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"The Life and Times of Sam Peckinpaw", 2006.
Reviews the book, "If They Move...Kill 'Em" : The Life and Times of Sam Peckinpaw" by David Weddle.
2,360 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper shows how David Weddle has fashioned a tour-de-force biography of one of Hollywood's most controversial directors : Sam Peckinpaw, a man praised as a genius and just as equally reviled by his peers. Through his book, "If They Move...Kill 'Em" : The Life and Times of Sam Peckinpaw", the paper shows us how Weddle manages to connect the dots, and in so doing bridges the professional life of an artistic rebel and the personal hell an independent spirit sometimes faces in Hollywood .
From the Paper
"Sam Peckinpaw was never a man to be trifled with. From his early years in the farm regions of Fresno California where he grew up, to his later skirmishes with the Hollywood establishment, Sam -- or Sammy D as he was known to relatives and family -- seemed to be controlled by inner and often tumultuous forces common to the prestigious Peckinpaw family; the men, all hearty outdoorsmen, who little understood Sam's poetic side, his strong desire for artistic expression."
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History of Lebanese Cinema, 2006.
Examines the effects of war on the film industry in Lebanon.
2,030 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
The paper shows that while the elements that affected Lebanese motion picture are diverse, war remains the major reason behind the metamorphosis of the local film industry, crippling young talents, yet remaining a source of inspiration to many.
Paper Outline:
Thesis Statement
The Different Features affecting Lebanese Motion Picture:
The Setbacks and Promoters
The Duality of War
The Crippling Effects of War on the Film Industry:
The Destruction of Studios and Cinemas
The Talent Drain
The Hidden Benefits of War on the Film Industry:
The Birth of the "Intelligentsia Libanaise"
The Dawn of a New Era
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Those forlorn images of a city split into east and west; Christians and Muslims were stranded amid the tragedies of civil war. Yet, where human values prevailed, those images won Doueiri the International Critics' Award at the Toronto International Festival and the Youth Jury Award at the Valladolid Festival, to name just a few. In "West Beirut" the moments of ephemeral beauty seem to overshadow the rumble of missiles and the echoes of despair. The first batch of fresh strawberries from the farm, a favorite piece of music played on the piano, precious seconds of every day life, are moments unnoticed in time of peace; somewhat like the effects of war on a new era of filmmaking."
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"Saturday Night Live" Comedians, 2005.
This paper describes and compares the lives of two "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) comedians Chris Farley and his idol John Belushi.
2,005 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that both comics John Belushi and Chris Farley followed the same path from Chicago Improv to breakout stardom on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), relying on manic energy, pratfalls and their considerable girth to get laughs. The author points out that both comedians had stellar careers not only on SNL but also in films and other platforms; however, they had overwhelming appetites for food, drugs, alcohol and women. The paper relates that Belushi was the first to die at age 33 followed by Chris Farley's death also at age 33; both deaths were related to drug usage.
Table of Contents
Introduction
John Belushi
Chris Farley
Similarities
From the Paper
"Chris was born to Tom and Mary Anne Farley in Madison, Wisconsin on February 15, 1964. He described himself as a "teacher's nightmare" at Marquette University, where he graduated with a degree in communications and theatre. After Marquette, he performed with the Ark Improv Theatre group and studying under legendary director Del Close (John Belushi and John Candy both worked under Close as well) at the Improv Olympic Theatre. Chris was performing at Second City Theatre in the late eighties when he was discovered by SNL producer Lorne Michaels. Lorne brought him to the cast of Saturday Night Live in the 1990-91 season."
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Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson's "The Rock", 2006.
An enthusiastic review of the movie "The Rock", starring Sean Connery and Nicholas Cage.
1,269 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a very positive review of the film, "The Rock", directed by Jerry Bruckheimer and the late Don Simpson and starring Sean Connery and Nicholas Cage. The paper summarizes and analyzes the film, pointing about both its strengths and its flaws and suggests that it is worth viewing for anyone wishing to indulge in a heart-pumping, action flick.
From the Paper
"Is Alcatraz a movie with meaning? Will it change your perspective of life? I do not think so. However, if you enjoy "action-packed, blow-em up" type of flicks, and you are just looking for pure entertainment, this movie was made for you. It is one of the fastest, slickest, and most fun films of this genre. The Rock "rocks.""
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Foot Binding: A Custom Becomes a Metaphor, 2006.
A study of the Chinese custom of foot binding as it appears in literature and film.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the ancient Chinese custom of foot binding. The paper details the history of this ritual and the socio-cultural role it played in Chinese society. Then the paper turns to an analysis of the metaphoric significance of foot binding in literature and on film. Works studied include the James Michener epic novel "Hawaii" and the film "The Hawaiians", which is based on the novel and the film "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness".
From the Paper
"James Michener explored the Chinese culture in his epic novel Hawaii, which was made into two films, the second of which, The Hawaiians, dealt with the Chinese woman Char Nyuk Tsin, and her husband, Kee Mun Ki. While the practice of foot binding is never a central theme or issue of either the novel or the film, it is an underlying element in the plot structure and character development. Char Nyuk Tsin is a peasant woman of Hakka, a mountain village that traditionally does not bind the feet of their women, since they are required to carry heavy loads up and down steep and rocky terrain. A rival neighboring village practices the custom, considering it a mark of ignorance that their neighbors leave their women's feet to grow naturally.When the Chinese are imported to Hawaii to work in the fields, the first women allowed on the islands are the women with strong, unbound feet. Chinese women with bound feet are not among the early Chinese allowed to relocate in the Hawaiian Islands, since their usefulness as laborers is limited."
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?The Waste Land? and "The Fisher King", 2006.
A comparison of the themes in the Thomas Stearns Eliot poem "The Waste Land" and that of the film "The Fisher King".
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews, compares and contrasts the poem "The Waste Land" by Thomas Stearns Eliot and the movie "The Fisher King". The author of the paper argues that both the poem and the movie deal with similar themes. While the poem is about the fall of Western civilization into a world of madness and chaos without meaning, the movie can be interpreted as a modern day parable of the cynicism that pervades our society and how we can reclaim our lives from the ruins of society. The paper discusses other similar themes as well, including the loss of innocence and the rediscovery of lost youth. The paper also cites evidence that both the play and the film have characteristics of Homeric similes.
From the Paper
"Eliot's poem touches upon the decline of civilization and the inability of individuals to bring about change. This same theme is touched upon in The Fisher King where the trappings of modern society destroy individuals and individual lives. Jack in the beginning saw the young urban professionals, "yuppies", as enemies of society, yet he did not realize that the true enemy was the structure of society which created a populace of mostly uncaring and dispassionate individuals. By denouncing them, he becomes an instrument of the forces that corrupt society which he had fought against. It is this realization that makes him fall from grace through the discovery that his comments on the radio to a listener had caused the death of those in the bar."
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Translating "The Firm" for the Screen, 2006.
An examination of the challenges in converting the John Grisham book "The Firm" to a screenplay.
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the process of converting the book "The Firm" by John Grisham to a screenplay and movie. The paper begins with a description of the book and the characters. Then the paper discusses the specific challenges that the screenwriter had to overcome in order to create a successful screen adaptation. The author of this paper discusses how the writer and director combined characters, simplified the plot and changed the book's ending.
From the Paper
"The Firm is a rangy novel by John Grisham that explores the parallel corruption in business and in government. A young lawyer, Mitch McDeere, is recruited by a high-profile law firm in Memphis, Tennessee, with a breathtaking employment package that he cannot refuse. But he soon learns that there is a sinister side to the activities conducted by his new firm, and he finds himself quickly engulfed in a network of intrigue and violence that involves the FBI, the Mafia and the partners of the firm. His marriage is threatened, he is blackmailed by the FBI into informing on the firm, and the apparent accidental death of two of the firm's partners turns out to be murder."
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Translating "The Firm" for the Screen, 2006.
An examination of the challenges in converting the John Grisham book "The Firm" to a screenplay.
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper studies the process of converting the book "The Firm" by John Grisham to a screenplay and movie. The paper begins with a description of the book and the characters. Then the paper discusses the specific challenges that the screenwriter had to overcome in order to create a successful screen adaptation. The author of this paper discusses how the writer and director combined characters, simplified the plot and changed the book's ending.
From the Paper
"The Firm is a rangy novel by John Grisham that explores the parallel corruption in business and in government. A young lawyer, Mitch McDeere, is recruited by a high-profile law firm in Memphis, Tennessee, with a breathtaking employment package that he cannot refuse. But he soon learns that there is a sinister side to the activities conducted by his new firm, and he finds himself quickly engulfed in a network of intrigue and violence that involves the FBI, the Mafia and the partners of the firm. His marriage is threatened, he is blackmailed by the FBI into informing on the firm, and the apparent accidental death of two of the firm's partners turns out to be murder."
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"Eat Drink Man Woman", 2006.
A review of the 1994 Ang Lee film "Eat Drink Man Woman".
2,500 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper is an in-depth review of the cultural/social binaries in Ang Lee's 1994 "Eat Drink Man Woman." The paper discusses how these binaries allow the characters to show their complexity as they face the demands of conflicting expectations. The paper also dissects the characterization and development of the movie's three female leads. The paper concludes with the author's assessment that Ang Lee successfully subverts the patriarchal binary schemes of these women's societies.
From the Paper
"Ang Lee's 1994 film Eat Drink Man Woman is a mature and empowering cinematic, comedic exploration of the lives and development of a splintering family in contemporary Taiwan. The film begins by setting up a series of stereotypes, drawn from the usual constructions of the Asian household, as well as woman's perceived role in modern society generally. The film is redeemed from simple Hollywood-style re-presentation of the standard tropes by subverting these throughout the film. This subversion itself, however, is becoming cliche in movies today, and the womyn who defy the odds to overthrow the oppressors (see GI Jane, Thelma and Louise, and their ilk) define and limit women unfairly. Lee, however, avoids the temptation of excess, and his characters make choices not because they are self-consciously trying to protest a male dominated world, but because they believe what they are doing is best for them. Their psychology meshes superbly with their development, leaving us satisfied that the characters have become stronger woman because of their own actions vis-a-vis their context, not because of the contrived agenda of the director."
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"Annie Hall", 2006.
Examines the relationship between two characters in Woody Allen's film, "Annie Hall".
2,478 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
"Annie Hall", by Woody Allen, is a film that deals with relationships, the quest for meaning in life and the nature of romantic love. The paper examines the film which revolves around the relationship between Alvy Singer, a pessimistic comedian who thinks that life is meaningless, and Annie Hall.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
A Relationship is Like a Shark
A Deeper Analysis
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper
"Just as history entails a working out of events through narrative, so also all narrative establishes an anticipation of retrospection. The natural desire of narrative for an ending is evident about two-thirds of the way into Alvy Singer's opening monologue, "Annie and I broke up and I still can't get my mind around that." Alvy gives us the ending of the story before he really gets started into the process of telling it. The anticipation of retrospection becomes clear in the attempt through repetition to understand the significance of this failed love relationship. The eruption of this thought about Annie from the midst of so much seemingly irrelevant material dramatizes the existence of latent desires and replicates in the text the tension of the unconscious in Alvy."
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Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo and Juliet", 2006.
This paper analyzes and critique's Baz Luhrman's 1996 film version of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."
1,493 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper examines director Baz Luhrman's modern day film version of "Romeo and Juliet." The writer of this paper states that the film version of Shakespeare's classic sets the story in a modernized Verona that bears no physical resemblance to the play's original setting and also goes on to note that in order to keep the film down to less than two hours, much of the original text had been cut. This paper compares the film version to the original text of the play and states the pros and cons of trying to improve upon a classic.
From the Paper
"In the interests of keeping the movie less than two hours in length, many of the lines have been cut from the original version. What remains, then, is dialogue that is sufficient for transmitting the basic conflicts within each character. What is interesting, however, is to determine to what extent these lines have been trimmed and to observe that the story's emphasis shifts in the film version as a result of the revisions. First we see an enhancement of Romeo's character by virtue of the fact that his internal struggles are more pronounced than those of Juliet."
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?Blade Runner?, 2005.
This paper explains that Warner Brothers sci-fi film "Blade Runner" (1991) was a box office bomb.
975 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 0 sources, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the entire film "Blade Runner" is nothing more than a depiction of violence, for violence's sake and fails terribly in presenting any redeeming social value despite the reputation of the cast and the novel upon which the screen-play is based and the obvious investment in the production. The author points out that Harrison Ford brings to this work his usual contrived intensity by way of camera placements that emphasize his so called expressive facial expressions and eyes, which are used to over-emphasize, even in the chase and the love scenes, the ridiculously super human characteristics supposedly possessed by Ford's character. The paper contends that the lighting is a nightmare, taking away from the players much of their artistic freedoms to enhance their scenes; however, the worst part of the lighting techniques employed were the constantly flashing white strobe lights penetrating every aspect of the film.
From the Paper
"The true give-away of the bomb like nature of this or any other film in the genre is the long and convoluted prologue preceding the beginning of the story. When one can see this, they should run, not walk back to the box office and demand an instant refund. If the story and the action in this genre cannot carry the production then no amount of explanation will help. The Blade Runner, an agent of some sorts, played by Harrison Ford, is licensed to kill these interlopers on sight. Rather than calling them murders for hire, the killings are labeled "Retirements" of the clones. Reluctant at first, to take on the chore for the local police, Ford's character becomes intrigued with trying to figure out if the female lead of the movie is actually human or just another clone."
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