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Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)
history of cinema week 11
I loved this film. This was probably my favorite film I have watched for this class so far. Joey and John's love was so perfectly executed, without being to unrealistic. I really liked how they could be so devoted but the producers did not make it too dreamy and the two of them could still recognize the challenges they were going to face together.
Also, John's character was brilliantly created. They made him the "perfect" man. Kind, meticulous, driven, etc. Which made his race the only "problem" in his relationship with Joanna. And when this movie was released, that was the smartest dicision the writers could have made.
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
week 10 history of cinema review
I enjoyed this film more than I thought I would, considering I don't typically care for musicals. I know the whole point of this genre is to break out in song and dance but I have never liked them.
I did like this film though. I liked watching the transition of technology. The cast having to adapt from their previous skill set required for silent films and then having to adjust to live picture films with sound.
I also liked the ending, how Kathy and Don were able to collaborate and create new exciting projects.
Mrs. Miniver (1942)
Module 6 Film Review
Well this movie was depressing. However, I did enjoy it. Like I said in my previously in my for Casablanca, it's very interesting to watch a WWII film that was actually produced and released during WWII.
Like I said this movie was quite sad. But there was some uplifting moments. Like in the beginning both Mr and Mrs Miniver were both spending too much money and trying to hide it. Or Carol's grandmother and her refusal to entertain competitors in her flower show. However, Toby, the youngest Miniver child must be credited with carrying all comedic relief throughout this film, he was agreat character.
Despite this movie having an unfortunate plot, I have to admit I liked the ending. Not that Carol's death was a good thing, but it sure was unexpected. I figured that someone in the family wasn't going to make it and the whole time I assumed Vin was going to be that one. But Carol's death and Vin's survival really caught me off guard. And that "twist" for lack of a better word, made the film more enjoyable.
Casablanca (1942)
History of Cinema Film Review
This movie was alright. I think what bothered me most about this film was the main female lead, Ilsa. I found her character to be sort of annoying. First the cheating on her husband and then she pulls a gun on Rick at the end. And I think she took advantage of him throughout the entire film.
However, the scenery in this movie was stunning and the plot was solid. I thought Rick was a kind character despite his cold exterior and attitude. And it was fascinating to watch a film that took place and was produced during World War II.
The Women (1939)
History of Cinema Film Review
I really enjoyed this movie. The all female cast is stunning. While also containing scenes of women gossiping in a salon or house parties, this film also showcased some strong women who made decisions best for them.
There was something however, that I did not like in this film. Once Mary fonds out about her husbands infidelity she decides to leave him. She also finds herself having to defend that decision. Her own mother discourages her from divorcing Steven. However, she does leave him. She respects herself and her needs and she leaves him. And after all that, once she gets to Reno, she receives a phone call from Steven when she tries to make her case for them getting back together. I didn't like that. They made Mary out to be this strong woman for the whole film just to have her trying to get back together with Steven in the end.
However, I still enjoyed this film, It must have been pivotal when it came out.
Stagecoach (1939)
Week 5 Cinema Review
Although this was not my favorite movie assigned for this class, I can recognize how pivotal this film was for the world of cinema. A true classic western with a simple plot that directors and producers still try and make today. We all know John Wayne now, but he starred in this film. Which brings me to my favorite part of this film. Which is that despite John Wayne being the star of the film, all other characters had their chance to shine. This allowed for the audience to really connect and root for or dislike other characters. Compared to the other films assigned in this class, I find this one unique in this way. For example, when I watched "I am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang", yes there were other characters but I couldn't really connect with them as most of the attention was put on James Allen.
My Man Godfrey (1936)
Module 4 Movie Review
This film was hard to watch and get through. I understand the genre was comedy and there were a couple moments that gave me a laugh. However, the characters in this film were so infuriating and annoying. That scene in the beginning on Godfrey's first day working for the Bullocks...I had to fast forward through it. When the father is discussing the family finances and spending habits and Irene just has this over the top tantrum screaming and fake crying...it drove me insane. I understand it was most likely meant to be funny but oh my god was it annoying. However, the underlying theme in this movie was interesting. Irene falling in love with the butler and having him eventually teach her some lessons (which she desperately needed). It was also interesting to see such a class divide especially in the depths of the Great Depression. The beginning scene shows Godfrey, homeless and dirty. While showcasing Cornelia and Irene decked out in jewels and elaborate gowns.
Frankenstein (1931)
Week 3 History of Cinema Review
This film and the book it is based off of are iconic within the horror genre. I had never seen this film but by now, going into this film I was aware of the common analysis regarding Frankenstein's monster. Most viewers believe the monster was "misunderstood". And after watching this film I can come to the same conclusion. This is proved on how the monster reacts to different treatment. When he is met with violence and hostility, he returns that behavior. However, when he met the young girl Maria, she showed him kindness and you could see the monster soften. When he threw Maria in the lake I don't believe he knew what his action would lead to, he just thought she would float like the flowers. I believe the genuine monster here is Henry Frankenstein himself. Harvesting dead bodies and performing dangerous experiments on them. He also could not handle his creation with led to multiple deaths. Of course this film was released in the 1930's and the "horror" only stretched to certain bounds, if you compared this film to a horror movie now the horror elements and how scary the movie is would look quite different. With that being said I found this film to be more depressing than anything. Taking into consideration what I have previously stated, there was a lot of death in this movie that could have been avoided if the "human" characters did not behave so hostile.
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
History of Cinema Review #2
I thought this film was quite depressing regarding basic plot. However, compared to the silent film assigned last week, I gained a new appreciation for sound effect and dialogue. Sound simply enhances the experience of watching film. For example, when James Allen is escaping the chain gang for the second time and he throws the explosives onto the bridge, the sound effect from that explosion really adds to the action and suspense to the climax of the film. If this were a silent film I believe this moment would have been underwhelming. I also feel the same way about the dialogue in this film. When you have sound and can hear the actors speaking, you can connect more to the characters in the film and establish an opinion on them and whether or not you root for them.
Girl Shy (1924)
Silent Film Review (History of American Cinema)
I can see why this film was popular when it originally debuted. As a woman living nearly 100 years after this film was made I have to comment on how I did not like Harold encouraging emotional manipulation and physical abuse to gain the affections of women however, I understand that was customary in the 1920's.
The film was hard to follow at points and I feel that the producers split the main idea of the film in two. I feel like the first half of the film was about Harold's book and the second half was about his pursuit of Mary. I don't think the producers of this film did a great job blending those two plot points.
I think the best part of this film was Harold's development. In the beginning we see Harold cower in the presence of women and watch him get more and more comfortable as the film goes on, until he crashes a wedding and steals the bride.