Casablanca: Screening Report

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

Along with Citizen Kane and the Godfather, Casablanca has over time been regarded as one of the best films of all time.  Although released around the same time as Citizen Kane, this film hit and emotional soft spot in audiences because it hit close to home.  Casablanca was released during a hard time in the world, World War II had broken out and everyone was on edge.  Stories from what was going on in Europe disgruntled everyone, and those who were living through it wanted an escape.  And their escape was America.  But to get to America they first had to get to Moroccan city of Casablanca, the final stop before refugees can finally get to America.  This movie takes place right in the middle of the war.  Which hit close to home.  During that time all you would hear on the news would be stories coming out of Europe and how life was over there.   The stories of war and escape are stories that we have read in books and this movie shows the struggles and challenges many faced while trying to escape a Nazi Europe to America.

            This movie was also released at a point where studios were using their power and influence in the movies theatres were playing.  Studios would make big blockbuster films that were guaranteed to make a lot of money but would also make B-list movies and force theatres to play them alongside the big budget movies.  It was a 2 for 1 special.  Casablanca was the one of the two.  Although not made for greatness, Casablanca would go on to be a classic movie in film history.  Upon its released although not critically acclaimed the film did receive a number of good reviews.  And eventually was nominated for 8 Academy Awards winning three including Best Picture.

2) Find a related article (on the film, director, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, etc.) and summarize the content.  You may use the library or the internet.

            Casablanca was another film that was shot in black and white but the lack of color just added to the sentiment and emotion of the movie. And although it was not as successful when it was first released, it has since then become a classic.  According to Jeffrey Sheban, author of “After 70 years, ‘Casablanca’ still thrills movie audiences” calls the film “one of the world’s most-watched films” and describes how even though the movie is over 70 years old it still attracts audiences.  (Sheban, 2012)

            In 2012, Casablanca returned to theaters for movie lovers to re-watch the beloved classic.  And many are still enamored by the movie as audiences were back in 1942.  Some comments made about the movie ““I am pretty nuts about it,” ““I usually watch it four times a year..,” and ““I can’t not watch it.”.  The article goes on to point the strong following Casablanca has had over the years. (Sheban, 2012)

Despite the “Hollywood” treatment Sheban points out that Casablanca was not portrayed accurately. (Sheban, 2012)  He described Casablanca in 1942 as the “jewel of the French colonial empire, famous for luscious art deco and neoclassic architecture” (Schemm 2012).  But it producers basically depicted what most Americans assumed the Middle East or more accurately Africa would look like.

The article then takes a look at the numerous now famous one-liners the movie has created stating “many memorable lines from the movie have worked their way into popular culture.” (Sheban 2012) Some one-liners include “Round up the usual suspects,” “We’ll always have Paris,” and “Here’s looking at you, kid,” "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." (Sheban, 2012). He even goes as far to clear up a misquotation that we have supported for over seventy years.

“Play it again, Sam” is a famous misquotation. Bergman’s character, Ilsa Lund, tells piano player Sam (Dooley Wilson): “Play it, Sam. PlayAs Time Goes By.”

                                                                                                (Sheban, 2012)

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.   How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.?

            The article was very interesting did not change my opinion about the movie, but it does clarify for me the legacy of the film.  This article does show how in many ways the film has a strong following.  From the storyline that many can relate to, to a Hollywood version insight to the struggles of those in the middle of the war trying to escape and flee to America.

            In an unusual mix of elements combined do make Casablanca a classic.  With scenes that can be remembered clearly, lines that are still comment and said today, and reactions to the film as if it was released yesterday makes for a long lasting legacy movie.  This film not only told a story that although made for Hollywood did have some bits of history in it but it helped turned the real Casablanca city into a tourist attraction.  The movie has had such a lasting effect that people that have not watched the movie before know what it is and how big it is.  Casablanca has had such a cultural impact on society, it is a movie that no matter your age you see it and you can get a different reaction but still and admire for it.

            The article really touches on most of the cultural impacts the film has had on a new generation. Most of the original audience of Casablanca has probably already passed on so the new generations of audience still love the film.  The article also touches on the cultural impact in Casablanca and how even though in the film the city was portrayed differently it still helped the city.

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

            Casablanca is a film that will be loved by audiences and critics alike for generations to come.  The strong following of the film just speaks volume about how a simple love story can touch so many heartstrings.  A film that for decades has been quoted and misquoted. It is a film that has impacted our culture very deeply.

            Although not every opinion on the movie is echoed everyone does react differently in my opinion that movie takes too long to get to the point and throughout the whole film I felt like I wanted more or the something more was about to happen but every time I was let down.  Besides my humble opinion, the film has a life of its own in the film industry.  It is a classic that people love to watch over and over again. It is one of those movies that some shows like to recreate scenes from.  A film that many have quoted including some quotes that I personally did not know came from the movie so that was refreshing to see.  Like many throughout history, Casablanca is a pop culture phenomenon but unlike the others it keeps on playing.  So play it, Sam!

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: ______________Juan Ortiz___________________  Date: ______3/30/14____________

Reference:

Sheban, Jeffrey. "After 70 years, 'Casablanca' still thrills movie audiences." The Columbus Dispatch. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2014.<http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2012/03/20/on-that-you-canrely.html>.

Schemm, Paul . "'Casablanca' | Classic film's legacy still evident in port city." The  Columbus Dispatch. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2014.  <http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/travel/2012/12/02/1-classic- films-legacy-still-evident-in-port-city.html>.

Citizen Kane: Screening Report

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

            Citizen Kane has been revered as the best film of all time, this according to the American Film Industry. In 1998 AFI constructed a list of the best films from the past 100 years.  Released in 1941 this movie was released during the peak of the “golden age of Hollywood” it had so much going for it, but it did not go as well at first.  All the critics praised the filmmaking and the movie itself but audiences did not take to the movie at first and was considered a commercial failure.             

William Randolph Hearst

            The film was basically blacklisted when it was first released. Many did not want to see it because the movie too closely resembled the life of William Randolph Hearst and felt that it was an attack on his character and persona.  Hearst owned many newspapers and he refused to publish and ads, stories or reviews about the film, he did not want to bring any attention to the film. Although critics loved the film, the audience was not drawn to the negative attention.  It wouldn’t be until much later that the film would be judged on basically what it is, a movie.

            In a historical perspective not only is this movie considered a great masterpiece it was also innovative.  His means of photography were innovative in the film.  Although the film was in black and white, one could still see the differences in lighting to put many people or stuff in the film into perspective.  The deep focus photography used in the film was also innovative.  With this style, it allows everything in the frame to in focus at once.

2) Find a related article (on the film, director, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, etc.) and summarize the content.  You may use the library or the internet.  

            This movie in my opinion is fascinating. From its release and the controversy surrounding it, to the actual film itself and the filmmaking and the beautiful artistry that went behind it.  When doing research on this film I had to find two articles that talk relatively about the controversy and the film as a whole.

            In an article by PBS regarding a show they did called “The Battle over Citizen Kane” they discussed the controversy surrounding the film.  In they article they describe the film as a "brutal portrait of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst” (PBS, 1997).  After Hearst found out about the film, he decided to go against it, and tried his best to shut the film down. And partly he succeeded.  Even Hollywood’s elites “rallied” with Hearst to try to get the negatives burned so the movie could never see the light of day. (PBS 1997) All of this because Hearst felt the film was made with the intent to discredit him (PBS 1997).  And Hearst got his way because the movie was a commercial failure and “it would be nearly a quarter-century before Citizen Kane was revived.” (PBS 1997) The movie was nominated for nine Academy Awards but during the ceremony, every time the movie’s name was called out the audience booed. (PBS 1997)

            But there was a reason why the film was nominated for nine awards, despite the content the filmmaking was outstanding.  Although in black and white, there was still so much life in the color.  According to Roger Ebert, Citizen Kane “makes great use of darkness and shadow” (Ebert, 1991).  The movie tells a sad story about a very rich, successful, influential person in American journalism and society and the black and white helps you feel even worse for Kane.  And the visual helped set the theme for the movie, Ebert says the Welles “created a gloomy, dark visual style for the picture” and it worked (Ebert, 1991).

While its initial release the movie was “black-booked” (Ebert, 1991), Hollywood studios would forbid their theaters show the film, so many people did not see it.  But now over 70 years later it is revered as a classic Hollywood and film masterpiece and as one of the best movies of all time.

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.   How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.?

            While watching the movie, I understood the fascination with the filmmaking and the way he used the black and white to deepen and sadden the theme of the film but I was not the much interested in the film as I was to see what all the buzz was about.  Prior to watching the film, I had heard about it and how it was supposed to be the best film of all time so I was excited to watch it.  But was more interested in the controversy surrounding it.

            The article where they discussed all the trouble Hearst went, to get as little amount of people to watch is kind of comical.  And it intrigues me to see why he wanted to ban the film.  But it was Ebert’s review that helped me see the film in a new light after seeing it.  Welles had carefully planned every detail into this movie. Every person, car, clothes, place, thing, detail had a role in the movie.  From one word, “Rosebud” which is what the whole movie is about, to a snow globe, to the shadows and the light, they all had major roles not only in production but in the film as well.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.  I am less interested in whether you liked or disliked a film, (although that can be part of this) than I am in your understanding of its place in film history or the contributions of the director.

            Citizen Kane is one of those movies that no matter your personal opinion there is already a universal law about this movie.  So my opinion on the film does not matter, whether I liked it or not, this movie does belong in the list where it is now.  It is a captivating film that’s images and color drag you into the film.  Everything in the film was carefully calculated and placed exactly where they are.  It’s a mystery movie.  The mystery of a man’s life and last words, a sad movie about a rich, successful influential man who had everything but had nothing at the same time.

            The movie has and is surrounded by controversy ever since it first was released. It was a film that represented an alleged harsh view of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. And Hearst himself boycotted the film by not even mentioning, reviewing or writing about it.  He temporarily succeeding the film was only shown in a number of theaters

. But the critics loved the film because it was excellent filmmaking.  Each shot; each frame had an emotion behind it.  For me the black and white motif made the film even sadder, it makes you feel bad.  The rhythm of the film also made it sad and helps the content.  When he is young the movie is fast paced and fun while when he has aged the films moves slower and drags on a bit which make it all a bit sadder. 

            Citizen Kane is the movie of all movies.  It has everything you look for in a movie; mystery, humor, darkness and emotion. Citizen Kane is an amazing film, it’s captivating, interesting and there is controversy.  It’s juicy!

  

Reference:

PBS. "The Battle over Citizen Kane." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.             <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/kane2/index.html>.

Ebert, Roger. "'Citizen Kane' a masterpiece at 50." All Content. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014. <http://www.rogerebert.com/rogers-journal/citizen-kane-a-masterpiece-at-            50>.

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) (xx  ) 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: __________Juan Ortiz___________________  Date: _______3/20/14________

            

Stagecoach: Screening Report

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

            By the late 1930s some movie genres were loosing their appeal to the American audience.  Dramas, comedies and action films were the popular genres of the late thirties. This era is now also known as the “Golden Age of Hollywood” because so many successful and innovative movies were being released between 1930s and 1940s.  Such classics include, Snow White, Citizen Kane, The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind and Stagecoach.

            One of these films is not like the others. Stagecoach is the only western in the list of classics during that time.  The film, directed by John Ford, was the first Western film of its kind during its time.  Stagecoach revitalized what the Western film was and catapulted the genre back to A-status.  At the time it is alleged that Ford was told that directing this film would destroy his career. But he did it anyway and it went on to be nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning two of them.

           

2) Find a related article (on the film, director, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, etc.) and summarize the content.  You may use the library or the internet.  

            The western had a great track record up until sounds started evolving in film. Western films made great silent films and some of the greatest silent films in early film history were Western films. (Wainer, 2014)  But the western during this time was not getting much attention, as the big studios “no longer saw the genre as a viable form” (Wainer, 2014) of film.  They had other visions and to them the western was “cheap and juvenile” (Wainer 2014). 

            The article by Alex Wainer entitled, ‘Stagecoach': The Classic Western Rolls into Hollywood discusses the sudden rise of the Western into popular mainstream Hollywood in 1939.  In this article Wainer states that “Ford made “Stagecoach,” long acclaimed as the beginning of the mature Western genre, a field he would dominate for the next generation.” (Wainer 2014)  Following the success of “Stagecoach”, Ford would go on to direct 16 more Western films.

            Ford being known as a classic directing icon, his style of shooting is very important and pleasing in the film.  Known for his long and wide shots (Wainer 2014), Stagecoach was filled with beautiful shots of the setting. “The wide shots of the stage moving across the plains are angled to make the sky weigh heavily upon the small band of threatened characters.” (Wainer 2014)

            The plot of the film was a very interesting one. In all, it is a love story but it’s more about the adventure and the bond the nine people aboard the stagecoach create by risking their lives and taking the long trip to Lourdsburg. The “uneasy mix” (Wainer, 2014) includes a prostitute, an alcoholic doctor, a whiskey salesman, a gambler, a soldier’s pregnant wife, a corrupt banker, and an outlaw. All risking their lives.

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.   How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.?

            The article refreshed my memory about the movie and made me go revisit some clips and I paid very close attention to the way Ford was shooting the landscape and the setting and in doing that the landscape becomes a character in itself. He knew what he was doing in order to make all the scenes more realistic he had to make realistic establishing shots to let the audience know where the characters are and where they are going. 

            I even watched some clips of other of Ford’s western and although the plot in completely different, his style kind of stayed the same.  The way he shoots his landscaping scenes is very pleasing to the eye.

            It is because of Ford’s Stagecoach that western movies were revitalized and were being done again because the audience had a newfound interested in the genre. The article really makes me understand the impact this movie had on an entire genre and industry.  The film was released during films peak, everyone was going to watch movies and these movies just keep getting better and better. 

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

            This film is also a part of number of films during this time that tend to have a social comment and deal with social issues that a lot of American were have or will go through in their own way.  One issue that this film deals with is social prejudice.  How in those times one had to live by the social standards of one town and how not living up to those standards was frowned upon. Take for instance, “the prostitute” she did not fit in with the other women in town so she was rushed off and forced to leave town. Even during their travels sometimes they even wouldn’t refer to her as a lady. 

            In my opinion the movie was okay, not my favorite type of movie but the scenery and landscape shots by Ford are very beautiful and you get a feel for what they are going through and where. My favorite scene in the movie was the chase scene where they are being attacked by the Apache’s the scenery there was very beautifully done.

            This movie although great or not had and has a great legacy in the film industry it made directors want to shoot more Western films and gave the American audiences more choices when choosing what movie to choose next. It is a great milestone for not only the genre, the director John Ford who would go on to win multiple Oscars for best Director, and for the actors in the film.  John Wayne made his debut on this film and he goes on to make many more films.

So let’s hear it for Stagecoach!

Works Cited:

Wainer, Alex. "'Stagecoach': The Classic Western Rolls into Hollywood." 'Stagecoach':             The Classic Western Rolls into Hollywood. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2014.             <http://www.breakpoint.org/features-columns/articles/entry/12/24215>.

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: __________Juan Ortiz________________  Date: _________3/12/14_________

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Screening Report

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

            During the thirties the film industry was still experiment with different new technologies including color and sound.  In a short amount of time the film industry had changed a lot.  From the time that The Gold Rush was released in 1924 to the time Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released in 1937 film had undergone a complete change.  There was now color, sound and music. 

            Along with other new technologies also came new ways to make movies like animation.  Many studios and filmmakers were racing to be the first to advance their reputation in being the pioneer in animation.

            The winner would turn out to be Walt Disney who debuted a now classic and iconic character, Mickey Mouse, in the animated short Steamboat Willy. And throughout the decade of the thirties Mickey would continue to make appearances but now with more color and sound. The short, The Band Concert in 1935 was the first animated short feature to be produced in color.  This short would become one of Disney’s most acclaimed animated features.  After many studios were producing animated shorts throughout the thirties now came another competition.

            Now the race was on to see who can produce the first even full-length animated feature. And in 1937 Walt Disney released the first ever full-length animated feature with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.  The release was both a critically and commercial success. And still today is a movie that audiences love to go see. With re-releases still outselling new movies today.

2) Find a related article (on the film, director, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, etc.) and summarize the content.  You may use the library or the Internet.  

            Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is still relevant in every child’s memory as it is a childhood classic.  In 2012 the film celebrated its 75^th anniversary and in the article “75th anniversary of 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'” by Erin Johnston examines the film in a history and cultural perspective.  The article goes further to detail all the innovative and major doors this film would open.  Johnston goes on to say that Snow White would “set the stage for Disney innovation in a number of other ways” (Johnston, 2012).  This would be the first instance in which a film’s soundtrack would be released for purchase to the public (Johnston, 2012).  This was also the first film to use a now common practice of using human actors performing bodily movements and facial expressions as models to “recreate these portrayals in animated production” (Johnston, 2012).

            Snow White’s historic premiere occurred on December 21, 1937. Tickets were sold for $5 (in 1937 currency), which in today’s economy would be $79.94 (Johnston, 2012) so this was a big deal.  And even though a steep price “opening night was sold out” (Johnston, 2012) and apparently had some very famous guests including Shirley Temple and Judy Garland (Johnston, 2012).

            Snow White’s legacy can be seen even today, 75 years later. It has been considered in charts of best movies of all time including AFI’s 100 years…100 Movies list where it landed at the number 49 spot. And the Evil Queen takes the tenth worst villain in the 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains (Johnston, 2012). 

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.   How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.?

            After reading how innovation Snow White was really opened my eyes to the film.  Growing up it was my least favorite of the Disney childhood movies (The Little Mermaid, Lion King, Cinderella etc…) and when I was doing my research on the movie after our lecture in class and reading the text I didn’t realize how much of a big deal this movie was as the first animated full-length movie. Not only that but it was the first animated musical and the first movie to release a soundtrack for public purchase.  When we were little we used to buy soundtracks all the time, so it was interesting knowing where it all started. 

            Also this movie was really expensive to make.  It cost $1.4 million to create but the return was very favorable as it made $8.5 million globally so it was money well spent.  This movie was like one of the first really big blockbusters for the film industry and Disney himself.

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

            The movie itself in my opinion kind of drags along and doesn’t get to the plot.  It wonders on through from song to song without actually getting to a point.  My favorite part of the movie deals with the dwarfs and when they first return to their house and noticing something was wrong.  That was a very enjoyable and likable scene and the best in the movie.  From there it does not get interesting until the very end when the Evil Queen begins her plotting.  In my opinion the sequence with the Evil Queen could have been extended but Disney knew what he was doing. 

            Historically the movie was a breaking ground film.  The first full-length animated film that was in color, had sound and music.  During the time this film was released many were trying to be the first to release a full-length animated film.  The film industry was still going through a lot of change. It was still trying to figure things out with they new technology and new ways of making film that seemed to appear every year.  Snow White was a movie that movie that started it all. The film had music that captured our hearts and the music that would become a staple in animated films.  Disney films are now known for not only their amazing and fantasy story lines but also for their music.  Almost every Disney animated movie has music and can be easily recognized for its music.  Animated films have been in our childhood for generations and they will continue to be, thank you to Walt Disney.  

            Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a movie that although is over 75 years old it is an all time classic that will keep children entertained for generations to come.  A movie that even if your are young or old, one cannot be help but be captured by the music, storyline and the dwarfs, especially Grumpy.

References:

Johnston, Erin. "75th anniversary of 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'."Examiner.com.             N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2014. <http://www.examiner.com/article/75th-anniversary-            of-snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs-1>.

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: _____________Juan Ortiz_________________________  Date: ____3/2/14______________