Amber's+movie+responses

//**Shawshank Redemption**// This movie was awesome! I enjoyed watching every minute of it. The elements used to show the progress of time were key factors that really appealed to me. For example the scenes that showed the progress of Brook's bird growing up to be an adult and the grey hair forming on the sides of Andy's and the other inmates' heads. One of my favorite scenes was Red's speech to the council that determines whether or not an inmate deserves parole. It was humorous how nobody took the council serious because they knew they would be rejected anyway. But towards the end of the film, Red delivers a speech that is truely outstanding. He doesnt repeat his usual line of sarcasam but rather "tells off" the council by speaking about his thoughts of the word rehabilitated. For which the council listens intentively just as the audience does, as the camera slowly zooms into Red, the scene cuts to the stamp of "accepted" and Red is given a well deserved order of parole. I believe this film is a classic because I feel it will stand the test of time. No matter how many times someone watches this movie I believe it will never get old and I recommend those of a respectable age to the rating of this film, to watch it.

//**Casablanca**// For me, watching Casablanca was a great film experience. Casablanca has come to be known as a classic film and it was my very first time watching it. I surprisingly did not mind the black and white coloring for which some may have disliked. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman had great chemistry during there performance. They made it clear that they loved one another. My favorite line was when Rick rose his glass and said to Ilsa, "here's looking at you kid." To my surprise, the reluctant hero did not get the girl in the end. I was both surprise yet satisfied in the end. It was intersting to finally see a movie with a love interest that I couldn't predict the ending. I of course, thought Rick would get Ilsa and they would live happly in Casablanca together. To my surprise, Rick did the "right" thing and set aside his feelings for his love Ilsa. Instead, Ilsa leaves with Victor on a plane headed for America. However, Rick was not completely left out, even though Rick killed Major Strasser, Captain Renault let him get away with it. Renault actually initiated Rick's escape and hide out in the closing scene. I would recommend Casablanca to those that enjoy classic fimls. It is great for the romantics and those that have a soft spot for reluctant heroes.

Wow, wow, wow, this movie was spectacular. This is certainly a 'go out and buy on dvd' film. I had never seen this movie before but from the first day of viewing it, I immediately fell in love. I was rushing to get to class, it was that good. Marlon Brandow's character, Terry Malloy was an incredible heartthrob right from the start. With his sweet loving side hidden under the bad boy image, Terry wisked me off my feet the minute he brought out his pigeons. Edie Doyle would agree when I tell you, that towards the end of the film, when the audience and Terry discover that his pigeons had been murdered, the emotion of Terry can really bring you to tears. Not to mention the heart to heart speech between Terry and his brother, Charlie. We learnded that if Charlie had taken more care of his kid brother, Terry wouldn't be the man he is now, "just some bum." "I coulda had class, I coulda been a contender, I coulda been somebody..." that speech, in the cab, was another window to the soft spot within the gentle giant. My second favorite scene is with Terry and Edie in the park. It's the first encounter of flirting between the two love birds, which brings about the much needed love interest to the show. One other particular scene that stands out for me, was when he explains himself to Edie. Instead of the audience hearing the whole story, which we already are aware of, the whistle blows over Terry and we can only catch a few words. This was an outstanding technique. Again I'll say, if you have never watched __On the Waterfront__, do so, it's definately worth it.
 * //On the Waterfront// [[image:http://farm1.static.flickr.com/73/168888915_7df34f29fe.jpg?v=0 width="202" height="142"]]**

The movie __The Graduate__ was very interesting! Prior to watching this movie, I had heard that the plot twist was about Ben Bradick's love affair with Mrs. Robinson and her daughter, Elaine Robinson. In an instant, I had to watch this movie. I figured, hey, my life isn't all that exciting, why not watch a film with a whole lot of drama. And so, this movie fullfilled its required 'dramatization.' I really liked the whole idea. Plus the added effects and the whole awkwardness of Ben was very much amusing as well as entertaining. I also made a note, that there are two songs played several times throught the movie. I don't believe I've seen any movie that played the same song about four or five times. It was an interesting experience that left me humming the tune even while at home. We were encouraged to pay close attention to the water references throughout the film. I had noticed many and from my interpretations, I came to the conclusion that Ben was drowning under the pressure of his parents and family. He didn't know what he wanted to do after school, only that it had to be different. He was lost and confused from my diagnosis and his way of relief came from the lovely Mrs. Robinson. Who may be considered as a feme fatale archtype. The movie's ending was very interesting. It has been stated that the ending came from a simple mistake. It seems the camera guy was waiting for the director to say 'cut' but he never did before Ben and Elaine's smiles faded. Everyone seemed to think that was fine however, it seems to have changed the feeling of the ending. Instead of a sence of accomplishment and freedom from the showering of parental guidence, it looks more of a 'what now?' type of situation. From what I get out of it, they are thinking they made the biggest mistake of all, instead of, 'yes, I'm finally with the love of my life.'
 * //The Graduate [[image:http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/images/2007/08/13/the_graduate_386x470.jpg width="145" height="183"]] //**

This movie was all about film noir, smoking, guns, P.I's, and chicks with murder on their mind. It's chalk full of plot twists that make your head spin. The intruiging part was not knowing what exactly Sam Spade was going to do. His mission throughout the film changed with every lie fed to him by "Ruth Wonderly" or Brigid O'Shaughnessy rather as this was the feme fatal's original name. But Samuel isn't all that much of a good guy either. We realize this after he coldy removes his dead partners name from all the windows and doors and replaces it with his own, as well as removing Mr. Archer's from the office the day after he was found murdered. Not to mention, he was having an affair with Archer's wife. The widow even wanted Sam to fess up to the murder to profess his love for her. The deaths in the movie don't end there though and Spade is hounded by the cops more and more and having guns pulled on him here and there by people hunting down a special Falcon. In this aspect it was a little confusing to follow but the wrap up story during Bogart's and Greenstreet's monologue tide in quite nicely. Throughout the film I was drawn in and shocked by all the malace actions between the characters. They all seemed like antagonists doing dirty jobs to get big bucks. But I was particularly satisfied with Spade's last act of cruel behavior. That was when he flat out mercilessly gave up "Wonderly" to the cops. Completely threw her under the bus. She deserved it too. And no amount of tears were going to change that. All in all it was a good movie.
 * //The Maltese Falcon[[image:http://www.moviewallpapers.net/images/wallpapers/1941/the-maltese-falcon/the-maltese-falcon-2-1024.jpg width="240" height="248"]]//**

//**Chinatown**// Since its release in 1974, critics have raved about Chinatown, an incredible film noir. Robert Towne takes the American movie traditional three-act structure to an entirely new level. There are so many plot twists that completely blew me away. The characters are so memorable and well rounded. I don't think there was anything you didn't know about them. Jack Nicholson's portrayl of Jake Gittes was great. His intensity and determination on the trail of truth was vividly expressed. I firmly believe the Oscars nailed their nomination when Mr. Towne won an Oscar in 1975 for Best Original Screenplay. As a writer it's important to make everything count and Towne was able to achieve that with this film. Not one line was misplaced or insignificant. There was one I found myself quoting after leaving the class room. "But Mrs. Mulwray I god damn nearly lost my nose, and I like it, I like breathing through it." The double meaning of some of the dialogue was intriguing. Like when Jake is told to keep his nose out of other peoples business or he'll lose it and then the man with the knife cuts it. The man implied it to mean both figuratively and literally. Overall, Chinatown is well worth watching. I enjoyed it very much.

//**Do The Right Thing**// This film by Spike Lee was outstanding. It was interesting to hear the class discussions afterwards. Do The Right Thing has many different interpretations. I found that there were only two other students who saw it the same way I did. For example, what possessed Mookie to throw the trash can in Sal's Pizza Place? Looking at this movie in an artisitic way I firmly believe Lee did an amazing job with the movie overall. The camera angles were great in heightening the tension during the arguements. I loved the reference to heat throughout the film. Not only did I feel this is partly why everyone was so cranky and angry but also that people can't stand the heat of competition. What I mean is, society can't deal with racial difference. They are afraid that a different race will come up and take all that they've worked for. I thought that was clever. I think Lee did a nice job of adding the scene of everyone playing with the fire hydrant, this allowed for me to make a personal connection. The three guys that sat on the corner and talked smack made for a great ease of tension, allowing for comedic laughs. One of my favorite scenes is when everyone calls a specific race derogatory names. A scene like that would be hard to put out to the public I feel, it was a huge risk but Spike Lee took it and I think it served the movie justice and was a really great idea.

//**One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest**// Overall, I'd say this movie was alright. Jack Nicholson's performance was quite creepy throught out the film. In particular, Nicholson's smile and laughter worked well in establishing the setting and tone of the movie. The tone being that these men are in a mental hospital, people think they are crazy. I think scenes of this movie almost make you forget that at times. (i.e. the boat ride.) I was especially interested in the camera shots. During the group theorapy sessions I enjoyed being able to see the reaction of the men to the discussions that were brought up. This element was very entertaining. With out this the characters would be flat. Here, we as an audience can make connections with the characters and sympathize with them. My opinion towards Chief essentially murdering McMurphy in the end is that his actions were appropriate given the circumstances. No one deserves to live their life as a 'vegetable,' especailly not someone like McMurphy. Who is conveyed as this happy-go-lucky guy, who doesn't give a crap about what other people think. To take anyone and perform a lobotomy is awful but to take a person like McMurphy and break them down to virtually nothing, is cruel. I think there was a bit of envy in Nurse Ratchet when she ordered the surgery. All in all, Chief did McMurphy a favor. Another aspect I appreciated was the fact that Chief had everyone fooled into thinking he was deaf and dumb, however, I predicted it. Having Chief effectively pick up the sink and escape was another prediction of mine. In conclusion, One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest is a movie you have to see. Whether you think it's good or bad afterwards doesn't matter, it's being able to say you experienced it that counts.

//**Cinema Paradiso**// Hmm this film, well, I have to say this movie although it's not my favorite it certainly was a great pick for the end of the year. The whole nostalgia feeling at the end and through out the film was brilliant. I myself love movies and could very well spend all my time in the theater just like Toto. It provides a great escape from the troubles of everyday life. Like getting away from an upsetting mother and school. The screenplay it's self is quite corny. But I think if it weren't corny it would degrade the entire film. What I mean is, Cinema Paradiso is about the theater, about a boy trying to in a way live life like a movie. So the scene when Anna comes and kisses him in the rain is very corny but its a scene out of the movies that Toto loved watching and experiencing. The score was a full filling aspect to the film. The repetition of one of the songs at different paces helps add to the nostalgia. Alfredo was my favorite character. He was such a heartwarming character and really made me sympathize with him when he lost his eye sight. He literally made me tear a little. I thought it was heartbreaking he couldn't see his favorite movies anymore. However I loved how he was able to tell when things were wrong with the projection or the camera itself. I think it made up for the blindness and really shows how mysterious and wonderful Alfredo was at his job. The cinematography was fantastic. I loved being able to see the terrain of Italy. It was beautiful. As well as the language. I loved listening especially to the younger Toto speak in Italian, it was so adorable. I don't think I would buy this movie but I'm definately glad I had the opportunity to watch it.