Millers Crossing Screening Report

Millers Crossing directed by Joel and Ethan Coen is a 1990 film based in a random city during the time of prohibition. This film as a more modern rendition on the classic gangster film genre. The Coen brothers do a nice job through out this film to expand the expectations of what a gangster film can be with out trying to remake the classic gangster films such as The Godfather. The Coen brothers could have made a 1990 remake of The Godfather (Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas) instead they created a unique gangster flick that steps outside the set precedent.
One interesting thing that the Coen brothers focus on through out the film is the main character Tom who always is chasing after his hat. This concept of someone chasing their hat can be very symbolic. Hats through out time and even to this day are a symbol of wealth and power. For example at still to this day at the Kentucky Derby women try to wear the most luxurious hats to show their status. So a hat for someone can be a very important thing to their character, hats for many people act as a safety net for them. By this I mean that some people fell like they need their hat or they are not complete and can not be their whole self. Someone who is constantly chasing their hat can symbolize that they are are powerless, moronic and not in control of their surrounding situations. In the film when Tom is around other gangsters where he needs to be feared and intimidated, he is always seen wearing his hat. Whereas in scenes when it is only Tom and his lover Verna he is seen with out his hat which may be interpreted as Tom only being complete when he is with Verna.

Research Proposal

The film that I would like to focus my research paper on is How High directed by Jesse Dylan. The 2001 film staring Method Man and Redman as two students who score perfect scores on their “Thc’s” allowing them to attend any university in the country. They decide to attend the historic Harvard University, where their formal education flourishes. Yes this film is a intended to be a comedy but it does raise many interesting concepts, such as the use of herbal medicines. The one scene in particular that I want to focus on is in the opening scenes when you first meet Method Man’s character Silas and his use of marijuana for various home remedies . I would like to focus on Silas’ interest in this subject of herbal medicines through out the film.

Dr. Strangle or: How I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb

Dr. Strangelove or: how I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb like many other Stanley Kubirck's movies can be classified into the war movies genre. Once again Kubrick manages to bring humor to such a grim subject with this film. Dr.Strangelove is based in the United States during the time of the Cold War. Kubrick uses many features in this film to convey how it was during the Cold War.

One Aspect of this film that I found interesting was that the film was shot in black and white even though at the time the technology to shoot a film in color was brand new and available. Before watching the film I thought maybe it was for budget purposes, assuming a high expense for the new technology. Once you get into the film it is more that the black and white holds a purpose to the overall feeling to the film. To portray the time of the Cold War as black and grey could symbolize how even though there was no “war” there however a sense of dark times is present. Also to have color influences the feeling of peace or freedom whereas is everything is grey then it is depressing, giving a completely different tone to the film.

There are many more features ranging in subtlety that greatly influence the overall outcome of this film. Other features include the use of music or silhouettes in certain scenes. Overall Dr. Strangelove is a great depiction of the possibilities of a nuclear apocalypse with much hilarity.

Corey Sharpe

The Goonies(1985)

Screening report

Richard Donner’s The Goonies is a classic film that can be considered in the comedy/adventure genre. Unlike most other films in the adventure films the main cast features a group of young self-proclaimed outcasts. Since the group of kids is so diverse it allows for any viewer to connect with the children and the struggle in search of a pirates treasure. Each member of the “Goonies” has unique characteristics which allows for the viewer to relate to the group and feel more about the groups success or failure.

The most important part of any adventure film is the main character and his reasoning for the adventure. The Goonies is no exception with the character Mikey an asthmatic son of a museum curator who leads the search for One-eyed Willy’s pirate treasure. He leads this journey after the scene in the attic where they the group of boys find the map and key to the treasure. Mikey want to save the Goonies by finding the treasure and having enough money to prevent them all from loosing their houses and splitting up their ionic group.

Movie review

The Goonies by director Richard Donner is an epic tale of a group of young adventures trying to save their homes from foreclosure. This classic 80’s movie is a wonderful film that the whole family will enjoy time over time. The Goonies is a constant thrill ride of adventure with a great mix of comic relief, generating a wonderful film that has been enjoyed by some many people for over 20 years.

The movie begins with introducing each of the characters during an intense opening scene where the villainous Fratelli’s escape jail with an ensuing police chase. Soon after the chase all the children meet at Mikey’s (Sean Astin) house where the begin to explore the attic, finding all sorts of museum artifacts. Among all the things they find an old treasure map and key which is supposedly leading to One-eyed Willy’s lost pirate treasure. After finding the map and key they begin their journey in hopes of finding the treasure, with the starting point being a restaurant that the Fratelli family is using as a hideout. It is here that the “Goonies” begin their wild and crazy search into the underground for a treasure that will hopefully save their homes but will the Fratelli‘s get their first?

Over all the amazing adventures of the “Goonies” is a fun filled tale of adventure that the whole family can love. This tale of adventure, boobie traps, pirate maps and treasure will keep you on the edge of your seats in pure enjoyment. The Goonies is a much watch film which all can relate and enjoy.

Critical essay

The Gonnies by Richard Donner is a 80s film with everlasting appeal. The film can be categorized under adventure with a great side of comedy. The general plot of the movie is the entertaining adventure of a diverse group of young children trying to find a lost pirate treasure in hopes of saving their homes. The Goonies overall is a well structured film with many intriguing qualities.

One general aspect of the film which I found interesting was the theme. Their could be many different interpretations on the theme but I found that no matter how big the problem you face is, as long as you have your true friends anything is possible. Throughout the film the only way the group accomplishes anything depends on how they all work together for a common cause. For example Mikey has a great general knowledge(especially history), Mouth is bi-lingual and can translate the map, Data has various gadgets to solve problems, and Chunk provides comic relive along with great people skills to provide outside assistance. Every character even the less important ones provide important qualities to the group, which is needed in order to find the treasure and save their homes. Each of these characters development throughout the film was essential to how well the plot and theme was expressed to the audience.