Dawn of The Dead

The movie Dawn of The Dead was one that proved not only to be one of the earliest and best examples of a “zombie” movie but also served as a criticism of our American psyche and persona. It is hard to detect this in the beginning of the film because we just get to see the mass pandemonium following an unexplained epidemic. Here is were we see a close study of human instinct, where everyone is seemingly out for themselves. Then we also get to see how an extreme situation can heighten racist tendencies. The cop who is about to storm the building filled with zombies starts yelling unnecessary obscenities. He refers to the people inside with racist terms and says ho he wishes to kill them all. Then he continues taunting and prodding, making the other cops uncomfortable, but they really don’t do much about it. They ignore it for the most part, and only take action inside when he starts shooting down on innocent people. Perhaps if they had stood up to him earlier many lives, including his own, would be saved. Later when they encounter the priest they find that he had actually been with the zombies, and despite the danger gave them their last rites. Here there is some sign of human compassion and dignity, which is seldom encountered throughout the film. Within the core group there are many stereotypical characters. We have the nearly helpless woman, the fumbling smart guy, and the strong african-american figure. Initially Francine is seen as a burden, and the men leave her defenseless without a gun their first time out. It grows worse when they find out she’s pregnant, taking a direct stab at her natural motherly gift. She only appears stronger in the face of the zombies but would otherwise remain a relatively weak person. 

The idea of consumerism is evident, given that it is set in a shopping center. Peter mentions how it is their instinct to come to the abandoned mall, it’s from memory. So engrained in who they are, that even subconsciously they will head to the mall. The group lose their humanity and learn to treat the zombies as faceless and mindless creatures. It helps them and is a good tool to have in this new type of world. Being in the mall brings out their inherent greed. They find safety in the first room they go into, but instead of safely staying there with the supplies they had they decide to go into the mall for things they really didn’t need. This is especially apparent when Peter and Roger go into the department store and start grabbing fancy clothes and perfume. Being in that setting causes them to want more, and worse to become content with just the material goods. It is an example of on how we rely on material happiness, and in turn act like mindless creatures. 

Racism In Avatar

In the Film Avatar, the seemingly detached reality that future humans live on the Planet Pandora, is just a microcosm of the racism and social tensions that we encounter in our day-to-day existence. It begs the question, can a film really have an “accidental” racist undertone? Or how could it not have possibly learned from the various films before it with an almost identical plot? (“Pocahontas,” Dances With Wolves,” or the “Last Samurai”) To better answer these questions we must define what this racist ideology is really considered. Nichols describes a facet of ideology as being “the internalized image of one’s place in the world bestows each individual an idea of what goals to strive for, which values and beliefs count most, what groups inhabit society, how to use and adapt common social practices, and what cultural ideas deserve emulation.”  Following this definition Jake initially interacted with the Na’vi according to his own experiences. He was a soldier first and foremost and approached everything like a mission. His place in the world was that of a “has-been” so to speak, so this put him in a precarious position. Everything he once stood for could easily be changed because of this, making it even more difficult when he really knew nothing about the new world he was thrown into. However, he quickly found a new way to act, and a new ideology, with the natives. He saw their “savage” way of living and quickly assimilated, even growing to revere nature as they did, fighting to protect their sacred tree. This is where the racism part is evident, because it follows a very familiar structure. Nichols puts it as “ the representations of groups can function divisively if they demean one group or subordinate it to another. In these cases, a more powerful group characterizes a subordinate group in discriminatory ways.” This can easily be said for the portrayal of the Na’vi in the movie. Their ways were seen as not only primitive, but inferior. If Jake had not intervened and become the hero, it is assumed that they would have otherwise lost the fight. They were seen as having nothing more to contribute than the Unobtanioum they happened to have their home atop. This is a classic example of institutional racism in which “the social practices of an institution embody discriminatory patterns.” The army and the corporation behind it takes full advantage of the natives and their kindness. I completely agree that this film is racist, it furthers pre-conceived notions of “natives” and undermines their culture as inferior. While it may offer a critique to some extent it is a highly expensive version of a classic Hollywood tale, one that need not be told again. 

There Will Be Blood Pt. 1

In the film There Will Be Blood  the actions of the characters reveal their ulterior motives . Bill Nichols describes ideology as “the lens through which individuals see and understand how they fit into the social world around them. Ideology allows individuals to frame specific actions within a more comprehensive framework.” Ideology facilitates he actions of a character, such as when confronted by a new and surprising scenario, they already have a vague idea of what their actions will be. This is especially evident in the film with the two most ideologically driven characters, Daniel and Eli. Daniel is a vey hard-headed and strong individual. He has a very clear way in which things are done, and seems like the type who will not change his mind easily. In the beginning of the film we see him struggling in a mine shaft. Despite having an accident and injuring himself, he continues and manages to climb out. Most other people would’ve given up, or waited for help. Daniel’s resolve was to keep trying, and to take advantage of the hard work he had put in. He had another setback when he struck oil for the first time. He lost one of the men and had to take care of a baby that was left behind. This was no problem to Daniel, and in fact used this to gain customers. He adopted the child as his son and called his enterprise “a family business.” He promised that new school would be built, and the community would benefit. This was what was important to him now, apart from the success, was also being seen as a family man. He made it clear in front of others, such as when he asked Mary if her dad still beat her, condemning this act, all the while her father was sitting right there. However, once H.W. was gone, Daniel’s competitive nature came back. When speaking to Henry he confesses that he wishes for no one else to succeed. This is made obvious when the other oil men come to buy out what he had been working on. He simply asks what he should do with himself, hinting that without work and the need to beat everyone else out he is lost. 

Eli is the other main character, who manipulates others around him to meet his own needs. “His” needs are those of the religion, devoting time there, expanding the congregation, and building a bigger church. When the building of the oil rig begins Eli right away asks that a road should be built, leading to the church. He then comes to pin crosses on the men who are working. Later he explains to Daniel his wish for the grand unveiling of the well. He asked him to introduce him as the son of the hills who has come to bless the well. His motive is to be seen and recognized, but also to bring a good name to the church. Daniel ignores his request, but Eli is later victorious when Daniel is forced to come to the church and be baptized by him. Both of their actions are always guided by what they seek themselves, and what their ultimate end-goal is. 

Ethics In Roger and Me

The documentary Roger and Me is a very personal account of Michael Moore’s interpretation of the GM plant closings. Due to this the views expressed in the film will tend to lean to the viewpoint that Moore is setting up for the viewer. Now this isn’t to say that the views conveyed aren’t correct, but they are given through a limited spectrum. I believe that for the most part Moore takes advantage of the hardships being suffered by people in his town, and uses them to his own end. The ways in which certain people are seen during a hard time in their life is not a very ethical move on Moore’s part. The film is clearly an expository documentary, relying heavily n the commentary provided by Moore, but the argument could also be made that it is a participatory documentary. Regardless, there are very specific instances where Moore belittles people and exploits a certain personality trait to get across the evil of Roger Smith. There is one shot in which he shows the live human statues at an annual Great Gatsby party. In this instance he shows what type of humiliating work people are willing to do, and the callous attitude of those who hired them. Then in the parade he interviews Miss Michigan and asks of her opinion of the bad economic times. She clearly has no clue, but he keeps prodding at her to answer. Then he contrasts the image of her winning the  Miss america crown for Michigan with that of a family being evicted. It makes it seem as if she doesn’t care at all for the things her state is going through, but really she is just doing her job. Then there are several times when the sheriff went to different people’s houses and threw their stuff out onto the street. Not only is he being showed as a bad guy, but the people going through a difficult situation have to deal with being in the film as just another face of the hard times. The lady who did Amway and found people's colors was made to seem foolish, especially when she contacted Moore to tell him she had been diagnosed the wrong colors. His commentary is what exploited her being in the film. The GM spokesperson he talks to often offers that the lint roller industry is taking off, but Moore’s comment is that if that will replace the auto-industry. The spokesperson was simply stating an industry that is doing well, but he was made out to be a fool when Moore put words in his mouth. The lady who sold bunnies for pets or meat was exploited several times. She was in a “you gotta do what you gotta do” situation and Moore took advantage by showing her and her bunnies, and how she killed them. What Moore did most often is make fun of the never-ending optimism of the community. There were several projects and ideas that went defunct, but it was made worse by the way they were shown in the film. According to Bill Nichols ”They place a different burden of responsibility on filmmakers who set out to represent others rather than to portray characters of their own invention. These issues add a level of ethical consideration to documentary that is much less prominent in fiction filmmaking.”I agree with Nichols, that it is solely upon the shoulders of the filmmaker how his characters are seen by others. In this sense what Moore did was wrong, because oftentimes he exaggerated a certain trait within the people he shot for his own convenience, even if it was to make a bad person look worse. 

Independent Film Winter's Bone

According to Geoff King independent cinema is defined by ”the position of individual films, or filmmakers, in terms of (1) their industrial location, (2) the kinds of formal/aesthetic strategies they adopt and (3) their relationship to the broader social, cultural, political or ideological landscape. Strategies vary, at each level. Some films customarily designated as ‘independent’ operate at a distance from the mainstream in all three respects: they are produced in an ultra-low-budget world a million miles from that of the Hollywood blockbuster; they adopt formal strategies that disrupt or abandon the smoothly flowing conventions associated with the mainstream Hollywood style; and they offer challenging perspectives on social issues, a rarity in Hollywood.” I personally agree with this statement, because independent films follow these norms. There is not a lot of money for them and they usually center around an issue that is either too taboo for hollywood, or something that they cannot focus on. Based on this definition the film Winter’s Bone can be defined as an independent film. It is located in a remote place, a different side of poor america, that seldom gets seen. We get to see people struggle, and try to make ends meet, but in a completely different way that had been done previously.The characters are real and gritty, and not exaggerated versions of people, such as the perfect boyfriend, or an extremely loving mom, as we have come to see in many movies. It couldn’t be further away from what Hollywood is, such as the glamour and money, where people's intentions aren’t survival, as in the film, but something entirely superficial. The way in which the film was shot was also like an independent film usually does, showing everything as is, not requiring much other light or extra props.The people also don't look made up, and their clothing seems like something you would wear. As far as budget for a film goes Winter’s Bone had one worth two million, which may seem like a lot, but considering all the extra costs of distributing and such, it is a relatively cheap movie to make. As far as narrative structure goes it is the only place where Winter’s Bone could be seen as a non-independent film. The film centers around Ree’s journey to finding her dad, and trying to keep the house her family lives in. In this way she is a goal-oriented character like the myriad of Hollywood films out there. In the end she achieves her goal and is better off for it. Although she may still be poor and in a generally bad situation she accomplished what she set out to do, unlike in many indie films. Despite this, however, the film had many unpredictable outcomes, and for the most part followed in the indie spirit. 

Sound in The Conversation

In the conversation the concept of sound is extremely important, not just because of the content of the film, but because of the effects it creates within it. Obviously sound is a main element in the story early on since Harry’s job is that of a professional bugger. It is a peculiar case when the film begins because we see a very lively scene that is immediately accompanied by lively music, matching the picture one would have in their head of the scene. We see the mime and the other various hoards of people while the music persists, even Harry comes into the scene. Then suddenly the weird noises start, and that sparks the viewer’s attention by making the conversation between the two targets unrecognizable. This sound foreshadows what would happen later on, because we come to find that the conversation should remain secret. In other scenes that wonderful piano music sets the mood, and carries with it the story, moving the people with its liveliness. It is a non-digetic sound but very beneficial throughout the movie. When we see Harry inside his apartment, the sound matches what is inside. His apartment is very elemental and lacks any personality. The lack of sound makes it easier to notice this. The piano music continues on, changing like a chameleon with the story, and this seems to be the only instrument that is played throughout, offering a lot in its simplistic nature. Such as when the tapes are stolen, the music becomes ominous and harsh. Sometimes it mixed in with clanging in the background, but at other times it offers the perfect melancholic backdrop for the scene at hand. The only other instrument played comes from on-screen, and that is his sax. It provides a comfort fro him as he plays it after stressful situations. As the story progresses, bits and pieces of the conversation are revealed, creating a patchwork of sound the viewer has to decipher. There are certain lines that don’t go in order. The most important of these is when Harry is able to muddle through the overwhelming amount of music in the tapes, and discovers the line “He’d kill us if he got the chance.” After this bit of sound discovery, the whole story changes. Harry’s life is thrown out in the open, and in his dream he sounds distant, his voice far away through the fog. The most important sound in the film is obviously the conversation. Once it is all  put together by the viewer the story intensifies. But this only makes the ending more shocking because they knew they were being heard an used it as an opportunity for murder. The simple sound of their voices caused death and grief for many. 

Don't Look Now Reaction

Throughout the clip there is an overwhelming feeling of suspense and anticipation. It starts off with the random shot of a horse galloping through a field, creating mystery and setting a mysterious mood. The little girl is wearing a right red coat, so the viewer's attention is right away directed towards her. The mystery continues when one is able to see the little doll she’s carrying. It is a soldier with a gas mask on, which also gives the sense that something is off, perhaps even foreshadowing death. The feeling of suspense is heightened by the constant matching back and forth between shots. Such as when the little girl looks down at her feet, and then the little boy’s bike wheels are shown. The matching creates a sort of discontinuity that makes the viewer stay tense and on the edge of their seat, because you don’t really feel like you know what’s going to happen. When the little boy is riding his bike and all of a sudden breaks the glass, the tension is suddenly snapped, but this is only temporary.The little boy riding his bike creates the sort of atmosphere in where you think everything will be fine. But as soon as something goes wrong with him the whole thing starts to fall apart. With the shots going back and forth the parents are introduced, sheltered from the outside.The photograph is the most important thing in the clip, and its first shown right after one of the shots of the girl in her red coat. All the actions in the clip seem meaningful in this way, because of the connection between the red in the photograph and in the girl’s coat. Suddenly when the water spills the action finally unfolds. The ominous red runs in the photograph, disappearing before his eyes. Then he looks up and something inside him makes him realize what had been happening all along. This is done very dramatically and could only be this way because of the careful editing. It also makes the viewer feel as if they knew what was going on and feel compelled to warn the man of the danger lurking outside. Once the photograph is destroyed there is really no hope for the little girl, because it is felt that something bad needed to happen. Even as the man runs out in a feeble attempt to save the girl, it is just over-dramatic and there is a defeated mood to the whole scene. If there had been a continuous shot of just the girl playing and eventually drowning it wouldn’t have been as powerful because there was no build-up to it.