Film #27: Rocky

Although I’m not one to like boxing, I really enjoyed this film! It has a great cast, a surprisingly good story, and many qualities that prove it deserves to be on the AFI Top 100 list. The focus of the film is not only on boxing, but also on Rocky’s life outside of the sport he loves. The cinematography and music are the best production elements of this film and are what made it stand out.

The cinematography is exceptional because several different shots were used that revealed that there was more to the characters than meets the eye. Long shots and extreme long shots are used a lot when Rocky is on the streets of Philadelphia, whether he’s running, walking, talking to a friend, etc. They show that Rocky is on a long journey and he has a goal that he is trying to achieve. He leaves the past behind and works towards a brighter future for himself when he decides to work hard to beat Apollo Creed in the New Year’s Day fight. The fact that the long shots and extreme long shots are used over and over again show the length of his journey and how he works hard to get to a better point in his life.

There are many impressive shots in this film, but one that sticks out the most is the medium close-up of Mickey on the staircase in Rocky’s apartment building as he is leaving Rocky’s apartment. He looks up at Rocky’s front door as Rocky yells at him. The light hits Mickey’s body perfectly and we see the pained look on his face, as if he feels sorry for Rocky. The shot is beautifully composed and moves the audience to feel the same feelings as Mickey is in that moment.

A very important part of this film is its music. We have all heard Rocky theme song, “Gonna Fly Now”, whether is has been at a sporting event or elsewhere. This song encompasses how Rocky is feeling about the fight after he has trained for a long time for it. He is confident, ready, and “on top of the world”, as illustrated by him running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This song makes this movie timeless.

Film #26: It Happened One Night

It Happened One Night tells the story of a young woman who runs away from her father and her husband because she’s sick of them always telling her what to do. She heads for New York on a bus and along the way, she meets and falls in love with a man named Peter Warne. This movie is a classic and I’m glad that I was finally able to watch it!

 
The most notable production elements of this film are the cinematography and the lighting. The cinematography in this film is amazing and some of the shots are very well done. The one that stands out the most is the wide shot of the two main characters, Ellie and Peter, in the bedroom that they paid to stay in for the night. The blanket hung on the rope between their beds is there because they are not married and they are sleeping in the same room. In this scene, the blanket splits the screen perfectly. It really shows how the two characters are separated and living in their own little worlds. The blanket hung in the middle of the room, the “walls of Jericho” as Peter likes to call them, represent the virtual wall between Ellie and Peter. She comes from wealth and is used to having the best of everything. He is a news reporter who makes just enough to get by. This particular shot represents their different backgrounds.

 
The lighting in this film really brought out Ellie’s beauty. The scene with the best lighting that brings out her features the most is the scene during which Peter makes beds out of hay for he and Ellie to sleep on for the night. Ellie is lying down and the light reflects off her face so much that there is a certain glow about her. This is also when she begins to realize that she likes Peter and doesn’t want him to leave her. Therefore, the lighting was used strategically to help tell the story.

 
For being made in 1934, It Happened One Night has incredible production elements! Not only are the cinematography and lighting amazing, but also the acting and the screenplay. It is definitely worth watching and I highly recommend it.

Film #25: The Best Years of Our Lives

The Best Years of Our Lives tells the story of three World War II veterans who have a lot to get used to when they come home after the war. Each of the three men faces challenges with their love lives, families, and finding employment after they have returned. This film shows the authentic struggles of men returning from war and the trials and tribulations they go through with others who just don’t understand what they have been through. The message is positive and the movie ends happily, with each of the three main characters pursuing what (and who) they love. 

The production elements are incredible and even create some themes of their own. The cinematography is what stands out to me the most and adds the most to the story. In many of the scenes, the camera films a mirror or mirrors in the room that reflect the characters in the scene. For example, when Peggy and Marie are in the Ladies’ room freshening up, the camera films their reflections instead of their bodies as they have a conversation. Another instance of this is when Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson are in their bedroom and Peggy enters. The audience sees Peggy enter the bedroom through the reflection in the mirror. The cinematography in these particular scenes helps form a certain theme throughout the film – the three veterans only see what’s on the surface of their lives and fail see what is really going on in their friends’ and families’ lives. The mirror(s) represents the “surface” or “reflection” of what they see. Fred fails to see how his wife treats others. Mr. Stephenson fails to see Peggy’s struggles. 

Another great part of the cinematography that I noticed is whenever there is a scene in the Stephenson’s house that involves Mr. Stephenson, there is usually a long shot used somewhere within the scene. This is used to show that he is distanced from his family and all that they’re dealing with. He is more concerned with himself and his affairs than theirs. 

Overall, The Best Years of Our Lives is a wonderful, classic film. It has a good story, great character development, and amazing cinematography. If any filmmakers out there are doubting whether they should watch it, I definitely recommend watching it! 

 

Film #24: Double Indemnity

This was a very Bonny-and-Clyde-esque film about two lovers who plan to kill the woman’s husband because she no longer loves him. Walter Neff and Phyllis Dietrichson are the dynamic duo in this film. There is a saying that they repeat throughout the film. This saying being murderers are stuck together “to the end of the line.” The production element that stood out the most and brought this metaphor to life was the lighting. In most of the interior scenes, the blinds cast their shadows on the walls, showing lines of sunlight seeping in from outside. They create “lines” on the walls and carry this theme throughout the film. Overall, the film had a good story and good acting. Double Indemnity builds up a story for so long and in the end, it all comes crashing down. The two main characters who the audience has gotten to know are no longer the “rotten” pair that they have been all along. 

Film #23: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is an endearing film about a young man being a newly-elected Senator and his journey to finding the truth. Even though the story didn’t interest me very much, the film had some good production elements. The lighting and locations were the parts of this film that had the most effect on the story. 

The lighting always shone brightest on the most important person or thing in each scene. For example, when Mr. Smith points to the Capital building, the dome is lit up beautifully. It reflects Mr. Smith’s thoughts about America and his ideals. He wants every American boy to be able to see that dome one day and know that their freedom is something worth cherishing. When Mr. Smith is working through his filibuster, the lighting remains bright on his face. It shows how invigorated he is to have the chance to be heard by the Senate and his home state. 

The locations in this film were impressive, mostly because the film takes place in Washington D.C. Mr. Smith enjoys going to the Lincoln Memorial and if you have ever been there, you know why. The statue of President Lincoln sitting in a chair is overpowering and the words engraved on the walls are powerful. The scene in which he talks to Saunders at the Memorial brings to life the metaphorical tunnel that he told her about earlier in the film. He says, “Always try to see life around you as if you’d just come out of a tunnel.” The area at the Memorial where Mr. Smith and Saunders converse looks like a “tunnel” and as they walk away, they are coming out of it. 

Overall, this was a well-done film with many great qualities to it. I can see why it’s on the Top 100 list. It’s a good old American film that reminds us why we love our “land of the free.”

Film #22: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

            I have so many things to say about this film. First of all, it was amazing! Absolutely amazing! All of the production elements worked well together. The most notable aspects of this film are the cinematography, the lighting design, the production design, and the costumes.

The cinematography really shows off the design of the film. The extreme long, rotating shots that are used frequently to show the scenery are incredible. The cinematography really showed off the production design. I also think the shots of the battle/fighting scenes are great! The camera moves with the characters, the viewers can see everything that is happening, and the characters’ bloody and sweaty faces are accentuated.

The lighting design throughout the entire film are spectacular, however, I think the most notable lighting design is in the scenes where The Fellowship is in the mine. The light really accentuates the character’s emotions. There are also many close-ups used to show off the lighting design. The battle scene in the mine is made beautiful through the lighting. There are many blue glows in this scene. And every time Gandolf is shown, there is a blue glowing stream of light behind him. Not sure if that is coincidence or if I missed something, but it was really neat! The film used a lot of orange and blue light. The two colors coincide a lot especially when the forces of good and evil meet. The lighting design adds a lot to this film and makes the scenes beautiful works of art.

Of all the production elements of this film, I think the best one is the production design. The scenery and sets in this film are incredible. Everything, from the snow-covered mountains to the sun-filled forests, is so beautiful. I think this is the best production design I have seen. Even the sets, such as Bilbo’s house and room in which Frodo wakes up in at Rivendell, are beautifully designed. Bilbo’s house is quaint, small, and colorful. He has many belongings and it is clear he takes pride in his home. The room that Frodo wakes up in at Rivendell is probably the prettiest of all the sets. Everything in the room is white. The room’s white color symbolizes Frodo’s renewal after being injured in a battle. Again, the production design blew me away and it is beautifully done!

The costumes and makeup are amazing as well. I think the costumes show each character’s personality before they even speak. Each character wears something different. For example, Gandolf wears a blue-gray robe and a matching, pointy hat. This shows that he is an authoritative figure. Everyone else wears cloaks, shirts, and pants, and some variation of armor or protective wear. They are following him on the journey.

Overall, I loved this film because of its marvelous production elements. I highly recommend it. And not just because of the production elements, but it has a compelling story that keeps viewers’ attention for the entire three hours!

Film #21: Dr. Strangelove

Yet again, Stanley Kubrick successfully confuses me. This movie is so weird and odd and I had no idea what was happening at certain parts. It was a little frustrating to watch a movie that I could barely understand. Stanley Kubrick is a very interesting director. His stories are unique, random, and slightly chaotic. This one is no exception. However, I did like the lighting in this film. That is the film’s best feature. I especially liked the lighting of the room in the Pentagon for the meeting with the President. The cinematography was exceptional as well. My favorite shot is the close-up, low angle shot of General Jack Ripper speaking to Mandrake in his office. It exemplified Ripper’s authority in the situation and added intensity to his dialogue. Overall, I think this movie is very weird and I didn’t really enjoy it.

Film #20: City Lights

I really enjoyed City Lights! Who knew silent films could be this good? I think this film is comical, endearing, and just fun to watch! I think Charlie Chaplin is very talented and I thought the other actors in this production were great as well!

            The lighting is the best production element of this film. It really accentuated the simple sets and the characters’ faces- two very important things in a silent film. Another great element of this film is the music. The music made this film. It matched the characters’ movements perfectly. The beats were set to the steps of the characters. I think the music during the boxing match scene is the best. It makes the situation very comical and upbeat. However, the music did this throughout the entire film. It went with the characters’ moods and actions and put a swing in their step.

            Overall, I would highly recommend this film to anyone. It’s funny, entertaining, short, and has a sweet story. It’s production value is very good for its time and even though it’s a silent film, it’s one of the best films I’ve seen.  

Film #19: Shane

This 1952 western film has pros and cons, but I understand why it is on the Top 100 list. The story is interesting and the actors’ performances are great! The two best parts of this film are the actors and the setting/scenery in which the film takes place. Also, I think the cinematography is well done.

            The characters have very strong personalities in this film. The actors did a wonderful job of capturing their characters’ personalities and background. The performances were fantastic! The only role I didn’t think was cast well is Marian’s. I think Jean Arthur’s performance wasn’t very good and a little awkward at times. On the other hand, I think Brandon De Wilde’s played Joey perfectly. He has a very strong performance in this film and added much to the story.

            The setting in which this film was shot is the perfect western film location. It was shot in Wyoming and California. I think the idea of having two main locations for filming was a great idea! There was (1) the town and (2) there was the open plains with the Starrett’s house and Lewis’ house. I think the settings and the landscape were pretty and made the film look very “countryish”.

            I think the cinematography of this film is neat. However, some of the camera angles were really weird and nothing I’ve ever seen before. Some of them were just awkward. For example, the scene in which Mr. Torrey is walking towards Mr. Wilson, the camera shows all the men in the shot, but its at such an angle that it doesn’t show the front of the saloon or their faces. The audience just sees Mr. Torrey walking slowly. Another weird camera angle is when Joe Starrett and Shane are fighting in the Starrett’s yard. The camera shows them fighting from the inside of the house looking out of the window. I thought it was the strangest thing. The audience watches from an almost non-existent view of the fight for the longest time until the camera finally shows the two men fighting outside.

            Lastly, Shane is such a wholesome movie, which is refreshing to watch in this day and age. I get so tired of seeing broken relationships and separation in films these days. In this story, it’s obvious that Shane and Marian find each other attractive and have some sort of love interest in each other. They looked at each other for long periods of time and in the scene when they are dancing together on the Fourth of July, Joe looks jealous. However, neither Marian nor Shane acts on their attraction because Marian is married to Joe and that is the respectable thing to do. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story.

            Overall, this film has an interesting story, good actors, and unique cinematography. I did enjoy watching this film and I do recommend you watch it.

Film #18: King Kong (1976)

King Kong is definitely one of the weirdest films I’ve ever seen. There isn’t anything special about any of the production elements, so I’m mostly going to talk about the story. When I was watching the film, at first I thought the plot of the story was ridiculous. It is ridiculous, but the producers did a good job of making it into something interesting. The movie is exciting, suspenseful, and even a little stressful at times. There was a lot of repetition, such as Kong picking up Dwan probably 10-15 times total throughout the film and, therefore, Jack having to save Dwan each time. The “damsel in distress” theme was overused. But even with all its absurdity, I can see why this film is on the Top 100 list. It is one of the most unique plots anyone has ever seen- a giant ape falling in love with a woman- and it’s a film that keeps the viewers’ attention. It’s not one of my favorites, but I understand why it’s a legend.