The Godfather

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

The Godfather is classic. It is a movie I have wanted to see for so long and I finally got to see it. I could see how the movie was all about family. I also admire how the men respect their wives and their sisters and will do anything for them. In class we spoke about violence and murder and 23 on-scene deaths. I tried my best to keep track of all the deaths in the movie. It was definitely very graphic with a lot of bloodshed. I also understand the notion of anti-heroes. These characters were killing a lot of people yet I was still on their side. They made me believe they were killing all these people for a good reason.

2)      Find a related article and summarize the content. 

http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/443184/The-Godfather/articles.html#00

This is a great article that informs the audience about what happened behind the scenes of the movie. Apparently Coppola directed this movie because he owed Paramount pictures $300,000 and had no other way of paying them. Paramount Pictures were perfectly ok with the fact that Coppola agreed to direct the movie for that reason. They needed a director, and Coppola needed money. The article also states that this movie is in fact a great movie like everyone says. The acting was phenomenal, the production and the directing was absolutely outstanding. This movie will continue to be a classic for the rest of time.

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

I can agree that this film was fantastic. The acting was absolutely on point. The article states that Paramount were not in accordance with Copolla in hiring two of the main characters- Al Pacino and Marlon Brando. Still, Coppola fought as best he could for Pacino. Pacino had actually forgotten his lines during his audition for the movie and that did not help him very much. However it was not until they saw how Pacino delivered his character during a murder scene that they finally decided to keep him for the movie. They knew he was perfect for the part, and after seeing the movie, I can agree that he was.

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. 

Diane Keaton is my number 1 idol in life. I think she is absolutely stunning and amazing and I have read all about her and admire her life. With that said, when I saw this movie I fell in love with her even more. Her character delivery was remarkable, especially starring alongside Al Pacino and Marlon Brando. I waited a long time to see this movie and I was afraid I was going to get let down. But I wasn’t, and I cannot wait to see The Godfather II, and III.

Plagiarism Statement:  Attach this statement to the end of each journal assignment. 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: Mathysse Gomez    

Casablanca

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

Casablanca is a film that involves love, war, freedom, and many other political issues of our time.  It is about an American named, Rick Blaine, who runs a nightclub and  gets himself involved with two important letters of transit.  When he finds out that this couple includes his once true love that left him in Paris, Rick is shocked.  Throughout the film her love for Rick is renewed and she wants to stay with him in Casablanca. 

2)      Find a related article and summarize the content. 

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-casablanca-1942

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun Times, says that “Casablanca” is one of the most popular films ever made.  It is about two people who are in love and have sacrificed it for a higher purpose involving the Nazi’s.  When filming “Casablanca”, no one thought it would turn out to be a classic, especially because it was made on such a low budget.  It was only planned to be another movie release but ended up becoming one of the best films ever made.  Humphrey Bogart, who played as Rick Blaine, was a very strong character and played his part very well.  Ebert feels that many shots in this movie are very touching and still emotionally move him to this day.  He also felt that what was interesting was that in the whole film there was not one bad character.  All of the parts were acted out very well by the right people.

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

This article seems to be quite on point. It says that it is one of the best films ever made and I can see why. This movie is extremely engaging and, although it is long, the viewer feels the need to watch the entire thing because they would like to know what happens next, and how it will end. The characters are phenomenal, and legendary. I believe that anyone who has not seen this movie is really missing out on a good, old-fashioned movie.

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. 

In my opinion, I think the movie was very touching and it was nice to see how strong to people can feel about each other.  I liked the actors in this movie and I think they played their roles very well.  It was easy to pay attention to and keep watching.  I don’t think it was one of the best from what we have seen in class, but overall it was a good movie.  I would not watch it again but I would definitely recommend people to at least see it once, considering it is a classic love story

Plagiarism Statement:  Attach this statement to the end of each journal assignment. 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: Mathysse Gomez    

The Graduate

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

“The Graduate” was a movie that involved relationships, sexuality, love, betrayal, and more.  It’s about a boy named Ben who has just graduated from college and is expected to go very far in life.  He gets side-tracked by this woman, who happens to be friends of his parents and double his age, and the two of them have an affair together.  The plot gets even more interesting when he falls in love with Mrs. Robinson’s daughter, Elaine.  I think it’s interesting that a movie with this kind of plot came out in that time period.  I feel that it is not something people of that age accepted into their society at those times, or at least that is what I thought.    

2)      Find a related article and summarize the content. 

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-graduate-1967

This is a great article that talks about the humorous aspect of the movie. It essentially says that most movie during that era incorporate humor in their movies by having the actual characters laugh at the “jokes” in the movie while they are on screen. However, in The Graduate, the characters do not laugh at themselves or at their colleagues, instead they leave it up to the audience to laugh at what they want to. Or they use the next seen to make the previous scene look funnier.

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.?

This is a great article because it gives the reader a new perspective on how comedic films work. Some films can be funny just by having the characters laugh at their own jokes, and that makes the audience think it is funny and laugh along with them. Other films, such as The Graduate, uses sarcasm, change of scenes, silence, and straightforwardness.

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. 

In my opinion, of all the movies this was one of the best.  I thought it was very interesting and had a very easy plot to follow.  I have also heard the famous name, “The Graduate”, many times and had it on my list of movies I wanted to see.  Of course that is because it is a classic.  I know Dustin Hoffman from recent movies I’ve seen so it was interesting to see him in a movie that was filmed so long ago.  Also, by reading these reviews and hearing all the positive and great things people have to say about Hoffman, I have a new respect for him and think he is a great actor.

Pages:  You can create separate pages on your blog or simply do them as continuous posting. 

Note:  You do not have to resubmit your blog after you initially create one. If you post your journal content, I will see it.  Just make sure it is posted on time. 

Plagiarism Statement:  Attach this statement to the end of each journal assignment. 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: Mathysse Gomez    

Citizen Kane

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

In class, we spoke about how Citizen Kane was one of the best writing films with best original screen play, best director, and best picture.  In the movie Citizen Kane, Charles Foster Kane’s life is supposed to be a resemblence of William Randolph Hearst’s life. Apparently after having had seen the film, Hearst felt no relation to the character. He was “not amused by the similarities.”

The movie begins with a scene of a sign that states “ No Trespassing” and ends with the same scene. The story is full of flashbacks about Charles Kane. We also spoke about how Kane gradually gets older and older and how the appearance of his character changes from a refine young man to a much fatter, greyer, older man.

2)  Find a related article and summarize the content.  

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

This article essentially says that for the last half-century Citizen Kane still remains regarded as one of the “greatest pictures ever made.” A survey was conducted in regards to how this film is still one of the best movies made in film history. Writers, directors and curators were some of those who filled out the survey. However the article states that this phenomenon of Citizen Kane being one of the best films in history will soon be over “thanks to a change in constituency boundaries.”

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

To be truthful, I, and I am sure many might agree, thought the movie was excessively long, with a lot of scenes that were not needed, even considering the fact that it was made during an era where film making was only just evolving. However this article made me see Citizen Kane in a different light. This movie has been considered the greatest picture ever made, even a half- century later. Knowing this, it makes me appreciate all the detail and improvements and story-line the movie has to offer.

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 movie opens up and ends with the same scene. I think this is very symbolic and innovative and many films after would copy the same technique. Although the movie was way too long, it was fun to watch and I needed to see how it was going to end. I appreciate the use of lighting and camera position in this movie as well.  

.

Plagiarism Statement:  Attach this statement to the end of each journal assignment. 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: Mathysse Gomez 

Stagecoach

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

In class we spoke about all of the success in filmmaking during the Stagecoach era. The movie director, John Ford, became very well known during this time. He earned four Best Director Awards for the Informer (1935), Grapes of Wrath (1940), How Green was My Valley (1941), and The Quiet Man (1952). In class we also went over how this was “the greatest period in American Movie Making” when various historical movies came out. Some of which include Gone with the Wind and the infamous Wizard of Oz. John Wayne is one of the stars of Stagecoach. He was rated a B-movei actor and Stagecoach was the film that actually realized his acting career. He ended up working with John Ford 24 times.

2)    Find a related article and summarize the content. 

http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/91227/Stagecoach/articles.html

This article essentially talks about the relationship between John Ford and the beginning of his everlasting friendship with the Navajo Indians of Monument Valley. He worked with over 200 Navajo Indians and became very close with them once the film was over. The article also speaks about the infamous stunt pulled in the movie Stagecoach – Zyakima Canutt’s stunt of being dragged underneath a team of horses. Ford claimed that they only did the stunt once, and that even if it had not worked that time, he would never shoot that stunt again as it was so dangerous and risky.

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

Personally. I love reading articles like this for the reason that they are so insightful. This article has direct quotes from John Ford and it allows me to understand his state of mind throughout shoot the film Stagecouch. Thus, I can understand the movie more in his perspective.

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

This movie is grand, especially because Western movies during this era were known to be unpopular. I appreciate the fact that John Ford took the risk and the challenge of making a Western movie regardless of how people were claiming that it would ruin his career.

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: ______Mathysse Gomez Bera____

It Happened One Night

It Happened One Night

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

In class we discussed the transition from silent films to films with sound. By 1929 silent films were no longer being made. Sound films became increasingly popular despite the technical difficulties. Some of these technical difficulties included poor synchronization, sound being muffled, and not knowing where to place the microphone. We also discussed “screwball comedy” which often ‘took on or challenged the convention roles for women.” Screwball comedy is usually a battle of the sexes. It Happened One Night is, in fact, a screwball comedy.  

2)      Find a related article and summarize the content

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

The article discusses how the movie It Happened One Night came to exist. It states that both award winning actors were not at all interested in creating the movie in the first place, however, the movie ironically turned out to be a classic, and the first to start the screwball comedy genre. Columbia Pictures had a reputation for being poor and managed to change that with this film. Many actresses turned down the female lead role for It Happened One Night.  Claudette Colbert ended up taking the lead role after having had a previous terrible experience in a movie Director Frank Capra directed. The only reason she took the role was because she was offered $50,000 for a four-week job. Turns out she made a great executive decision. Clark Gable and Frank Capra did not get along at first, but when Gable read the script for his role in It Happened One Night, he realized he was very much like his character, and ended up getting along just fine with Capra.

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 had no idea the actors in the movie had given Capra such a hard time. The movie was not planned to be such a great historical success. To me, it would seem that anyone back then would be willing to make a movie and be on the big screen. This is why I was baffled when I learned that Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable were so hesitant and feisty about making this movie.

3)      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. 

It Happened One Night was an incredible film, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed it a lot more after learning everything we have been taught in class thus far. I compared it to silent films and appreciated the evolution from silent films to sound films. I appreciated the sound synchronization. I also appreciated the Colbert’s role. She was very womanly and independent.

Plagiarism Statement:  Attach this statement to the end of each journal assignment. 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: Mathysse Gomez Bera  Date: 2.28.13