Ideological Analysis on Fracture (2007)

The review that I am using to analyze the film Fracture in an Ideological method is written by Justin Chang and was published on Variety.com on Friday, April 13, 2007. My argument using Ideological Analysis is that Willy Beachum (Ryan Gosling) was heroic to put his moral values before his career when he choose not to use the false evidence of the bullets in court. Instead, with his strong work ethic, found another way to get the crazy killer, Ted Crawford (Anthony Hopkins), behind bars. Justin Chang voices his opinion on Willy's moral dilemias throughout the film:

Willy is saddled with such ethical quandaries throughout -- at one point, a vengeful [Rob] Nunally [Billy Burke] suggests they falsify evidence -- and the story is as much invested in his personal and professional choices as it is in the trial's outcome.

In response to Justin's quote, Willy is determined to win his case due to his hard work ethic and to keep his positive reputation, so he can move on to his job offer at a private, up-scale law firm. Willy is stuck playing head games with Ted Crawford who is malicious and carries out his creative murder plan in a cool, stubborn manner. Willy is tempted to use the false evidence of a bullet that was cotton-swabbed in a lab with Ted's DNA to end the case, so he can move on to his new job offer and work under his love interest, Nikki Gardner (Rosamund Pike).

However, Willy decides against using the false evidence in court and instead uses his creative and intellectual mind to accuse Ted with homicide once Ted pulls the plug on his wife, whom he shot and was stuck in a coma, so she would not wake up and reveal that her husband was the one that shot her.

Review of Hero (2002)

Blogger: Researching and Writing About Film - Create Post This movie review on Hero was written by Anthony Leong on Media Circus. The interesting history of China adds spice to this film's plot. This review discusses the plot of the movie, which took place when the kingdoms in China were fighting over reign of the country until finally China was united into the first dynasty of China. Leong relates the fight of the kindoms to the business world, which is an interesting comparison.
This review discusses the amazing cast of actors and actresses that were involved in this well-acclaimed film. According to Leong,

"...fans of Hong Kong cinema could not ask for a better dream cast."

Hero was nominated for Best Foreign Film Oscar before being released in North America in 2003.

Zhang Yimou

The biography of Zhang Yimou that is written by Mary Farquhar was published on the Senses of Cinema website. This biography describes how Zhang has impacted and influenced the Chinese Cinema. He actually works as a director the People's Republic of China. Yimou has redefined the Chinese Cinema through displaying the theme of modernity, which is not necessarily accepted into such a traditionally acclaimed country. Yimou is part of the Fifth Generation directors. This group of directors try to be daring, different, and try to redefine the China as we know of it today. Although Zhang has had many acclaimed films, Judou and Raise the Red Lantern is probably known as his masterpiece.

Review of Three Kings

"KPaul" is the user who wrote on the movie blog called Moov Goog. This blog was written on December 31, 2002.
The blogger speaks of how consumerism has affected our lives, which was demonstrated throughout the movie when the soldiers were surrounded by gold and other fine possessions. Also, how the soldiers seemed more concerned with the gold they found in Iraq that was stolen from Kuwait instead of their real purpose for fighting this war. KPaul states,

"While romping through Iraq after the gold, the heroes seem oblivious to the pain and suffering of the Iraqi people around them. The movie is also filled to the brim with reminders of how consumerism and materialism have affected all of our lives - how sometimes people think more about the objects and material things rather than human suffering and emotion."

In addition, the blogger speaks of how violence is not glorified in this film. This is rare because most war films send the opposite message.

After Desert Storm

This article by Daniel Pipes was found on danielpipes.org. Daniel Pipes is the director in charge of the Middle East Forum. He also is a visiting professor at Pepperdine University, and has worked as a columnist in many well known newspapers such as the New York Sun, Jerusalem Post, L'Opinione, La Razón, Australian, and Globe and Mail. According to the Wall Street Journal,

"...[Mr. Pipes] is an authoritative commentator on the Middle East."

The article written by Daniel Pipes, "After Desert Storm, No Real Changes," offers an interesting view of what is really happening in the Middle East, as oppose to all the filtered media we receive from the media in the United States.
Daniel Pipes comments that this war has been the biggest war since World War II, except this war is affecting our control over our oil supply. However, the United States has made some successful efforts to better this corrupt political system. Despite all these efforts, the fighting in the Middle East has not changed after Desert Storm. Pipes explains that the people in the Middle East have never been at peace due to religious conflicts and corrupt politics that care more about "political passions" as oppose to what is better for their economy.
Mr Pipes is warning American to be careful on how one approaches the corruption in Iraq by knowing our boundaries and limits, and specifically addressing problems within the state.

Russell Has 'Anchored' His Career In the Film Industry

Audiences were jumping for joy after seeing the hysterical film, Anchorman. The director of Three Kings, David O. Russell, was the executive producer of this famous and well-acclaimed movie.
This trailer from YouTube gives an overview of the film.






The site IMDb, Earth's Biggest Movie Database, contained some good information on Anchorman. The site has the plot overview, the cast and directing/producing crew, awards and nominations, photos, the film's genre, the specific locations where the scenes were shot, and its soundtrack. The site also has message boards, user comments from viewers whom have seen the movie and feel the need to express their opinions, and an area that recommends similar movies if you enjoyed Anchorman.

The Work of David O. Russell

The Director of Three Kings, David O. Russell, is well known throughout Hollywood. His works have been accepted and applauded by many movie viewers.
One site, IMDb (Earth's Biggest Movie Database), gives some brief background information on David O. Russell and an overview of the films that he has worked with during his career.
Another site that I found to be informative on Russell was under Yahoo! Movies. This site gave an informative read of the biography of David O. Russell, his credentials in the film industry, photos, and his nominations and awards.
In the biography, there is a mention of an interesting fact on Russell's background that is unique to his past. According to Yahoo! Movies,

"Russell did not attend film school, nor did he set out to become a filmmaker; rather he was a political organizer and literacy teacher. But an urge to tell stories led him to make three short films..."

I think you will find David O. Russell's past and his work in film quite interesting.

Historical Events in Donnie Darko

The unique film Donnie Darko takes place in the year 1988. This particular year had a lot of relevance on our country's political history. The year of 1988 was when the Bush vs. Dukakis election campaign took place.
Nicholas Katers, the author of the article "Election of 1988:Bush, Dukakis, and the Liberal Democratic Failure," is a history graduate and has published work in published in SEAC's Threshold magazine, Generationvote.com, Internationalist Magazine, and ten academic works. This particular article was published on www.associatedcontent.com, which is a site for various types of media.
The election campaign of Bush vs. Dukakis not only took place in the time period that Donnie Darko is set in, but there is a scene in the movie where Mr. Darko, Donnie's father, is watching the election campaign debate on television. Even though this is the only scene that visually displays the Bush vs. Dukakis election campaign, the film sends a message about the politics of 1988.
The article, "Election of 1988:Bush, Dukakis, and the Liberal Democratic Failure," discusses the conflict and hostility that was present throughout the fight for presidency. Nicholas Katers states that

"Bush, no stranger to negative campaigning, took every opportunity to discredit Dukakis as a dangerous and radical liberal."

Bush played a very competitive role in order to win the position of presidency. According to the opinion of Nicholas Katers

"Dukakis attempted to play the role of patriot by riding in a tank but he looked more like a little boy playing general than a potential commander in chief. Dukakis’ attempt to walk the line between liberals... and moderates...failed to get the party out from under the popularity of the Reagan-Bush administration."

This article displays how rough the competition was for the presidency.
The fact that the movie included the campaign shows how relevant this election was for the time period of the film. Donnie Darko uses symbolism to express views of our country's political state and redefines what it means to be Left. The film expresses a low opinion for the democrats and does not approve of the Dukakis candidate.

Ideological Analysis on Transamerica

"Transamerica" the title of the ideological essay that analyzes the film Transamerica, which was published on the site Salon.com. This particular site contains articles and essays that not only critique and discuss films, but comics, arts and entertainment, news and politics, books, community, life, sports, technology and business, online letters to the editor, and an opinion blog for readers to discuss with one another the various topics addressed on this site. Stephanie Zacharek, the author of the essay "Transamerica," is a well-known American film and music critic, whom writes frequently for Salon.com and Rottentomatoes.com.
The argument that Stephanie Zacharek is trying to make about the film Transamerica is that transsexuality is not a normal behavior that one should engage in; therefore, disagreeing with the film's belief that transsexuality should be more accepted by our culture, and not seen as abnormal. This particular film expresses the opinion that transsexuals should not be considered bizarre and are people like you and me.

Stephanie Zacharek states in her article "Transamerica," feels like a lesson in tolerance, pleading for us to recognize that transsexuals are just like you and me, even as it can't resist reminding us that they're not.

This essay is a great example of an ideological essay because of its stated argument on the film's take on how our culture views gender issues.

What Does That Mean???

I found a great website that lists film terms and their definitions that contextualize "formalism." The website that I used was created by students for students from Independent Film Channel's (IFC) Film School. Students from IFC received permission to publish their information using the Film Terms Glossary.
I found this website to be a very informative guide since I, like most of the students, do not have a background in the technicalities and term of the film industry. The website contains illustration and examples for the terms, which help to further comprehend the meaning of the word. According to Independent Film Channel's (IFC) Film School,

In order to be knowledgeable about film-making, the vocabulary of film studies and the techniques of cinema, some of the most basic and common terms must be defined.

In addition, the site includes tips on how to critically view a film; therefore, becoming more aware of the mise-en-scene to get a better understanding.

"Donnie Darko, Perfect Example of a 'Cult' Movie"

This article that provides its personal opinion of the film Donnie Darko was found on FutureMoives.com and was written by Nik Huggins. It exemplifies the meaning of what it means to be a cult film. This movie was unpopular and remained unnoticed while it appeared in theaters. However, when the movie was released it began to become a favorite for many viewers. Donnie Darko contains a universal message that uniquely displays the truth of human behavior. Moreover, the film portrays the truth of America's youth. Nick Huggins states,

..it is a film that I believe many viewers will come to cherish as thoughtful, imaginative and moving with a good smattering of the perfect elements that will endear it to a cinema-goer. One specifically who is drawn to a film that stimulates both intellectually and visually, and leaves a lasting emotional mark through its articulation of a number of highly topical themes.

I believe what distinguishes Donnie Darko from other films is how the character of Donnie is portrayed. He is not portrayed as the teenage character that is so typical in many American films.
The themes and events that take place throughout the plot of the film border between abnormal and normal; however, the symbolism and metaphors that these events produce exemplify a deeper meaning that audiences can relate to, such that of fate and of supernatural powers that are much greater than him.

Critique on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

This critical essay from Images: Journal of film and popular culture touches on the outstanding usage of visual effects throughout Harry Potter and the Sorecer's Stone. This film is packed with creative eye-catching scenes that help to illustrate the many settings of Hogwarts. According to Images: Journal of film and popular culture, this particular essay comments on an important point for those who are interested in watching this film:

"...Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is somewhat rushed and reliant upon Harry Potter fans bringing prior knowledge along with them to the movie theater."

In order to get a full understanding of this film it is important to read the book because a lot of scenes from the book are left out due to time. Despite the time constraint, the use of art design and visual effects makes Harry Potter and the Sorecer's Stone a truly unique film that captures audiences under its spell.

Knockoff of Dirty Dancing?? Think again...

Step Up (2006), directed by Anne Fletcher, has swept audiences off their feet. The film was acknowledged with its outstanding incorporation of hip-hop dance throughout the film. The choreography keeps audiences in awe throughout the movie. Beyond the love interests and the hip-hop, Step Up contains an important theme that is central to the film's plot. The film portrays the theme that hard work pays off. Various examples throughout the movie support this theme as Nora Clark (Jenna Dewan) and Tyler Gage (Channing Tatum) go through various obstacles in life until they get the opportunity to do and showcase what they love- dancing. Step Up is an influential film that tells audiences to follow their heart and their dreams even when the path gets a little rocky. This film review highlights the central theme of the movie.

Badlands

The example of the film Badlands was present a lot in the text we are currently reading for the class. I was interested to see what it is about. I found a trailer for the film that helps describe more information on Badlands.

Crash

Crash is the film that I am considering to work with this semester. I first saw this film a couple months ago and really had an impact on me. Crash helps the audience be exposed to pretty much all forms of racism that are present in the world. Not only does this film expose these various types of racism, but makes the audience sympathize and really understand what it is like to live in that character's shoes. One of the most important points of the film is that everyone at some point in their lives will feel stereotyped against. Check out this link that shows clips from the movie, which exposes all the different characters in the film.