Goodfellas (1990)

I love the movie Goodfellas (and pretty much every other Scorsese movie I’ve seen)! The very first time I saw Goodfellas it was on tv and I was flipping channels and got sucked in. I think Scorsese did a great job with Goodfellas and making you feel like an actual part of the movie. You get so engrossed in this world of Henry’s, the gangster life; with the great use of freeze frames, voiceovers, and camera shots fallowing the characters you feel involved somehow like you’re a part of it, walking around with them in the movie.

We’ve seen a couple different kinds of gangster movies, and I have to say my favorite style of it are movies like Goodfellas. It doesn’t seem romanticized or over the top, it’s gritty bloody dirty and it feels real and not the stereotypical hollywoodized movie and sometimes that’s a bit refreshing.

I also like the characters in this movie, I think they did a great job of depicting each one in a way were you understood why they were involved with crime and had justification for what they did. It was great that everybody in this film had motivation, compared to Bonnie and Clyde where there was hardly any motivation given. You understand why they want to be gangster, they were treated like stars and they got respect. You understood why Karen stayed with Henry even though he beat up a guy, handed her a gun, and cheated on her she was attracted to and seduced by the lifestyle .. the classic bad boy sydnrome. And when Jimmy starts killing everyone who did the heist and even tried to kill Henry and Karen, you understood he was nervous and scared and that’s how he knows how to solve problems. Even Tommy, the one who seemed to need the least amount of justification for his actions, you still understood that was who he was, he was the wild card you didn’t know what was going to do and which seemed largely due to the fact the fact that he had an easily bruised ego, but you still get why he did stuff without thinking.

I also love the irony at the end, when he ends up ratting on everyone and being stuck in the suburbs… specially because at the beginning of the movie that seemed to be the very last thing he would do; with him not going to school, wanted to be a gangster, and not ratting the first time he got caught. On a side note – it also cracks me up that the real Henry supposedly being in protective services gave interviews, still wanting to be known and respected.

Bonnie & Clyde (1967)

I liked Bonnie and Clyde but it was definitely not my favorite movie but I did enjoy watching it. When I think about it, the fact that it doesn’t fallow historical facts to well, really bugs me. I completely understand when movies take artistic liberties to make it more exciting or have a faster pace, but in class when we were going over it not much seemed to be right; and I completely agree within the first five minutes it was established that it was doing its own thing for the movie. And although that irritates me a bit when I think about it now, when I was watching the movie I don’t think I cared that much at all. It seems to me all modern references of Bonnie and Clyde are references towards the movie, not the real Bonnie and Clyde, so when we think of Bonnie and Clyde we think of this movie and I can appreciate that iconic status of the movie and not get hung up on the fact that they really didn’t really fallow the historical events at all. I enjoyed this movie but the more I look into the real events, I feel like a remake could be made fallowing the historical facts more closing and be just as good and maybe even more entertaining to watch.

Moving on, I was a bit shocked when Clyde shot that guy in the face when they were driving. I think that had more to do with watching code influenced movies lately, so when he just shot through the window I wasn’t expecting them to actually show it. But I thought it was a great way to introduce Clyde’s cold-bloodedness because until that point I don’t think we see anything that “heartless”. However I wasn’t shocked at all at the ending probably because of being desensitized ( and used to the movie showing deaths/shots by then) and it gives signals with CW’s dad jumping under the car and the birds flying away- those signs have become extremely recognizable that something , their deaths, were going to happen. So I wasn’t shocked at all about that but I definitely could see how an earlier audience would be completely taken aback, not used to that kind of violence, and even I was a bit surprised that the movie came to a sudden end after they died, it’s like they’re shot at for 5 minutes – black – then the end. So I totally get how the ending was a big deal, when your not used to that kind of violence it’s a bit hard to swallow when its so blunt and in your face at the end.

OH and I wanted to add this picture of Clyde (end scene) in my Report, but there was concern it would give away the ending. So here it is, notice the squibs : ] yay for special effects!

A Place in the Sun (1951)

Okay I’m going to start off with my honest opinion of the movie, which takes form in a mini rant, because honestly I really did not like this movie at all. It was extremely difficult to watch without laughing; it was seriously hard to take the film seriously. For me it was mainly the overly dramatic music placed with severe close ups, there was no question what was going to happen. And I don’t know if it was the chemistry with the actors or just the fact that it seemed fast pace, I really found both relationships with George somewhat questionable. I hate when movies make people fall in love at literally first sight, for me it’s laughable because he saw Elizabeth Taylor’s character he immediately falls in love with her and is willing to kill for her when it looks like they’ve been on what five dates. And what the hell was George thinking with the pregnant woman?? COME ON, he is such an idiot for that relationship to begin with. They specifically tell him NOT to get involve with ANY employees and what does he do - he makes googly eyes at the girl in his production line.. doesn’t even take her on a date, but purposely crashes what looks like a date with another guy.. literally invites himself into her house.. gets her pregnant… and when he continues the relationship with her, he starts another relationship (another idiot move) with “his true love” uggghh really come on.. he could have prevented the entire situation but instead for selfish reasons destroys all of their lives. Because he was a complete idiot I felt no sympathy for him being convicted, and was kind of glad he was.

The dramatic close-ups and music I think they were trying to build up the suspense, and the fact that he is going to kill her, so when he doesn’t purposely push her in the lake there is more controversy whether he to blame when he changes his mind at the end. I suppose the relationship with the factory girl, there isn’t really supposed to be any “chemistry” because I think they were trying to get you to root for the other relationship or at least be sympathetic towards George on the fact Elizabeth Taylor symbolizes the American dream life that is in reaching distance but any hope is violently crushed by the pathetic, pushy, pregnant woman that is trapping him and holding him back. At least that is what I feel like they were trying to make you feel and I guess if you felt sympathetic towards George it would make the end of the trial even more of a big deal and the verdict even more surprising.

The verdict in itself is probably the most provocative part of this movie, because it makes you question whether or not the thought of murder and not saving someone is the same as murder. I could sit here and argue both sides and I could probably be persuaded to each side give certain supporting facts. But in my opinion, in this case of George Eastman, I personally think He made his bed, now he must lie in it!

Double Idemnity 1944

There are several elements that caught my attention when watching the movie that really made the film really enjoyable and satisfying to watch. An element that was all the way throughout the movie was the lighting of the match; I enjoyed that not only because of the bad ass way in which he lit the match with his own fingers but because it was kind of symbolic in a way. He has to light Keyes cigarette through out the movie because Keyes never has a match, which I think he says in one scene, is because he doesn’t trust it going off in his pocket. Which I found interesting because I think that shows Walter being a bit more “daring” and more willing to “play with fire” in comparison to Keyes; Walter is the one willing to take a chance on breaking the law while Keyes is not willing to take the chance of the consequences at all. Then at the end of the movie Keyes has to light Walter’s cigarette because he is too weak and can longer control the flame. This is extremely significant because that’s the moment when you know Neff is going to die; he’s defeated, and there is no saving him and makes a really great ending.
And I personally love watching movies where its plot is centered on a certain crime that’s been committed. Although this was one of the first movies to do the insurance fraud killing the husband, it has become a huge cliche and a bit predicable but because they “Tarantino-ed” it (by showing the ending first and then going back to explain how they got there) I think it works really well. I loved how it was all set up like that, with the car speeding in the first shot and him going to the office for the confessional, where it goes into the meat of the movie as a flashback with the confession as a voice over explaining what’s going on in his point of view, and how it ends with Keyes coming in the end of the confessional. I think because of that layout of the movie I was still interested and was constantly wondering what had happened to him and what was going to happen to him.
I think this is a great example of film noir, and really worked for the plot and keeping you intrigued throughout the entire movie. You have the women fatale that manipulates the men around her paired with the easily gullible love sick man, who both commit a crime and are being tracked by an investigator ( in this case the insurance company, instead of a detective but with definite detective qualities). It also had the noir dark low-key lighting and shadowing all the way through out the movie, which I thought was perfect for this movie, because it set the mood of the scenes which were mostly mysterious, dark in nature, suspenseful, and created tension in some cases; which pushes your interest in what is going to happen to these characters. And it ends on a bleak note, where the “bad guys” die but you feel a bit of sympathy, remorse and satisfaction at the same time. It’s a great example of film noir but I think just a great film altogether, I love the dynamic with the characters, the fast paced dialogue, the film style, the plot, down to the shot sequence and lighting; everything compliments each other very well. I love the fact that it’s a classic film, where a lot of elements in it have become cliches but I feel like I could watch this over and over and still enjoy the suspense and tension that builds every time the story is told.

Gold Diggers of 1933

So Gold Diggers of 1933 wasn’t my favorite movie that we watched in this class but I really enjoyed it for what it was…a musical. The plot was a bit sketchy and to me had a very lame conclusion. The characters that seem to both be playing each other one day are in love and get married the next. It felt like I was shortened out of an ending, I feel like there is almost a scene missing. I kind of wish they had gone further into character development and put in an extra scene or two that actually showed the switch in attitude; instead of just at the end going I think I love you, and immediately get married after like what three days.

But I can appreciate that they wanted to give the audience a happy ending, because with musicals at that time are more to lift spirits. After saying that, I found it interesting that they put "Remember My Forgotten Man” number at the end because out of all the numbers it was the most somber one, and had the most to do with the depression. I really liked the choice of it being at the end though, because I think it ends the movie on a very memorable song, and the message the song sends really hits home.

This brings me to my next point. I think they did a great job with placing the numbers where they did; it brought the movie full circle for me. Starting with “We’re in the Money” number, which ends by getting shut down then transitioning to the girls’ apartment, showing how they are struggling with the depression. Then once they start working on the production and have the two numbers in between, the love one in the park and the violin one, I think they were fun, which is where they were at in the plot line. And having the forgotten man after the happy ending was a way of saying that yeah there are happy endings but we are still in the middle of a depression, going back to reality.

So to sum up a bit, I wasn’t thrilled with the plot, but definitely enjoyed the movie because it was a musical. I really liked all the numbers, even though I have no clue what the musical within the musical was supposed to be about, it didn’t matter to me, the songs were all catchy and had nice dance sequences that were fun to watch and made me go “aw that’s cute” which is really all I want from a musical.

Baby Face ( 1933)

This was an interesting movie; especially interesting that at various parts of the movie it seemed like they were trying to send the message that if you're promiscuous you can manipulate men and have whatever you want. And I seemed to get the feeling that it wasn’t supposed to be frowned upon on the women using men like that, but the movie being more a message to guys saying that if you sleep with women in the workforce and give them power or things it will come back to haunt you.

You don’t really know what happens to the guy on the train or the one that gets her the initial job, but once she starts to sleep with the men in her office, to rise through the ranks to the top, something bad happens to the MAN after making the decision to help her for sex. They all get caught, whether it’s by the boss in the bathroom; by the fiancé in the office, by the bitter lover in the room (who both end up dead), or through wedding announcement. And they all either get fired or shot or both. To me it looks like the men are being punished not her, she doesn’t actually care until she is sent to Paris then her game plan changes.

And I know Lily changes her character a bit at the end; by not sleeping with the guys at the Paris office, marrying the last guy (Trenholm) and going back for him at the very end. This change in character can be argued could be due to a number of things for maybe she got tired of sleeping with different men, maybe she wanted a challenge, maybe she did really love him. But going along with the theory I stated above, it could also be contributed to Trenholm. He was the only one that called her on the bluff, sending her to Paris, so it could be retribution when he lives and gets the girl that he loves. Although he does get shot so that might be making up for that fact that he did give in and sleep with her, maybe making her an honest woman and for seeing through her is what saved his life.

Buts that’s another aspect I found interesting; Lily’s struggle with her conscious at the end. I truly don’t think she actually breaks characters or changes her morals until the very end when she goes back for him. I think the whole playing coy thing in Paris was just to prove a point, that she really is the queen manipulator. After being sent away to Paris she has to change her usual way of doing things, especially after going through the whole food chain at the last place, got her there in Paris. That’s why I think it was a strategic move not to be social with the men at her work in Paris because she has bigger fish to fry and this one is smarter than the others. It was her manipulating him the entire time though, with the rain and getting a ride, going to dinner and saying he was just like the others (not like the fact that she wanted him to be different but disappointed that it was so easy), and asking him to marry her (they can get a divorce but I think she just wanted the status that came with the title and that he was getting way to comfortable with the current situation and she wanted to be at the top). And all that is proved when he asks her for the money to help him. So she was just a really really good manipulator, and only at the very end develops a conscious.

So based off that I feel like this movie was making the generalization that women are heartless manipulators and men are easy superficial victims. I don’t think that’s right but it’s just something to think about I guess.

Scarface ( 1932)

I thought Scarface was really well done and really enjoyable to watch. It definitely advances in film techniques compared to the other movies we’ve watched so far. The most obvious of these advancements is definitely sound! And although silent movies have their own essence to them I would just like to state that I’m glad sound has now come into the picture, it’s easier to fallow the plot and I think it gives the characters more depth and easier to relate to. I also loved what they did with the gun and the calendar, not only was it a cool effect I also thought it was a really creative way to transition throughout time because it gave you a sense that the months had passed but also implied that the gangsters were up to no good and continuously shooting/killing.

I know this film was given a hard time because of the violence and with all the codes and for the most part I don’t mind. For instance they never show blood; they never show the killer and the victim and sometimes didn’t even show the murder altogether just the dead bodies after. For me it actually added to the mysteriousness and allure of the gangster and suspense of the death. However what kind of bothers me about them making them change the film is the overall message; I understand that they don’t want to glamorize the gangster and promote the “bad guy”. But when you look at what they show you in the beginning:

---"This picture is an indictment of gang rule in America and of the callous indifference of the government to this constantly increasing menace to our safety and our liberty. Every incident in this picture is the reproduction of an actual occurrence, and the purpose of this picture is to demand of the government: 'What are you going to do about it?' The government is your government. What are YOU going to do about it?"---

Although they say it’s asking the government to step up on the crime in the last two sentences, “the government is your government. What are YOU going to do about?”, it also suggests that we the people, the viewers should do something about the crime wave of gang rule in America. But what exactly were they supposed to do?? It’s a gang war, why would the public get involved? I suppose they could not join gangs.

And even the police made a comment:
---"Don't blame the police. They can't stop machine guns from being run back and forth across the state lines. They can't enforce laws that don't exist"---

Which I guess is supposed to be a statement that the government should be dealing with this by making laws. But I think that whole message is so unnecessary because the police ended up stopping Tony at the end. So really what needed to happen is the police needed to capture the ones that are creating the problem to begin with. And with Tony and pretty much all the other gangsters dying in this movie, it sends the message not to become a gangster because you’ll end up dying. But the message they tried to send just gave me the feeling that the public was being blamed for the existence of gangs rather than the enforcement officials, which I don’t agree with at all.

Redskin (1929)

Okay so I enjoyed watching this movie, it felt easier to follow. There is a huge jump with technology and just the film industry in general from Within Our Gates to Redskin. There was an early form of technicolor which made it easier on the eyes; I also really liked the color being specific to the Native Americans. I don’t know if they did that consciously but I really liked that aspect, it’s kind of artistic in a way and puts more emphasis on that part of the movie which has the main plot anyways. Speaking of plot, this plot line for me was way easier to follow then Within Our Gates, even though Redskin was a silent film they did a really good job of keeping the audience up to speed on what was going on. They utilized intertitles well, placing them only where they really need to be for the most part. I think this plot was less complicated than Within Our Gates but had enough of an arc to keep us interested.

I thought the plot was cute- boy taken away from tribe; boy meets girl who’s tribe is his sworn enemy; fall in love; go to college; get separate; boy gets kicked out of tribe; tries survive in wild; on brink of death when find oil; steals girl back (with a bad ass chase scene); give oil to the two tribes so that they don’t get killed and have a place to stay; and they live happily ever after. It was entertaining to watch.

I found it interesting that in this movie, education is also a stress but in a different way with different ramifications. In Within Our Gates education seemed like the key for the African-American race to do something for society and gained something from it. In Redskin I didn’t see him gain anything but maybe a girlfriend. In that movie I have no clue what point they wanted to get across about sending Native Americans to a boarding school; were they saying he was better off or not? Because to me going to the school it seemed to screwed him over, he went to school to assimilate into the “new age” the white culture, but when going to college they made fun of him and said the only reason he was there was because he ran fast (side note- loved the fact that his running comes into play at the end when its crucial to beat a car). But now educated he goes home and they don’t accept him because he’s used to a different culture or now has a different outlook on their traditions. The only thing I can see is that they are saying it messed up his life and was pointless to send them to that school, because to me it looks like he was completely screwed all the way throughout until the last five minutes when he gets the girl and the oil.

Within Our Gates..

Within Our Gates..

I had an interesting experience with Within Our Gates because conveniently enough, an hour or so after we finished watching Within Our Gates, I went to my film history class where we watched The Birth of a Nation (full-length). When comparing the two movies, with the KKK and racism aside, I have to say it was soooo much easier to watch Within Our Gates. The Birth of a Nation was very blunt and in your face about the message it was trying to send with long drawn out scenes that seemed a bit superfluous. In contrast, one of my favorite attributes of Within Our Gates is Micheaux’s attempt at several intertwining plots that subtly and creatively gives different viewpoints (of that time) in scenes that all seemed to ultimately work toward the film’s overall message. This gives the film a much more “real story” element opposed to Birth of a Nation’s glorified, over-the-top, depiction of the civil war and reconstruction. It makes me sad however because I feel like a lot of that is easily overlooked because of the film quality, some parts it was difficult to figure out what was even going on ( for instance when Sylvia is caught with supposedly her father ).

In Within Our Gates there was the good, the bad and the ugly and I loved the fact that it was not specific to one race. There were heroes and villains for both races, for example Sylvia verses Preacher Ned, Larry and Mrs. Warwick verses Gridlestone’s brother and Philip Gridlestone. I also noticed that the media (mainly newspapers) also advocated for voting rights and twists the story against the Landry family. There’s a sort of ying- yang effect where there’s a little bit of good and bad in all people. I’m not sure if that’s the main point in which he was trying to get across but in the end I think that’s the main thing I took away from this movie. I’m curious what did you take away from this movie?