StageCoach

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

 In class we discussed The Greatest Period in American Movie Making which was 1939 to 1941. During this time, classics like Citizen Kane, Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz and one we viewed in class Stagecoach which was directed by John Ford. Westerns at this time were not very popular. Their look at as budget and director killers. In fact, Ford was told that making Stagecoach would ruin his career. But Stagecoach was seen as the movie that brought back westerns to the limelight. Orson Welles claimed that he watch Stagecoach over 60 times when creating his film Citizen Kane. Stagecoach made a splash in the movie scene in 1939 taking home 2 Oscars after begin nominated for 7. It took home best Supporting actor and Best Music but was in the same list for Best Picture and Director for John Ford.

2) Find a related article (on the film, directed, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, ect.) You can use the library or the internet. Cite the article or copy the url to your journal entry. Summarize in your own words the related article but do not plagiarize any content.The article I found on Stagecoach was on filmsite.com and discussed the roles and the sight of symbolism begin played in Stagecoach. Like so many films in the 1930's, there were characters vividly portrayed and socially different from one another. You have for example two sets of women. One you have Dallas who is a prostitute and is looked down upon. Then you have Mrs. Mallory the prefect women, so lady like. At the scene with the dinner table you see that no one that was on the Stagecoach wants too seat next to Dallas, everyone but Ringo who him self is looked down upon in society. The two characters understand each other that's why the odd pairing get along so well and later fall in love. You see that each character has something different to give within the movie You see that certain people are respected and other or disrespected and vice vesa. It almost that the more older or richer you are you are more respected and the younger and poorer you are you are almost disgraceful in the town within Stagecoach.

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class. The article gives you a second look within the film. It shows all the hidden symbolism that John Ford was getting out and really gave the film a more personal feel. The explained symbolism is that at first you might now see within the first glance but other a discussion with peers or a second viewing you notice what the characters and the actors are doing. It gives us the meaning of why the director did what he did and does what he does. It gives a understanding of how the characters begin to where their end at the end of the film.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussion, text material, and the article.Many people believe that Stagecoach is one of the greatest movies ever made. I beg to differ. I honestly believe that it was the opening scene that lost me. There was so much going on that I was lost. So many characters coming at once really lost me. I didn't notice that their in the Stagecoach until their picked up Ringo. I don't believe it was the actors fault I believe it was set and directors mistake. The set design in the beginning was very disorganized and had to many extras walking around through the town. It was hold to know who to watched and who was anyone of importance. I really only understood what was going at the end with the shoot off with Native Americans and the finale scene at the new town where all the characters went on their own way. Overall I can see why the movie has had there effect it has had and I can see why the movie is on of the best but if I had the option to watched this movie again... I wouldn't sorry.    

http://www.filmsite.org/stagec.html



CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 1) (X) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) (X) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) (X) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.

4) (X) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.

5) (X) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) (X) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) (X) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) (X) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.

Name:Antonio Amorim Date:03/18/2014