Citizen Kane

 

1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening
In our last class we discuses the motion picture Citizen Kane. When Citizen Kane hit the scene in the early 1940s it was seen as a bomb and the company that produced the film RKO was close to burning the films negative because of how bad the film turned out. After many months at the box office and the fans grew... Citizen Kane became a smash hit. It had a huge following do to the star, writer and director of Citizen Kane, Orson Welles. Orson was only 24 when RKO gave him all control of his first movie Citizen Kane. Orson is also very well known for his Mercury Radio Dramas especially War of the Worlds.

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 the film is about the death of Richard Collins the late husband of Dorothy Comingore, the actress who played Susan. It discussion of both blacklist of Dorothy and Richard. It is a revisiting to the secret life of Dorothy Comingore. After Citizen Kane, Dorothy was on fire and everyone in town wanted her but RKO refused. After the shot of fame, Dorothy didn't know how to responded and felt ill for a short time. She stop showing up to work and RKO suspended her. Dorothy had hoped to star in many films, but upon returning to work found nothing to do. Her career shortly ended in 1951 when she was caught up in the Hollywood Blacklist. Soon after she was accused of heavy drinking in custody hearings for her children, and on March 19, 1953, she was arrested for prostitution in West Hollywood. Many fans and her self believed that is was part of scheme to make her seem that she was part of the Communism Movement. After that she moved to Connecticut and died at the age of 58 due to her alcohol problem and died of pulmonary disease. Her late husband Richard Collins has been in hiding up to his death because of the harsh things that was done to Dorothy.

3) Relate the article to the screening
 Citizen Kane itself is well known as the most controversial movie to date. Not only Dorothy was known for the Hollywood blacklist. The movie itself was known for maybe begin use as communism propaganda. Any movie with Hitler in it in the very beginning is a movie that will be up for speculation. Many others view the movie, propaganda aside as one of the best movie ever made but that is do to the fact of the genies himself Orson Welles. Orson was also question many of times for communism but because of Citizen Kane and the greatness behind no one ever want to upset him about it. Orson never believed that Dorothy should of been on the blacklist but could say any thing about it because then him self will be look at. Quiet the Scandal if you asked me.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film

Citizen Kane was a very good movie but I personally feel that a took a while to get to the actually movie. There was so many flashbacks in the begin of the film I had no idea what story line went to which characters or which I was suppose to be following and who was I supposed to be looking at. It was when Susan came in the picture that everything started making sense. I realized what was going on and that the main point was to find out who was Rosebud. Orson Welles was smart because he kept the audience intending with the knowledge who was the actually Rosebud. SUSAN??? HIS MOTHER??? MORE MONEY THAT HE NEVER GOT TO GET??? ROSEBUD WAS A... sled. I was at the edge of my sit at the ending. Orson Welles had my feelings in the palm of his hand and boom just like all of Kane's priceless artifacts that were in boxes their all burn like my feelings when that sled burned to. The entire made sense now. Even though he had all this money and power all he wanted was his childhood with his family and the simple life. A life that I don't think a lot of people live anymore. Orson Welles' Citizen Kane is a great reality check of the real world we live in.

 

http://www.avclub.com/article/rip-richard-collins-blacklisted-screenwriter-92610

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:03/25/2014

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

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

 1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.
In class this week, we learned all about animation within the 1930's. When sound hit the industry and it was a battle for many animators to be the first to put together sound and their animation. Walt Disney was the first of these upcoming animators to mix the two with Steamboat Willie. Steamboat Willie was the first to integrate soundtrack and somewhat of dialogue. This is how Mickey Mouse was born. His creator Walt Disney was born in 1901 and lived and grew up in a demure environment in the state of Missouri. Many of his animations dealt with animals because of where he grew up. After Wille, Disney focused on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The film saved the crashing of the fantasy genre. It was one of the first full length animations to included vivid three-color Technicolor and was very successful for the fact that it was making money during The Great Depression. Snow White put Disney on the map to what it has now become.

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 was found on BuzzFeed and it talks about 20 fun facts of the movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Many of these facts are actually shocking. Like fun fact 3, the movie was budgeted at $250,000, but after production ran over it ballooned to $1.5 million–an enormous sum in the 1930’s. Walt was forced to mortgage his home to pay for production. A creator is mortgaging his home for a film is unheard of  but Disney knew and saw this film as a success but fact 4 his wife Lillian saw it bombing. His own wife thought he was going to fail. What about fact 12, 19-year-old Adriana Caselotti voiced Snow White. Walt wanted to keep Snow White’s voice special, so he held Adriana to a very strict contract and she was never allowed to perform on stage or film again but fact 13 Adriana did sneak in another - uncredited - voice over in “The Wizard Of Oz”, in the scene where the Tin Man sings “If I only Had A Heart”, she is the voice that says “Wherefore art thou, Romeo?” Scandalous. The last fact, The finale scene where she kisses the Dwarfs, she one kisses 6 of them and doesn't kiss Sleepy...I guess he was sleeping. 

 

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

After watching Snow White through my childhood, I always rooted for Snow White but today it was different story. My main issue now, watching as a grown adult is the lead... Ms. Snow White her self. She was so annoying! Maybe because I could related with her back in the day but now I just wanted her to stop speaking. Her voice was really the decision maker for me. It was very high and nasal and made what turn away. Now I know why the fun fact was to keep her talent under wraps because yes, her voice is very special... just maybe to special. I another known issue I had that some parts of the film with the seven dwarfs when all them were suppose to shown... not all were shown. The finale scene she only kissed six of them.... SIX ! Last time I check the title was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs not Snow White and the Six Dwarfs. Someone like me notices these things and I'm happy other people have too. Overall the film was amazing when it came to songs and animation even with the Great Depression in full swing. No one had money but were going all out to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, remember seven not six!

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.
Overall the film Snow White and the seven dwarfs will also have a special place in movie history and hearts of many. When you first think of Disney, its one of the first thoughts that come into your head. If a movie is able to do that, it has shown its test of time. Even though with all the hidden facts and backstage drama and the making and releases of Snow White, it can never take away the fact that the movie is the first animation that started the company Disney, that us as a society will always be grateful for.

 

 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/20-fascinating-facts-abou-snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs

 

 

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:03/03/2014

It Happened One Night

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

When Hollywood first built itself every movie created was all silent and every actor had to communicate physically not verbally. By 1929, silent film was no more and everyone who worked in that field had to either learn differently or get into a new line of work. In the 1930's, the silent film industry was coming to an end and the screwball comedy was on fire. The film It Happened One Night, directed by Frank Capra, was one of the first film to established what was happening in film during that era. Censorship was starting to grow as well when in 1922 the MPPDA, the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America was created by Will Hayes. The program was created to make sure movies were following guidelines regarding sex, drug use, nudity, and many other factors. Many scenes in the movie were clean cut, like the "Wall of Jericho" scene, you see neither of them sleeping in the same bed. Now a days, that's the least of movie directors troubles.

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 "Studio's Luck Day" written by Crosby Day, had a inside look within the making of It Happened One Night and its actors Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. Columbia Pictures who was the company the film was under, wasn't a well known or highly praised studio and at times looked down upon by other studios. Do to not getting dental work done, MGM loaned Clark Gable to Columbia to work on It Happened One Night. After ever well known actress declined the role, Claudette Colbert signed onto the film unwillingly after begin promised 4 week shooting period and a double pay increase. Many problems arrived on set because of the unwillingness from Colbert. Many reports have stated she was a big DIVA! For example, during the hitchhiking scene, she refuse to show her leg because she wanted to present her acting skills, not her sex appeal. After Capra suggested bringing in a Chorus Girl to do the scene, Colbert threw a fit and took it with a grain of salt and performed the scene and showed her leg. Even though the film had its pot holes, the film was a huge success. It made stars out of both Gable and Colbert.

 













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

Personally, I saw none of this bad behavior within the movie. To me I got real professionalism. I was actually shocked to read many articles about how bad Colbert behavior was on set. Who would of guess that the film that was being penned from started as a horrible comedy would come out with 5 Oscars and many iconic scenes. The hitchhiking scene is parody in many movies and also the scene with Clark, reviling that he was wearing no under shirt. Gable opened his shirt to reveal a bare chest. Gable's style caught the eye of American men and undershirt sales took a dive. You must have done something right if you affected a big selling company like that. The sell of tourist bungalow went skyrocketed after the two main scenes happened in a tourist bungalow. Plus, just a fun fact the scene with Gable eating a carrot gave inspiration to Looney Tunes Character Bugs Bunny. Who would of thought?

　

4) Write a critical analysis of the film , including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text materials and the article.

"It Happened One Night," deserved the arm load of Academy Award it received. From set, the characters, the plot, props, to the basic movements, the movie was flawless. With in the pictures below you see Clark and Colbert both with their Oscars. Another fun fact, do you know that Colbert, even though she received a Oscar nomination Colbert decided not to attend the ceremony (feeling confident that she would not win) and instead planned to take a cross-country railroad trip. When she was named the winner, producers declared that someone must go and drag her off that train. When she got picked up to be taken to the ceremony, she was still waiting for the train and she arrived at the ceremony wearing a very ugly traveling suit which was made for her trip, not the Oscars. She had no idea what to do that's she looks frazzled and that
why she has a coat in her hand because coat checked had already left the building. Overall the screwball comedy found its home in the vault of great movies with It Happened One Night. From taking home, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Adapt Screenplay, and overall Best Picture. The movie has shown time and time again why its one of the greatest movies of all time. Its been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. It Happened One Night has held its own within the movie industry and has held its test of time.   

(http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-06-15/entertainment/0306110349_1_claudette-colbert-gable-capra)



 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:02/25/2014




　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

THE GOLD RUSH

 

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

Last class, we learned the begin of the era that is labeled the silent film era and the silent film comedy. We study the work of Charlie Chaplin and his movie "The Gold Rush". We learned how impactful the work of Chaplin was to the origin of the film industry. From his early career with Keystone Co. Films is where Chaplin started his success as a producer, writer, director and performer. With Keystone focusing on long shots, physicals gags and mechanical motion to make their movies, Chaplin was developing his character within his films. Thus the two worked together to make Chaplin's career and "The Tramp" and "The Gold Rush" were made. "The Gold Rush" was Charlie Chaplin's favorite film to make, and was produced, directed, and starred Chaplin. The film took over a year to make and made over $6 million. Chaplin has said in many interviews that if he can be remembered for one film it would be The Gold Rush because he was so proud of the final product of the film.

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 that I found on "The Gold Rush" came from Charlie Chaplin's website that is run by his fan club. The article information speaks about the filming of the film from the story, to changing actors and set designs to everything in between. You also find out some hidden facts and fun facts of the film. One of the opening scenes shows many prospectors climbing up the mountain top and some of them not making the trip. It took 600 extras to shoot this scene and was one of the only scene that shot on a location not on a set. Back then that was crazy to have to pay so many extras but their was no other way. Now you can use CGI and have millions and really only cast 5 as actual extras. One huge thing that comes up when the discussion of the film is ever brought up is when Chaplin's work and personal life mix together. Chaplin was having a affair with silent film actress Lita Grey who at the time was only 16 and Chaplin was 35. She also was cast as Georgia, the female lead within the film. She found out she was pregnant with Chaplin’s baby six months into the filming of The Gold Rush and production was shut down for three whole months which is why it almost a took a full year for the film to be shot and filmed. Grey was cut from the film and was replaced with actress Georgia Hale. Chaplin has said that that time with Ms. Grey was a dark time. He had affair after affair until finally the couple got a divorced in 1927 and was one of the biggest divorce settlements at the time. Talk about scandal when your shooting one of the biggest films of your career.

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

 You can tell that the changing of actresses have a big affect with the scenes and with Chaplin. You can see Chaplin is very into the scenes with Georgia but with Lita the scenes are dry, no emotion what so ever. You can see some scenes that were filmed with Lita on YouTube. Overall the hidden story lines of hunger, money, and abuse is really the star of the film. Its something that films now a days learned from The Gold Rush. I mean, the eating of the shoe and the belief that he is a chicken goes a long way of the secret behind the scenes and the acting going with in it. I movie like this in 2014 will probably be looked down upon do to the simple fact that its reality, not stage. Something like that can really happen(shoe eating, finding gold, house going down a cliff.) But again its the 1920's. The two story lines, editing, special effects made this film excellent and really far beyond the 1920’s.

 





4) Write a critical analysis of the film of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text materials and the article.

As a performer from 6th grade, I've been watching Chaplin for years now because I personally believe he is with a doubt on of the best actors of all times. My senior year of high school, I got the pleasure to watch for the first time, the film The Gold Rush because I was told by my theatre to watch the physical gags that Chaplin has made into his own. I was studying for my role Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. I was able to study the art of improve and after watching many of Chaplin's films I can certainly say he puts his body o the line for his work. Charlie Chaplin is not just a good actor, he is an amazing director and writer as well. The secret meaning behind his work and the all around effect he has on the world of film will forever never be replaced or forgotten.



 



 

 

 

 

http://www.charliechaplin.com/en/filming/articles/5-Filming-the-Gold-Rush 

 

 

 

 

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:02/18/2014