Stagecoach

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

                Stagecoach was an instant success under the direction John Ford especially for the era in which the movie released defined westerns and made westerns what they are to this day.  The genre of westerns before this film, all merged together it seemed, nothing stood out and nothing broke the mold. John Ford changed this direction for this movie genre now making cowboys an American stereotype.

                John Ford used a B list actor by the name of John Wayne, now an American icon but at the time was still trying to make his name in the movie business. Ford regretted his decision to use Wayne as the start of film production began. He liked the look of John Wayne, but hated the way Wayne acted. Ford consistently pushed Wayne throughout the filming badgering him scene by scene. Although Ford was tough on Wayne, Wayne never reacted to the badgering in a negative way but developed a close relationship with Ford, also ended up working with John Ford 24 times after this film.

2)  Find a related article and summarize the content

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-stagecoach-1939

            Roger Ebert gives a fantastic review on the film, he narrows down the specifics in which make this film a testament to time. Demonstrating what made this film, a worth watch as well as the characters, stating that John Wayne was not the hero of this film. Ebert goes on to say that Wayne was perfect for this role, Being that Wayne was in his early to mid-thirties at the time of filming, he had lost all his boyish charm and had the look like of a strong commanding man perfect for “Ring Kid”.

            Roger Ebert goes on to say that, this movie is strictly to the point. It does not over throw us with its scenes of violence or action. Never overbearing, yet giving the audience the perfect amount of every element. Ebert also mentions the fact that Orson Welles director of Citizen Kane watched Stagecoach over 40 times before filming his motion picture. Ebert stated that Welles if anything adapted the style of editing from John Ford. Roger Ebert gave a fantastic review very detailed.

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

                This article really changed my outlook for this motion picture. I think Roger Ebert is the best of the best when it comes to movie reviews. I have grown much more appreciation for John Ford as a director, and I believe he was much more ahead of his time than any other director was.  John Ford took a genre of movies and raised the bar. Adaptations of this movie now are coming into play present day, in a sense with action as well as story line.

                I also think John Wayne, seen, as the underdog as an actor in my opinion, well deserves the postage stamp with his face. Not just, for this movie, but for the success he gained and the growth he received from John Ford. I just cannot see anyone playing “Ring Kid” after reading this review. I think Roger Ebert brought the look of John Wayne to my attention as the strong man who had the meaningful voice. I also gained a respect for the whole cast, which had to camp out on set for numerous days while filming. John Ford truly defines Western.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film

                John Ford really defines the Western movie Genre, he set the standard, raised the bar to what we see in action movies. Although, westerns tend to be cowboys and Indians to a certain degree, the elements ford  used in this movie such as the wide landscape shots, the dramatic close ups, and the outrageous stunts all become exciting and enticing elements for this picture.

                I have never seen a John Wayne film before the viewing of Stagecoach. May I just say that I can see how John Wayne is given much praise. It is almost hard to tell that John Ford gave Wayne so much badgering when it comes to his acting. Everything about this film screamed excellent. The location was terrific, the cast was complementing and the scenes were not over dramatic nor over the top. The stunts for this movie especially for this period make the film what it is. The apache being killed and then the stagecoach riding over him was the definition of epic, especially knowing there was no CGI back then. You knew this man was risking his life.

                Overall, I think Stagecoach really defines its time. This movie was what I had predicted a traditional western to look. It is everything I hoped a western would be. I think John Ford is a director of his time and this film just solidifies his position. 

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: ________________Erik L. Rivera______________________  Date: _______________4/19/2013_____________

Casa Blanca

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

                Casa Blanca is rated number three out of 100 movies, which I agree. This film is about a club owner played by Humphrey Bogart helping his past lover Ilsa played by Bergam and her current lover named Lazlo played by Henried.  The film takes place during the second World War at Casa Blanca in French Morocco neutral territory where people fled to escape Nazi control and gain entrance in to Lisbon or the United states by the use of exit visas. Humphrey Bogart’s character is given two exit visas by the police chief of Casa Blanca. The Nazi’s are interested in catching the character by the name of Victor Lazlo the leader of the European resistance and his lover Ilsa. Bogart during the film constantly says that he sticks his neck out for no one. However, being that his ex lover is involved it ultimately puts Ricks code to the test. Either help his ex and her current love escape nazi containment or do nothing to stop the Nazi’s gaining capture on them. There are many themes that come into play during this film, such as comedy, drama, and romance.

2)  Find a related article and summarize the content. 

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

                This article talks about the brilliance of Casa Blanca after a long 50 years. Celebrating the fact that it has been 50 years since the film release and still holds the same power to new viewers as it did when it first came out. Roger Ebert continues to break down the consistent qualities that the film brings and some same qualities that are present in other films.

             I chose this article because of the in-depth discussion Roger Ebert composes of his likes and dislikes about every character the fact that he agrees with my opinion about Victor Lazlo, that he was “leader of the resistance with no humor or resilience” (Roger Ebert). The article continues it’s critical review stating that the film itself gets better and better after multiple viewings. This article truly summed up the plot of Casa Blanca and all its glory.  

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

                This article is very in-depth describing each character’s motives dead on. I liked the review Roger Ebert gave, praising the films excellence and the film’s director Michael Curtiz. The appreciation resembles mine for the film and being that it has been an astounding 50 years since the film’s release. Roger Ebert does an excellent job taking the thoughts from my head and putting them into words very eloquently.

                 Describing the love affair between Isla and Rick as well as debating the direction of the character Victor Lazlo. Roger Ebert saw more appreciation for Humphrey Bogart’s character with his sacrifice for the greater good of his former lover Isla than the selfishness of his own emotions. I agree with Roger Ebert in this article 100 percent and I think he nailed the dynamic of Casa Blanca as well as the motive for every character in the film.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film.

                Casa Blanca in my opinion has deserved its spot in film history. Also has to be one of my favorite films. The director Michael Curtiz did an astounding job using point of view shots and intimate close ups with the characters to display their emotions for example the scene where Rick is sitting at the bar in pity before Isla walks in to confront him. I thought that the simple execution of the scenes did the film or justice verses a film like Citizen Kane where director Orson Welles used complex shots and editing.

The film is an instant classic in my book. Having a bit of every element, comedic one liners on the part of  the police chief, drama coming from Isla leaving Rick at the train station, and Heroic action taken by Rick as well as romance coming into play. The ending came as quite a surprise but all in all closed the film with no wanting of more, but completing the film with no loose ends. I have always had  a fascination for the time period that the film takes place and director Michael Curtiz does an excellent job depicting the evacuation of Paris, France from the Nazi’s as well as the fear of the Nazi’s during that time.

                The film remain consistent in keeping attention of the viewer, wondering what is going to unfold in the next scene, and doesn’t get boring. I would watch this film over and over again, Well deserved number three spot as a great American movie.

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: ________Erik L. Rivera______________________________  Date: ________________4/18/2013____________

Citizen Kane

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

            Citizen Kane written and directed by Orson Welles, this film is rated the greatest American film of all time according to the American Film institute. The film stared Orson Welles playing the role of Charles Foster Kane. The movie was largely based on the life of William Randolph Hearst who like Kane decided that it would be fun to run a newspaper, and was born into money due from his father’s success. Although the movie was similarly based on Hearst’s life, the film did not amuse Hearst. The film has notable photography and direction in the scenes. Orson Welles was given full control of the project from production, to script control, and casting. The Film was made under RKO and was not a commercial success. In my opinion Orson Welles did a fantastic job directing especially this being his first film. The hard work and dedication in this film is outstanding.

2)  Find a related article and summarize the content. 

            http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9431706/Is-Citizen-Kane-still-the-greatest.html

                The article discusses the idea if Kane is still Number one after 50 years. Debating does it still hold its reputation to this and questioning what film would take its place. Although this article is from the UK, The magazine Sight and Sound takes a poll from movie critics judging which film should be number one. Although this award may not be as prestigious as a polling from the American Film institute, I found it interesting to see how people from a different continent itself react to this discussion. During this polling the magazine is using a 1,000+ directors, writers, and curators to the film industry to judge if Citizen Kane still remains at the top spot next to films like The Godfather. The writer states that some people feel the need to state that Citizen Kane is number one just on the basis of other critics.

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

                I found this article interesting, because being that Citizen Kane has such a high stature, its almost hard to question it after 50 years of its top spot. The big question is what film would take it’s place. It is hard to say because even if Citizen Kane did not win the polling, the argument for why would definitely be a big debate. I thought this article came into play with what I thought about the film. I personally did not care for film itself. I thought the way the film was directed was a major achievement to film and I can see why so many directors praise it. Holding a 50 year title of being the best is a hard feat to conquer.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film

                I thought the Citizen Kane was good in a sense of the way it was directed and production. You can see the time put into the script itself. Would I watch this film again? Possibly just to maybe get a second viewing to catch things I might have missed or looked over during the first viewing. However, judging from my first viewing, I did not see what was so great about the plot itself. I do see elements that are adapted in present day films. I would not rate this film as the greatest American film. The film did not intrigue my interest and bored me during the screening. I did appreciate the elements it brought, as for Orson Welles this being his first film, I consider this film a major achievement for the young man of his 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.

Name: _________Erik L. Rivera_____________________________  Date: ____________________4/18/2013________

Gone With the Wind

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

          Gone with The Wind was and epic love story, breaking barriers and I would say defined its time and defines America today. The Film was four hours long and did not "drag" or take long to get enticing or exciting. Every moment of the film I found myself wondering what was going to happen next. Not only just a good film, Gone With the Wind became the key component in showing acceptance toward African Americans.

          Mainstream Hollywood tended to use black actors as menial help as extras and as marginalized talent. Never were black actors given a lead role, I would say Gone with the Wind was one of the first films to have black actors as the supporting cast. Black filmmakers created 500 “race” films between 1915 and 1950. These films were produced for an all-black audience, with an all-black cast. Although, these films for the most part are financed and directed by black filmmakers, sometimes financed by white backers.

          Margaret Mitchell wrote “Gone with the Wind” in 1936 and it took her 10 years to write. Prodcuer David Selznick purchased the rights of the novel for 50,000 dollars. “Gone with the Wind” was the only novel published during Margaret Mitchell’s life, a bestseller. Margaret Mitchell ended up dying by getting hit from a speeding car. The movie “Gone with the Wind” ended up being an instant classic and the highest grossing movie up until 1966. “Gone with the Wind” also was one of the first films shot in Technicolor. To this day “Gone with the Wind” is ranked 4^th in the American Film institute’s top 100 films Great American films.

2) Find a related article and summarize the content.

http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/414427/Gone-With-the-Wind/articles.html#02

“Gone with the Wind” is one of America’s greatest films. Believe it or not the novel almost never got published. “The manuscript stayed in her closet” (Tcm). “Margaret Mitchell decided to turn her family life in the antebellum south and civil war story into a novel” (Tcm). Originally the book was not to be published until Mitchell’s friend had the manuscript shopped around. Margaret Mitchell reportedly wanted 100,000 dollars from the buyer of the rights for the story (Tcm). Producer David Selznick was in competition with RKO productions for the rights. Finally Margaret Mitchell agreed to 50,000 dollars and Selznick began producing what would be one of America’s greatest films.

          “Margaret Mitchell’s book was hit before it even hit the shelves”(Tcm). Being that it was such a top seller. Selznick wished to stay as close to the book as possible. It took “sixteen different writers” (Tcm). Also one year to finish the novel into a screen play. A part that made this film so successful was not only the script itself but the locations, and actors. All of which took time to produce. David Selznick had always wanted Clark Gable to play the role of Rhett Butler. Although Gable at first was not up to the part, “lacking the ability as an actor during the emotional scenes”(Tcm). To mention Clark was signed with MGM studios and being that he was contracted with that company. Selznick had to get permission from MGM to have Gable in the movie. Needless to say Arrangements were made, as for the roll of Scarlett it is said “Selznick was on a massive talent hunt, casting call of 1,400 candidates. One which included Lucille Ball”(Tcm). Scarlett was not found right away but the show had to go on.

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.?

 I thought this article was very in-depth, dealing with all the behind the scenes information as well as the drama that went on between the producer David Selznick and production companies such as MGM. I also liked the fact that it got into detail about the casting. I thought it was amazing that so many people were on casting call for the roll of Scarlett. I also liked the fact that David Selznick chose Clark Gable for the role right of Rhett Butler right from the beginning. But, what appalled me was the fact that Gable turned down the role in the beginning.  I’ve never read gone with the wind, but, judging from this article and the success of the film. My guess is that Selznick stayed as close to the novel as possible. After reading this article it has given me a new incite and perspective to the film. I like it more now that I know all this information. It is very rare that a movie based off a book is ever exact or a best seller and I believe “Gone with the Wind” defines those types of screenplays and films based off of books.

4) Write a critical analysis of the fil

         I rather much enjoyed “Gone with the Wind” I thought this was the mother of all love stories. The cast was very incredible and it didn’t feel as if the cast was acting. All the events felt real. I felt very in touch with each character. The locations for this film were very beautiful and well put together. Nothing seemed out of place or too farfetched especially when it came down to displaying the wealth of Clark Gable’s character Rhett Butler. Being the time period this film was made, to be so captivated by watching this film, just shows how and why this film is an instant American classic. This film really depicts America during the civil war and really gives a great look to how life was lived. The script and dialogue was well written especially that famous line “frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn!” I believe this film has held up to its reputation, the only thing I could say I didn’t like, was the ending. I wish there had been a sequel.

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


Erik L Rivera 4-4-13