"The Dark Knight" was a film that was so captivating for me. The story was constantly changing and always kept me on the edge of the seat. It was a film that was so packed with symbolism and hidden meanings, I had to go get a pen and paper.
Some of the most prominent symbolism in the film were the joker cards spread throughout the movie. On most of the cards, I noticed that the figure of the joker was presented as either a devilish figure or a serpant. I tie this symbolic reference in with another piece of symbolism I picked up on in the movie, and that is the fact that the Joker is constantly licking his lips and sticking his tounge out. I think by doing this, they were referencing the fact that the Joker is like the devil. Another piece of symbolism I think I may have found, although it may be nothing, is in the opening scene where one of the bank robbers is waiting to be picked up and he is holding his clown mask at his side. The car pulls up in front of him, and as the shaddows form, one eye in the mask goes black from the shaddow while the other stays white, ever though logically it should have turned black from the shaddow as well. I think that this is foreshaddowing what the film is ultimately going to be about, the fact that everyone has two sides, good and bad, and depending how we act on those sides will determine who we are as a person.
In the part of the movie where the two ferries are deciding whether or not to blow up the other ferry, symbolism lies here as well. The ferry with the civilians on it is leaning towards blowing up the other ferry more so than the actual criminals are. The criminal throwing the detinator out the window defies his stereotype and he is actually in the right. The fact that the civilians were closer to blowing up the other ferry than the criminals were sends a message to the viewer that civilians can be just as ruthless as criminals.
The use of color was done very well in this film. Color was used on the Joker's face to attract attention as well as to show expressionism. They are used to reinforce his personality and the viewer is supposed to be repulsed by his array of bright colors on his person.
In the middle of watching this film, I realized the title "The Dark Knight" has the potential for a double meaning. The title ultimately refers to Batman, but I think it could also refer to Harvey Dent. Early on in the movie, Gotham refers to Harvey as "the white knight." I think that the title could have something to do with the fact that Harvey eventually turns evil, or dark.
I also noticed a continuous motif of dogs in the movie. At the beginning, Batman is attacked by dogs and needs to upgrade his suit because of it. Throughout the movie, numerous references of dogs were used in the dialogue. At the end, the Joker was guarded by dogs. When Batman appears, the dogs attack him and knock him to the ground. The Joker then attacks Batman at the same time as the dogs are doing the same. This could maybe imply the fact that the Joker is a dog. To reinforce this theory, the last time we see the Joker, he is dangling by one foor by a rope, which could maybe reference a leash.
Perhaps the most well-done visual effect in the film is Harvey's face after the accident. The effect is done so flawlessly that even on a profile shot of the character, it still looks as though he only has half his face. This unique face in the film gives the director the perfect opportunity for reaction shots of Harvey's face. After the accident in which Harvey lost half his face, almost all of the shots of him are close up reaction shots. This is because the impact of Harvey's face on the viewer is so captivating that it makes you feel like you are living this movie.
"The Dark Knight" is filled with tons of guns, fast cars, and explosions. This means lots of sound is key to making the film as realistic as possible. The sound effects were right on, from the sound of Batman's deep voice to the chilling sound of Harvey's exposed teeth and muscules rubbing together, the sound effects done in this film are unmatchable.
Another unmatchable factor in "The Dark Knight" is by far Heath Ledger's performance at the Joker. Ledger actually becomes his character in this film, something that is sometimes hard for even the most experienced actoer to accomplish. The viewer becomes so captures by Ledgers acting that we kind of forget that it's not reality.
For the intense sound effects and incredible acting to the thoughtful symbolism and motifs, "The Dark Knight" is a film that was thought through and had a lot of time and effort put into the filming to make the film seem as real and believable as possible. I'd say, mission accomplished.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
"The Graduate"
"The Graduate" is a film about an East Coast college graduate, Benjamin, who is trying to find out what his future has in store for him. However in the search for his destiny, he finds himself wrapped up in an affair with his parents' friend. This only occurs because the woman he's having an affair with, Mrs. Robinson, doesn't want Benjamin to date her daughter Elaine.
The theme of this film revolves around the idea of alienation and separation from the world. This theme is made clear through multiple symbols throughout the movie. The first symbol of alienation is the appearence of glass. Whenever the viewer sees glass in the movie, it's always separating Benjamin from the rest of the world. A few examples of this include the scene in Benjamin's room, where he looks down at the people at his party through his bedroom window, the multiple scenes of Benjamin in a phone booth, and the scene at Elaine's wedding where Benjamin is in the balcony pounding on the glass wall. Another symbolic reference to the theme of isolation is the use of the scubadiver throughout the movie. When Benjamin goes to his room to get away from the party, he sits and stares at the scuba man in the fish tank, almost like he yearns to be like him, away from the world. This symbol is also present through Benjamin's birthday present, the scuba suit. When Benjamin dives in the water, he remains under there for a period of time because he realizes that no one can talk to him. He has become the plastic scubadiver in his fish tank. The Broddock's pool is also a symbol of the theme. When Benjamin lays on the pool raft, it symbolizes the fact that he is merely just drifting through life without any goals or future. These are all symbols that reinforce the idea of isolation.
The textbook relates to the film in many different ways. An expressionistic use of color is presented to the viewer through Benjamin's clothes in order to give us a sense of what he is like as a character. All his clothes in the film are very dark or neutral colors. This could represent the fact that Benjamin is boring, he has no real personality and no sense of direction. The only thing that makes this character not boring is the affair between he and Mrs. Robbinson.
The use of sound is done very well in the film. In the pool scene where Benjamin displays his scuba suit for everyone to see, the viewer experiences both visible and invisible sounds. The visible sound comes from Benjamin's heavy breathing. We are pushed to experience this scene through Benjamin's and although we can see the people taking, we can only here Benjamin's breathing. Invisible sound is used when Benjamin is at the bottom of the pool, again, we can here his breathing, but we also hear other people's voices. We automatically draw a conclusion that the voices are coming from outside of the pool because the voices are muffles and we cannot really clearly understand them.
The use of a dead screen is used multiple times in "The Graduate." A dead screen is that of which there is nothing really interesting happening. This is used sometimes to emphasize sound or to just simply make a point. The scene when Benjamin insists on hearing the story of Mrs. Robinson and her husband while they are laying in the hotel room is a good example of the use of a dead screen to emphasize sound. The director purposly gives the viewer a dark screen where you can barely make out anything because he wants us to focus on the sounds rather than sights. The ending scene where Benjamin and Elaine are on the back of the school bus after running away from her wedding, a dead screen is used to emphasize sight, not sound. The two don't take to eachother nor even look at eachother. I think that this may have something to do with the fact that their lives are still uncertain and they are starting to ask themselves if they really do love the other person. Based on the blank expression on both of their faces, I'm guessing not.
Music is used frequently in this film to act as an inner monologue. The most significant song used in this film was "The Sounds of Silence." "The Sounds of Silence" is used the most in the film and is used to reinforce the theme of emptiness and isolation. This song is especially prominent at the very beginning of the movie when Benjamin is wandering the airport. This song acts as an introduction into what Benjamin's life is like. The song continues to play spiratically in the movie and is play at meaningful times, like when Benjamin goes into the hotel room bathroom and shuts off the light, the song comes in at "hello darkness my old friend, I've come to talk with you again."
On a more personal note, I thought the movie was, different. It's the one movie that I have watched so far for this class where I actually had to force myself to watch it. I found it very boring and stale; I often had to pause the movie just to get a break. I understand why the director chose to certain songs to be played in the film, however, I thought they were extremely overplayed. By the end of the movie, the only thing that was kept in my memory was "parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme." Some of the scenes were very strange to me and somewhat pointless. Scenes like this include the scubadiver suit scene- why would he get a scuba suit for his birthday?- and the closing scene with Benjamin and Elaine staring blankly off, not even looking or speaking to eachother after they had just done something so rebelious. I did however like how the director incorporated the different symbols to enhance his theme of isolation. Other than that, I really didn't enjoy anything else.
The theme of this film revolves around the idea of alienation and separation from the world. This theme is made clear through multiple symbols throughout the movie. The first symbol of alienation is the appearence of glass. Whenever the viewer sees glass in the movie, it's always separating Benjamin from the rest of the world. A few examples of this include the scene in Benjamin's room, where he looks down at the people at his party through his bedroom window, the multiple scenes of Benjamin in a phone booth, and the scene at Elaine's wedding where Benjamin is in the balcony pounding on the glass wall. Another symbolic reference to the theme of isolation is the use of the scubadiver throughout the movie. When Benjamin goes to his room to get away from the party, he sits and stares at the scuba man in the fish tank, almost like he yearns to be like him, away from the world. This symbol is also present through Benjamin's birthday present, the scuba suit. When Benjamin dives in the water, he remains under there for a period of time because he realizes that no one can talk to him. He has become the plastic scubadiver in his fish tank. The Broddock's pool is also a symbol of the theme. When Benjamin lays on the pool raft, it symbolizes the fact that he is merely just drifting through life without any goals or future. These are all symbols that reinforce the idea of isolation.
The textbook relates to the film in many different ways. An expressionistic use of color is presented to the viewer through Benjamin's clothes in order to give us a sense of what he is like as a character. All his clothes in the film are very dark or neutral colors. This could represent the fact that Benjamin is boring, he has no real personality and no sense of direction. The only thing that makes this character not boring is the affair between he and Mrs. Robbinson.
The use of sound is done very well in the film. In the pool scene where Benjamin displays his scuba suit for everyone to see, the viewer experiences both visible and invisible sounds. The visible sound comes from Benjamin's heavy breathing. We are pushed to experience this scene through Benjamin's and although we can see the people taking, we can only here Benjamin's breathing. Invisible sound is used when Benjamin is at the bottom of the pool, again, we can here his breathing, but we also hear other people's voices. We automatically draw a conclusion that the voices are coming from outside of the pool because the voices are muffles and we cannot really clearly understand them.
The use of a dead screen is used multiple times in "The Graduate." A dead screen is that of which there is nothing really interesting happening. This is used sometimes to emphasize sound or to just simply make a point. The scene when Benjamin insists on hearing the story of Mrs. Robinson and her husband while they are laying in the hotel room is a good example of the use of a dead screen to emphasize sound. The director purposly gives the viewer a dark screen where you can barely make out anything because he wants us to focus on the sounds rather than sights. The ending scene where Benjamin and Elaine are on the back of the school bus after running away from her wedding, a dead screen is used to emphasize sight, not sound. The two don't take to eachother nor even look at eachother. I think that this may have something to do with the fact that their lives are still uncertain and they are starting to ask themselves if they really do love the other person. Based on the blank expression on both of their faces, I'm guessing not.
Music is used frequently in this film to act as an inner monologue. The most significant song used in this film was "The Sounds of Silence." "The Sounds of Silence" is used the most in the film and is used to reinforce the theme of emptiness and isolation. This song is especially prominent at the very beginning of the movie when Benjamin is wandering the airport. This song acts as an introduction into what Benjamin's life is like. The song continues to play spiratically in the movie and is play at meaningful times, like when Benjamin goes into the hotel room bathroom and shuts off the light, the song comes in at "hello darkness my old friend, I've come to talk with you again."
On a more personal note, I thought the movie was, different. It's the one movie that I have watched so far for this class where I actually had to force myself to watch it. I found it very boring and stale; I often had to pause the movie just to get a break. I understand why the director chose to certain songs to be played in the film, however, I thought they were extremely overplayed. By the end of the movie, the only thing that was kept in my memory was "parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme." Some of the scenes were very strange to me and somewhat pointless. Scenes like this include the scubadiver suit scene- why would he get a scuba suit for his birthday?- and the closing scene with Benjamin and Elaine staring blankly off, not even looking or speaking to eachother after they had just done something so rebelious. I did however like how the director incorporated the different symbols to enhance his theme of isolation. Other than that, I really didn't enjoy anything else.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
"Memento"
"Memento" is a mind-bending suspense film that leaves its viewers asking questions. This was the first time I have watched the movie, let alone even heard of it. When the movie finally ended, I remember being so confused, not at the movie, because of the movie. Director Nolan actually got inside my head and made me think I was right there with Leonard. I actually felt like I had short-term memory loss just like the main character. This is something I've never experienced before and I think this is the effect that Nolan wanted to have on its viewers once the movie had ended.
An obvious visual design that was used throughout the film was the use of black and white. The director used this to separate two lines of the story that were being explained. The scenes showed in black and white were used to explain to the viewer that these events were happening in chronological order. The colored scenes explained to us that these events were happening in reverse chronological order. These events keep happening in this sequence until the end of the movie, where they finally meet in the middle and everything makes sense. I think that the black and white color scheme was also used to direct our attention to what was going on while limiting our distractions. Just like in photography, when things are in black and white, we tend to focus on the object and whats happening rather than other things like color distractiong us. Black and white was used to let the viewer know to pay close attention because something important is going to happen.
The starting point of this film is unique. This is because it is actually the ending point for the series of events that are about to occur. This means that the ending point of the script is actually the starting point in reference to chronological order.
The setting is very important in this film. It is used as a determiner of character through the environment. Environment has a huge effect on the development of a character in a film and especially in "Memento." Leonard's surroundings shape who he is within the movie. He is easily fooled and lied to because of his memory loss and these play a huge impact on the development of his character.
Setting as a reflection of character is also present in this film. The place where Leonard stays is a run-down motel. There is nothing special about this room, except the fact that he has taped up a poster board filled with reminders of what his life is. The things that take place in this room sometimes give the viewer great confusion, this is why I think the color blue is present everywhere in the place he is staying, to create setting as an emotional atmosphere. The door, walls, and comforters are all blue. I think Nolan did this to help calm the viewer down because it is such a confusing movie at times.
Period pieces are used in the film to let the viewer know if this scene is in the past. For instance, the bruises on Natalie's face. When a scene came up and the bruises weren't on her face, then we know that this scene is from the past. These pieces are used continuously throughout the movie to help the viewer better understand what is going on.
Leonard is placed in a fantasy world in this film. He is constantly on a search for his wife's murderer. However, once he has killed the murderer, he sets up another person to pretend is his wife's murderer so he can constantly be involved in his little game. He can not think clearly so he actually thinks that his wife's murderer is still out there, even after he has killed him already.
The use of Sammy Jenkins in the film was a way for Leonard to remember what happened in the past without him realizing that he was actually Sammy Jenkins. His wife was the diabetic and he was the one who overdosed his wife on insulin and put her into a coma. This is just a different way for him to remember what happened without actually having to take the blame for his wife's death.
The use of movement was constant throughout the film. There is not one time that I can remember that the characters in this movie stood still. I think that Nolan did this to constantly keep our eyes moving and our brains thinking. Something that I noticed about the camera shots in "Memento" is that like Leonard and the rest of the characters, the camera is always in motion and it very rarely stands still. This also contributes to the sense of confusion throughout the film. This never really gives the viewer a chance to completely grasp onto what just happened. I think that this helps the audience become more entangled in the film and helps you feel that you are right there with Leonard. This is how Nolan leaves you questioning your own reality when the movie is over. He completely wraps you up in what is going on that you actually believe that by the end of the film, you're the one with the memory loss. something I truly enjoyed while watching this movie.
An obvious visual design that was used throughout the film was the use of black and white. The director used this to separate two lines of the story that were being explained. The scenes showed in black and white were used to explain to the viewer that these events were happening in chronological order. The colored scenes explained to us that these events were happening in reverse chronological order. These events keep happening in this sequence until the end of the movie, where they finally meet in the middle and everything makes sense. I think that the black and white color scheme was also used to direct our attention to what was going on while limiting our distractions. Just like in photography, when things are in black and white, we tend to focus on the object and whats happening rather than other things like color distractiong us. Black and white was used to let the viewer know to pay close attention because something important is going to happen.
The starting point of this film is unique. This is because it is actually the ending point for the series of events that are about to occur. This means that the ending point of the script is actually the starting point in reference to chronological order.
The setting is very important in this film. It is used as a determiner of character through the environment. Environment has a huge effect on the development of a character in a film and especially in "Memento." Leonard's surroundings shape who he is within the movie. He is easily fooled and lied to because of his memory loss and these play a huge impact on the development of his character.
Setting as a reflection of character is also present in this film. The place where Leonard stays is a run-down motel. There is nothing special about this room, except the fact that he has taped up a poster board filled with reminders of what his life is. The things that take place in this room sometimes give the viewer great confusion, this is why I think the color blue is present everywhere in the place he is staying, to create setting as an emotional atmosphere. The door, walls, and comforters are all blue. I think Nolan did this to help calm the viewer down because it is such a confusing movie at times.
Period pieces are used in the film to let the viewer know if this scene is in the past. For instance, the bruises on Natalie's face. When a scene came up and the bruises weren't on her face, then we know that this scene is from the past. These pieces are used continuously throughout the movie to help the viewer better understand what is going on.
Leonard is placed in a fantasy world in this film. He is constantly on a search for his wife's murderer. However, once he has killed the murderer, he sets up another person to pretend is his wife's murderer so he can constantly be involved in his little game. He can not think clearly so he actually thinks that his wife's murderer is still out there, even after he has killed him already.
The use of Sammy Jenkins in the film was a way for Leonard to remember what happened in the past without him realizing that he was actually Sammy Jenkins. His wife was the diabetic and he was the one who overdosed his wife on insulin and put her into a coma. This is just a different way for him to remember what happened without actually having to take the blame for his wife's death.
The use of movement was constant throughout the film. There is not one time that I can remember that the characters in this movie stood still. I think that Nolan did this to constantly keep our eyes moving and our brains thinking. Something that I noticed about the camera shots in "Memento" is that like Leonard and the rest of the characters, the camera is always in motion and it very rarely stands still. This also contributes to the sense of confusion throughout the film. This never really gives the viewer a chance to completely grasp onto what just happened. I think that this helps the audience become more entangled in the film and helps you feel that you are right there with Leonard. This is how Nolan leaves you questioning your own reality when the movie is over. He completely wraps you up in what is going on that you actually believe that by the end of the film, you're the one with the memory loss. something I truly enjoyed while watching this movie.
"Amelie"
"Amelie" is the story of a young French woman's journey through life. In the film, she discovers courage, happiness, and even love. This quirky and hilarious film captured my heart within the first five minutes and will do so to anyone who watches it. Amelie is portrayed as such an innocent girl with a quiet but strong personality that viewers can't help to fall in love with. I can honestly say that "Amelie" has now become one of my favorite movies.
The character of Amelie is almost impossible to not connect with. Director Jean-Pierre represented the character of Amelie as a girl trying to find happiness in her life. She is always used to blending into the background and constantly placing others before herself. However, thoughout the film, she realizes that although helping other people is a very rewarding thing, she also needs to do what makes her happy.
The character of Amelie is explained through the representation of the girl with the glass of water in the glass man's painting. In the beginning of the film, he finds it impossible to get the girl with the glass just right. Later on, we understand that this character in the painting is Amelie. The girl with the glass doesn't seem to stand out enough in the painting, like she is lurking in the background, just like Amelie. I think the glass of water the character in the painting was holding represented what Amelie's heart would become if she didn't start paying attention to her needs. At the end of the film, you see the glass man working on the painting, and suddenly, the character stands out from the painting and is finally united with the rest of the world, as does Amelie at the end of the film.
"Amelie" uses many visual design effects within the film. The film begins with Amelie as a little girl. She is pictured performing random things such as eating raspberries, peeling glue off her fingers, and cutting figures out of paper. This explains to the viewer that Amelie enjoys the simple things in life as a child and also will as an adult through helping people. This is a point that says something about us as Americans. We as a country sometimes forget to enjoy the little things in life. We constantly want everything bigger and better and tend to overlook the things that really make people happy, even if it's as simple as skipping stones. This film should be a contsant reminder for us to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy life.
Setting is a very important factor in the film. It is used to create emotional atmosphere. Everyone knows that Paris is the city of love. The fact that the film is placed in Paris and is portrayed the way Paris actually looks in real life gives the viewer a whimsical feeling and faith that Amelie will find love. Setting is also used as a reflection of character. There is a scene in the movie after Amelie realizes that she needs to help her father. She goes to his house, the house where she grew up, and stands infront of her old home. The camera then begins to decend to the ground as it's filming Amelie standing infront of the house. This give the feeling that the house is looking down on Amelie, making her look inferior and overwhelmed by the house. This camera angle could be referencing the fact that Amelie had a tough childhood in this house or it could be getting at the fact that Amelie is beginning to feel overwhelmed with the urge to help people. Amelie's childhood house is the complete opposite of the apartment she lives in now. It has more of a warm, welcoming feel to it and is completely characteristic of Amelie herself. Everything in the apartment is red. This choice of color could indicate the passion she has discovered to help other people.
One of my favorite symbols in this film is the garden gnome. The gnome represents Amelie's father's dream to travel. The gnome was kept in the tool shed for most of Amelie's life because her mother hated it. However, it's also because her father had to put his dream of traveling aside because he could not leave his daughter alone because of her "heart defect." Her father finally takes the gnome out of the shed, representing that he is thinking about traveling again. However, he cements it to his wife's shrine indicating that he's not going anywhere. It's only when Amelie breaks the gnome off the shrine and sends it on a trip around the world that her father realizes it's time to make his dream of traveling a reality.
Costume is an element that is very effectively used throughout the film. It is no secret that the main colors in "Amelie" are red and green. One can tell that these colors were deliberatly chosen because of the fact that the two colors are opposite on the color wheel; red and green are the complimentary colors of one another. This means that when red is placed against green and vice-versa, the other color will stand out. This explaination is used flawlessly throughout the film. What I noticed in the film that the use of red was mainly used in the setting or surrounding. For example, Amelie's apartment, the movie theater seats, and the red shoes in the photobooth. Red is mainly used to represent the surroundings. Green is also sometimes used in the surroundings, but the color is mainly placed on Amelie through her clothes. These two colors work together throughout the movie to act as a harmonizing agent, when red is overwhelming in the environment, the color green is always there to tone it down. For example, when Amelie and Nino are in her apartment. All the surroundings are red, but Amelie is wearing a green sweater. This play on colors calms the scene down a little bit and helps Amelie stand out from the red, making her the focus of the scene.
Movement is contantly taking course throughout this film. It appears right at the beginning, when the mother and father are being introduced. The constant change of scenes keeps out eyes moving. This method is used throughout the film when introducing new characters into the plot. Movement is also used at the end of the film, where the chopping sensation of movement captures Amelie and Nino on the motorini. I think the director chose to display such great amounts of movement in this scene because he used the same amount when introducing new characters. This point makes me think that Jean-Pierre was trying to introduce new characters in this scene of Amelie and Nino as well, the new and improved, and finally happy, characters of Amelie and Nino.
Lighting and color is also used in this film. I think the most dominant example of this was Amelie in the movie theater. Her almost white complexion completely stood out from the dark background of the movie theater. This use of light and dark draws one hundred percent of the viewer's attention to Amelie. Another method that is used in the same movie theater scene is the use of panning. The focus goes from Amelie, who is the center of attention because of the use of light and dark, to the audience and the expressions on their faces. The camera moved its line of sight to include not just Amelie, but her and the hilarious expressions of the audience sitting behind her.
The obvious use of subtitles in the film may scare some people, however, I think the use of subtitles and the use of a different language only help the viewer experience the culture of this different country. I think that subtitles are sometimes necessary to let people know that there are other languages out there and that not every movie experience has to be viewed in English. It's a reminder for us that we aren't the only language that is out there and that we sometimes need to experience that different language or culture in order to understand it more deeply.
The Story of Amelie's life has completely captured my heart. I can relate to her in so many ways, and I am positive that I'm not the only one who feels that way. She is a constant reminder that the world sometimes needs to slow down and appreciate life for what it really is, beautiful.
The character of Amelie is almost impossible to not connect with. Director Jean-Pierre represented the character of Amelie as a girl trying to find happiness in her life. She is always used to blending into the background and constantly placing others before herself. However, thoughout the film, she realizes that although helping other people is a very rewarding thing, she also needs to do what makes her happy.
The character of Amelie is explained through the representation of the girl with the glass of water in the glass man's painting. In the beginning of the film, he finds it impossible to get the girl with the glass just right. Later on, we understand that this character in the painting is Amelie. The girl with the glass doesn't seem to stand out enough in the painting, like she is lurking in the background, just like Amelie. I think the glass of water the character in the painting was holding represented what Amelie's heart would become if she didn't start paying attention to her needs. At the end of the film, you see the glass man working on the painting, and suddenly, the character stands out from the painting and is finally united with the rest of the world, as does Amelie at the end of the film.
"Amelie" uses many visual design effects within the film. The film begins with Amelie as a little girl. She is pictured performing random things such as eating raspberries, peeling glue off her fingers, and cutting figures out of paper. This explains to the viewer that Amelie enjoys the simple things in life as a child and also will as an adult through helping people. This is a point that says something about us as Americans. We as a country sometimes forget to enjoy the little things in life. We constantly want everything bigger and better and tend to overlook the things that really make people happy, even if it's as simple as skipping stones. This film should be a contsant reminder for us to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy life.
Setting is a very important factor in the film. It is used to create emotional atmosphere. Everyone knows that Paris is the city of love. The fact that the film is placed in Paris and is portrayed the way Paris actually looks in real life gives the viewer a whimsical feeling and faith that Amelie will find love. Setting is also used as a reflection of character. There is a scene in the movie after Amelie realizes that she needs to help her father. She goes to his house, the house where she grew up, and stands infront of her old home. The camera then begins to decend to the ground as it's filming Amelie standing infront of the house. This give the feeling that the house is looking down on Amelie, making her look inferior and overwhelmed by the house. This camera angle could be referencing the fact that Amelie had a tough childhood in this house or it could be getting at the fact that Amelie is beginning to feel overwhelmed with the urge to help people. Amelie's childhood house is the complete opposite of the apartment she lives in now. It has more of a warm, welcoming feel to it and is completely characteristic of Amelie herself. Everything in the apartment is red. This choice of color could indicate the passion she has discovered to help other people.
One of my favorite symbols in this film is the garden gnome. The gnome represents Amelie's father's dream to travel. The gnome was kept in the tool shed for most of Amelie's life because her mother hated it. However, it's also because her father had to put his dream of traveling aside because he could not leave his daughter alone because of her "heart defect." Her father finally takes the gnome out of the shed, representing that he is thinking about traveling again. However, he cements it to his wife's shrine indicating that he's not going anywhere. It's only when Amelie breaks the gnome off the shrine and sends it on a trip around the world that her father realizes it's time to make his dream of traveling a reality.
Costume is an element that is very effectively used throughout the film. It is no secret that the main colors in "Amelie" are red and green. One can tell that these colors were deliberatly chosen because of the fact that the two colors are opposite on the color wheel; red and green are the complimentary colors of one another. This means that when red is placed against green and vice-versa, the other color will stand out. This explaination is used flawlessly throughout the film. What I noticed in the film that the use of red was mainly used in the setting or surrounding. For example, Amelie's apartment, the movie theater seats, and the red shoes in the photobooth. Red is mainly used to represent the surroundings. Green is also sometimes used in the surroundings, but the color is mainly placed on Amelie through her clothes. These two colors work together throughout the movie to act as a harmonizing agent, when red is overwhelming in the environment, the color green is always there to tone it down. For example, when Amelie and Nino are in her apartment. All the surroundings are red, but Amelie is wearing a green sweater. This play on colors calms the scene down a little bit and helps Amelie stand out from the red, making her the focus of the scene.
Movement is contantly taking course throughout this film. It appears right at the beginning, when the mother and father are being introduced. The constant change of scenes keeps out eyes moving. This method is used throughout the film when introducing new characters into the plot. Movement is also used at the end of the film, where the chopping sensation of movement captures Amelie and Nino on the motorini. I think the director chose to display such great amounts of movement in this scene because he used the same amount when introducing new characters. This point makes me think that Jean-Pierre was trying to introduce new characters in this scene of Amelie and Nino as well, the new and improved, and finally happy, characters of Amelie and Nino.
Lighting and color is also used in this film. I think the most dominant example of this was Amelie in the movie theater. Her almost white complexion completely stood out from the dark background of the movie theater. This use of light and dark draws one hundred percent of the viewer's attention to Amelie. Another method that is used in the same movie theater scene is the use of panning. The focus goes from Amelie, who is the center of attention because of the use of light and dark, to the audience and the expressions on their faces. The camera moved its line of sight to include not just Amelie, but her and the hilarious expressions of the audience sitting behind her.
The obvious use of subtitles in the film may scare some people, however, I think the use of subtitles and the use of a different language only help the viewer experience the culture of this different country. I think that subtitles are sometimes necessary to let people know that there are other languages out there and that not every movie experience has to be viewed in English. It's a reminder for us that we aren't the only language that is out there and that we sometimes need to experience that different language or culture in order to understand it more deeply.
The Story of Amelie's life has completely captured my heart. I can relate to her in so many ways, and I am positive that I'm not the only one who feels that way. She is a constant reminder that the world sometimes needs to slow down and appreciate life for what it really is, beautiful.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
"The King's Speech"
"The King's Speech" is a film that focuses on the fact that every individual has a flaw, even royalty. Albert, the Duke of York, has had a speech impediment since about five years old. His wife, Elizabeth, constantly tries to find a cure for her husband. She finds Lionel, a child speech therapist. On their first meeting together in Lionel's home, he asks Albert when his speech impediment started. When the prince replies that he has been this way all his life, Lionel states that no one is born with a speech impediment, it is only developed at a young age. We later find out that Albert has not had an easy life. As a child, his nanny rarely fed him, resulting in stomach issues. Albert's older brother and his father, the King, contantly moked Albert for his speech. The King realized that his eldest son, David, will disappoint his family and his country if he inherites the thrown. The King's life long frustration with his son's speech is obvious in the scene where he orders Albert to read the speech that the King himself had just read. When Albert struggles, the King yells out without hesitation, "Just read it!" The King's disappointment in both of his sons is made completely obvious throughout the film.
The credibility of this film is told through the idea of the way things really are. No one is perfect, most people are alright with grasping onto that idea, but this film focuses on the flaws not of a commoner, but of royalty, a soon to be king. This brings the main character down to our level and allows us to examine him not as royalty, but as one of us, a person going through the stuggles of everyday life, just like us. This examination of Albert's flaws both inside and out help us connect with him. This is also re-enforced when Lionel refuses to call Albert "Your Royal Highness" or anything like that. This is because it brings Albert down to Lionel's level, to our level, so we can see that Albert has weeknesses just like us. This makes us sometimes forget about the fact that Albert is indeed royalty when having his sessions in Lionel's home office.
Just like "Good Will Hunting," the action displayed in "The King's Speech" is presented both externally and internally. The external action that takes place within the film are characterized by Albert's frequent outbursts of swearing and vulgar opinions. The internal action again takes place within the main character. Albert is fighting with himself. He does not consider himself worthy of the thrown because, "A King is the voice of his country, and I can't speak." This ongoing battle is only put to rest at the end of the film where, with the help of Lionel, Albert flawlessly delivers one of the most important speeches of his life. He then realizes that he does deserve the thrown because of the perseverence he possesses.
The significance of the title "The King's Speech" also has a double meaning. The title refers to the fact that the King's speech is not very good because of his speech impediment. It also refers to one of the most important speeches in the new King's life, the declaration of war on Germany. Both meanings are very different, but are also connected in a very meaningful way. The double meaning refers to the fact that even though the King does have a speech impediment, he overcame it and delivered the best speech of his life.
Characterization through dialogue is also very prominent in the development of the main character. We learn about Albert through his struggle with his speech. We then realize that not only does he struggle with his speech, but he also struggles with the negative views everyone has on him because of his speech impediment. We begin to relate to him through the use of characterization through dialogue.
Characterization through choice of name is also made reference to in "The King's Speech." When Albert realizes that he will become king because his older brother gave up the thrown, he is asked what name he will take up. It is suggested that he takes up George the VI, after his father. Although he does take up his father's name, Albert has no intention of doing some of the things that his father did as king, such as the Christmas speech. This lets the viewer know that even though Albert does not plan on doing some of these things, he still respects his father as the King before him.
Albert and his older brother David are two completely opposite characters in this film. This distinction makes David the foil of Albert. We start to develop this idea throughout the movie through the presentation of David's risque lifestyle, but we start to completely understand the role of David as the foil when their father dies. Everyone in the room realizes what has happened, but everyone remains calm and remains strong, except for when David breaks down and starts crying, stunning everyone, and runs out of the room. This scene gives us a clear distinction between the two brothers, telling us that David is weak and is in no way fit for the throne like his younger brother Albert is.
"The King's Speech" is a film that focuses on both the internal and external conflict of an individual we least expect, a King. Through watching this film, we begin to examine our own conflicts and develop ways to overcome them, just like Albert.
The credibility of this film is told through the idea of the way things really are. No one is perfect, most people are alright with grasping onto that idea, but this film focuses on the flaws not of a commoner, but of royalty, a soon to be king. This brings the main character down to our level and allows us to examine him not as royalty, but as one of us, a person going through the stuggles of everyday life, just like us. This examination of Albert's flaws both inside and out help us connect with him. This is also re-enforced when Lionel refuses to call Albert "Your Royal Highness" or anything like that. This is because it brings Albert down to Lionel's level, to our level, so we can see that Albert has weeknesses just like us. This makes us sometimes forget about the fact that Albert is indeed royalty when having his sessions in Lionel's home office.
Just like "Good Will Hunting," the action displayed in "The King's Speech" is presented both externally and internally. The external action that takes place within the film are characterized by Albert's frequent outbursts of swearing and vulgar opinions. The internal action again takes place within the main character. Albert is fighting with himself. He does not consider himself worthy of the thrown because, "A King is the voice of his country, and I can't speak." This ongoing battle is only put to rest at the end of the film where, with the help of Lionel, Albert flawlessly delivers one of the most important speeches of his life. He then realizes that he does deserve the thrown because of the perseverence he possesses.
The significance of the title "The King's Speech" also has a double meaning. The title refers to the fact that the King's speech is not very good because of his speech impediment. It also refers to one of the most important speeches in the new King's life, the declaration of war on Germany. Both meanings are very different, but are also connected in a very meaningful way. The double meaning refers to the fact that even though the King does have a speech impediment, he overcame it and delivered the best speech of his life.
Characterization through dialogue is also very prominent in the development of the main character. We learn about Albert through his struggle with his speech. We then realize that not only does he struggle with his speech, but he also struggles with the negative views everyone has on him because of his speech impediment. We begin to relate to him through the use of characterization through dialogue.
Characterization through choice of name is also made reference to in "The King's Speech." When Albert realizes that he will become king because his older brother gave up the thrown, he is asked what name he will take up. It is suggested that he takes up George the VI, after his father. Although he does take up his father's name, Albert has no intention of doing some of the things that his father did as king, such as the Christmas speech. This lets the viewer know that even though Albert does not plan on doing some of these things, he still respects his father as the King before him.
Albert and his older brother David are two completely opposite characters in this film. This distinction makes David the foil of Albert. We start to develop this idea throughout the movie through the presentation of David's risque lifestyle, but we start to completely understand the role of David as the foil when their father dies. Everyone in the room realizes what has happened, but everyone remains calm and remains strong, except for when David breaks down and starts crying, stunning everyone, and runs out of the room. This scene gives us a clear distinction between the two brothers, telling us that David is weak and is in no way fit for the throne like his younger brother Albert is.
"The King's Speech" is a film that focuses on both the internal and external conflict of an individual we least expect, a King. Through watching this film, we begin to examine our own conflicts and develop ways to overcome them, just like Albert.
"Good Will Hunting"
"Good Will Hunting" is the story of a young man tries to find his place in life. As an abused foster child, Will's philosophy on life has become hurting other people before they can hurt him. Will is a math genius and he knows it. Because of this and his ability to read people like a book, he hides behind the idea that he is perfect and that he has everyone figured out, besides himself.
This film relates to the text in many different ways. The first is the fact that the film "Good Will Hunting" is a credible story because it relates to externally observable truths and the way things really are. The director of this movie in no way sugar-coats the life of Will. Director Van Sant has no problem telling the viewers how it really is. He realizes that no one has a perfect life, so why try to tell a story that overlooks the truth. The truth is that Will is a man scarred from abuse as a child and is hiding from the world in fear that he'll be hurt again.
Another element to a good story pointed out in the text is that a good movie should be interesting, either with suspense or action. In the film "Good Will Hunting" action is used in both external and internal ways. The external action takes place in Sean's office as well as in Skylar's dorm room, when Will uses force or yelling to get his points across. The internal action takes place within Will's soul. He has a constant battle going on inside him, one part of him wants to stay as far away from others as possible, both physically and mentally, and the other side of him just wants someone to love and care for him, something he has never experienced before in his life. But again, he is afraid that if he does let Skylar in, he will only end up getting hurt in the end. Another reason why the theme of "Gool Will Hunting" is fear.
I had not watched "Good Will Hunting" before this assignment. Before I had even watched the movie, I thought that the title "Good Will Hunting" was refering to a search for good will. It wasn't untill I got into the movie that I realized that the main character's name was Will Hunting. I then realized that the title has a double meaning. The title refers to the fact that dispite all his issues, Will Hunting was a good man. The title also refers to the fact that the main character is on a never ending search for good will.
The ending of the film is also significant. Toward the end of the movie is the scene of Skylar at the airport. She frantically looks around for Will hoping that he had changed his mind and he would be there at the aiport with her. She hesitantly gets on the plane after she realizes that Will is not there. It then shows Will outside sitting on a bench and watches Skylar's plane take off. This scene refers to the fact that both Will and Skylar want to be together, but they know that they can't. At the very end of the film after an intensive last session with Sean, Will realizes what he had with Skylar. Before he leaves Boston to follow Skylar, he stops by Sean's place and drops a note in his mailbox saying that he "has to go see about a girl." This line is a parallel to what Sean told his friends when he met the love of his life. The director uses this line to tell the audience that Will has finally realized that, like Sean, he has found the love of his life.
The film "Good Will Hunting" also contains a lot of symbolism. A few symbolic references that stood out to me was the use of colors throughout the film. Everything that refers to Will is orange, which is the color of energy and change. This color references the constant confilct going on within Will and also his need for change. Throughout the movie, Sean wears nothing but warm and neutral colors. This could reference the feeling of peace and serenity that Will feels when he's with Sean. Another symbolic reference that I picked up on is the fact that whenever you see the professor, he is always wearing the same scarf. This could represent the wrap, the control he has over Will and his future. However, after Will overhears Sean protecting him in a heated argument with the professor, he realizes that the professor does not have Will's best interests at heart. Maybe this is why in the scene where Will burns his math work, this is the only scene in the movie where he is not wearing his scarf, because he realizes that he has no control over Will anymore.
"Good Will Hunting" is a classic story of a neverending struggle for truth. It's symbolism, conficts, and interesting plot line are what make this movie a truly great film.
This film relates to the text in many different ways. The first is the fact that the film "Good Will Hunting" is a credible story because it relates to externally observable truths and the way things really are. The director of this movie in no way sugar-coats the life of Will. Director Van Sant has no problem telling the viewers how it really is. He realizes that no one has a perfect life, so why try to tell a story that overlooks the truth. The truth is that Will is a man scarred from abuse as a child and is hiding from the world in fear that he'll be hurt again.
Another element to a good story pointed out in the text is that a good movie should be interesting, either with suspense or action. In the film "Good Will Hunting" action is used in both external and internal ways. The external action takes place in Sean's office as well as in Skylar's dorm room, when Will uses force or yelling to get his points across. The internal action takes place within Will's soul. He has a constant battle going on inside him, one part of him wants to stay as far away from others as possible, both physically and mentally, and the other side of him just wants someone to love and care for him, something he has never experienced before in his life. But again, he is afraid that if he does let Skylar in, he will only end up getting hurt in the end. Another reason why the theme of "Gool Will Hunting" is fear.
I had not watched "Good Will Hunting" before this assignment. Before I had even watched the movie, I thought that the title "Good Will Hunting" was refering to a search for good will. It wasn't untill I got into the movie that I realized that the main character's name was Will Hunting. I then realized that the title has a double meaning. The title refers to the fact that dispite all his issues, Will Hunting was a good man. The title also refers to the fact that the main character is on a never ending search for good will.
The ending of the film is also significant. Toward the end of the movie is the scene of Skylar at the airport. She frantically looks around for Will hoping that he had changed his mind and he would be there at the aiport with her. She hesitantly gets on the plane after she realizes that Will is not there. It then shows Will outside sitting on a bench and watches Skylar's plane take off. This scene refers to the fact that both Will and Skylar want to be together, but they know that they can't. At the very end of the film after an intensive last session with Sean, Will realizes what he had with Skylar. Before he leaves Boston to follow Skylar, he stops by Sean's place and drops a note in his mailbox saying that he "has to go see about a girl." This line is a parallel to what Sean told his friends when he met the love of his life. The director uses this line to tell the audience that Will has finally realized that, like Sean, he has found the love of his life.
The film "Good Will Hunting" also contains a lot of symbolism. A few symbolic references that stood out to me was the use of colors throughout the film. Everything that refers to Will is orange, which is the color of energy and change. This color references the constant confilct going on within Will and also his need for change. Throughout the movie, Sean wears nothing but warm and neutral colors. This could reference the feeling of peace and serenity that Will feels when he's with Sean. Another symbolic reference that I picked up on is the fact that whenever you see the professor, he is always wearing the same scarf. This could represent the wrap, the control he has over Will and his future. However, after Will overhears Sean protecting him in a heated argument with the professor, he realizes that the professor does not have Will's best interests at heart. Maybe this is why in the scene where Will burns his math work, this is the only scene in the movie where he is not wearing his scarf, because he realizes that he has no control over Will anymore.
"Good Will Hunting" is a classic story of a neverending struggle for truth. It's symbolism, conficts, and interesting plot line are what make this movie a truly great film.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
"On the Waterfront"
"On the Waterfront" is yet another timeless black and white film that pushes the viewer to look at the world in a different way. I actually learned something watching this movie, something that movies today sometimes have a tendancy not to do. The social and economic problems that take place in "On the Waterfront" don't just relate to the world in the 1950's, but relate to the world today as well. These problems are hard to overlook when evaluating the world back then to the world now. Nothing has changed. That is why this film in my opinion is considered to be "timeless" because it related to the world back then, it related to the world now, and in another fifty years it will probably be the same. This film helps the viewer realize this.
The thing that I enjoyed most about the film was the change between Terry at the biginning of the movie to Terry at the end. The main reason for the change is Edie, the sister of Joey, whom Terry wisnessed being murdered. Edie eventually persuades Terry to rebel against the corrupt union and bring justice to Joey death.
Terry is a washed-up, former boxer that never really got his boxing career off the ground. He was told to lose in fights that were fixed, therefore ending his boxing career. In the scene between Terry and his older brother Charly, Terry blames his brother for his failure saying, "... I could have been somebody, instead of a bum..." However, little does Terry know that by testifying against the corrupt union and standing up the the union leader, he became somebody. Although it wasn't through boxing, it was through heart and determination to do the right thing; he became a hero, without even putting his boxing gloves on.
"On the Waterfront," like "Casablanca," also correlates to the text. In the same list of ideas explained in the review of "Casablanca" below, the film "On the Waterfront" possesses many of those ideas. The first is moral implications. Morallity takes place in the film because Terry knows what is right and seeing past the threats of the union is he "sings," Terry still does what he believes is right, a true example of morality.
Social problems is also a big idea that stands out for the viewers of this film. The corrupt mob made life miserable for the workers and the families of everyone connected. It forces the viewer to think and feel what the characters are going through. The struggle for human dignity also makes itself know in this film. The scene where Edie's father looses his work ticket and Edie fights Terry to get it back shows a clear relation to the desperation these people faced on a daily basis. If the man in the family couldn't work, that means no bread on the table for his family, an experience that is ever-so prominent in today's society as well.
The story of "On the Waterfront" and is relation to society is undeniable after viewing this movie. It holds a mirror to American and asks "What has changed?" and it is up to the viewer to analyze the answer to that question.
The thing that I enjoyed most about the film was the change between Terry at the biginning of the movie to Terry at the end. The main reason for the change is Edie, the sister of Joey, whom Terry wisnessed being murdered. Edie eventually persuades Terry to rebel against the corrupt union and bring justice to Joey death.
Terry is a washed-up, former boxer that never really got his boxing career off the ground. He was told to lose in fights that were fixed, therefore ending his boxing career. In the scene between Terry and his older brother Charly, Terry blames his brother for his failure saying, "... I could have been somebody, instead of a bum..." However, little does Terry know that by testifying against the corrupt union and standing up the the union leader, he became somebody. Although it wasn't through boxing, it was through heart and determination to do the right thing; he became a hero, without even putting his boxing gloves on.
"On the Waterfront," like "Casablanca," also correlates to the text. In the same list of ideas explained in the review of "Casablanca" below, the film "On the Waterfront" possesses many of those ideas. The first is moral implications. Morallity takes place in the film because Terry knows what is right and seeing past the threats of the union is he "sings," Terry still does what he believes is right, a true example of morality.
Social problems is also a big idea that stands out for the viewers of this film. The corrupt mob made life miserable for the workers and the families of everyone connected. It forces the viewer to think and feel what the characters are going through. The struggle for human dignity also makes itself know in this film. The scene where Edie's father looses his work ticket and Edie fights Terry to get it back shows a clear relation to the desperation these people faced on a daily basis. If the man in the family couldn't work, that means no bread on the table for his family, an experience that is ever-so prominent in today's society as well.
The story of "On the Waterfront" and is relation to society is undeniable after viewing this movie. It holds a mirror to American and asks "What has changed?" and it is up to the viewer to analyze the answer to that question.
"Casablanca"
"Casablanca" is a movie that has changed the way I look at old, black and white films. It's a movie that challenges the viewer and pushes him to ask questions, something the newer movies are sometimes very bad at. "Casablanca" continuously surprises it's viewers by always pushing you to look at an idea closer.
The first scene that I really liked and that I thought gave some insight into Rick and Ilsa's relationship was towards the beginning of the movie when Victor Laszlo and Ilsa first arrive at Rick's. After Rick briskly walks over to Sam to ask him why he was playing the forbidden song "As Time Goes By," Rick spotts Ilsa and her husband Victor. Rick completely goes against his personal rules of never drinking with a customer and likewise never picking up the tap for a customer and does just that with Ilsa and her husband. This violation of Rick's rules give the viewer clear insight to the mysterious, unresolved relationship between Rick and Ilsa, without the actors really even saying anything about their past together. I think that this scene is one of the most well done and thought through of them all.
The other scene that surprised me as well as the first was when Ilsa had given Rick the power to decide what she does, either leave for the United States with Victor, her husband, or Rick, her long-lost lover. She is confident that Rick will tell Victor about their love and that her and Rick will be on the next plane to the States to live happily ever after. However, Rick surprises both Ilsa and the viewer when he points a gun at Louis, a French officer, and makes him sign the transport papers in Ilsa and her husband's name. Ilsa is devastated and is hesitant to get on the plane with her husband. Rick tells Ilsa that her and Victor were meant to be together and that they'll always have their time in Paris to remember.
"Casabalnca" also has a strong relation to the "Focus on Ideas" section in the text. The seven ideas under this section focus on the deeper meanings within films. These include moral implications, the truth of human nature, social problems, the struggle for human dignity, the complexity of human relationships, the coming of age/loss of innocence/growing awareness, and finally a moral or philosophical riddle. The film "Casablanca" falls under many of these categories. One focus that was quite obvious in the film was the idea of social problems. This film took place right before World War II broke out. The Germans invaded France, which drove the main characters out of the country in search of freedom. The social problem in this movie has a direct relation to the plot and as to how the characters ended up in Casablanca.
The other idea that the film is related to is the complexity of human relationships. Right from the beginning of the movie we see that there are unresolved feelings between Rick and Ilsa. This complex relationship is later explained by Rick's flashback to the lovers' time in Paris. Just when we think the complexity in Rick and Ilsa's relationship has ended, Rick sends her on a plane not with him, but her husband. This leaves the relationship between the two unresolved because they realize they will never actually be able to be together. There is no clear resolution to Rick and Ilsa's love affair, which leaves the viewer asking questions at the end. Do Rick and Ilsa ever end up together? The film leaves the answer to this question up to the viewer.
The timeless film "Casablanca" is an emotional love story that will forever live in the world of American films and will remain in the hearts of many. It has opened my eyes to older movies, for they make you think about life in a way that some of us haven't before.
The first scene that I really liked and that I thought gave some insight into Rick and Ilsa's relationship was towards the beginning of the movie when Victor Laszlo and Ilsa first arrive at Rick's. After Rick briskly walks over to Sam to ask him why he was playing the forbidden song "As Time Goes By," Rick spotts Ilsa and her husband Victor. Rick completely goes against his personal rules of never drinking with a customer and likewise never picking up the tap for a customer and does just that with Ilsa and her husband. This violation of Rick's rules give the viewer clear insight to the mysterious, unresolved relationship between Rick and Ilsa, without the actors really even saying anything about their past together. I think that this scene is one of the most well done and thought through of them all.
The other scene that surprised me as well as the first was when Ilsa had given Rick the power to decide what she does, either leave for the United States with Victor, her husband, or Rick, her long-lost lover. She is confident that Rick will tell Victor about their love and that her and Rick will be on the next plane to the States to live happily ever after. However, Rick surprises both Ilsa and the viewer when he points a gun at Louis, a French officer, and makes him sign the transport papers in Ilsa and her husband's name. Ilsa is devastated and is hesitant to get on the plane with her husband. Rick tells Ilsa that her and Victor were meant to be together and that they'll always have their time in Paris to remember.
"Casabalnca" also has a strong relation to the "Focus on Ideas" section in the text. The seven ideas under this section focus on the deeper meanings within films. These include moral implications, the truth of human nature, social problems, the struggle for human dignity, the complexity of human relationships, the coming of age/loss of innocence/growing awareness, and finally a moral or philosophical riddle. The film "Casablanca" falls under many of these categories. One focus that was quite obvious in the film was the idea of social problems. This film took place right before World War II broke out. The Germans invaded France, which drove the main characters out of the country in search of freedom. The social problem in this movie has a direct relation to the plot and as to how the characters ended up in Casablanca.
The other idea that the film is related to is the complexity of human relationships. Right from the beginning of the movie we see that there are unresolved feelings between Rick and Ilsa. This complex relationship is later explained by Rick's flashback to the lovers' time in Paris. Just when we think the complexity in Rick and Ilsa's relationship has ended, Rick sends her on a plane not with him, but her husband. This leaves the relationship between the two unresolved because they realize they will never actually be able to be together. There is no clear resolution to Rick and Ilsa's love affair, which leaves the viewer asking questions at the end. Do Rick and Ilsa ever end up together? The film leaves the answer to this question up to the viewer.
The timeless film "Casablanca" is an emotional love story that will forever live in the world of American films and will remain in the hearts of many. It has opened my eyes to older movies, for they make you think about life in a way that some of us haven't before.
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