Modern Cinema Bridging the Gap Between Fantasy and Reality Essay Example

Modern Cinema: Bridging the Gap Between Fantasy and Reality Essay Auguste Lumiere, one of the men who helped invent the first projection machine, once ironically said Our invention can be exploited for a certain time as a scientific curiosity, but apart from that, it has no commercial future whatsoever. (Burns) Auguste might have been wrong about his inventions future, but one thing he got right was its exploitation. Since their introduction to the public, movies have widely become one of the worlds most frequent (if not favorite) past times. In fact, they have evolved beyond simply being merely a past time, and are now a multi-million dollar industry, with almost every film featuring either big budget special effects action sequences, A-list actors and actresses, erratic plot twists, or all of the above. Thousands, if not millions of people flock to theatres on opening nights, and with such a widespread audience, questions are raised. Are movies merely fantasy, or do they encourage viewers to recreate what they see in reality? Is this inherent in all forms of entertainment, or is it something the film industry should be held responsible for? It is a fact of life that movies and media do influence people one look at the hundreds of people dressed in costume, waiting on line at the premiere of the first Star Wars prequel a few years ago will tell you that much. The problem, or so critics and over-anxious-parents will have us believe, is that this type of film blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. John Cones, a member of the Film Institute Reform Movement, states that; not only are movies a contributing cause of violent behavior in some children, but movies also influence our societys thinking and behavior about appropriate sexual conduct, graphic language, the use of violence to solve problems in general, our attitudes toward religion and other authoritative institutions and/or individuals in our lives (as a result of Hollywoods consistent anti-religious and anti-authority themes), and how we think about and behave toward each other. (Cones, par. 1) We will write a custom essay sample on Modern Cinema: Bridging the Gap Between Fantasy and Reality specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Modern Cinema: Bridging the Gap Between Fantasy and Reality specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Modern Cinema: Bridging the Gap Between Fantasy and Reality specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Moviegoers, it seems, no longer have a mind of their own and are mere putty in the hands of the story-writers. Or are they? Many recent tragedies have placed the film industry under close scrutiny by those who believe that excessive violence, recklessness, or just plain stupidity portrayed in movies has had, to put it mildly, a negative effect on the younger generation. Very recently in the news, Matthew Lovett, an 18 year old New Jersey resident, was arrested for allegedly planning to kill a group of teens who had teased and tormented both him and his little brother. Obviously, this is an individual who has underlying problems besides simply teasing, and its both sad and shocking that he was backed so far into a corner that he planned to open fire on both his tormenters, and any random passers-by. But not one news article neglects to make mention of the fact that Lovett was an avid fan of the Matrix movies, wherein the main character, Neo, discovers that the world we all inhabit is merely a farce for a darker, more dangerous world. Obviously, say officials, there must be a connection between the teen and his favorite movie. Associated Press, pars. 7-8) Granted, it has been said that the Matrix movies seem to have more fistfights, gunfire, and explosions than actual plotline, but how fair is it to draw that conclusion? Was the Matrix simply a movie, and Lovett simply an already emotionally unhealthy young man? Or did the movie inspire Lovett to wake up one day and nonchalantly think to himself you know, that Keanu Reeves sure did look cool blowin g all those people up. I think Ill try it, too. A quick search on the World Wide Web for copy-cat incidents, as most overly-concerned citizens like to call them, returns countless pages of results. Two recent movies, The Fast and The Furious, and its sequel, 2 Fast 2 Furious, have recently become the scapegoats for a number of incidents across the world. Within a two-month time span, Canadian officials placed the blame for two high speed crashes on how the movies glorify high speed street racing. Two officials interviewed in newspaper stories regarding the incidents are quoted as saying; Criminologist Ray Corrado of Simon Fraser University said young people mimic what they think is cool. Those drag scenes in the movies look awesome, he said. Definitely, some young people will mimic what they see. When a movie like this comes out and it glorifies fast driving and [shows] people [getting] away with it, then I believe that yeah, some people would go out and imitate that type of lifestyle or behaviour, Sergeant Ted Holtzheuser said. (Smith, pars 15-16) So obviously, theres no shortage of blame to be pointed and thrown around at various films. But is it accurate to do so? The Fast And Furious movies were a result of an already well-established subculture of racing. Kids had been racing before the movie was a twinkling in the producers eye, and they probably will continue racing long after the VHS copies of the film have disintegrated in the landfills. This is not to say, however, that poor judgement was not one of the main factors in these tragedies. It was, that can be said without a doubt. But a teenager who gets in a car and flies down the road at double the legal speed limit with no professional training to do so, would probably have done it anyway, regardless of seeing the scene acted out in a theatre. On a similar vain, murderers would probably murder anyway, regardless of watching Silence Of The Lambs. Rapists and sexual deviants would probably still be the same way regardless of seeing A Clockwork Orange, and skinheads would still lead their crazy, angry existence even if they had never seen Edward Norton in American History X. In a world where everyone cries wolf and claims to be a victim, how can we know who is really to blame for copy-cat incidents? Should the film industry hold responsibility for influencing people to do stupid things? Rating systems have already been implemented to potentially screen children that may be too young (and therefore, influential) from seeing movies with certain aspects some may find objectable. Should movie makers just cut back on the excitement, for fear it may start some trend? We dont see too many copy-cat incidents of the movie Legally Blonde, perhaps all movies produced should just have a nice, watered-down story-line, weak jokes and a goofy self-empowering story line. Then perhaps the world would be safe once again. I think the answer is easier found if you take a look back a few hundred years. Theres no doubt that William Shakespeares works remained both popular and thrilling to their audience for hundreds of years after their introduction. But with all the popularity they received, how often is it that you hear of a 17th century boy chopping the head off his family members? How common was it for a 16th century man to commit a murder, then store the body parts underneath his floorboards, for the sole reason that he was Shakespeares number one fan? The difference between today and 300 years ago is simple; parenting. Mothers were expected to stay at home and raise the family, and instill in them a proper version of right and wrong. Not to say that women today should quit their jobs and become a full-time mom, but a greater effort absolutely must be made to do a better job of parenting our children. It is only in the last few decades that people have started to imitate film, television, books, etc, to the extent that they have. And the reason is because with the invention of television and movies, parents use them as a substitute mom or dad, plopping the kids in front of the television while they do chores or errands themselves, or dropping the kids off at the movie theatre in order to get some peace and quiet for a few hours. If kids spend more time with movies than mom or dad, of course they are going to be more heavily influenced by them, as well has have a skewed perception of fantasy vs. reality. If parents dont start taking more responsibility for raising their children properly, the kids are going to find someone to do it for them, and when daddy is replaced by Arnold Schwarzenneger as the Terminator, that bridge between fantasy and reality might as well have a ton of TNT planted on it.

Psychology Literature Review

Psychology Literature Review Critically evaluate the statement that it is inappropriate for psychologists to use standard personality tests to interpret and understand the Behaviour of Indigenous people such as Aboriginal Australians.Indigenous people such as Aboriginal Australians are a different culture and diverse population and compared to that of non-indigenous Australians (Altman, 2009). For these reasons, understanding and interpreting the behaviour of our Aboriginal Australians would be a benefit not only to non-indigenous Australians, but also indigenous people so both cultures can develop more cultural awareness and competence with one another (Ranzijn, McConnochie, Day, Nolan, Wharton, 2008). This is where it may be appropriate for psychologists to use standard personality tests for the purpose of understanding their behaviour. How appropriate a test is, is determined by the reliability and validity in measuring the intended variable (Hill, Pace, Robins, 2010). Within using any type of personality tes t, there is a cultural and gender component in assessing behaviour (Stansfield, Smith, 1949).The didgeridoo, an instrument of the Indigenous Au...This cultural component varies from one culture to the next, depending on the factors such as complexity, tightness, and individualism and collectivism in culture. The component of gender affects behaviour in such a way that each gender has appropriate and expected behaviours of them, within a culture. However, there is potential for conflicts to occur with such tests, such as cross-cultural misunderstandings, and miscommunication. An example of this is common gestures can bring different meanings across different cultures. This essay will further evaluate the use of standard personality tests (using the interview method to illustrate) as a form of reaching an understanding of how indigenous people such as Aboriginal Australians, behave.A standard personality test can be useful in interpretation and understanding of behaviour, which is det ermined by the reliability and validity (Reddock, Biderman, Nguyen, 2011). There are various methods for assessing the personality...

As Long as Grass Grows or Water Runs Questions

When Thomas Jefferson was Secretary of State, he believed that the Indians should just be left alone. Once he became president, he wanted to remove the Indians. I believe he did this because he anted to gain popularity. . Andrew Jacksons early political/ military career foreshadowed his Indian policies as President because he was always was a tough and violent guy and hated the Indians since day one. Now, as president, he fully Was pro-Lillian removal and supported the bill to remove Indians. 5. Zion, unlike traditional histories, believes that it was no just a war against Great Britain for survival, but essentially a war for land to expand the country. 6. Zions view of Arthur Schlesinger The Age of Jackson andMarvin Meyers The Jackson Persuasion is that the books concentrate more on his political and economic accounts, not on his years battling the Indians. Both books make Jackson look like the good man; they dont mention anything about him owning slaves and other heinous truths about him. 7. Cherokees desired to fit into society. They began owning slaves an adopted Christianity as their religion. 8. The purpose of Zion stating that Jackson was declaring states rights for Georgia on the Cherokee question but attackingSouth Carolinas right to to nullify a federal tariff to show that Jackson wanted to stay popular 9. The Trail of Tears was the removal of the Cherokee Indians by the government, from Georgia to Oklahoma. 10. The sign efficacy of the phrase As long as grass grows or water runs means basically that itll never happen. Jackson had used this phrase on the Indians. He said that the Indians could have their land and that no settlers would steal it from them, but Jackson had lied to the Indians because there land was still taken.

Poetry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Poetry - Essay Example It implies the speakers casual attitude towards his father, who had warmed the house and polished his shoes, the child not realizing the extent of the fathers assistance. To best categorize Those Winter Sundays theme, it might be intended for the reader to take notice of the people who care for you and to offer them love and gratefulness for their sacrifices, no matter how small they may be. Robert Hayden uses several literary techniques in this poem; one in particular that is most apparent is imagery. Haydens descriptions of the fathers "cracked hands that ached from labor†¦" and "Id wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking" give the reader a very clear mental view of both the father and the environment. The reader can almost hear the sound of logs being split by an axe (which is hard labor) and a picture of a mans weathered, probably calloused hands that were the result of heavy work. The imagery used in Those Winter Sundays leaves little doubt, for the reader, that the father is of the working class and used to performing difficult labor. It serves to feed the theme of the story, allowing the reader to feel pity for the father because he continues to perform his thankless work. The author also uses personification to make the story more powerful. When the speaker says, "I would rise and dress, fearing the chronic angers of that house", Hayden is essentially granting the house human qualities, suggesting a harsh, angry environment stressed from the winter cold. Possibly, personifying the house as being chronically angry suggests it is an old house that has withstood countless winters and that the early morning environment leaves the house feeling ominous. It is also possible, through personifying the house, that Hayden is attempting to enhance the love that his father brings by comparing love against a gloomy, angry environment. Those Winter Sundays

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts - A Strategic Analysis Assignment

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts - A Strategic Analysis - Assignment Example The third area of examination is with internal strengths. One of the primary strengths for Krispy Kreme is their brand name. The company was founded in 1937 during the Great Depression era, yet survived and proved to be an American success story. Their long history built up good brand equity and reputation over the years. Another research article pointed to the new leadership now in place at Krispy Kreme, after they weathered various accounting and management scandals. James Morgan is the new company chairman; president; and CEO. Another key strength, which is well known, is that Krispy Kreme has a good quality product. Their products are available at many gas stations, supermarkets, Wal-Mart’s, and Target Stores, among other visible locations. The fourth area of examination is with internal weaknesses. One study of the company showed where there is a limited amount of healthy food choices at Krispy Kreme. A second resource pointed how low-carb diets became in fashion just abo ut the time that the company was rapidly expanding (Intini, 2007). Hoyt (2008) pointed out how the company seems to be closing too many stores. Their franchisees are struggling, and even though 28 new franchises opened in the first quarter of 2008; there were 7 closures. The company stated that they â€Å"will close additional stores in the future and the number of such closures may be significant. More problems exist as Krispy Kreme faces slowing customer traffic; a lack of product diversification; and high fixed costs.

Hobsons Choice Essay Example for Free

Hobsons Choice Essay Again in this Act we see Willies potential when Maggie goes round to Hobsons to collect some old broken chairs she tells Vicky and Alice, Wills handy with his fingers. Hell put in this afternoon mending them. This shows that Willie has the ability do other things apart from just making boots, so this shows he is not just a simple boot maker that we think he is. He has the capability to use his hands to mend near enough anything. One of the main points of this act is the fact that Willie now accepts the marriage freely and he is not just marrying Maggie because he is scared of her, like he was at first. We know this as he says, Yes Maggie, Im resigned! Youre growing on me lass, and Ill toe the line with you! This is the second time in the play we see Willie make a decision for himself, but this decision is important as the rest of his life depends on this decision. This proves that Willie is a slightly stronger character but the marriage is still just a business proposition. Despite the fact that Willie is now able to make decisions for himself he is still a rather humble character as Vicky asks Willie if he has got the rings and Maggie replies, I have. Do you think I trust him to remember? This shows us Maggie still takes charge of everything and does not trust Willie to do anything. Act Three is set later the same day after the couple have got married and everybody is at Maggie and Willies for the after wedding party, apart from Hobson. Willie decided to make a speech this shows how much his reading has improved, although he is still in Maggies shadow as when Willie is making the speech Maggie has to correct him, generous she says when he forgets the word he is looking for. Also when he makes the speech Maggies family notices his development, as when Albert wants to make a speech Alice says, But youll not speak as well as he did. This just shows that Willie must have progressed if Alice has noticed, as they do not think that he is good enough to be in their family. After the speech Hobson comes round to their home to ask for Maggies advice, and with some help from Maggie, Willie is able to take control of the situation with Hobson. Willie puts Hobson in his place when he speaks the truth and tells him what he really thinks of him as he says, Im sorry if my well meant words dont suit your taste, but I thought you came here for advice But despite this Hobson still does not see why Maggie has chosen Willie for a husband, as he cannot see that Willie has changed and has much more strength in his character. After Willie offends Hobson, Hobson then goes on to offend Willie by saying, I didnt come to you, you jumped up cocka-hooping.. Again we see Willie as a weak character when Maggie has to step in and intervene, to defend her husband, Thatull do father. My husbands trying to help you. Again we see that he is still in Maggies shadow as she asks him to wash up, Willie, well need this table, when theyre gone. Youd better be clearing the pots away This shows he still does not stand up to Maggie all the time and he is still scared of her. This scene is also full of humour when Willie shows one of his remaining weaknesses the fact that he is still a virgin and he does not want to go to bed with Maggie so he does not want their guests to go home and even Freddie notices this and says, Hes afraid to be alone with her, This is important because in the end Maggie drags him to bed and in Victorian society woman were not supposed to enjoy a sexual relationship but still the roles in this absurd relationship are reversed, which is extremely humorous. However, this is the last time we see Willie as a ridiculous figure. Act Four is set a year later so in this act the audience do expect a dramatic change in Willie, and that is what they get. Before Willie even enters the act we see that he has built up a successful business, a business that is ruining Hobsons. We know this as Tubby says to Hobson, In Chapel Street they say its Willie Mossop This just shows that Willie has developed in leaps and bounds since the last time we saw him. In this act we find out that Hobson is a chronic alcoholic and that he is feeling melancholic and suicidal. The doctor tells Hobson he must refrain from drinking and asks Maggie to come back home and look after him. Maggie comes back but she says that she will have to have Willies permission. Hobson finds this hilarious because he does not know how much Willie has changed, so Maggie simply replies, maybe Willie has changed since the last time you saw him Willie arrives at Hobsons and he goes straight to look over the stock. Alice and Vicky question what he is doing and Willie replies, If Im to come into a thing I like to know what Im coming into This shows that Willie has become a changed man as he is definitely more confident and stronger than he was in the previous three acts, we know this because Alices reaction is, Thats never Willie Mossop Later in the Act Willie says to Maggie about moving back to Hobsons, If we come here we come on my terms This shows that Willie is now the dominant one of the couple and that he is not afraid of Maggie, this is a complete role reversal as before it was Maggie who told Willie what to do. To make sure that Maggie comes home to look after Hobson he decides to set terms by offering to pay Willies old wages and allowing Maggie to live in his house rent-free. Willie is not fooled and simply says, Come home Maggie, because why would he want to get paid his old wages when he has a successful business in Oldfield Road? Later Willie sets down his own terms to Hobson. His terms were that they would only move back if Willie owns half of Hobsons shop and Hobson is a silent partner. He even says he cannot refuse because Willie owns a business that is starving Hobsons to death, as Willie says, Me thats the owner of a business thats starving yours to death Willie even stands up to Maggie because Willie wants the sign above the shop door to read, Mossop and Hobson but Maggie disagrees. So Willie says, Its Mossop and Hobson or its Oldfield Road for us, Maggie! Eventually Maggie gives in, just proving that now she is the weaker character and Willie is the stronger, more dominant one, and in Victorian England it was thought that that was how it should be.

Self-government in the Early Colonies :: American Independence

How were the seeds for self-government sown in the early colonies? Why was this important when England started to enforce rules (such as the Intolerable Acts)?   Please give specific examples. Self-governance was a primary idea of the settlers in North America. Once English settlers began to come to the new world in the 1600s, they knew they needed to have their own freedom for themselves, after all that is why they left Great Britain in many cases. Self-governance is most notable in the earliest form of the Mayflower Compact in 1620 for Virginia. Great Britain began to deteriorate the self-governing nature of the colonies in the mid-1700s through various acts it deemed to be necessary. The enforcement of these acts caused the colonists to be unhappy with the actions Great Britain was taking and so the phrase â€Å"taxation without representation is tyranny† came. The Mayflower Compact, signed by some of the earliest settlers of Virginia including John Carter in 1620 was an example of early self-governance in that they established a â€Å"frame such just and equall laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices..for the generall good of the Colonie.† They had left Great Britain with the intention to care for themselves and govern themselves. The Mayflower Compact is one of the earliest examples of people coming together to govern themselves and take control of their future and well-being as a colony without Great Britain. Many others followed suit after them in a manner very similar.4 In the 1760s King George III enacted the Sugar Act and the Stamp act to gain extra revenue from his colonies. King George III decided to enact heavier taxes to put money back into the empire that had been lost after the French and Indian War. This act levied heavy taxes on sugar imported from the West Indies. The Stamp Act in 1765 required that many items have a stamp to prove that the owner had payed for the taxes on the item. The problem the colonists had with it was that it increased the presence of English troops in the Colonies and they felt it was unneeded and only meant to put more control into Great Britain's hands.