Disney's Hercules

Hercules is by far my favorite Disney movie. I think that's the reason I became so interested in Greek and Roman mythology. I recently had to watch this movie again for my class. Although this movie is not even close to historically accurate according to the real myth, it still has quite the story line. I enjoyed how this version of a classic myth really takes into account what it takes to be a "true hero." They did a good job of incorporating the 12 labors of Hercules under a different base story. You get the stables and the lion snuck in there without you noticing. If you didn't know about the labors you might not notice them which I think rewards people who know the real story. It allows them to alter the story without upsetting too many people.

Of course the best part of this Disney animated film is the music! The songs are catchy and upbeat and straight to the point. They aren't just fluff pieces added in. They truly add to the story in my opinion. Plus the Muses are so sassy and fun!

The Anxiety Attack that is Gravity (Spoiler Alert!)

     I hadn't seen Gravity until after it won several Academy Awards and after I'd heard raving reviews, but it was well worth the wait. Despite giving me anxiety attack-like symptoms throughout the entire movie, I couldn't look away until the end credits rolled.
     The cast was made up of just a few secondary characters that appeared only briefly as well as two A-list actors, George Clooney and Sandra Bullock. Despite having a small, focused, top of the line cast, the movie didn't focus on promoting Hollywood and Hollywood actors but rather on the characters and the story. Sandra Bullock played her part so well that I forgot that she was Sandra Bullock, famous actress, and saw her only as Dr. Ryan Stone, the alone and afraid medical engineer on her first shuttle mission to space. I felt her fear more than I'd ever felt fear from a character. I imagined myself in her place and I panicked inside.
     Dr. Stone spent the vast majority of the movie floating around in space with no space shuttle to return to, no real knowledge of how to get back down to Earth, and no one to help her. Since I already had an irrational fear of outer space, this was particularly horrifying for me to watch. I was rooting for Stone the entire time, as was everyone else who saw the movie, I'm sure. I wanted nothing more than for her to choose to live and to figure out how to get home. However, that didn't seem like a likely possibility to me, given the circumstances, her lack of experience in outer space, and her lack of training in this type of situation.
     For those reasons, I was utterly shocked but also unbelievably happy when she finally crashed down into the ocean on Earth. She had made it, and I couldn't imagine the amount of courage and calm that it would take for a person to do that.
     But it couldn't be that easy. When she opened the door to the tiny shuttle she was in and the ocean water started rushing in, my panic attack began. How could she get through a catastrophe like that in outer space by herself only to get home and drown?! Apparently Dr. Stone thought the same way and she just kept on fighting until she got herself out of the shuttle and swam/drifted to shore.
     The last shot of the movie was of Dr. Stone grabbing onto the beach she washed up on and finally standing up on land for the first time since she left Earth and experienced that disaster in space. We see her muster up the strength to walk into the land and the credits roll. That last shot really got to me. I can't imagine what it must feel like to feel the land beneath your feet and the force of gravity for the first time after spending a while in outer space, floating around. After the turmoil that Dr. Stone experienced, it must've been an incredible feeling.
     I had to remind myself several times during this film that it was just a movie and that Dr. Stone was just a character. I became more emotionally attached to the character than I normally do. At the same time, I spent a lot of time wondering how the filmmakers made this movie. The visual effects were amazing, and I think the simulation of zero gravity is really interesting and even more interesting when an entire movie is filmed using it. There wasn't a single aspect of this film or its making that didn't grab my attention and hold onto it for its duration. I'm glad I finally got around to see it, and I think everyone should do the same, if they haven't already.

Cosmos...A Space Adventure *cue trumpets*

After taking the class critical thinking and mass media by professor Ben Crane, I learned the scientific method is the only real way to prove the existence of any theory. But I also learned that the show cosmos sheds light on all of these things I learned in class. In 1980 a television series called Cosmos: A personal Voyage was released on PBS. This show written, and narrated by professor and scientist Carl Sagan created a milestone for any scientific documentary. This year they decided to bring back a new version of the show called Cosmos: A Space-time Odyssey. This series was developed to bring back the foundation of science to network television at the height of other scientific- based television series and films. This show is executive produced by Seth MacFarlane, whose brilliant financial investment helped develop this show into something extraordinary. Not only does the show contain amazing content, its graphics and locations are incredible. This is a show I recommend for everybody, especially for people who love the truth.

The original Carl Sagan above discussing multiple dimension theories.

The new cosmos which is way cooler looking. All in all, a very good show that will appeal to the intrigue, intellect and insight of everyone.

Musicals As Films

So I love musicals!!!! I have grown up listening to musicals and I have even performed in about seven musicals within my life time. I also love watching movies. So it is only fitting that I am in love with movies that are musicals/musicals that are movies! They have a certain something to them. I love the fact that they are musicals that I can see over and over again! The songs that are in the films just get stuck in my head which makes me then want to watch it again! Here are a couple of musical films that I am in love with.

   Fiddler on the Roof

Shrek the Musical

Hairspray

Les Miserable

Rent

Whoever invented the musical movie is the best!

Greys Anatomy

In Greys Anatomy the story lines have to do with character relationships that form throughout the show. The first true relationship that is formed is between two surgeons, Cristina and Burke. Another relationship forms quickly after that with two main characters, Meredith and Derek. While the show is mainly based on the hospital scene and the process of running a hospital, the show also has a lot of character development. Some character development is formed between surgeons while others are formed between surgeons and patients.  In one of the seasons, Dr. Alex Karev falls in love with one of his patients. This series focuses on the fictional lives of surgical interns and residents as they evolve into doctors while trying to maintain personal lives.

            The characters carry this particular series. The workplace and setting is important, however without the character development there would be no substance to the show. The workplace is important in terms of setting the scene and the mood. The characters then put in perspective how a hospital runs. The dialogue is sad at times, yet they have a lot of comic relief within the show to balance out the negative mood. While this is a medical show, the show is mainly a drama series. The show revolves around the relationships that are created and the way each character treats each other. There is sexual tension, and heartbreaks. It is a roller coaster of emotions every season, which is what makes the viewers so intrigued and keep coming back to watch future seasons.

House of Cards Foreshadowing in the Final Scene

SPOILERS

      Music in television and movies are a great way to create a feel or emotion and really set the scene. Another way to use music is to foreshadow future events. In the final episode of House of Cards they use music to potentially foreshadow the feeling of season 3.

     In the final episode the protagonist Frank Underwood meets with his enemy Raymond Tusk at an opera. During the conversation Tusk tells Frank that when he is put in prison to try and remember how beautiful the music was tonight. To which Frank responds "I never liked Puccini, he's such a downer. I prefer a happier tone" he then walks away humming hail to the chief. 

     Later in the final scene of the episode when Frank Underwood's final plan works and he is awarded the the presidency. As he is walking down the hallway to the oval office there is opera playing in the background. After hearing it I did some poking around and discovered that the Puccini is also what is playing in the background. I don't know exactly what that means for the next scene, but I am predicting that it will be bad news for Frank Underwood since he thinks Puccini is a downer and his music is what was being played over Frank's final moment of success as he finally reaches his goal.

Shailene Woodley: Rising Star

Shailene Woodley. You may not recognize the name, but you definitely know her face. I first knew her

Shailene Woodley

as the annoying pregnant teenager from "The Secret Life of the American Teenager", an ABC Family show that went on too long and ruined Molly Ringwald for me forever. At first the show was a guilty pleasure of mine, until I came to actually dislike it, mainly because of the character Shailene Woodley portrayed. Then, "The Descendants" came out. I almost didn't watch it, but when I heard it had George Clooney in Hawaii, I had to put aside my prejudice. 

I loved the film, and surprisingly one of my favorite parts was Shailene's performance as Alexandra. Woodley played the exact opposite of her "Secret Life" character, instead showing us her more rebellious and brash side, while still evoking emotions and connecting with the audience. I was impressed, especially as she was thrown side by side with one of the most iconic actors of our time. After "The Descendants" I was hooked, and couldn't wait to see what she would do next.

What I love about Shailene Woodley is her flexibility. She can bounce from a TV show, to an indie movie, to a blockbuster, one right after another, and fit in with almost any style. My favorites are her indie films. I was blown away by "The Spectacular Now", a film about two seniors in high school who fall in love and force each other to explore the people they've become. I'm a huge fan of Miles 

Teller and Woodley from "The Spectacular Now"

Teller already, so I was shamelessly biased to see this movie. I was enthralled by the rawness of the actors' performances and the strange chemistry that somehow worked for the film. This was no typical high school romance story, and Woodley and Teller really sold it. 

After seeing "The Spectacular Now", I found out Woodley was starring in the new movie "Divergent". It peaked my interest, but I was mostly just happy to see her in another big film. I haven't gotten around to seeing it yet, but from the what I've heard, I predict Woodley's future will only increase steadily in success. And recently I discovered that she is starring in Josh Boone's new film, "The Fault in Our Stars", an adaptation of John Greene's famous novel. I'm extremely excited to see it, as I believe Woodley's talent has only grown, and we'll see another side of the actress we've never seen before. 

The film will be released this upcoming summer. I'm excited to see what moves this promising actress decides to make next.

The Importance of Production Design

Everyone knows that one of the most important concepts of film-making is visual presentation.  I mean -- what's a movie without anything on the screen?  The production designer is the person in charge of all of this.  This is an enormous task, and the production designer must oversee every single visual aspect of the film: this includes costumes, set design, lighting, makeup, props, hairstyles, etc.  Without a production designer, a film cannot exist.

Production design artistically expresses the film. Color palettes are chosen with extreme care, and all props must have a purpose.  The job of a production designer isn't to simply please the audience aesthetically.  If you look closely, you'll catch on to the subtle hints that are placed in the background.  There are many instances where production designers give away the entire personality of a character in a single shot, just by decorating the background effectively and carefully.

The short above perfectly encapsulates the importance and duties of a production designer.  The task is certainly not easy, as I am discovering first-hand. It requires many hours of hard work, research, and excellent communication between everyone involved in various aspects of the film.

James Franco Scandal

Now I'm usually not one for celebrity gossip, but occasionally I stumble upon something that I think is absolutely hysterical. This week was James Franco's 17 year old girl scandle from Buzzfeed. So according to the site James Franco messaged some girl from scotland via instagram because she was staying in New York for the week. The only problem was she was with her mother, and oh yeah, she is 17. I first read the messages and said "no way," but what forced me to believe that it was actually James Franco was the pictures he sent the girl. There was literally a picture of him with a letter of something she asked him to write for proof. What I think is humorous about this whole thing is I can totally see Franco being a little creepy when not in front of a camera. But what tops this entire thing off is that yesterday on the Kelly & Michael show Franco was interviewed and asked about this exact issue. When asked Franco's response was actually kind of respectful and intelligent. "I was just feeling awkward, I didn't want to come on the show and feel awkward. Yeah, I'm embarrassed and I uhhh… I guess Im just a model of how social media is tricky. It's a way of how people meet each other today.. But what Ive learned, I guess cause Im new to it, is that you don't know who's on the other end. You get a feel for them, but you don't know who your talking to. So, I used bad judgment, and I learned my lesson." So I guess the message of this blog is that stay away from James Franco if your an underage girl.

Canon Commercial: No One Sees It Like You

Canon Australia came out with a new commercial emphasizing on people's eyes and what they are seeing.

I thought this was a very powerful ad concept that shows amazing aesthetics through something simple as the human eye. In terms of production, the editing in this is amazing. Whoever edited this brought out colors in the eye so well and adding the visuals the actual characters are seeing into the eye was also  very cool. It is kind of odd that they made an ad about eyes, but I enjoyed it. It provides a powerful message saying that everyone is unique and you should see the world in the way you want to. The way you see things are not always the same as the way others do and that difference of views is what promotes individualism and creativity.

Emotional Simplicity As Shown in the Brilliant Disguise Music Video

            It’s a simple music video. One shot. No camera movements, just a steady zoom. A man plays his guitar in a kitchen. This restraint may seem to some bland and uninteresting, but it is in fact a testament to the power of developing a narrative and visual style to accompany the core emotions of your project instead of building upon it.

The song Brilliant Disguise, from the Bruce Springsteen album Tunnel of Love, was released as a single 1987. The song’s about the nature of identity in marriage, it is a contemplative piece about the doubts one feels about their significant other in a relationship, and the fears and pains that accompany them. The narrator and his significant other are clearly past the point of blissful love, that period of time where you are blinded by the pure overwhelming emotions of being attached to someone. He is still in love it seems, but now he is looking at who she really is and who he really is. And he can’t help but doubt.  

So tell me what I see

When I look in your eyes

Is that you baby, or just a brilliant disguise?

Is the person he fell in love with the person she really is? I mean, can you ever really know, understand a person’s pains? Fears? Hell, can you ever really understand your own? The song never addresses these questions, which ends up making it that much more powerful. It doesn’t give the answers for the dark underbelly of identity in a relationship, but simply brings them up and ponders the ramifications of them.  It’s a powerful testament to one of the many discrepancies in love, and a powerful one at that.

This is a complicated, unnerving emotion to render into a music video. The video was released around the beginning of the peak of MTV. Videos were starting to get really flashy; they’d have big narrative arcs that the songs would accompany and detail instead of having the images give flavor to the songs. That is not necessarily bad. Sometimes fancy editing and extravagant camera movements empower the creators and help them deliver their message. Sometimes it is simply a show of skill and prowess, unnecessarily clogging up their visual palette and distracting from the core emotions of their piece. So going into the music video, in that era, one would expect some sort of narrative showcase of Bruce with a wife in a variety of situations looking forlornly off into the distance. There’d probably be some real nice dissolves here and there, maybe the woman even stares at the moon from a balcony at some point, her dress waving beautifully in the night time winds.

Instead, in the hands of director Meiert Avis, we have a black and white video of single shot zoom in on Bruce as he plays the guitar. It’s uncomplicated. He just plays his guitar and sings while staring into the camera. At the beginning, we’re something like ten feet away from him visually. The kitchen he’s sitting in looks like a set.  It comes across as surprisingly gimmicky and cheap.

Well I've tried to hard baby

But I just can't see

What a woman like you

Is doing with me

But the song delves into the deeper and more emotionally stirring parts of the song. The camera keeps steadily zooming in on Bruce. His face is browbeaten and weary. Bruce’s singing, which was recorded live on set that day, which is an unusual practice, strains in parts. The polish is gone. Instead, these words are pouring straight from his soul. The kitchen keeps looking like a set, but it takes one a whole other sense of identity. This is where the romantic, idealized marriage should happen. Loved ones gather at the dinner table to bond. These meals should serve as an affirmation of love. It should be perfect. It should be the moment you look forward to at the end of the day. But sometimes our lives don’t live up to the ideals we hope to be true. And so the kitchen becomes foreboding. It is a dead hope; an ideal ransacked by the true nature of life, and this man can’t help but live with it. Love was never going to be this simple, but he can’t help but hope for it.

           The song ends on a final lyrical coda before an instrumental outro:

Tonight our bed is cold

I'm lost in the darkness of our love

God have mercy on the man

Who doubts what he's sure of

The video, in turn ends on a tight shot of Bruce’s face. His very human, soulful stare is almost pleading to the camera as the song and video fade out. The moment haunt, and it fills the viewer with an impression of dread and fear. For the man, for themselves, who knows.

            This is not the convoluted narrative conclusion or a special effects laden spectacle of visual noise and aural bombast. No, this is just a man and his doubts. 

Elders React

One of my, and sure many other people’s, favorite things to do is waste time on the Internet watching silly videos. One of my top searches lately, is the React videos from TheFineBros. These guys are two brothers that create various videos showing different age groups reacting to different forms of viral media. My favorite specifically is Elder’s React. These videos feature different senior citizens, and their reactions to these videos and games. After they watch or play whatever it is that the episode is about, they are asked a series of questions, and the result is usually really funny. Here are a couple examples of Elders React:

I think the reason that these videos are so effective is because they reach many different demographics of humor. Because there are different categories from young children, to older adults,  all of the videos are very different and can reach people with different tastes in YouTube videos. I also have a soft spot for older adults, and watching them interact with technology is very interesting and funny to me. It reminds me of my grandmother, and having to teach her how to use Skype every time I call her. I would highly recommend these videos to anyone who enjoys humor and silly videos that can help get you through the day.

The deal continues...

Maybe you remember my last post on the Comcast Time Warner cable deal but if not, here is a refresher. Comcast is in the midst of acquiring Time Warner cable for a whopping $45 billion. Many have criticized this situation as a farce but lobbyist David Cohen is quick to

combat any such claims. My initial perspective on the merger was that the deal resembled that of a monopoly, but apparently even after the merger Comcast will still represent less then 30 percent of the viewing population according to Cohen. Technically after the merger Comcast would cover more then 30 percent of the market but they proposed to drop 3 million of their viewers to illustrate that they wouldn't. Cohen believes that the company will not infringe on peoples choice of TV providers and in fact will lead to healthy competition amongst competitors. At times it can be hard to know if what Cohen is saying is sincere or just influenced by the millions of dollars he makes, what do you think? All he says are hypotheticals and what ifs but doesn't seem to give cold hard reasoning to why this merger is beneficial to all. In till I can get cold hard facts about how this benefits the consumer and isn't just a power play I will be skeptic to the transition. Based on the history of large mergers that seem to monopolize a given market, prices tend to sky rocket for the average folk and a few greedy people tend to fill their pockets. If Comcast can state that they will not dramatically increase prices, not have too many commercials, and not start adding cheap programing, then I would be more open to the idea. What do you think about it...