’s character – Rick Deckard, who’s job as blade runner was to track down bioengineered beings known as replicants and retire (kill) them.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content. In the article, “The Legacy of Blader Runner” by William Bibbiani, discussed about the legacy and impact blade runner has. Also mentioning the director had seven versions of the movie, for he was not content with the editions for some did not live up to his vison. “The director has reworked the film multiple times over the course of two decades”. He also states the words “director’s cut” had been the first of it’s kind to be used to market a movie, opening up a whole new aspect of the home video market place. These cuts are now common and the director himself has taken advantage of it several times with re-releases of his other films such as Legend, Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven.                  Bibbiani, William. “The Legacy of Blade Runner.” IGN, IGN, 2 Oct. 2017, www.ign.com/articles/2017/10/02/the-legacy-of-blade-runner.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class. How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.?  In the article, it mentions what an impact Blade Runner is to culture, which it does. Though, I personally think the special effects were a tad unrealistic, but the movie inspires creativity. Though it was based in 2019 in the future, that is not how the world really looks like but the idea of killer androids taking over and someone hunting them down, was known to be an instant action movie classic. Though with some dark elements, the movies impact gave an incite to what the future could be like and the advancement of technology.
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. The overall concept of Blade Runner is very interesting. But the outlook of the movie was not something I would be interested in. I felt the story line did not make sense sometimes and the action scenes would be a tad over dramatic. For example, when Harrison Ford’s character found an android, chased her, and began shooting at her, causing her to crash into serval glass windows. Seemed over dramatic and could have perhaps, had a different scene to capture her. The end of the movie was the most memorable and climatic. But other than that the overall film’s special effects I felt were not the best but I am interested in seeing Blade Runner 2049, for the special effects look interesting there.

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: Andre Perez Date: June 14, 2018

Princess Mononoke Screening Report

Princess Mononoke

1.  Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening. In class, we discussed different types of movies, focusing on animation, and creating animated movements with the camera. The film presented was Princess Mononoke, is a 1997 Japanese animated epic historical fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, who is very well known, creating the unimaginable and uniquely showing beauty in nature and in people. In Princess Mononoke, was packed with mystery, action, adventure, and hope for the last Emishi prince, Ashitaka, who is on quest to find the great forest spirit to undo a curse he received from a demon boar god, who was attacking his village.  He encounters San, a young warrior woman who was raised by wolves in the woods and Lady Eboshi, the leader of Irontown, an industrialized settle that was started a war with the forest, which Lady Eboshi plans to get rid of the forest.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content. In the article “Why Princess Mononoke is even more relevant 20 years later”, discussed about how the movie represents its input in today’s world. How in the movie, the forest is dying, referring to pollution and the constant battle between the forest and humans. Industrialization has erupted in the mountains, causing this war to start. In the article, it entails that industrialization is not inherently evil but presents society with a range of jobs, protections, innovations, and opportunities. Furthermore, displaying how when an advanced civilization occurs issues such as a want for more power, pollution, war, deforestation, species extinction, and climate change; all things that can relate to today’s world.Dazed. “Why Princess Mononoke Is Even More Relevant 20 Years Later.” Dazed, Dazed Digital, 12 July 2017, www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/36735/1/why-princess-mononoke-is-even-more-relevant-20-years-later.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class. How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.?  In the article “Why Princess Mononoke is even more relevant 20 years later”, states “Mononoke is about war, accountability and redemption.” That describes the movie in three words. It demonstrates what war does, and this being one of Hayao Miyazaki bloodiest film, it shows what the consequences are. Accountability, applying to take action and redemption, basically Ashitaka’s journey as well as the ending when the war is over, and the forest begins to heal and grow. A film highlighting taking a journey to a better future.
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. The director of this film is very well known to make films that have a deeper meaning. His films showcase the beauty and the ugly in the worlds he creates. This film represented what todays world is. The constant want for power and control. How climate change is occurring and not taking the actions necessary to face it. Hayao Miyazaki’s films always have a pleased ending with peace and change being the result.

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: Andre Perez Date: June 12, 2018

Witness

1)      Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening. The class discussion was script writing and Chris Vogler’s “The Hero’s Journey Cycle”, which has twelve parts, usually with three acts, I, II(A), II(B), III, and an ordinary world and special world. The film presented in class was “Witness”, a 1985 American crime thriller film directed by Peter Weir and Starring Harrison Ford, who at the time starred in many iconic movies prior, such as Han Solo in Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Blade Runner. In the Film an incident occurs, and a young boy’s life is at risk. Harrison Ford’s character, Detective John Book is risking everything to protect the boy who witnessed a murder against a police officer. In the film John’s regular routine would be an ordinary world and when John escaped to live with the Amish which would be considered the special world for both worlds and experiences are different.

2)      Find a related article and summarize the content. An article written by Deacon Steven D. Greydanus, Bearing ‘Witness’ to the possibility of true community, illustrates what the main message of the film was, which was showing how a religious community comes to accept another white male into the community, with no idea of the customs or traditions that follows. By using his charm and making himself useful to the community, others begin to accept. Hiding in a community that has no knowledge of the outside world gave this community its innocence and sense of belief. In the final scene, “the action climax revisits the contrast between the professional violence of John’s world and the principled nonviolence of the Amish. To its credit, the film avoids definitively endorsing one or the other, instead allowing each to be true to itself.” Since the Amish are against guns in the end when John Book is facing the man who conspired the murder of a police officer he is outnumbered but not by guns, by the community. Realizing all the witnesses he would not be able to get away with anything more.  

Greydanus, Steven D. “Witness (1985) | Decent Films - SDG Reviews.” Decent Films, decentfilms.com/reviews/witness.

“Bearing 'Witness' to the Possibility of True Community.” Crux, 2 May 2016, cruxnow.com/life/2015/10/16/bearing-witness-to-the-possibility-of-true-community/.

  

3)      How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.? An inside look of how the Amish are. Such as in both worlds how women are treated. For Rachel having an interest in John Book would result in shame. Even though she is a grown young woman who is a widow and deserves happiness just as everyone does. More worried about what others think than what they think. How religion is their main priority above all. Also, how they choose not to peruse violence when being attacked by locals. Choosing to be passive and resist. Having John defend them but Rachels father disappointed in resorting to violence no matter what the obstacle is. 

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.  With what was discussed in class, Chris Vogler’s, the writer’s Journey gives an outlook of how to write a script and what steps to take. Following Witness, one can point out the use of his method and use for future examples. Overall the film was well put, although the ending did not end the best, with John Book leaving and Rachel remaining with the Amish.

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: Andre Perez Date: June 7, 2018

City of God

1)      Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening. The City of God, (Cidade de Deus) is a Brazilian crime film directed by Fernando Meirelles and co-directed by Kátia Lund. Based on a semi-autobiographical novel from 1997 by Paulo Lins, about three young men and their lives in Cidade de Deus around the 1960s to the late 1980s. The topic discussed in class was what are the elements of a narrative/story. Which include what the theme is and how it is expressed in the work. The main characters, subordinate or supporting characters and minor characters. Next is the plot and structure, referring to the selection and arrangements of incidents that give a story focus and how and why do certain events happen. The following is the setting, cultural, social, and physical context of the story’s action. And finally, the point of view, which is who is telling the story and the affect of how it is told, which in this film Rocket is the point of view we are learning from. The film demonstrates all the elements of a story and more some. Based on somewhat true-events shows the culture and life style that was alive in Brazil during the 1960s and so on.

2)      Find a related article and summarize the content. In the article, Liberation Aesthetics: Sinning and Surviving in Meirelles’ City of God, by David C. Ryan, goes in depth into the directing style of Fernando Meirelles. A critic named Peter Rainer, then of New York magazine, complained that Meirelles’ techniques glamorized violence. As stated, “The filmmaker’s intention is to develop an empathic understanding of these young criminals, because they take pride and seek fame in hurting their enemies. They’re thrilled when they murder. The film illustrates their frame of reference, so we can comprehend how they live, make decisions, and target their victims. This empathic approach is meant to make us cringe at the fast-paced world in which these kids live and die.” We get to see in the film the soul less kids making these decisions that make a huge change including joining gangs and murdering people.

“Fernando Meirelles' City of God - Film Review.” Identity Theory, 30 May 2013, www.identitytheory.com/meirelles-city-god-movie/.

3)      How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.? How the film is one can only imagine who would take on the role to produce such a film that exposes a lot of the world many people choose not to see. For violence happens all the time, we are just fortunate not to be living in such exposure to it.  For his director, “art must intrude into and open up closed worlds; his is a kind of liberation aesthetics that sheds light on serious social matters.” And he succeeds in expressing how the film is presented.  

  

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. With reviewing the elements of a narrative one can see how a film is in the process of being made. A story must be told and there must be certain elements and themes.  For this film it included the structure of how communities were, misuse of power and authority, lack of leadership and respect of one’s people.  With so much chaos, one can only imagine the other stories that are there to tell.

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: Andre Perez Date: June 5, 2018