Movie Analysis Paper

Sorry, I couldn't get a movie clip to go along with this paper.

Sidney Tan

Per 1AB
6/16/09
Mrs. Wecker
Limitless Boundaries
As we go throughout our lives, we all have goals that we wish to accomplish. Though some may seem like they are impossible, if one is dedicated and sets their mind to it, one will find that all goals are achievable. In the movie Pearl Harbor, directed by Michael Bay, the director portrays the message that goals are achievable and will be accomplished once you are dedicated and determined. He portrays this message by using a series of camera angles and techniques and using symbols in the opening scene of the movie.

Michael Bay shows through the first scene that the two boys, who serve as the main characters throughout the movie, aspire to be pilots. Through the use of the symbols of the airplane and the rundown car “airplane” that the boys play in, Michael Bay shows that when a person chases their dreams, no mater how impossible it may seem, if they are persistent and stick to it, it is possible. The airplane in the beginning of the movie symbolizes the two boys’ hopes and dreams. With an airplane, a sense of freedom and limitless boundaries is often thought of. Because of this association, the plane essentially symbolizes the two boys’ hopes and imaginations. As the plane is seen in the first few moments, it is immediately contrasted with the boys on the ground in a car that they made out to be an airplane. This contrast shows how much the real world and their world is different and that if they want to accomplish their goals, there is a lot of growing up to do and a lot of maturity that needs to be gained. But through this contrast, we also see the boys’ determination and thrive to become successful.

Michael Bay also shows how one’s goals seemingly impossible goals are accomplishable by using a series of camera shots and techniques. In the opening scene, the director uses a lot of long shots of the airplane which makes the audience feel distanced from it. By having the plane represent hope, the audience feels as if hope is far away. By having long shots of the plane, it seems as if it is too far away and that it is not reachable. Throughout the scene, the camera captures the plane getting progressively closer and closer until it finally lands in front of the two boys. The landing of this plane and the closer camera shots are symbolic of how the plane, which seemed far away just moments ago, is now reachable. Also as the plane is landing, a low angle shot is taken of the two boys observing the plane landing. As the plane flies overhead, a slow motion shot is taken as the boys follow the plane with their heads as they watch it land. By using the slow motion, it heightens the drama and it gives the audience a sense that the boys are envious of the plane. In other words, they are envious about their hopes and dreams. By doing this, it shows that with dedication and desire, goals can be achieved.

The way Michael Bay directed the opening scene of the movie Pearl Harbor is a fantastic depiction of what the rest of the movie will be like. The symbol of the airplane is used constantly throughout the movie as a symbol for dreams. The events that are shown in the opening scene also provide foreshadow of what the two boys’ lives will be like in the future. Michael Bay wanted to create a sense of hope for the audience and by using symbols and various camera angles and techniques, he showed that when one sets their mind on accomplishing a goal, no matter how unachievable it may seem, it is possible to succeed in reaching that goal.

Film analysis proposal

Scene Analysis proposal
Movie: Pearl Harbor (Disc 1)
Scene: Opening Scene
Length: 1:44
Description of Scene: The scene begins with background music and a long shot of hills and a sunset (which is also an establishing shot) when a plane flies in from the upper right hand side of the screen and flies towards the audience. The scene then cuts to a close up of the plane at a front view. Then the scene cuts to a close up of the sun as it is setting and the title “Pearl Harbor” appears. We then see the plane starting to land and the camera is tilting to follow the plane. Then a dolly shot is used to shoot the plane from the side beginning to land. Then there is a high angle shot of the plane so that the fields below it are visible and a dolly shot is again used to follow the plane. It then cuts to a scene of the fields and a barn and the plane flying in above it. As the plane is flying above the barn, the camera zooms into the barn. It then cuts to a scene which shows a long shot of two boys playing in a run down car made out to be an airplane and making airplane and shooting noises. It then begins to zoom out and cuts to a high angle shot scene where the two boys are standing on a railing and the plane is flying above their heads in slow motion and the boys’ heads follow it as it flies by. At this moment the music gets louder and then begins to quiet down as it cuts to a scene where a dolly shot captures the plane landing and coming to a stop.

Compare two themes

Vengeance:
In Medea vengeance hurts both sides. Medea kills her children, which is a big blow to Jason, but it is also a big effect on Medea. It gets her banished and hated by an entire city an enemy to her husband. Leaving her with a reputation of her as a brutal savage women. This isn't really as much in the other plays as much as it is in Medea.

Fate:
In Oedipus the king, there is a strong line of fate. First there is a prophecy that Oedipus's parents get stating they will be killed by their son. So they try to have him killed. Oedipus survives and lives up to be strong. He then ends up not knowing, but killing his father, later this leads to more tragedy. Showing that all people are bound by fate.

What motivates the character I am playing

I am playing Oedipus in the scene where he is trying to figure out who killed Laius. His motivation is to uncover the truth and to come to a conclusion of who killed him. Evidence that supports this is when he states at the very end of his speech that "I'll bring it all to light myself" and "For my own sake I'll rid us of this corruption" he wants what is best for his people and he want to see an end to the corruption.

4 literary techniques and their effects

Imagery (Specifically Animals and Antigone)

The Nurse refers to Antigone as several animals:"my dove" (13), "my kitten" (14), "my sparrow, my lamb" (14). The stereotypical natures of the animals in question show that, to the Nurse, Antigone is a sweet, defenseless little girl.

Simile (again with Animals and Antigone)

"clawing away like a hyena" (25) Again, Antigone is referred to as an animal. It is interesting to note that, unlike the Nurse's descriptions, this description of Antigone shows her as being more of a ferocious person.

Foreshadowing

"But if there was a reason why I couldn't go on talking to her-" (15). This passage is the first big hint that Antigone knows she's going to be in trouble, and it foreshadows her eventual death.

Hyperbole

"Stronger than all the fever, stronger than any nightmare" (14). This passage shows the faith that Antigone has in her Nurse, saying that she can beat all these bad things. It shows the Nurse as a protector of Antigone.

What do I know about the 1940's and how i will affect Antigone

well, the 1940 was a time of WWII. This is the biggest influence that I can think of that will affect Anouilh's Anitgone seeing how Anouilh was French and how the French were hit very hard by the war. This can affect the roles of heroes and villans and also affect how war is portrayed. Also another big thing is the role of Women. Since WWII made everyone think differently about women, the main character (Antigone) can go through some serious changes from the Sophocles version

Creon:
Actor-Samuel L Jackson
I just really like him, he's a pretty chill guy and he would seem to fit the part really well. He's cool and collective but he can have quite an attitude.

Haemon:
Actor-Will Smith
I just like him and you can't just have one black guy in the movie because that would just be awkward.


Antigone:
Actress-Megan Fox
She has a calm side and a feisty side. besides, she's really hot and from my experience, it doen't matter how horrible the acting is, if there is a hot person playing a leading part, it makes it a good movie.

Ismene:
Actress-Angelina Jolie
She;s a talented actress and again with the whole hot thing. But also, she's a very strong person which really portrays Ismine well


Leader of the Chorus:
Actor-the guy who plays "Kingpin" in Daredevil.
I just like his voice and want to star him. I like all his movies and I think he'd do a good job in this one.