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Reviews
Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Romance, Crime, and Drama
Bonnie and Clyde is one of the first film that fictionally depicts true events in a captivating crime drama. Previous crime drama were often unrealistic and the good ones were classified as film noirs. Bonnie and Clyde is significant because of its depiction of real people, embellishments of real events, in combination with an enchanting romance. The film also holds significant in its deviation from the violence in old Hollywood films. In Bonnie and Clyde, we see villains with guns and people getting shot. We also gain an overall sense of sympathy and admiration of the ruthless killers and bank robber Bonnie and Clyde. The film set the stage for modern crime drama biographies that is still followed today.
Do the Right Thing (1989)
a sensitive topic at a crucial time
Do The Right Thing served as a benchmark film that depicts the racial tension that was overwhelming the United States in the late 80's and early 90's. During a time when people of different ethnicities were at constant odds with one another and the law only served as another source of racist oppression it seemed there was no answer to the uproar that was ensuing around different races. The film illustrates the white attitude toward blacks in inner city ghettos and how black attempts at retaliation erupted more violence and racist attitudes. Director Spike Lee depicts how local Italian Americans were discriminate against blacks that they felt were infiltrating their neighbors, the local cops abusing their power to carry out race bias actions, and there was no way maintaining order or peace. It was significance because this issue was extremely controversial and uninvolved citizens often turned a blind eye to what was going on. In the years that followed the film the type of mayhem that occurred in reality with events such as the L.A. Riots. It served as a significant reminder of how racism in America did not end with desegregation in the 1950's and it was bound to ignite violent rebellion.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
a true icon
The Wizard of Oz is one of the movies every American should see at one time or another. The most significant aspect of the film is of course its use of color. Wizard of Oz was one of the first films to successfully incorporate color and actually have it look astonishing. What is interesting is the transition from low-key black and white while Dorthy is in Kansas, to color while in the land of OZ, and then back to the low-key B&W when she returns to Kansas. Perhaps this was meant to signify the gloomy and hard life of midwestern farmers during this era in contrast with the majestic environment of Oz. The films manipulation of colors both in black and white and the entire spectrum helps to really make the audience embrace the ambiance in every scene. The Wizard of Oz also serves an admirable use of elaborate special effects. Between the flying monkeys, extravagant costumes, and artificial acting the film has an overwhelmingly magical impression. The film serves as a significant indicator of what was to come of adventure fantasy films. It set a new standard for film elegance that is hardly matched today. It also provided the truthful, celebrated, and timeless theory that "There is no place like home".
King Kong (1933)
a classic take
There is a lot of unique characteristics about King King that make it significant among other monster movies of the era. Unlike Dracula and Frankenstein, King Kong is a giant gorilla rather than a monster appearing as a human. As a result of course the character cannot be played by a human. The fact that king kong is obviously an artificial, toy-looking creation had no negative effect on the films success. The technological limitations are overlooked by the excellent cinematography, lighting, music use, and overall sound effect quality. In fact as far as special effects and cinematography are concerned King Kong triumphs as a film that exceeded the average quality of its time period. In a sense it marks the tradition of elaborate and detailed special effects that is has become a part of what defines action adventure films. Something else that is very unique to King Kong is its application of a common human dilemma into a relationship between a women and an non-human, monstrous, gorilla. Because King Kong becomes infatuated with Ann he breaks from his chains during the show and is inevitably killed as seeks to save her from what he thinks is a threat to her wellbeing. The idea that great infatuation with a forbidden love will yield nothing but bad results is applied to a gorilla. Although seemingly unorthodox this instill some meaning in the plot of the film and makes it that much more enjoyable.
Easy Rider (1969)
A new perception
The 1960's is a notorious time period for the great social changes that occurred in America. The country was almost flipped upside in a sense and it was a challenge for many to embrace and tolerate the shift that was occurring in our culture. Easy Rider is a significant representation of the dividing line that existed between the American people at that time. The Anti-war, care free and love embracing sub culture faced disapproval and in some cases oppression from the Americans who believed in a more traditional, less tolerant, and culture lacking lifestyle. What is also significant of this film is instead of putting American atop an artificial pedestal as the greatest freedom embracing country on the face of the earth, it acknowledge the ugly truth about how others tend to act toward people who look and act differently then they do even they are doing no harm. The adversities Wyatt and Billy face in their journey and the death of both George and them sheds light on how seriously people mistreat those just because of their appearance and what it implies. Easy Rider also touches on the issue of what truly defines freedom and how despite its reputation people in America who just to exercise their freedom by going against the grain are discouraged from doing so. Furthermore the illustration of the prevalence of drugs and sex in the film is significant to the American hippie sub culture and younger generations of Americans overall being more comfortable with the idea of openly addressing drug use and sex rather than ignoring it by pretending it is not there. There is even a scene where to women are scene being sexually active. This shows the true change that was not only taking place in Hollywood but also America.
Annie Hall (1977)
Romanic comedy standard
Old Hollywood was brimming with movies that had a romantic comedy subject matter. Starting with Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin's early silents, into the late 1930's with The Women, and on from there romantic comedies were a hit with audiences and usually provided a clever way for director to bypass Hayes Code restrictions. However, with the end of classic Hollywood and the new film era brought about the opportunity to set a new standard for the romance and comedic film combo. Director Woody Allen rose to the challenge. The significance of this movie is how much it differs from the old style and subject matter of romantic comedies and how several aspects of the films structure, plot, characterization, and mise-en-scene are still used today. In classic Hollywood comedies we see a ditsy young women either infatuated by a man or has one infatuated with her. They proceed to tease and lure men in via sexual innuendos, silly childish flirting, and of course pulling the damsel in distress card. The man is usually a weak self-conscious underdog, a well-intentioned good hearted down on his luck type, or the masculine every girls dream man. Overall they are always generic and seemingly artificial characters that lack true human qualities. What we have in Annie Hall is a drastic change-up from the this usual setup. The movie is narrated by the main character Alvy (Woody Allen) who plays an awkward, cynical, arrogant little man who works as a comedian. despite not appearing to as dreamy wonder boy type Alvy has quite the ego. Annie Hall (Diane Keaton), although somewhat "ditsy", plays a women who attempts to hold her own and maintain a sense of confidence. Throughout the film there is drug use, premarital sex, inappropriate interactions, and essentially everything else that would have made code era regulators and old Hollywood audience gasp with horror, disgrace, and overall shock. However, the commentary, uncomfortable and awkward sex scenes, and character attitudes are undeniably similar to what we would see in any romantic comedy released in the past few decades. The significance that is more clearly evident is the drastic desensitization of film subject matter and how characterization and interaction was the key to making it apparent in romantic comedies. Furthermore Annie Hall seemingly provides guidelines to what a successful romantic comedy should entail.
Citizen Kane (1941)
flashbacks and the unanswered questions
Citizen Kane is regarded by many to be one of the greatest films of all time. As for its significance it bring a lot to the table as far as cinematic structure and meaning are concerned. With regard to the structure the film consists of almost entirely flashbacks and the revisiting of a dead mans best associates and acquaintances, including an ex-wife. This film style exhibits how using flashbacks as a films core story telling method can truly capture an audience. It forces viewers to ,like the reporters in the movie, piece together Charles Kane's life and story based on what we learn about his past. Flashbacks had never been quite been used in this style or to this extent. unlike most previous film when the flashback started and continued throughout the entire plot duration and most of the screen duration Citizen Kane continuously goes back in fourth from reality to flashbacks as reporters try and uncover the meaning Charles Kane's last words, "Rosebud". Considering meaning the films has a powerful and significant message. Come to find out Rosebud was the name stenciled onto Kane's sled that he is seen playing with as a child before his parents give him away to wealthy business owner in hopes he will live a better life and become successful. Kane becomes one of the richest men in America but is seemingly ungrateful to the man who assisted him in getting there. An old friend of Kane reveals throughout his life he seems to go to great lengths to try and please those he loved and was always doing things that would make him feel loved. At the end of the movie its revealed the Rosebud sled is in the home where Kane died. This implies that being given away by his parents made Kane strive to achieve a feeling of love and embrace that is unmatched by the love and embrace a child feels from his parents. The message here is that attaining all the fortune and success the world has to offer does not make up for the love we receive from being apart of a family, something Kane was robbed and the only thing money could never buy him.
Taxi Driver (1976)
captivating story
Taxi Driver is one of those movies that stays with audiences afterwards. It depicts the new Hollywood's ability to really tell a story that seems as if it could be something that really happened. Furthermore, it is significant to the beginning of director Martin Scorsese's career as one of the greatest crime drama directors that will ever live. Taxi Driver reveals for the first time the effect things like returning from war, love obsessions, and living amongst a moral disregarding society can have on someone. Travis works as a moonlighting taxi driver and as a result sees the crime ridden and disgraceful underbelly of NYC. Being subject to this in addition to falling for a women who denies him as a result of his inability to act socially acceptable drives him to act in an irrational state. Among other things Travis begins to acquire several handguns (illegally), murders a grocery store thief with an unregistered weapon, seeks to convert a teenage prostitute into a normal girl, and attempts to assassinate a presidential candidate as well as displaying several disturbing outbursts of anger. All the while he his writing home to his parents conveying to them lies about what he does for work. Travis's transformation from a lonely, confused about life Vietnam veteran into a sort of deranged vigilante indicates he is going to do something drastic. The now psychotic looking Travis (got a mohawk and dressed in military uniform) enters the brothel were the teen prostitute works massacring the pimp, his security guard, and a man who the girl was servicing. Travis is praised for his actions and regarded as hero for putting an end to this unethical activity. But it is not clear his intention was to put an end to this wrongdoing or if this was simply the act of a person who was seriously loosing touch with reality. After coming into contact against with the women he fell for the closing scene shows him looking into his rearview mirror with a once again deranged facial expression. The significance this film has is its illustration of a disturbing reality and the story that occurs within that reality. Such a detailed and realistic portrayal of Travis's life would not have been possible in the classic Hollywood, signifying a new standard of what was to come of crime dramas and films in general.
Psycho (1960)
Pushing the envelope
Alfred Hitchcock is one of America's most famous classic Hollywood directors. A contributor to this is his directing of one of America's most famous horror films, Psycho. Aside from being extremely captivating and an overall great film the movie has a lot of significance in terms of both historic significance and social significance. For film history Psycho was one of the first and most iconic films to really push the envelope on what the current rating system, studio exects, and viewers would allow and embrace. The studio was not very keen on the subject matter and screenplay. In anticipation it would be a dud because of what they thought to be its bad taste, Hitchcock was granted a very low budget to make the film and most of the profits were to go to him. This proved to be a mistake. Psycho was a huge hit among audiences and made Hitchcock a very rich and well known director. Audiences praised Hitchcock and the movie. The reason for the studios and some others distaste in the film were its all around subject matter and some of the gory, revealing scenes. Obviously the most notable is the shower scene in which Norman Bates is seen murdering Marion Crane as she takes a shower. The scene was highly controversial because it revealed an unprecedented amount of nudity, blood, and violence for that time period. This kind of event was never (never ever ever) revealed in a film before. It is now easily the most iconic scene in American film history. Despite the controversy audiences were enthralled with the scene and the movie itself. Other controversial scenes included the opening one in which Marion and her lover Sam are featured sharing a bed together with Marion wearing only a bar and a scene where Marion is flushing a toilet that has toilet paper in it. Furthermore there was controversy over how the killer and villain Norman is depicted. Instead of the audience being left with disgust for his action the conclusion of the film makes us feel almost a sense of sorrow for him. It is revealed he committed the heinous crimes because of the psychological abuse he was subjected to by his mother, as a viewer we begin to attribute his horrible acts to being a result of this rather than him being inherently evil. The fact that the film was such monumental success despite its unorthodox subject matter for that time period is significant of the change in attitude toward film subject matter that was occurring in America. Viewers were becoming desensitized and willing to embrace and even enjoy racey material. This shift in attitude signifies the coming end of classic Hollywood and the code era.
The Killing (1956)
Underrated
For being classified as a B rated film when it was released, I found The Killing to be a lot more compelling and a more thorough then many movies from this time period. The most significant aspect of the movie is its organization as non-linear. Before there was a chronological order in most movies but in The Killing different point of views, events, and crucial plot points are out of order. However by the conclusion of the movie we are aware of what has happened to ever character. This is how the movie is thorough, in a sense it leaves no stone unturned. In a lot of crime movies, including film noirs, there is often some supporting characters who we are unaware of what happens to. The Killing is significant (at least to me) because although the story might be slightly unrealistic there is a sense of realism brought to it because we are aware of how each characters involvement in the robbery pans out. Aside from that the key significance is the non-linear approach to the screen duration. This was even perhaps a model for later crime dramas such as Pulp Fiction.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Mind Boggling
Pulp Fiction in my opinion is one of the greatest movies of all time. Whenever I watch a movie that keeps me thinking about meaning for weeks, I know its a good one. I have watched it several times and really attempted to embrace all the aspects of the film. What is most noticeable and significant about the film is its extremely unorthodox presentation of the story. Different parts of the plot are shown out of order during the screen duration. There are essentially three different stories being told that are all in some way connected. Furthermore, there is such a vast amount of symbolism, indirect implications, and metaphors the meaning of the film is very ambiguous. To try review all the different thoughts I have regarding the films significance and meaning would take several pages. In a basic sense I think there is a lot of redemption going on in the film. Jules redeems himself by not killing the restaurant their, Butch redeems himself by saving Marsellus, and Marsellus redeems himself by allowing Butch to live and escape L.A. like he planned. Note that all these characters are alive when we pursue the plot duration is over. Vincent is a key character behind the theory the movie could be about redemption. At no point in the film does Vincent indicate he wishes to make more constructive or morally conscious decisions. We know that Vincent is later killed when he is sent to assassinate Butch. Perhaps his lack of enlightenment is the reason his character does not live and the other who make decisions that defy there stereotypical self remain alive. Regardless the most significant aspect of the film is the fact the meaning is so ambiguous and the story is told in such a scrambled manner.
The Graduate (1967)
unfamiliar scandalousness
The Graduate represents an important time for Hollywood. With a new-era of Hollywood production (no studio monopolies) and the Hayes Code a thing of the past a drastic change in film subject matter was inevitable. In my opinion, the graduate probably exceeded the expectation of what viewers thought they were in for. The movie is about a shy, awkward, confused college graduate (Ben) who winds up in an entangled affair with the older wife of his fathers business partner (Mrs. Robinson). Later after a date with the women's daughter Ben beings to think it is her who he wants to spend the rest of his life with. When Mrs. Robinson is told this she threatens to expose the affair, so Ben goes and beats her to it causing a less then favorable outcome for himself. Despite the daughters newfound hatred he purses her anyway and it seems she is almost falling for him. In light of this the Robinson's attempt to rush her into marriage with another male friend of hers. Ben breaks the wedding up and leaves with the daughter. As far as the films significance for Hollywood it marked an era of film that would deviate from the Hayes Code style films immensely. The idea that a young man would have an affair with a mother and fall in love with her daughter, and viewers could see all the details transpire was very unnatural with regard to past films. Notably Ben and Mrs. Robinson are featured nude in bed together several times. At one point in the film an up close image of Mrs. Robinson's exposed breast is shown. These type of scenes and the subject matter indicated the change in films that was going to ensue. In addition the film does have a more traditional social significance. As confused young Ben pursues different love affairs that are based purely on lust he starts to loose his ability to think rationally. When the daughter expresses her undesirable opinion of him it simply drives him to want her more. He moves to her college town and essentially stalks her and begins to almost force her to consider liking him. When she is to be married Ben drives cross country to break up the wedding. Up to this point all of his actions had been out of lust. When he breaks up the wedding the daughter leaves with him the last scene features them sitting on a bus with a sort of unsure look on their faces. It is as if they are both realizing they weren't acting out of true love. The social significance this illustrates is the dangers of pursuing actions based on lust.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)
Addressing the tough issues
As far as significance goes guess whose coming to dinner unarguably tackles the idea of race, interracial couples, and identifying a generational gap. The acting in this movie is what shows viewers what the significance is. When young Christina brings her fiancée home to meet her parents it is as if she doesn't even notice or at least acknowledge that being he is black. Having grown up in a racially segregated America her fiancée John attempts to address his concern for what both of their parents will think about the arrangement, but he does not see why it cannot work. Christina's liberal parents are confused, hesitant, and taken back by the idea of their daughter marrying a black man. In addition, John's his father completely objects the idea of his son marrying a white women. Here we see the significance of the generational gap that racism caused. The younger adults appear to disregard the idea that skin color should be a deciding factor in companionship. For the older parents this is one of the most standout things they notice about a person. Even though both appear to be perfect for one another their parents cannot surpass the idea they are different races. In they end, they allow the marriage and begin to embrace the idea that color does not matter, only love does. In my opinion this film does something that is seldom done in films that have a race sensitive subject matter. For my own sake I am going to mention it in this review although some may find it insignificant I think it is pretty powerful. In most cases films revolved around black and white racism depict the white people as the clear, dominant, and only ones who have any prejudices against race. Guess Whose Coming to dinner illustrates an inconvenient truth that this is not the case. John's father, a black man, is just as if not more unwelcoming, objective, and angered with his sons desire to marry the opposite race. In fact the white father is willing to think about the idea and holds an open mind whereas the black father does not even consider it when told. He immediately voices his disapproval. The film exhibits the fact the division among races is a two- way street in America. There is not only white people that do not like black people but also black people who are intolerable of white people. Nowadays this truth is entirely disregarded in films regarding race. The significance of this being that the film paints a picture of what real racism in America consists of, it is more than just one against the other but instead a select number of both sides refusing to tolerate each other.
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
comedic fame and the underdog
Singing in the Rain is one of America's most iconic musicals. It captures audience through a mix of music, comedy, and a story we all can appreciate. The film has both cinematic and social significance. As a motion picture the movie truly portrays the idea that musicals don't just be long on Broadway and in the theater industry but there is also a sufficient place for them in Hollywood. I'm hard pressed to picture the on stage performance of singing in the rain being as good as the movie. The sound, color, and lighting aspects of the movie would be hard to replicate and even harder for audiences to recognize and enjoy if it were preformed live. Through use of film technology producers of singing in the rain proved that the ability to edit, use artificial light, and manipulate sound quality has advantages in more than just the average film genera's of that time. Aside from being an benchmark for musical film singing in the rain has a social significance about the underdog presented in a comedic manner. "Stage Actress" Kathy is a dancer who comes into contact with famous silent film actor Don Lockwood. He exposes her talent to his studio and because sound is being incorporated in films they request to use her voice dub over the horrendous voice of Don's co-star and avid admirer Lina Lamont, another famous silent film actor. Over the course of the film Lamont attempts to sabotage the relationship Lockwood and Kathy are developing while she fights to save her acting career intolerable voice. In the end Kathy is exposed as the voice behind Lina Lamont's and she is praised for her talent by the public, earns a job as a real actress, and wins Lockwood.
Mildred Pierce (1945)
The strive to please, and the wrong way to do it
Mildred Pierce is indeed a textbook film noir and a take off point for crime dramas. It's significance for the genera of early crime dramas is really the ending. Because crime dramas in several cases are intended to replicate actual events or at least tell a realistic story the ending is not always one that can be celebrated. In the end of Mildred Pierce, Mildred's daughter is sent to prison for killing her lover who is also Mildred's husband. Her daughter's confession to the murder and the punishment that will follow is inadvertently Mildred's fault, although the daughter deserves it. In the beginning of the film we learn Mildred's original husband Bert cheated on and left her. Following seeing her daughter confess to murder and taken away by authorities the last scene of the movie features Mildred walking away with her ex-husband, Bert. Presumably this suggest the two will leave their pasts behind and pursue a new life together. A women leaving the past behind and starting a new life with her ex-husband after watching their daughter confess to murdering her mothers current husband who she was having an affair with is in no respect a happy or generic film ending. However, this type of conclusion is the pinnacle of crime dramas. Often in crime dramas, villains (the current husband in this case) will get away, the ideal "good guy" (Mildred Pierce) will face an ambiguous future, and the characters collectively are not better off in a fairly tale like environment where everything worked out. Furthermore, the film as a social significance about the dangerous of trying to make please people, especially loved ones, through the use of money and material possessions. In order to win her daughters approval when Mildred becomes a wealthy restaurant owner she proceeds to buy and give to her daughter ever possession and opportunity she ever wanted. Instead of creating a loving and fruitful relationship this approach instills in the daughter a spoiled greedy attitude and an extreme lack of respect for her mother.
Casablanca (1942)
nobility and redemption, not to mention specs
Aside from being one standout film with respect to the technical aspects Casablanca also entertains some very high quality characters. Through use of lighting, both high and low key the film creates a powerful ambiance that enhances the audiences perception of the different emotions characters are feeling at a given time. Regarding significance Rick Blaine exhibits a persona that reflects a man with noble character. Although he originally planned to flee a soon to be Nazi invaded country with his ex-lover and at the same time frame her husband for a crime, he realized the error of his ways and acts in great redemption before his lies destroy the life of an innocent man. Initially when his ex-lover and him reconnected, after they had spent some time together when she ended up in the same town as him, they orchestrated a plan to have her husband arrested for stealing exit visas and then use those exit visas to flee the country together. During the time in which the plan was to be carried out Rick does otherwise. He sees to it that the husband is not arrested and that he and his wife get a plane with the exit visas. Although his ex-lover demands to stay with him he persuades her to leave with her husband by telling her she will regret it. What is noble about this is Rick overcomes his sense of lust for the women and assets that she carry out the life she promised her husband by marrying him. This deviates from the common result of films that have forbidden lovers. Whereas most movie characters subdue to the lust they feel Rick acknowledges the importance of faithfulness and respect for another man over desire. This type of significance is seldom found in films but Casablanca is an immaculate display of such. Among other messages I feel this was the films most important and iconic one.
Stagecoach (1939)
True Colors and Redemption
Westerns are not typically renown for exhibiting depth, emotion, and evident truths about human nature. Unlike many of John Ford and John Wayne's other films this Western challenges that stereotype. The film has significance in what it illustrates regarding social attitudes, exposing the truths and who people really are, and celebrating redemption. Furthermore, this film differs from other westerns in the sense that the epic battle scene is not it's most memorable aspect. A key relationship in the film that ensues is the one between fugitive John Wayne and the marshal responsible for bringing him to justice and inevitable incarceration. After the lengthy, dangerous, and dramatic these men exhibit there true colors and the result is an iconic redemption for both of them. In the heat of a battle against native American attackers Wayne rises to the occasion and essentially saves the passengers from being killed. We see here that he is not a criminal but rather a well intentioned man willing to act for the good of those around him, his assistance in getting everyone to safety is his redemption. In turn, the marshall who appears a stringent law-abiding enforcer sees that Wayne is not a man who deserves to be in prison. In light of this new perception, the marshall lets Wayne go and begin a life with Dallas, the women he has fallen in love with. This exhibits the Marshall's true colors. Rather than the strict enforcer he is a man that appreciates good, thoughtful actions and is willing to reward them. The release of the Wayne is the Marshall's redemption. Stagecoach has significance regarding social attitudes because of the perception and treatment some of the characters display toward the former prostitute, Dallas. In a scene where all the characters are sitting down to dinner a few are disgraced with the idea of sharing a table with Dallas given her past. In the end however, they are forced to look past this when they must host the idea they all may be killed in the Indian attack. At the point the characters pasts become irrelevant to one another and they seem to embrace a sense of togetherness in what could be their last moments alive.
My Man Godfrey (1936)
Don't judge a book by its cover
My Man Godfrey has significances that are prevalent in both film and real life. Godfrey is a depression era homeless man hired by a socialites daughter to be the new family butler. Godfrey is a good worker who is praised by the head of the family, that being the father. Of the two daughters the younger, ditzy childish, one who hires Godfrey falls in love with him. The older daughter, suspicious and unwelcoming, dislikes Godfrey and even plots to have him arrested. Although the family is led to believe Godfrey is a bottom-class nobody who luckily become there butler they are proved wrong. It turns out Godfrey hails from a very wealthy family in Boston, he was trying to prove himself as a worthy individual rather than a brat from a rich family after he was betrayed by love. The significance here is that we never really know who someone is even if we think we do. People hold dear to them secrets about their past and they often do not come out until we have known them for sometime. What Godfrey appeared to be was in fact the exact opposite of what he really was. Furthermore, the family also is not what they appear to be. In the end the father is informed that because of excessive spending by his family they are now broke. Godfrey then reveals he invested the money he was paid wisely and is going to save the family from bankruptcy. In addition he also develops the dump he once lived in into a high-saluting restaurant/hang out for the high class. In further generosity he assures all his once homeless friends now have jobs. The significance here is that using your good fortune to help others, instead of only yourself, will truly make you feel wealthy and fulfilled. Instead of just being a rich heir in boston Godfrey sets out to make a name for himself and is not only able to do so but also help others in the process. In the conclusion we see Godfrey has found true bliss and happiness as he sits in his office and the women he loves comes to marry him. Essentially, this illustrates that good things happen to good people.
Frankenstein (1931)
There is more than one monster
Frankenstein has a very interesting significance. What we see here is a man (Dr. Frankenstein) become so obsessed with his ambition to create humane life, and essentially play god, his monstrous actions result in his own actual creation of a monster. In his attempt to create a human Dr. Frankenstein is introduced at the beginning of the movie as he goes around digging up graves and taking bodies from execution sites. Using these stolen bodies he takes parts of each and creates a "man-made" man, in a literal sense. The doctor is spending so much time and become so obsessed with this project his fiancée and friend begin to worry about him. Prior to bringing the creature to life the doctor appears almost deranged. He embraces the idea that the monster has never lived because he created it despite that it is made of once living humans. The monster is then brought to life and appears seemingly gentle but unsure about its existence. As it twitches for the first time the doctor proclaims he now knows what its like to be god. After convincing the doctor agrees the monster must be killed but before it can be done it escapes. While free the monster is responsible for the death of a young girl and as a result the downs people seek to murder it. The significance we can see here is that when our ambitions are unethical and we go to unethical lengths to pursue them, the end result will be unfavorable not only to us but also everyone in our surroundings. Not only that but such an obsession as the one Dr. Frankenstein has can drive even wise men to act irrationally and not think things through. this significance is perhaps responsible for the subject matter of horror films that is still seen today. A seemingly good person looses sight of morals, rational thinking, and overall reality to pursue a goal that does more harm then good.
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
key is lying, blackmail, and betrayal holding you down
Mervyn LeRoy's film illustrates a lot of interesting social tendencies and aspects prevalent in American life. James Allen (Paul Muni) returns home and as a veteran is hard pressed readjusting to his old life and decides to make a change and travel the country working. Although it was moderately insignificant to the plot, This could have potentially been a very subtle way of depicting what it was like to come home from war and be confused about what to do with life. After being innocently involved in a robbery in the south Allen is sentence to work on a chain gang for what will seemingly be the rest of his life, or at least a very long undetermined about of time. The chain gang is under the supervision of harshly abusive leaders who make life difficult for the prisoners. In this instance we see men come together for the good of each other to try and combat, or at least his the pain of, being so badly treated. A fellow prisoner helps him escape the life by distracting the guard. This shows how in situations where people are collectively being mistreated they will assist each other in anyway possible as a result of being brought together. The most significant aspect of the film is its iconic message regarding secrets, lies, betrayal, and blackmail holding people down. When Allen escapes he goes to Chicago, starts becoming successful, and enters a relationship with a women named Marie. Later when Marie finds out about Allen's past she threatens to expose his identity if he does not marry her. He then enters the relationship that turns out to be an unhappy one for the both of them, but Marie stays with him presumably for his wealth. The significance here is that blackmail can yield unhappy results for everyone involved. After informing Marie he wants to divorce her for a local socialite he has fallen in love with Allen is exposed by his wife. After much resistance and deliberation Allen is sent back to the prison camp to serve a 90 day sentence that was promised by the authorities. Once again he is betrayed by not only his wife, for exposing him, but also the prison camp authorities as once Allen is there he realizes he will be incarcerated for much longer than 90 days. In light of this Allen and the prisoner who assisted him before make a daring escape. Allen then returns to Chicago where he secretly meets up with the socialite he fell for, in the end he tells her his secret that he is a wanted fugitive represents a chain around his life that will last forever. The significance here is that secrets and lies can suffice as a type of imprisonment.
The Circus (1928)
a good start
Considering silent films are the original models of the type of films that entertain us today, I'd say The Circus reflects a lot of trends that are still prevalent in the cinema industry. The movie features the silly, underdog-type character (Charlie Chaplin), the gorgeous damsel in distress character (Merna Kennedy), the oppressor (Al Ernst Garcia), and the strapping, masculine, and skillful character (Harry Crocker). As in a lot of films familiar to us today in The Circus we have the underdog and the damsel in distress brought together by there ill-treatment they receive from the oppressor. As in most cases the underdog falls for the damsel and later when the masculine ideal man comes into the picture the underdog attempts to compete with him. unlike more modern films in The Circus the underdog does not win the girl over instead she falls for the more masculine character. The significance in the circus is its success likely help ignite this trend that we still see in films today. The subject matter of it is versatile and can be used in anything from comedies to horror films.
The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
Overall Good
I have to note that the characterization in this film is very good. It is as if you can really hear and see the pain each character is experiencing. For example when Tom first meets Casy the viewer can easily identify that he has drawn drastically far from his former beliefs and life as a preacher. Henry Fonda (Tom) does a phenomenal job of portraying the sort of rough around the edges but good hearted type. Most of his significant plot developing actions consist of him perhaps doing the "wrong thing" but for the right reason for instance when he hits the sheriff. Because the film is centered around depression era Midwest farmers it may be difficult to connect with on a personal level. That said, one thing any whole hearted person can relate to in this film is the love and dedication we have for our families, how important it is, and how it truly reveals itself in times of hardship. To me that was the overwhelming social significance of the film. In the end when Tom is forced to skip town because of the sheriff he tells his mother he plans to fight for injustice. Although it is definitely sad I feel as if Tom gains fulfillment from using his edge and aggression to combat unfairness. Weather it was Casy's attacker or the Sheriff it was clear Tom did what he did for the right reasons and felt good about it despite the consequences. Symbolically as we see Tom off to seek his fulfillment it appears his family may be fortunate enough to seek theirs too as they hear of work north of the camp.
Overall touching film and I enjoyed it. On a side note I think their truck may have been the inspiration for The Hollywood Hillbillies.
Dracula (1931)
Stage Setting Horror Film
Dracula is undoubtedly a very well scripted and in my opinion well acted horror film. I find it far fetched from your average monster movie because Dracula is immensely different from a character like Frankenstein. In this film we see a monster with what seems to be a conscious and personality. We can tell by his murderous and sometimes hostile actions that Count Dracula is not a regular human, in fact his evil doings are what make him monstrous. However, as a viewer we can see the obvious human characteristics he posses. The way Dracula lures victims in, such as Renfield, by appearing to be harmless makes the film a lot more interesting and exciting to watch.
I have been a fan of horror films and works for as long as I can remember. From being a kid watching Goosebumps to now enjoying TV shows like true blood I have always enjoyed the horror genera. As I watch the 1931 version of Dracula the overbearing sense of similarity is definitely prevalent. The idea that the most dangerous characters can initially seem harmless is used in Dracula and countless other horror films.
Sherlock Jr. (1924)
Not bad for a silent film
As a person that is not a fan of silent films I must give credit to this one as being better than the standard works of its time. Notably the content and special effects exceed that of other silent films from the 1920's (that I have seen). In comparison to a film such as Charlie Chaplin's "The Circus"; Sherlock Jr. has overwhelmingly more depth where The Circus, like a lot of silent films, is much more frivolous in my opinion.
In regards to the content there is a lot to admire about Sherlock Jr. Buster Keaton plays a hilariously graceless film projectionist who is accused of theft by his loves father. He then attempts to be and then daydreams about being a detective and acquitting himself of the guilt. As he tries to tale the man he believes to be the thief he runs into several comical obstacles. For instance at one point the man Keaton is tailing leads him into a train car and then proceeds to lock him inside of it. The wannabe detective is then forced to run atop the train cars until he can lower himself to safety via a water tower hose that inevitably gets him wet. Sherlock Jr. features many different humorous scenes similar to this one. In my opinion, unlike the circus the comedy in this movie is more subtle and less childish allowing the viewer to maintain more respect for the main character (Buster Keaton).
In regards to special effects this film is nothing short of exceptional for the silent film era. There are several different stunts and scenes that are comparable to ones featured in movies that proceeded the 1920's. The car that is driven by Keaton into the river and then used as a boat once in the water is the best example of the high quality special effects in this film. As a viewer it leaves me wondering; how did they do that? and when you can ask yourself that question you have usually just witnessed a successful special effects stunt.
Again, I am not a fan of silent films but I'd be doing an injustice if I did not acknowledge the aspects of Sherlock Jr. that deserve positive recognition. Initially I did find the film slightly difficult to follow however, that may have been due to a lack of interest. Overall I found this film bearable to watch and that is a lot more than I can say for every other silent film I have ever seen.