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.

Two questions for each of the following categories

Knowledge
-Who is Antigone's disgraced brother?
-What relation is Ismene to Antigone?

Comprehension
-Why did Antigone get in trouble?
-Why is her brother disgraced?

Application
-When have people in real life done the right thing despite the consequences?
-Where is there tyranny in the wold today?

Analysis
-What does the burial symbolize?
-Why does Haemon defend Antigone?

Synthesis
-How does the author use catharsis in the play already?
-How do the foils of Ismene and Antigone reveal a theme of the play?

Evaluation
-Did Antigone act morally?
-Was Antigone's punishment justified?

3 litterary techniques

Hyperbole- "with one desire- / to burn them roof to roots" (224-225). Creon exagerates Plynices's goal to destroy the town in order to have him seen as a savage.

Symbol- "My countrymen, / the ship of state is safe" (179-180). Creon compares the city to a ship that was caught in a storm but has gone through it and is safe again. Sophocles also uses the same image in Oedipus the King.

Personification- "Rough talk flew thick and fast" (295). This shows how chaotic things were that was spread at the notice of Polynesius's burial. it shows how outrageous it was to commit an act like this.

Comparison Journal

In Oedipus, catharsis shows up more towards the end of the play where you find out the truth about what happened to him and the fact that he didn't know the truth and everything was the thing that caused the pity and fear in the reader which gave the end of the play a tragic feel.

In Medea, Catharsis is at the beginning of the play because the audience learns about the truth and what is going to happen in the opening remarks. In the end is when the audience feels pity and wants to learn more about what happens. the Catharsis hooks the readers.

In both books, the reader knows what is about to happen and they know the story. also both contain a character that is above average who brings about thier own downfall and evokes pity throughout the audience.

Throughout the play, Medea and Jason both are the same in the fact that they rely on the gods in their lives. They both regularly call upon the gods and that really shows how close they are to them. But the thing that makes them both different from each other is the way that they call upon the gods. Medea seems to call on the gods for every little thing, even things that are not really necessary. This gives the impression that she feels like she is at an equal level to the gods and that they are pretty much her friends. Jason, instead, uses the gods more sparingly. He has more respect for the gods and he doesn't feel like he's equal to the gods. Instead he is just going with the fact that he is a mortal and he is at the mercy of the gods.

What role does the chorus play in Medea?

The chorus in Medea, as opposed to the one in Oedipus, offers a lot more insight to situations and also it asks a lot of questions. an example of this s on page 44 where the chorus says "Whom will you turn to? Where will you turn? What country, what stranger, what home for a haven? Who will receive you?". They seem to be a lot more caring about Medea's situation as opposed to the chorus in Oedipus where they didn't show much emotion. Overall, the chorus adds a lot of curiosily to the minds of the reader.

Journal 3

By looking at Jocasta and how Oedipus speaks to her and treats her in general, it seems like the women have a lot of power and respect in the society. Unlike most plays where the women are usually looked down upon and seen as inferior to men, in this case they both seem to be on the same level. Both genders interact very well and share ideas and opinions and the other listens. But in this case, Oedipus wants to know about his birth so badly that he doesn't really consider what she really has to say and he doesn't really treat her the same way. But overall in the society, men and women are generally equal.

Oedipus Journal 2

I think that Oedipus is a deficient leader. I mean yes he has strong qualities and deeply wants best for his people and his city but when he starts accusing people left and right with no proof it's going to bring his about his downfall. My impression of him changed somewhat in a way that his intentions are really good. In the beginning you're still wondering if his ego is talking or if it's really him. the further I read, the more it becomes clear to me that he is genuinely good. Also my impression on Creon changed as well. He seems lazy and seems to want to wait for things to come to him or for them to work themselves out rather than being proactive and doing things himself.

Summary of Oedipus (159-170)

159- Oedipus is wondering why everyone has come to him
160- The priest comes to tell him that all these people are coming because the city is in danger
161- The priest asks Oedipus to do something about the situation
162- Oedipus tells the priest that he sent Creon to go to Delphi and talk to the oracle
163- Creon returns and tells Oedipus that he has good news
164- He tells Oedipus that the oracle told him what he had to do to help his people
165- Creon tells Oedipus that Laius is going to die
166- Tells Oedipus that Laius was killed by thieves
167- Oedipus says that he will avenge Laius' death
168- The chorus states that the god will help Oedipus on his quest
169- The chorus explain how Thebes has been in trouble before
170- The chorus asks their god to punish Hades

Topic C

Topic C- What does the author criticize in the novel? How believable is the author’s vision? What other possibilities does the author present?

Yevgeny zamyatin criticizes communism and how the government controls people. He wrote this book also to criticize stalinism. He grew up in a time where there was a lot of coruption and those ideals are being presented in this book. It's pointing out that if the government takes over too much that the citizens are going to suffer.

With zamyatin's book, it is easy to picture a society such as this one. This situation, the society is controlled by math, which is a symbol of how everything is strict and there is only one right way to do everything. Also they are all being excluded from the outside world which woould shelter them from outside thoughts therefore giving the government more power. this resembles what stalin and other radical leaders did to the inhabitants and that is what Zamyatin is trying to critiize with his book We.

Word Count: 173

Topic B

Topic B- Choose a character involved in a struggle with society. Write a response on how he/she is representative of the dystopian character.

D-503 is a character that is victimized by the one state (the society that they live in). everything aspect of their lives using a table of hours. This dictates when they get up, when they work, when they get off of work and wen they can have sex. D-503 originally accepts these ideas and he goes along with it because he doesn't know anything else but as time goes on, he begins to resist these changes which is why he is a dystopian character. At first he doesn't realy know if it's the way to go but after a while he is sure that it is the right thing to do. The society also doesn't like to deal with people who have views differing from what they are teaching so in order to control the inhabitants, they take them and erase their memories in order to get rid of all the different ideals in the society. However, all these changes have consiquenses and D-503's consiquense is his strained relationship with O-90

Word Count: 193

Option A

Every Morning … we lift our spoons to our mouths (Zamyatin 12)

Through this passage written by D-503, we see how things are run in the One State. Everything is dictated through the Table of Hours which states when they eat, when they go and take walks, and everything else and everyone follows the same routine. As D-503 wrote in a previous passage, he no longer thinks of people (or numbers in this case) as “I” but rather “We”. Everything is mathematically controlled and nothing is questioned, just done. Most of the residents in the One State seem to enjoy the system and seem to not think much of it. They are also monitored very closely and they are controlled for every little aspect of their lives, right down to their “sexual days”, giving each person a pink coupon to give them permission to close their blinds to allow some privacy from the transparent walls. Also because of the Green Wall, which isolates the numbers from the world outside of the glass dome of the one state, the inhabitants know nothing of the world outside of their mathematical realities and so they accept what they have and live their life day by day.

Word Count: 203

What conclusion does Meursault come to at the end of the text?

Mersault seems to be at peace with himself at the end. he just states that oh I don't care, everyone dies at some point so why does it matter that I have my life cut short by like 20 years. The way Camus says it, it doesn't seem like it is a bad thing so I assume that he wanted the readers to feel the same thing and as for Mersault being happy or unhappy, I wouldn't say he was either, just content, just taking what is given to him and not thinking any more or any less of the situation.

Thesis Statement

Through the use of foil characterization, the crucifix and the symbol of the court room, Albert Camus shows that without proper guidance and beliefs, one's life becomes trivial and meaningless that leaves the person in a standstill, not proceeding forward nor falling back.

Why use part one and part two?

Albert Camus separates the book into two parts to show how Meursault changes throughout the book. in part one he seems to be just an insignificant human who goes through the motions and just takes what life thrown at him. he doesn't care about anything or anyone and shows hardly emotion. In part two, he is thrown in jail for killing that Arab guy on the beach so all of his freedoms are taken away. at first he says that it was hard for him because his thought were that of a free person's but he eventually got used to it. throughout part two he shows a lot more emotion and he actually seems to be alive. he reflects on his life up to this point and just changes overall. Camus just uses the two parts to emphasize that change.

my personal philosophy

I think that my personal philosophy affects how I read a novel because I am expecting the characters and the author to believe the same things that I do. While reading I can almost expect what will happen based on what has already hapened in the book and comparing it to what I will do. This is why The Stranger is somewhat difficult to read because the main character has no morals and this way it's hard to understand because he hardly relates to me at all.

nine questions

1. Word Choice
Why does Camus use simple words to tell a deep story?

2. Sentences
Why does Camus use short sentences then out of nowhere some out with a big sentence?

3. Images
Why dies Camus use the image of the sun. why does everyone use the symbol of the sun?

4. Symbol
What is Camus trying to portray using the sun?

5. Figures of speech
Why doesn't Camus create more metaphors?

6. Rhetorical devices
Why does camus make the main character seem like he doesn't care about anything?

7. patterns
Why does camus keep bringing up the sun and the heat?

8. narrators
why does Camus use a first person narrator?

9. Structure
Why does Camus use this pace to tell the story?

Tracking the sun and another image in "The Stranger"

Information is coming soon =)

Tanism

1. The world is ultimately good, if this wasn't the case, noone would ever get along.

2. Everything happens for a reason and past experiences and decisions lead to following ones.

3. knowledge is the core of our existence

4. interaction with surroundings determines who your will become

5. biological factors combined with outside influences interact to create behavior

6. one does not control their destiny, everything is laid out for them from the beginning.

7. There is no superior devine being controlling the lives of humans.

8. We are born with only instinctual senses but over time develop senses that mak us more civilized.

Stranger Journal #1

One translation seems to portray more emotion for the death of the guys mother. One of the translations stated that it didn't even feel like his mother had even died. it seems to be like it's not that big of a deal and that it happens all the time. it also stated "Usual vigil beside the body" which is worded like it an everyday occurrence. Other than that I didn;t really find much difference beside different wording and some things that were left out, but of course, with translation, that's bound to happen.

book structure

the book is structured so that the beginning and end connect and brings the reader around full circle. it gives a sence of completion and relaxation because it goes back to the familiar porch setting. the book was also written in a way that Janie is looking back in the past and so at the end, you can tell she is back to reality and it gives a strong sense of closure.

"Their Eyes Were Watching God"

Hurston mentions this quote when the hurricane rips through the everglades. At that time everyone is looking to god to see what he will do next and shy he did it to begin with. This can also be seen as a theme throughout the book too. Everyone lives their lives with God in mind and they rely on him to make their lives better. They all look up to Him, praying that everything will fall into place and that he will take care of everything.

Mrs. Turner

Mrs Turner and her husband have a very poor relationship. they are very distant and seem to not like each other the way a normal married couple should. She sets herself up for failure and sets her standards so high that she thinks that everyone will fail her and that noone will be good enough for her. she has a very bitter attitude and by having her in the book shows how good tea cake and janie's relationship is.

Janie's Change

Janie becomes a lot more independent. She starts thinking for herself rather than listen to what others have to say. she pretty much just follows her gut instinct. Also she isn't controlled by her grandmother's wishes and other people's wishes that she cares about such as Jody. Her development is her own thoughts and beliefs are all part of her change and her overall growth of becoming her own person.

Janie's Motivation

Janie's motivation is her want to live life and experience everything that she wasn't able to in the past. All her life she had been controlled by somebody else and she decided that she can't just let time fly and just sit back and watch her life just be wasted. With Tea Cake's help she can now finally live her life without any restrictions.

Imitating Zora Neale Hurston

So Maximillion began to think about time. Time, that almighty being possessing all with unlimited power controling everything through the unknown. The majestic being who resided in his hidden palace, observing with boundless potential. What reason does Time have to act, when noone can stand against his almighty power? He hovers in his holy safehaven, watching the world. Stalks carefully and quietly at all times, working his magic unknowingly to all. He ignites his bindful might, and it frights the world. Maximillion was at the mercy of time's power. His mother, drawing to an end, should not have to face this passage alone. many have offered help, but help has been turned down. Her time is here and only by God's intentions shall she return. He believed that she would be saved, but the family and doctored begged to differ. and as stated, the next morning as the sun rose, grim faces gathered on the porch bearing freshly cut tulips and roses. Individuals who would not regularly cared for the passing woman showed their grief and support. Just waiting for that inevitable moment. Grief, that dark unknown being, had cast a shadow over them all.

That's realy depressing...

Lit Terms 1-5

Literary Device 1:
Page: 27
Type: Imagery
Quote: "It was a cityfied, stylish dressed man with his hat set at an angle that didn't belong in these parts. His coat was over his arm, but he didn't need it to represent his clothes. The shirt with the silk sleeveholders was dazzling enough for the world."
Why: Zora Neale Hurston used this imagery to describe and paint a vivid picture of the man. By the way he was described and the way he dressed, he is clearly wealthy. It also helps us understand why Janie is so attracted to him.

Literary Device 2:
Page: 30
Type: Situational Irony
Quote: "'S'posin' Ah wuz to run off and leave yuh sometime.'"
Why: Janie says this to kind of test out the water and see what Logan would do if she were to run off. Logan may think it's a hypothetical question but Janie is really planning on leaving him without him being aware of it at the time.

Literary Device 3:
Page: 31
Type: Metaphor
Quote: "The sun from ambush was threatening the world with red daggers"
Why: This quote compares the sun's rays to daggers, the sun's rays often seen as red when rising or setting and the daggers represents the intensity of the light and how it would be a shock to step into it suddenly as if it were an ambush.

Literary Device 4:
Page: 32
Type: Epiphany
Quote: "What was she losing so much time for? A feeling of sudden newness and change came over her."
Why: The mood shift by the character also changes the mood of the entire story itself. Janie realizes that time could not be wasted and that if she want to get anywhere she would have to take initiative and that she would have to pursue her goals, they won't just come to her.

Literary Device 5:
Page: 32
Type: Simile
Quote: "The morning road air was like a new dress."
Why: This quote compares the freshness of the morning air to the feeling that one may get from trying on new clothing for the first time. It also represents Janie's feeling of freshness about her new start at life.

Their Eyes Were Watching God Journal Entries (1-2)

2/4/09

Journal Entry #1
The dialect used in the story and the narration are extremely different. The dialect in the story portrays the uneducated side of the black population which has become the common belief, using a lot of slang and other factors that give the character their "personality" (which was actually very hard to read for the first couple of pages). The narration on the other hand is written in a way that is easily read by a person who is not used to such strong dialect and is written in the way most of us are familiar with when it comes to novels. With the story dialect, you can get a sense of emotion and see specific characteristics of individuals that can't be achieved by writing in the style of the narration. On the other hand, some information (such as background information) should be left to the kind of text that can be simply understood.

Journal Entry #2
The setting, no doubt, influence the ideas and personalities of these characters. We can see right from the beginning that gossip plays a big role in the community and that they all seem to be very close. Most of chapter 1-3 focused on Janie's grandmother's story about all the hardships that she faced growing up (slavery, rape, running away etc) and because of all that she went through, she wants to be sure that Janie is safe in a place that is prone to violence toward blacks during the time period. Nanny also tries to marry Janie away to Logan Killicks in an attempt to keep her safe, even though Janie is against it which shows to what extent Nanny is willing to go to get peace of mind knowing that her granddaughter is "safe".