"V for Vendetta" was a film I both enjoyed and disliked. I thought the plot line was skillfully drafted and unique, but I personally didn't like the violence and graphicness of the picture. With that said, I think showing the violence was the most successful way to display the seriousness of the situations and the corrupt, totalitarian government. Natalie Portman did a great job in this film, as well has Hugo Weaving, who had a challenging role of demonstrating his character only from his body movements and voice. The combination of action and a more broad, political theme was well balanced, and the suspenseful plot line kept me interested the entire film.

"Singin' in the Rain" was my favorite in class viewings this semester. To me it had the perfect balance of music, dialog, humor, and conflict. I thought the acting was great and the relationships between the characters Don Lockwood and Kathy Selden was fun to watch develop. The film had a great plot line, and satisfying ending. The musical pieces were very well done, as was the choreography that went along with them. Overall, I thought it was a fun, well made, entertaining movie that I would highly recommend!

I agree with Katie in her post about her favorite films that I liked Kung Fu Hustle the best out of the films we watched in class, mostly because I was pleasantly surprised by the humor, amazing choreography and movement, the suspense, and the creativity of the plot in general. Usually, Kung Fu movies would not be my first choice, but I ended up really enjoying this one.

But my favorite assigned viewing has to be Black Narcissus. Of course, the most amazing part to me was the vibrancy of the colors, unlike anything else I have seen in a film. They really caught the viewers eye and added to the enjoyment of the movie. The suspense in the scene where sister Ruth goes insane is also added to with the lighting and the colors, which I really enjoyed. As such an early film using color, I was really surprised by how well it was done and how much I really did enjoy it. Overall, I think this class has taught me the importance of keeping an open mind, because I was pleasantly surprised by so many movies we watched that I would never choose to watch on my own.

Favorite Movies

Since, it's the last class of the semester, I thought I would share my favorite in-class viewing and assigned viewing. My favorite in-class movie was "Kung-fu Hustle" because I was surprised by how funny and well made it was. When I saw the title, I instantly formed a negative judgement because Kung-fu type movies have never interested or entertained me but in the first five minutes I knew it was going to be a great movie. I laughed the entire time and there was never a boring moment in the film. I would definitely watch this movie over and over again.

My favorite assigned movie was "One Flew Over the Cockoo's Nest". I had already seen it before but the second time it was even better. Jack Nicholson is one of my favorite actors and he is amazing in this roll. Even though the ending disappointed me both times because I was rooting for R.P. and not Nurse Ratched, the movie is entertaining and well made. The characters are well described and you want each one of them to succeed.

We watched some amazing movies this semester but these two were by far my favorite.

Chapter 12- Citizen Kane

In honor of our last chapter which focuses on Citizen Kane I thought I would post this interesting review. It brings up a lot of fascinating viewpoints that aren't obvious after only one viewing. Good luck on the exam tonight!

http://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/reviews.php?id=8558

Rashomon

This week we were required to watch the film Rashomon for Western Heritage. At first I thought the film was a little ridiculous, with all of the over exaggerated acting styles, but looking back now I really enjoyed the artistic aspect of the movie. The angles used to highlight certain viewpoints and the overall cinematography was beautiful. I have never seen a black and white film with such breathtaking shots and and such a complex filming technique. I really enjoyed the artistic aspect of the film and recommend that if you watch it to watch for the visuals and not the dialogue.

oh Cittizen Kane......why again.

Personally I feel that this film isnt worthy of being the "finally" of our class. Yes it tells a story and yes it is touching but it is obvious from the get-go what rosebud is and I find it hard to pay attention for an entire movie when you already know the ending and all the stuff in the middle is just a filler.

Citizen Kane

Unfortunately I felt this was one of the worst films I've ever seen, it didn't capture my attention. I believe the camera angles were great as it was the first for many different cinema techniques however, I felt it was slow moving and the content wasn't very interesting. I didn't enjoy how the whole underlying mystery as to what Rosebud meant was really a wooden sledge. I felt there could have been something more interesting then that. Overall i loved the depth of field within the film i felt the clarity of the picture was good. I will never watch it again though.

China Town

I quite enojyed China Town, I felt it had a slow begginning but it picked up pace eventually. I think Jack Nicholson was a great choice of actor for his role as he knows how to conduct himself in many different scenarios. I enjoy the idea of shadowing of Film Noir as it is generally a 'Hollywood crime drama". there are different elements of film noir that we see from the emphasis on cynical attitudes and sexual motivations throughout the film. I enjoy the use of characters features of fully distinguish the mood of each 'personality'. He uses eyes as a window to unveiling the next scene, for example the wide eyed expression on Evelyn Mulways face often sheds light on the mystery that has not yet been uncovered. I enjoy Polanskis use of time jump and it really creates an intense atmosphere for the viewer. You see the great use of time jump when Nicholson puts the clock under the wheel of a suspect. It then jumps to the shattered glass with the time in which the suspect left fixed on the screen. Then Nicholson says 'Jesus he was there all night!' which unravels another mystery.

V for Vendetta

I think V for Vendetta was a great film. i feel the cinematography was great as it capture the true essence of each character. I watched this film when I was younger and watched it again only to realize there was so much i wasn't aware of in the film. I enjoy the fact that it is based in London (as that where I'm from). The phrase 'remember remember the 5t of November' is a commonly known phrase in England and I don't think the film thoroughly explained what it symbolizes. The story line is interesting and upbeat, there are many twists in the story as the character relationship unfolds. The drama is of a high pace and is always moving. I love the soundtrack to the film as i feel it really captures the intensity of the acting as well as the lighting. There is a constant darkening to the scenes to reflect evil which i feel is so cleverly done.

The Bicycle Thief

Hey Guys. Here is a really fascinating article on The Bicycle Thief. It talks about the Italian neorealism of the moive and it also talks a little about the director. http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19990319/REVIEWS08/903190306/1023

V for Vendetta

I really enjoyed watching V for Vendetta as the movie had similar elements of George Orwell's 1984 and Batman. I liked the use of the character V who brought good action and elements of mystery through his Guy Fawkes mask. It was very interesting to see a somewhat modern take on the 1984 concept and introducing a character who fights for justice.

Movies

Whats interesting about this film class is that there are many great films of different genres of movies. I just wish that there was at least one good sports movies in the pile. Does anyone know of a good sports movie to watch?