Monsters were created by mankind to explain the world around us and the world inside of us, we as humans create monsters. He gets the ideas of monsters from insects and other types animals that he saw in his early childhood. He put the role of the monsters in his movies to show how humans create their own monsters. He then adds other special effects that he thinks would make the character more effective for the movie.
Ofelia is a little girl who seeks refuge from the violence and misery of her life in a fantasy world that turns out to be just as menacing. Quoted by John Calhoun in American cinematography. Pan's Labyrinth is basically a mirror of what this world is today, says Guillero.
The visuals in the film tells the story on its own. The darkness and the color style let the graphics in the film carry the story's burden. “The image becomes the grammar of the story” says Navarro. The camera basically fits the shoes of Ofelia (the main character). The people who are watching the film learns, discover, understand, and feel what Ofelia feels. In the film Pan's labyrinth you kind of get confused of whats happening if its in Ofelia fantasy world or real life. Colors like deep crimsons and golden ambers which are warm colors were used in Ofelia's fantasy world where they have more round shapes. The harsh reality was represented by cold hues of blue, and green environment which features sharp angles.
The colors start to mix in with each other throughout the film thats where you see the unity of Ofelia's fantasy world and the real world. Navarro said that with the mixing of colors he found the language that was needed to help the audience understand the complexity of the movie.
This shows that he went through a great extent on creating and improving his monsters and the film exactly the way he wants them.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Billy Jack
Billy Jack, directed and played by Tom Laughlin, is a half-Indian/half-white ex-Green Beret who is being drawn more and more toward his Indian side. He hates violence, but can't get away from it in the “white man's” world. Pitting the good guys, the students of the peace-loving free-arts school in the desert vs. the conservative bad guys in the near-by town. The film plays a late-60s messages about anti-establishment, make love not war, the senseless slaughter of God's creatures, the rape of society (figuratively and literally), two-sided justice, racial segregation and prejudices, and basic socialist ideals.
In contrast Billy Jack reminds me of Born Losers by Tom Laughlin and Delores Taylor in the 1967 film. Both films have the same hero, theme and the obsession with the role of violence in society. In all saying I believe that all this film calls out that a gun is better than a constitution in the enforcement of justice.
Colors was good. But what fascinated me was the sounding and the language that was use in this film. The dialog that was use funny, truthful and life experiencing which made the film the more better. The costume that was use showed more of a hillbilly type of look thats trying to find peace in this world.
In contrast Billy Jack reminds me of Born Losers by Tom Laughlin and Delores Taylor in the 1967 film. Both films have the same hero, theme and the obsession with the role of violence in society. In all saying I believe that all this film calls out that a gun is better than a constitution in the enforcement of justice.
Colors was good. But what fascinated me was the sounding and the language that was use in this film. The dialog that was use funny, truthful and life experiencing which made the film the more better. The costume that was use showed more of a hillbilly type of look thats trying to find peace in this world.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Curse of the Golden Flower
Directer Yimou Zhang and cinematographer Xiaoding Zhao set this film in the 10th century with the tale of deception and betrayal that pits emperor( Yun-fat Chow) against empress (Li Gong ) and father against son.
The old Chinese saying “Gold and jade on the outside , rot and decay on the inside” goes perfectly with the film's theme.
Quoted that this film has excellent contrast and high definition.
Zhao use gold , red and pink to show imperial colors in Chinese tradition , they are use as key tones during the production. Quoted “ we made them even stronger and more saturated during the digital intermediate. He said he eschewed filters on the lens.
The camera movement had reflected the sense of crisis and instability gripping the kingdom. The dramatic scenes feature formal symmetrical compositions that suggest the highly regimented protocol dictated royal tradition. In the American Cinematography magazine.
My favorite shot in this film was when the emperor had tried to force his wife to drink the poisonous drink but it ended up falling on the table and the liquid stained the wood table into a flower. The background then faded out into a white and black surrounding except for the stain which slowly transform into a red chrysanthemum making it look like real fresh blood. Zhao said “the color transition express the idea of opulent surface being peeled off. All the glory and power is gone, leaving only evil to continue.”
The old Chinese saying “Gold and jade on the outside , rot and decay on the inside” goes perfectly with the film's theme.
Quoted that this film has excellent contrast and high definition.
Zhao use gold , red and pink to show imperial colors in Chinese tradition , they are use as key tones during the production. Quoted “ we made them even stronger and more saturated during the digital intermediate. He said he eschewed filters on the lens.
The camera movement had reflected the sense of crisis and instability gripping the kingdom. The dramatic scenes feature formal symmetrical compositions that suggest the highly regimented protocol dictated royal tradition. In the American Cinematography magazine.
My favorite shot in this film was when the emperor had tried to force his wife to drink the poisonous drink but it ended up falling on the table and the liquid stained the wood table into a flower. The background then faded out into a white and black surrounding except for the stain which slowly transform into a red chrysanthemum making it look like real fresh blood. Zhao said “the color transition express the idea of opulent surface being peeled off. All the glory and power is gone, leaving only evil to continue.”
Thursday, May 3, 2007
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
From the epic poem "The Odyssey" by Homer, set in the deep south during the 1930's. In it, three escaped convicts search for hidden treasure while a relentless lawman pursues them. Director Joel Coen made O Brother, Where Art Thou with the genre of comedy, adventure, crime and music.
This is an interesting film because it contains reference from other films like The Wizard of Oz, Crossroads, and Cool Hand Luke. A scene when the KKK rally with the chanting and the marching of the Klansman, also when the heroes who sneak in by overpowering three of the Klansman and taking their outfits came from the Wicked Witch's castle.
George Clooney's character Everett McGill came from Everett McGill, an actor who appeared in the film Quest for Fire. McGill portrayed the leader of a group of three early humans on a journey to find fire and bring it back to their tribe. The name "Ulysses Everett McGill" to Clooney's character's leadership of a similarly dim-witted trio on a quest.
Much of the music used is from Appalachian folk music, including that of Virginia folk/bluegrass. The music selection is drawn from spiritual music of this region, including that of the Primitive Baptist Church, and other popular religious music. There is a notable use of dirges and other macabre songs, a theme which often recurs in Appalachian Music (Oh Death, Lonesome Valley, Angel Band) in contrast to bright or corrective songs (Keep On The Sunny side, You Are My Sunshine) in other parts of the movie. These songs lend a spiritual air and deeper allegory to the comedic film.
This film has a pleasant yellow that gets the film going from the get go. One scene is in the beginning of the film where the three convicts escaped jail, another is at the end of the film where the three little girls was walking and sing behind McGill. The lighting was very direct because the scene where they were at Wash Hogwallop home after dinner the light was directly on Mr. Hogwallop face with a dark surrounding. Where you could see his faces with expressions that clearly identified his feelings.
This is an interesting film because it contains reference from other films like The Wizard of Oz, Crossroads, and Cool Hand Luke. A scene when the KKK rally with the chanting and the marching of the Klansman, also when the heroes who sneak in by overpowering three of the Klansman and taking their outfits came from the Wicked Witch's castle.
George Clooney's character Everett McGill came from Everett McGill, an actor who appeared in the film Quest for Fire. McGill portrayed the leader of a group of three early humans on a journey to find fire and bring it back to their tribe. The name "Ulysses Everett McGill" to Clooney's character's leadership of a similarly dim-witted trio on a quest.
Much of the music used is from Appalachian folk music, including that of Virginia folk/bluegrass. The music selection is drawn from spiritual music of this region, including that of the Primitive Baptist Church, and other popular religious music. There is a notable use of dirges and other macabre songs, a theme which often recurs in Appalachian Music (Oh Death, Lonesome Valley, Angel Band) in contrast to bright or corrective songs (Keep On The Sunny side, You Are My Sunshine) in other parts of the movie. These songs lend a spiritual air and deeper allegory to the comedic film.
This film has a pleasant yellow that gets the film going from the get go. One scene is in the beginning of the film where the three convicts escaped jail, another is at the end of the film where the three little girls was walking and sing behind McGill. The lighting was very direct because the scene where they were at Wash Hogwallop home after dinner the light was directly on Mr. Hogwallop face with a dark surrounding. Where you could see his faces with expressions that clearly identified his feelings.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Directed by Darnell Martin Their Eyes Were Watching God was phenomenal. A drama set in the 1920s, where free-spirited Janie Crawford's played by Halle Berry search for happiness that leads her through several different marriages, challenging the morals of her small town. With the genre of Bildungsroman (coming of age), and the American Southern spiritual journey where the community convicts, segregate against the ungodly.
The main factors of this film was Janie's hair, the pear tree, the horizon and the hurricane. Love and relationships versus independence; spiritual fulfillment; and materialism showed clearly through out the film.
The tone of the film appear to be sympathetic and affirming. The language took a tole of control, power and conquest as a mean to fulfillment.
The main factors of this film was Janie's hair, the pear tree, the horizon and the hurricane. Love and relationships versus independence; spiritual fulfillment; and materialism showed clearly through out the film.
The tone of the film appear to be sympathetic and affirming. The language took a tole of control, power and conquest as a mean to fulfillment.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Ray
Ray a film played by Jamie Foxx was magnificent. Jamie Foxx did a wonderful job, he showed the aggressiveness, soft hearted and talented Ray Charles well. Directed by Taylor Hackford , screenplay by James L. White, produced by Hackford, Stuart Benjamin, Howard Baldwin and Karen Baldwin collaborated and made a film that got Grammy award.
Ray Charles mother played by Sharon Warren(Aretha Robinson)played a fiercely independent mother who insisted that he make his own way through the world. She kept pressing on young Ray to be independent. Which prove well because in one scene when Ray Charles mangers tried to play him like a fool he realized it and left. Also when he first met Della Bea, going back home he mesmerized the direction from her house to his.
Kerry Washington played as Della Bea Robinson, Ray Robinson wife was great. She played a God-loving woman but also a woman of heart. She stuck with Ray Charles despite his adulterous acts. But when it was time for her to speak her voice she did and she was powerful and fierce with it.
C.J. Sanders played as little Ray did a magnificent job. He showed the fear of turning blind, watching his brother die and seen his mother go through a struggle to support him.
One factor of this film was lighting, in one scene was when Della confronts Ray the lighting was dark and the only thing you can see is there faces and reactions. It was a factor because it shows the expressions well enough, to the point where you don't even have to listen to the words to know whats going to be said. You automatically know what they're feeling.
Music by Ray Charles obviously was played through out the whole film. But Jamie Foxx singing sounded just like Ray Charles. The jazz, and gospel sounding came natural to him.
Ray Charles mother played by Sharon Warren(Aretha Robinson)played a fiercely independent mother who insisted that he make his own way through the world. She kept pressing on young Ray to be independent. Which prove well because in one scene when Ray Charles mangers tried to play him like a fool he realized it and left. Also when he first met Della Bea, going back home he mesmerized the direction from her house to his.
Kerry Washington played as Della Bea Robinson, Ray Robinson wife was great. She played a God-loving woman but also a woman of heart. She stuck with Ray Charles despite his adulterous acts. But when it was time for her to speak her voice she did and she was powerful and fierce with it.
C.J. Sanders played as little Ray did a magnificent job. He showed the fear of turning blind, watching his brother die and seen his mother go through a struggle to support him.
One factor of this film was lighting, in one scene was when Della confronts Ray the lighting was dark and the only thing you can see is there faces and reactions. It was a factor because it shows the expressions well enough, to the point where you don't even have to listen to the words to know whats going to be said. You automatically know what they're feeling.
Music by Ray Charles obviously was played through out the whole film. But Jamie Foxx singing sounded just like Ray Charles. The jazz, and gospel sounding came natural to him.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Letters from Iwo Jima
Director Clint Eastwood sought the action of Japanese defenders in a film about World War 2 showing the Japanese views. It was a wartime tale of sacrifice and survival.
The ideas and characters are universal in this film. But the language was in Japanese which made it interesting that pure Americans were speaking Japanese.
General Kuribayashi played by Ken Watanabe was great. In the film his role as general was good because his plans were strategic not tactical. He wasn't as interested in winning the battle he was more interested in holding up U.S. invasion of Japan.
Eastwood and Stern(cinematographer) used the advantage of shooting with small cameras. With that you can feel the soldiers claustrophobic in battle.
Going on research this film was shoot in a real tunnel 100ft underground where Japanese soldiers had killed themselves during the war. Two third of the film was shot in actual mines, caves, and lava fields mountains. The good of having to be in a actual cave is that each of the characters felt what the soldiers felt from being in there.
One key factor of the film was the color black. An example to understand the effect of the color is to imagine yourself on a highway where theres no light until a car passes you and the car light shines directly on you. The only thing thats shown is the light and the object its shines on but everything else is pitch black. There were no extra lights. Another color factor was red. Red mostly symbolize blood, the color was on the military insignia and around the explosions and muzzle blast there was red.
The gruesome part was when the soldiers commit suicide by blowing themselves up with grenades.
The ideas and characters are universal in this film. But the language was in Japanese which made it interesting that pure Americans were speaking Japanese.
General Kuribayashi played by Ken Watanabe was great. In the film his role as general was good because his plans were strategic not tactical. He wasn't as interested in winning the battle he was more interested in holding up U.S. invasion of Japan.
Eastwood and Stern(cinematographer) used the advantage of shooting with small cameras. With that you can feel the soldiers claustrophobic in battle.
Going on research this film was shoot in a real tunnel 100ft underground where Japanese soldiers had killed themselves during the war. Two third of the film was shot in actual mines, caves, and lava fields mountains. The good of having to be in a actual cave is that each of the characters felt what the soldiers felt from being in there.
One key factor of the film was the color black. An example to understand the effect of the color is to imagine yourself on a highway where theres no light until a car passes you and the car light shines directly on you. The only thing thats shown is the light and the object its shines on but everything else is pitch black. There were no extra lights. Another color factor was red. Red mostly symbolize blood, the color was on the military insignia and around the explosions and muzzle blast there was red.
The gruesome part was when the soldiers commit suicide by blowing themselves up with grenades.
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