american cinema of the 1970s

The Shampoo

2012-01-25T18:19:00.001+09:00

The movie was released in 1975, but it started being created in 1968. If the auteur, Hal Ashby, had intended to make it as a criticism to the society in 1960s, it would assume gray atmosphere changing with dizzying speed. Cold War began, environmental pollution came to light, John. F. Kennedy was assassinated, Nixon made a comeback to politics, and the Beatles was at the peak of its carrier in 1960s. As the next decade comes, however, the political tensions and the good situation gradually turned into disillusionment. I am going to explain what kind of social tendency is read from this sex comedy movie, and how background music is related to its social background of 1960s to 1970s.

This movie got reputation and was awarded Academy Awards and Golden Globes. The work could be interpreted as a movie in genre of sex comedy. Some audiences might enjoy watching complicated relationships between, for instance, George and 3 women. Audiences are able to know what is going on in the Shampoo, while the characters appeared in it cannot know the reality. In the scene where Lester witnesses George and Jackie making love at the kitchen floor, for example, audiences might feel uneasy, but at the same time, excited to want to see how Lester reacts to the sight. This dramatic irony makes the movie more thrilling. Not only numerous number of love affairs that occurs between George and girls and women, but also the difference of the amount of available information forms the brilliant story as sex comedy. Other audiences, however, would regard this movie as a social satire. George is gypsy, flighty, free, inconstant, selfish, unreliable protagonist all along the movie. In addition, he tries to conceal these inner natures, acting a socially welcomed man. However, he loses all things that surround him at last by the exposure of love affairs. Most part of this movie is constructed humorously, but George becomes alone, abandoned by people at the end of this movie. Although this protagonist goes to extremes, the youth who have helpless feeling were surely living in 1960-70s, and even nowadays. They might flee to bawdy life like George in order to ignoring the adversity near at hand. The empahy for George might raise popularity among the youth.

Background music would suggest the possibility of the relationships between George and other characters finally break up. Sometimes mistrial no-lyrics song is hummed by some woman. It gives us sense of sadness. Except for such an emotionally moving soundtrack, songs by the Beatles decide the direction the movie proceeds in. In fact, the Beatles got great popularity in mid 1960s, but they broke up in 1970. It is sure that this collapse of the band in reality brings dark premonition to this movie. Moreover, in the party held by Lester, characters talk to each other to the music, Yesterday. We notice the irony when we imagine the things that happened a day before the party.

The Effective Use of Mise en Scène and Possible Foreshadowing in The Towering Inferno

2012-01-25T18:00:00.001+09:00

Although skyscraper has been built since late 1800s, these monstrously high buildings started to bear deeper meaning in 1970, as if the phenomenon represents people being eager for consuming boundlessly in those days. Why could I say that? I would like you to pay attention to mise en scène and foreshadowing.

The lyrics of song sung by a diva in the beginning of at the top floor of the tower, "... We may never love like this again and touch the sky, though we may try..." might be the clearest key to foreshadowing. From this song, we could expect not all of the participants of the party could live on. The fire separates almost all lovers so that they cannot see each other again. The fire punishes the guests, especially arrogant men, so that they will never try to "touch the sky." Jim Duncan, for instance, will not take Doug's advice into consideration, making light of the danger of the fire. As a result, he lost his son-of-law, the very leader of the diversionary, by destruction of the building. After all, all the haughty actions have been repented through the fire. That kind of repentant by all the people involved in this catastrophe converged into Duncan’s honest feeling; "All I can do now is pray to God that I can stop this from ever happening again." Finally, he stops to aiming for the sky.

However, disaster occurs to everyone who lives in the earth. I would like to point out one of poor victims of the fire, Mrs. Mueller. She helps out two children whose mother is deaf. But she is thrown out of elevator to send the crew to the ground. She dies at last, though her character is apparently good in terms of moral. It is no difference if a person is the good or the bad in front of misfortune. It could be said the auteur, John Guillermin, took this severe truth into this movie. The truth enhances the realness of this movie.

By the way, audience of this movie witnesses a secret meeting of man and woman. They are also the pitiful victim of the inferno. They talked with each other in sweet mood until the fire becomes bigger and they notice it. Mise en scène becomes important when they tried to flee from the fire. One of the furniture, a corrugated cardboard box says, “WE BUILD FOR LIFE”. The short sentence contradicts what it is going in the room of the lovers. It might be ironical criticism from the staff to the modern builders of high buildings.

towering inferno

2012-01-23T16:12:00.000+09:00

the rocky horror picture show

2012-01-23T16:10:00.000+09:00

shampoo

2012-01-23T16:09:00.000+09:00

How The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an original!

2012-01-23T09:06:00.001+09:00

It is shocking to know that The Rocky Horror Picture Show was made in 1957. I would believe if someone told that the movie was made 10 years ago just adding of a little more quality to the computer graphics and few other points. I had thought of why The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been so attractive and sensational for some of us as much to become hard core fans and the main reason is because the movie is an original!

First, the genre is original. It is hard to define the genre of this movie. It is possible to call it a musical, or a horror. Comedy or porn would not be mistake ether. Some people admire this movie as a cult movie. The audience can feel the charisma in the character of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Literally, the audiences in the movie which are at his party and dancing the “time warp” are as a cult group of Dr. Franc-N-Furter’s dancing and singing and fashion which lead to his sexiness. There were people who went to the late night movies dressed like the characters. They even danced, sang, throw rice during the movie. You can still hear the audiences’ voices on the DVD. An audience might be kicked out of the theater if opposing to the loud sound. It’s possible to think they were seen as some kind of cult group.
Secondly, the mise-en-scene is influential. This movie reminds me the music video “Thriller” by Michel Jackson. This music video is a short movie about 14 minutes. There are the creepy zombies dancing in the night. I love this music video and have been watching it from I was little child. It always feels stylish whenever I watch it. The darkness that the mysterious creatures create and the cheerfulness of their dancing creates is combined, and then becomes an original. However, as I watched The Rocky Horror Picture Show, I got the idea that Michal must have been by this movie. It also reminded me of the music video “Heads Will Roll” of Yeah Yeah Yeahs. There is a werewolf that is in a Michael Jackson outfit who dances then kills all the audiences and singers in the video. The idea of a gothic creature dancing mysteriously has been appealing since The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been made.
Last, this movie is an original because of its understanding for the bisexual and homosexual. As the story goes on, Janet and Brad, who are supposed to be the heterosexual couple which most of the audiences, are thought to be too. For all of their modesty they seem to have, they both hold a relationship with Dr. Franc. People may think that this makes bisexual seem to be fond of wild parties and gives a negative image to bisexuals. However, the fact that the hetero couples are the ones that made an affair. It is a movie that shows that a special sexuality is necessary to become a bisexual but just the opportunity.

Horror Tower

2012-01-23T07:25:00.001+09:00

When I watch “The Towering Inferno”, it
reminds of me “The Jaws” or any other disaster movies that scares people like
the situation there are no solution to solve. It happens where there is grand,
that helps the situation, but if it is on the sea like “Titanic”, all the
people including heroes must be dead.

There is a similarity with “Titanic” and “The
Towering Inferno”, like firstly, the top man thinks it is not big or dangerous
thing to deal with, having party with big stars are more important to survive
rest of his life. Someone warn them, but they ignore or take it not so serious.
As we see the movie, they change their materials not planned one to cut the
cost. They take more dangerous risk because too much pride or confidence makes
them believe wrongly that nothing happens with this building like people never
think about sinking Titanic for the first journey.

However, there are some different points
from “Titanic.” One is there are heroes to deal with this serious disaster.
Even though top man never tries to face the situation, they get together to
make better situation with the fire. Moving fast, if one solution becomes uncontrollable,
next idea to solve soon comes up. They try hard to save as much as people’s
life, even they are in dangerous situation to die. Those two heroes have very
strong responsibility. One who design the building think about safety, no cost
cutting, so it’s not his fault but he does whatever he can do. That is big
difference from the orner of the building.

In the end of “Titanic”, heroin survives
because the hero protects her with his life. Lucky thing in this movie is that
people has way to escape because it’s happening on the ground, not sea. If this
fire happens on the sea, most people cannot survive including heroes. I think
there is necessary for those heroes to die or get serious injury because they
are too much perfect heroes. They survive many difficulties or missions to save
many people’s life. It’s OK to survive, but I felt something strange that
people who try to survive die one after another, why those heroes never die? I
think if one of them dies, they can be really big heroes.

This
movie affects people’s mind in which there are nothing to do but wait for the
rescue. Nowadays there are more high towers in cities, this movie should be
focused on again that all people repeat old faults.

Crazy world

2012-01-23T06:46:00.001+09:00

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has a rock
taste, sexy taste; new fashion… includes many crazy things in this movie.
People change to be crazy, be really open that we cannot guess what’s happened
to the main characters. Even this movie ends; there are many problems or things
that audiences never know.

About the woman, who is virgin, engaged
pure girl, she is careful with the castle or people at first, but because of
the master, she experience the taste of forbidden fruits. She gradually changes
that she becomes aggressive about those kinds of things. What I surprised is
even though she is first time to have sex, she allows the crazy master to
handle her to promise that is a secret to her fiancé. Moreover, she wants more
taste, she lets touch her body to macho man. Even though other characters found
out that fact, there is no fighting with fiancé or blaming someone. Unusual
situation might make more unusual. Other women are getting used to with such things;
they play with the girl who used to be “pure” by watching monitor. Women in
this movie become more aggressive to have sex with men, it does not matter who
he is, but they need others to have it.

Secondly, the master of the castle is very
crazy. He is bisexual, and gets relationship with both a man and a woman. However,
how he looks, speaks, wears show us he wants to be loved by a man like man,
Rocky. I don’t have any idea that how he makes them, they are really made by
him, or kidnapped and lost memories. Though these some important doubts left,
he owns the castle, order everyone or invite people there. Audiences never know
who he is, what he is doing, he is completely a mysterious man but his
characteristic covers those facts.

Characters who suddenly enter this world,
changes gradually to be opened. They are very different from what they used to
be. At least one inner desire of each character is opened to see, even the
control of the master of castle. The woman changes to be aggressive, Brad is to
be bisexual like the master, the doctor feels excited with what he wears like
the master. The use of color is also unique, but because this movie based on
rock style, there are many red and black things in this movie. And those choice
of color affects movie also crazy and just mysterious.

Shampoo

2012-01-23T04:31:00.003+09:00

At the end of the movie Shampoo (directed by Hal Ashby, 1975), the protagonist hair dresser George Roundy results in losing all his lovers, including Felicia Karpf and Jackie Shawn. Those women are the two most passionate women competing against each other to win love from George, but Felicia eventually fades away from the story, during the Republican Party election night soiree to be precise. Perhaps her disappearance can be explained through observations on their similarities in action as well as in visual. Both Felicia and Jackie praise George as the best hair dresser and thus ask him to arrange their hairs for the soiree. Surprisingly, he cuts them in the exact same style of semi long bob with straight bangs above their eyes. Since their hairs are similar blonde to begin with, Felicia and Jackie appear to be almost identical. Even though they wear opposite dresses --- Felicia in a white knee-length one piece with sailor collars and Jackie in a black long dress with her back revealed ---, George could have mixed them together in his mind if his own confession of feeling sexual appeals in women's hairs be true. The assumption becomes even more likely when their last actions before Felicia's disappearance are taken into consideration. In middle of the soiree, Felicia brings George into a lady's room and demands him to have a sex with her. On the other hand, Jackie drops a glass of red wine on his legs and imitates a sex, the move of which reminds of her ealier necking with him at the bathroom in her house. Again, seeing almost only of their heads from above due to his position in either case, George is likely to have blended them unconsciously.
One effect of this mixture between Felicia and Jackie is that it makes his broken heart to Jackie more convincing. Because Felicia exists inside Jackie, it is understandable even if Felicia's former husband Lester Karpf wants to mary Jackie (Felicia) quite suddenly. The white color of Jackie's outfits upon waiting for him to take her to their honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico, from a turtle neck sweater to a mini skirt to pin heeled bots, can also be attributed as an effect of consuming Felicia, who used to dress in pale colors.
Perhaps on account of such visuals, I could not tell who it is in the left corner on the cover of the DVD when I saw it as I picked it up to put the disc back. To tell the truth, I still do not know who the woman is... Is it Jackie or Felicia?

dawn of the dead

2012-01-17T16:39:00.000+09:00

THE DAWN OF THE DEAD

2012-01-16T14:47:00.004+09:00

It is about scary Zombie in this movie. However, we cannot know why people begin to become Zombie forever. That is, the reason why this Zombie syndrome begins is mystery. But more and more people become Zombie by been bitten. Zombie has no wise brain as once they had when they were human beings. They act like animals, just searching for their food, human.

In the story, there are three four main characters. Fran and her boyfriend, Steven and his friends Rodger and Peter. They conspire to escape from their town and fly to foreign country. However, they had to stop for supplying gasoline. And they try to rest in a supermarket.

Fran and Steven worked in TV studio. She works hard and has status in the studion. Although she has a baby, she contrivutes to the men' work such as knock down Zombie and take what they need from the supermarket.

In the end, only two people are alive. Fran and Rodger. Peter was bitten by the Zombie first when Peter and Rodger drive tracktor to cover up the entrance of the supermarket. Peter was half insane at this time. He could not think carefully and think other people. So he was hurted. And Steven was hurted because he could not think only his property.(He does not want to be robbed the things in the supermarket.)

Inferno and Humanity

2012-01-16T14:04:00.003+09:00

In The Towering Inferno, Mr. Roberts tries to evacuate people from the tower as soon as possible when it turns out that there is a fire. However, the director of the tower treats a matter lightly and he continues holding the party. Mr. Roberts and his colleagues seek the outset of the fire and they find that the actual cables are different from what they have planed to use. The skyscraper is the highest and the great accomplishment in that time. Even though Mr. Roberts points out the defect of the building, the director won’t admit it. Therefore, this movie shows that there is a conflict between a deceit and truth and implies nature of humanity that is appeared when people face danger.

There are differences between personalities of Mr. Robert’s and Duncan’s. Mr. Roberts energetically tries to rescue people from the fire but Duncan doesn’t regard the fire as a serious problem. Duncan wears glasses with black hard frame(*1). This implies that he adheres to his belief of not taking a serious problem of a fire.

Also, the people in the tower behave differently while a fire approaching toward them. In this movie, it focuses on personal emotions. The owner finally feels that he has a responsibility of a fire and he gives priority to guests. On the contrary, the son in low of the owner makes a rush for the exit egocentrically although he is not turns to evacuate. So, at the nearly end of the movie, he falls into the ground because of his selfishness. Besides, in the climax, camera works to cast each person’ s face in turns. Camera angle is a front for each person but camera zooms in each face to pay attention to expression of each face.(*2) This camera works implies that each people is prepared to die .

Moreover, there are double plots in this movie. One is a plot that a fire dreadfully approaches toward people and overwhelms people in the tower. The other is that each person in the tower has a private story such as an old man falling love with a woman, lovers having sex or a daughter of the owner caring about her father and her boyfriend. These plots make the audience keep their eyes on the movie. For instance, after a scene that lovers enjoy talking in the room and don’t notice the fire, we can see the outlook of the fire by using long shot. (*3) And, the skyscraper with a fire stands in the dark night. This contrast between lighting and dark is outstanding.

In conclusion, in this movie, there are conflicts between admitting a fault and evacuating people and refusing to have a fault of cables and behaving selfishly. Also, there are two stories in this movies. The plot of fire approaching to people make the audience feel scare and build a feeling of high tension toward the climax. The other plot of romance and affection between people shows their humanity that is shown throughout the panic.

(*1)

(*2)

(*3)

Comic Zombie in Dawn of the Dead

2012-01-16T05:13:00.009+09:00

When you hear the word “zombie movie”, maybe you will imagine scary scenes, panic scenes, threatening scenes and so on. However, the movie Dawn of the Dead overturns such an image. This is because the zombies in this film are like characters in a comic book and it is not like threatening monster.

For example, the faces of zombies are not like those of usual fearful zombies in other movies. This film’s zombies have bright gray or blue colored faces and their parts of the face, such as mouth, nose, eyes and hair, are just like those of humans. Moreover, they are wearing ordinary clothes, like check shirt, jeans and dress, and in addition, their blood is so bright that we can find it is not like a real one but like that in a comic book. Furthermore, they are in a shopping mall like real people, and they are just tottering without any thought.
However, although the zombies look ridiculous and comical as above, they threaten audiences and people call this film a “horror movie”

zombies: blue or gray face, bright blood and casual clothing

The reason why people think like this is that the back ground music, the lighting and color of the scenes and the reactions of the humans in the film cause audiences great fear. For example, the movie begins with the scene in which Francine awake at the room in the TV station. Audiences hear her gasps and the back ground music which is composed of a dissonance. In addition, the color of this scene is very dark with a lot of shadows, and these elements frighten audiences. About use of shadows, the scene in which Stephen encounters in the zombie in the boiler room uses shadows most effectively—audiences cannot see the zombie clearly, but they can see that it is stalking Stephen because of the shadow of the zombie. Furthermore, the shadow makes the zombie look much bigger like a huge monster, and it makes the scene very thrilling— In addition to the use of shadows, the use of sounds camera are done successfully as well—the sound of gunshot echoes in the room and the sound of the boilers is also heard, and these put pressure on audiences. In this scene, medium close up is use again and again and again to show Stephen’s feared face clearly. In addition, low-angle shot is used when Stephen is perceiving the zombie’s movement, point-of view shot is used when he walks around, and high-angle shot is used when he is about to be bitten by his enemy—

low-angle shot of Stephen high-angle shot

Hence, audiences get strong impact and pressure from through both eyes and ears. However, although hose elements threaten audiences as above, they also make the film comical as well. One of the examples is the back ground music. In the scene that zombies wander around in the shopping mall, the cheerful announcement and music come over the speaker. These BGM makes audiences feel now they are safe and feel relieved. Another example is the reaction of humans. When the characters encounter the zombies, they sometimes laugh and treat them as just a ridiculous creature—people enjoy hunting the zombies as though they were hunting deer or something like that. Stephen, Peter and Roger lure zombies to come toward the other side of the door in the mall, shouting “woooooo!!” The gangs throw pies at zombies and they grab jewelry from one of the zombie—

Stephen, Peter and Roger tease the zombies

the gang throws the pie

people enjoy hunting zombies

Thus, because of some elements, such as the sound, the color and the humans’ reaction, the comic zombies become both threatening and funnier, and they create superb attraction. Hence, this movie is so much different from other zombie movies and the zombies and that can be the reason why the movie Dawn of the Dead is popular among many people.

Human stupidity

2012-01-16T04:09:00.001+09:00

This movie, Dawn of the Dead, seems to indicate the
foolishness of human beings. In confusing situation, how people should behave
is an important matter. There are four main characters, and they have their own
ways of thinking. Therefore, their plans are not always successful.

For example, Roger is getting changed
gradually in the shopping mall. At first he kills zombies only in order to get
safety and survive. However, as soon as they four arrive at the mall he comes
to kill zombies just because he wants and likes to. Means turns to be a
purpose. Finally at the scene which Roger and Peter are driving trucks he loses
his presence of mind, and is bit by a zombie. In the same way, Stephen starts
getting greedy and ends up being killed. He comes to think that what is in the
mall is all theirs and he does not want anyone to take away anything from the
mall. In fact, as we know, things which are there do not belong to them at all.
In an emergency, we human should help one another, but at last part, battles
between humans occur. It is stupid to fight against in the situation.

Sound also takes an important role in suggesting human silliness. At
last part, many zombies are left in the mall and so merry music is being
played. Obviously it is not joyful scene, but only the sound is strangely
delightful. It could be said that it shows human stupidity and somehow makes us
feel scared. When humans fight a battle at the risk of their lives, the sound
is free from care and keeps being played just like a scornful laugh.

As a terrible movie, the framing is so distinctive. When someone
is going to be attacked by a zombie, many point-of-view shots are used. For
instance, when Roger is going to be bit by the zombie, Stephen’s point of view,
Peter’s, Francine’s and Roger’s one are used one after another. By editing so,
we viewers can feel uneasy very much.

Through the whole movie, I felt
that this is not only a horror film but also what tells us how silly we people are.
The problem is not about the zombies but our way of thinking. The ending is
ambiguous in that whether the two survive or not. I think that is because it
might show that we can change our future both for a good direction or bad one
if we notice our mistakes.

What is right about men and women?

2012-01-14T22:46:00.001+09:00

In this movie, Rocky Horror Picture Show, there are a
lot of points which show differences between men and women. One of the main
characters, Frank, is from Transsexual, Transylvania and he is bisexual. He looks
a man undoubtedly, but his clothing is like women’s. He likes not only men but
also women, so when a couple, Brad and Janet, comes to his castle, he has
sexual relationships with both of them.

In the scene Brad and Frank are
having a physical relationship, the color
of the room is all blue. Compared with that, when Janet and Frank are doing so,
the color of that is all pink. Generally speaking, blue stands for men and pink
does for women. Therefore, it could be said that this shows difference between
men and women.

When we see Frank’s makeup and costume, it turns to be clear that he
wants to be like a woman. His voice and body are really mannish, but he loves
Rocky whom he made perfectly. Viewed in the light of costume, there is also
difference between people in the earth and people from Transylvania. Their clothing
is so different from that of those who live in the earth that Brad and Janet
are pulled off their clothes to sink in madness. By taking off their clothes,
they might also cast away common practice. Also, I felt that there are many angles which show us characters from
their knees to heads. From these framing,
we can easily see characters’ costumes and setting.

The way of ending is so
impressive. Brad, Janet and Dr. Scott escape from the castle and fall down
separately on the ground. Brad and Janet can creep about a little, but the
three never see one another in the end. The earth we live in floats in the
black space and the narrator leaves it alone. This ending might indicate that
we live by ourselves searching for what is right, because whether something is
right or wrong depends on us; there is no rule that is suited all over the
universe. Something we think is wrong might be right for people who live in
other planet. Therefore, it is not a duty that men love only women or wear
mannish clothes or something like that. At the beginning, there are the words “Be
jut and fear not.” What is right? Maybe we should keep thinking about it.

Reality and Cabaret

2012-01-14T15:36:00.002+09:00

To understand cabaret better, we should know the plot of it. First of all, the setting is in Berlin, 1931. It is the time when the Nazis were going to be in power in Germany.
Many people living there might feel anxiety for their future and want to escape
from the reality. That is why they go cabaret. It could be said that in cabaret, however, there is a relation between reality and the cabaret though it is in order to
forget everything about what is happening in the real word that they go there.

From the plot of this movie, we can see that the cabaret and the reality are connected with each other. For example, when the main character, Sally, falls in love with Brian, the song which she sings in the cabaret becomes the one about love, especially true love. That is, of course, because she thinks that their love is a real stuff. Another scene shows the relation using cabaret scenes and violent scenes of the Nazis by turns. While people enjoy the cabaret show, at the same time, an old man who has got rid of a Nazi before is then being assaulted by three of Nazis. This could mean that in the reality the power of the Nazi was getting grower and grower in those days.

When we see this movie withattention in color, it could be said
that there is color difference between the reality and the cabaret scenes. In reality, for example, conservative colors are used well, like brown, beige or black. Compared with that, in cabaret scenes mainly red is used so much and it seems to make
the place looks lively and merry. In the dark and hopeless period, people want
to go to a bright place, drink joyfully and forget their own hardship together
even if for a moment.

The way of editing is remarkable in this movie. The scenes of Sally’s reality and the face of the master of the cabaret sometimes changes places with each
other. It might show that her life in cabaret cannot be separated from that in
reality. Obviously she likes to sing songs in cabaret and this is the reason
for living. Therefore finally she cannot decide to live without singing in
cabaret.

In conclusion, by coloring it seems that the lives in reality and in cabaret are separated, but they are never apart from each other and they are always concerned with each other. Those who want to forget their anxiety in reality, after all, have to live their own lives in
touch with reality.

Counter-culture in the Cultic Film of 1970's

2012-01-07T17:12:00.009+09:00

Despite its low-budget, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has successed to gain many die-hard fans all over the world. I think the biggest reason is not only the uniqueness of the film but also the powerful counter-culture manners in its uniqueness. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is obviously different from other Hollywood cinemas in the aspects of the story and the shooting. Through these aspects, the film has provided an utterly new kind of movie and also at the same time reminded people of the basic free nature of expression and art including movies.

First of all, the uniqueness of the story destroys the commonsense of Hollywood stereotypical cinemas. It doesn’t develop logically or rationally, but is completely out of audiences’ forecast. Although it has conflicts, climax and resolution as a story to some extent, it seems that these are not necessarily interpreted. The story doesn’t work as a story any more. Instead, the movie offers a lot entertainment in the absence of rational understandable story. In other words, the story breaks the stereotypes in the way of reducing the usual role of story plot. I think it is one of the biggest counter-culture elements in this film.

Secondly, the shooting is unique in the way of focusing only on the characters. In order to focus on the character, zoom shot and reaction shot are often used. The criminologist is usually zoomed up as he explains the plot and implicates what will happen next to draw audiences’ attention (*1, 2, 3). Also, zoom shot is used in the beginning scene of the castle where Riff Raff is observing Brad and Janet. So, zoom shot is effectively used for drawing audience’s attention in the beginning part of the film.

(*1) (*2)

(*3)

Meanwhile, reaction shot focuses more on the characters. When Brad and Frank find out that Janet slept with Rocky, the four characters including Brad, Frank, Janet and Mr. Scott are shot by turns repeatedly as they react to one another. It seems unnatural but the reaction shot make the scene more outstanding and comical as the plot becomes more complicated. Moreover, the change of Janet’s face-expression is well captured by both zoom shot and reaction shot. At first, Janet often shows sensitive expression, but in the last dancing scene on the stage, she looks like a different person (*6, 7). Therefore, the shooting techniques allow the characters to be more expressive and impact to the audiences. In this way, the movie appeals unique to shows the new way of expression in cinema.

(*4) (*5)

In conclusion, the movie has a big role to break the stereotypes of Hollywood stories and offer the new way and the fundamental way of expression in the movie.

Culture and Historical Satire in Love Comedy

2012-01-02T14:37:00.013+09:00

In spite of its light and comical mood, I think Shampoo is not a mere love comedy because it contains satire to the hedonism era and implicates how it results through the consequence of George’s failures.

First of all, it is clear that the story is not with a happy ending. George loses all of the three women, including Jackie whom he probably loves the most. Also, he loses the hope to have his own beauty salon because his economic helper, Lester, found out that George committed adultery with Lester’s lover, Jackie. So, in spite of George’s all efforts to make the women be happy or to have his own salon, the story ends with no hints that he will success in either of them for the moment.

However, the audiences may not wholly sympathize with George because of his too much lack of thinking and his free sexual lifestyle. He is surely paying for what he did. At the same time, George Roundy represents the young people in the late 60’s or the 70’s who both indulged and struggled in free love. He seems not really feel bad or guilty to have sex with every women, but at the same time, he looks so miserable when every time he tries to excuse for not making them feel bad. He never says no to them. It is probably just because he is the kind of man. However, it is not only George who is so open to free sex, looking at other characters (the women) in the story. So, in the culture context, his foolishness or thoughtless behaviors can be somehow shared and real for the people at that time. The home party scenes show the hippie culture and its dark red light gives the mood of Hedonism of this era (*1). Therefore, with the culture background, George’s failure reflects the time and its comical sense also bites in the end.
(*1)

Moreover, the movie also has satire faintly in political or historical context. The story is set in the eve of Nixon’s election, which will be the underlying cause of political scandal known as Watergate Affair in 1972. The movie was made after the scandal in 1975 and the story doesn’t focus on the election so much. Still, the audiences can know that the time in the story was at the entrance of America’s political collapse and it reflects a bitter taste of disappointment in the 1970’s. Therefore, George’s personal failure or disappointment parallels with the current culture and historical flaw which is covered by its comical mood.

Technically, long-shot and frame are used for depicting George’s mental condition. When George appears at his apartment gate, he is often framed by two white walls as if he is literally double-binded (*2). In the last scene, long-shot is used for showing George in a small figure and producing the distance from Jackie (*3,4).

(*2)(*3)(*4)

jaws

2011-12-20T16:37:00.000+09:00

Jaws

2011-12-18T23:05:00.002+09:00

The movie Jaws (directed by Steven Spielberg, 1975) frightened me so much with its tricking plot as well as its realistic images. During the great white Shark's hiding under the sea for the first sixty or eighty minutes, I jumped up from the sofa with terrified astonishment against the Shark for at least six times. It was after the fourth leap that I finally realized the pattern in the plot: the actual Shark's attack alternates with its fake invasion. While trying to watch over sea bathers from what little view he had behind the male islander complaining about parking problems, chief Martin Brody hears a girl scream out in the ocean. Although her shriek turns out to be just a laughter whose pitch has risen on account of her excitements in riding her boyfriend's shoulders in jest, the following scream of Alex Kintner's proves really of terror. The elementary boy, ignorant of the existence of the danger, geets derived into under the water and is eaten by the Shark. On longer time range, the trick can be said to have been practiced even within the actual Shark's attacks, precisely its second and third raids. When two male islanders make an attempt to fish it with a raw chicken, the Shark comes as close as a meter into biting Charlie's legs off but never does in deed. However, it does succeed to kill its next target of Ben Gardener (I think this is the scariest death throughout the whole movie, because only the outcome is presented and its process is kept hidden. It is obvious from the way the boat is broken and the flow in Brody and the marine biologist Matt Hooer's talk that Ben has been attacked by the Shark, but vague uneasiness from lack of tangible assurance keeps on clinging to the supposition. The feeling of insecurity is worsened by the visual images as well, such as the dark lighting and the yellowing sea. Those two colors in combination reminded me of their negative representations of alarm, danger, tension, haste, and anxiety. It was a bit like finding a bunch of bees coming out of their nest when you do not have an insecticide nearby.). Then, last but not the least, the most apparent trick happens. As soon as a gray dorsal fin is revealed to be made of cardboards by two mischievous children, the real Shark appears at the inlet with its fin above water. The contrast between the fake and the real grows stronger with their difference in where they aim their assault, that the fake shirk breaks off its own fin while the real Shark cuts off the man's legs.
Another thing that I noticed was the change in color of Brody, Hooper, and Quint's clothing for the latter half of the movie. At first, they wear black, pink, and blue shirts respectively and seem not at all cooperative. On the next day, however, Hooper and Quint both wear blue shirts as if to signify that they have begun to compromise after having shown their scars to each other. Since Brody has no scar to tell his history with and thus was unable to join Hooper and Quint the night before, he continues to wear black. His isolation can also be detected from his standpoint. He stays in the unlit dark while the other two sit under the bright light during the night conversation, and vice versa during engine repairs.

sweet sweetback's baad asssss song

2011-12-13T16:35:00.000+09:00

cabaret

2011-12-06T16:34:00.000+09:00

Cabarat

2011-12-05T14:49:00.002+09:00

Sally has her way and she decides things without other's opinion. In this way, she is strong woman in this age. The other girls in Cabaret different from her in obeying men's control. We see Nazi armies and their power,and Jews are forced to back in their house. And in this age, women do not have much power in the society. Although Sally is not a Jew, she struggles with her situation that she has to sell her body until she debuts as an famous actress.

However, she has many friends and there's some people who are powerful in society. Moreover, her father is almost ambassador, but she does not use his power for her career. She tries to broad her possibility by her own action.

Love and existance of the Nazis in Cabaret

2011-12-05T13:21:00.005+09:00

Throughout the movie, I felt as if I were seeing two stories at the same time. On one side I'm watching the relationship between Sally Bowles and Brian Roberts and how their feelings overlap one another with the appearance of Maximilian, whereas on the other side, I'm watching the Nazis and the rise of the National Movement, which reminded me of the story Anne's Diary.

I became a fan of Brian with his sincere, gentle, funny character and his single-minded passion toward Sally. Sally is very impressive in how she gets men into her hands. Although Brian does not confine much in the beginning, he let it all out under the hands of Sally and is able to actually make love with woman. To Brian, Sally seems like a person on the other side of the grid
since Brian is a student from Cambridge whereas Sally is a dancer at the Cabaret. This can be seen visually as well: Sally puts in a lot of black and sexuality in her dress and her makeup, which puts her different from other women such as Natalia; Brian wears much more formal, Englishmen-like clothing with lighter touch of colour. The two are very different as a person, and it's hard for them to meet, however, they do meet as "woman and man". In the impressive scene where they lay together in bed saying "those three girls were just the wrong three girls", they are no longer in their usual clothing which is, in a way, part of their status.

As I concentrated on the story of the two, I was conscious of the exsistance of the Nazis. Even a beautiful young rich lady like Natalia had to suffer due to them. It was horrifying when the boys threw her torcherd dog on the door yelling "Jews! Jews!". One of the most memorable and most eery scene of this was when Maximilia took Brian to the beer garden: Young boy in his brown Hitler youth uniform, singing "Tomorrow belongs to me" at the front stage in front of the crowd, and the crowd standing up singing along with him.

I found myself enjoying the relationship of Sally and Brian, however, as I saw the 'civil war' in Germany, I thought they were lucky couples since Sally nor Brian were Germans and did not have to be involved in the crisis. At the same time I found myself thinking how it must have been hard for Jews like Fitz to make up his mind and confess that he's a Jew in order to Marry his love, under the pressure of the Nazis.

Appearance and Reality in Cabaret

2011-12-05T00:02:00.010+09:00

Cabaret mainly focuses on show times on stage. Show girls are dancing and singing in front of audiences to make people enjoy. However, the lyrics of songs that they sing or performances criticize some social problems such as money, Nazis dominance and religion. Similarly, Sally and Brian cultivate good relationship but Sally also likes to be with Mike because of his richness. Moreover, Fritz falls in love Natalia but he fails because of his lie. Therefore, in Cabaret, it shows the differences of appearance and reality.

Cabaret symbolizes the coexistence of entertainment and society. The shows at Cabaret are gorgeous and show girls wear colorful costume to entertain audiences. The audiences try to enjoy the time at Cabaret to forget everyday life because the shows are superficially fun things. However, the shows imply social and political problems throughout the songs. The themes of the songs are about money, Nazis dominance and religion. During the scenes of shows at Cabaret, sometimes the scenes interrupt them, which Nazis officers assault a man. In those scenes, cutaway shot is used to make us pay attention to outside or backstage incident. (*1)

Moreover, Sally’s relationships with Brian and Mike also explain the differences of appearance and reality. Sally likes to be with Mike because he is apparently rich. However, he suddenly leaves and there is only a letter with some money. This portrays that their relationship is mindless and she seems to care about only money. Also, there is some tricky relationship among three. They are like friends and also lovers even between men. The scene is used close-up to focus on their face closing together. From this point, it can be said that it is not always true to judge from the appearance.

When Fritz falls in love with Natalia and tries to tell his feeling for her, he cannot explain his real feeling at first. This also describes he pretends himself and hide his reality. For instance, throughout the relationship with him, Natalia feels he is an honest person so she thinks that her religion, Judaism, cannot be accepted. However, Fritz also believes Judaism but he pretends to be a protestant not to be excluded from a society. He can’t success to love with Natalia because of his difference between appearance and reality. His unfulfilled desire to Natalia is significantly explained such as being separated by a gate. (*3)

In conclusion, this movie shows that appearance is far from reality. The shows in cabaret are not only ones to entertain people but also criticize social and political problem. Sally regards Mike as a rich man who has lots of money superficially and tries to get along with him. However, in the end, they are separated. So, there is no real and true relationship between them. Similarly, Fritz at first fails to get along with Natalia because he pretends to be a protestant, not his real religion, Judaism.

(*1)

(*2 )

(*3)

klute

2011-11-29T16:33:00.000+09:00

Klute

2011-11-28T14:52:00.001+09:00

Klute

I felt Bree' s fashion is not immoral although she is a prostitute. She wears on a long cost, its under wears on a long boots and a short pants. This fashion is really sensational, modern and perhaps refined. However she wears on a sweater without under wears boldly.
Moreover in this movie is used many camera works meaning character's feeling; fear, excitement and sorrow, and so the urban view does. For example, many neon sign and traffic makes Bree seemed to be sorrow by her walking there. These urban view shows also Bree's loneliness. Bree has been a prostitute for the long time, and deals with 600-700 customers a year. Her attitude for work is dry, and she said that what she answers to the customer's desire and request is her mission, and there is no please and excitement. She is accustomed to this living. At first sight she is seemed to be calm and have a professional attitude, but I wonder if she would feel something doubt, sorrow and loneliness.
She visits the counselor. When she dialogues with the counselor, the screen composition shows the character's feeling. It is that Bree appears largely, and the counselor turns her back on us the audience. Its back is black and too big, and I feel something mysterious and fear. Moreover this movie is totally black and covered with many shadow, for example; in the room, the outside and the scene of playing the cassette player. Especially not only in the day time but also the night time, in the room is not turn the right on, and only the ray of the sun or the moon is reaching. Moreover the movie has many close-up shot, and shows that character's sentiment. These lighting and shot show something fear and seriousness and is full of suspense.
She has many bright color clothes, for example; red and orange. In the other hand, Klute mainly wears on the black colors clothes; for example; navy, black and dark blue. I wonder if these both of colors shows conflict with Bree and Klute. Sometime they disagree, but gradually they are attracted to each other.
This movie's tempo is really slow although this is a suspense one. Also back ground music too. mainly this movie's serious and suspense taste is involves mise-in-scene as such lighting, shots and color. I think that these effects is really delicate and sensational.

Tomoko Matsunaga

Klute

2011-11-28T13:52:00.001+09:00

Ms. Daniel is a very sexy and mysterious girl in this movie, "Klute." Although her fashion show her really outstanding, but actually she sees a doctor to speak with inner mind that she doesn't know what she really wants to do or why. There are many lightning effect in this movie. Even though Bree says she is afraid of dark place but she usually use candles to light up her room. Because there are many dark scenes, the audience cannot see well the situation and it affects the mysterious mood of this movie. Moreover, these lightning effects are good to express her fear that she sometimes hear strange sound or feel someone stoking.

About the plot of this movie, the place changes that first the family lives in Pennsylvania and focuses on New York next, and finally the main character Bree and Klute leaves there to go somewhere else. It's Klute that helps Bree to independent in a good way, keeps her with him to take care and protect her from the sadism man.

The main character Bree plays a mysterious role which effects this movie. She wants to control the man when she makes love with someone because she doesn't know what the love is. She confuses with Klute that she can feel him without acting or feel comfortable with him even she thinks she wants to break it somehow in her mind.

It is very clear that she needs some help to listen to her stories, it seems she knows herself well what she wants or like actually she doesn't want to earn money by sex.

However because she has many people to speak with or relationship with, the audience cannot make sure that what kind of importance those actors have; one example is an old man who doesn't touch her but just listen to her speaking. He might be an important man, but at the last scene when Bree cannot see him though she has an appointment, it's hard to get why he leaves there.

The camera work is also very important in this movie. There are many closed up camera, two shots, and from the point of view effecting. The scene which Bree sees a doctor is very clear example, there is a shadow of the doctor but the audience can only see the Bree's moving or face expression.

In this movie, there are many effective works like lightning, and camerawork. About the characters they might represent at that time about the fashion and other aspects.

Klute

2011-11-28T13:31:00.002+09:00

In 1970s, strong women started to be against the man centered society and tried to be indepent.

We can say that Blie is the representation of those women. She aims for being an actress, though she earns money by working as a call girl now. However, the incident changed her life entirely. The missing man cannot be seen in the movie, but he is the key person in the movie.

The thing which Klute the detective makes clear is the situation of Blie's hard life. She wants to be an actress, but things does not go easily. She has refused many works and still tries to search for a job. However, the movie also discloses the weakness of Blie. She pretends to be strong, but she fears someone who is aiming for her. And she goes to the medical clinic to talk about her complicated situation. She cannot know how she feels good or bad about the situation, she wants someone to explain her situation. Though the doctor says that she cannot do anything but listening to her, she goes there continuously.

klute at first tries to protect her because she is the important keys of the incident, but he st last tries to protect because he loves her. Although Klute kindly guards her, Blie also fights against the man who tries to kill her.

At last, she faces the man who killed her ex collage and the missing man. But she decides to move another city without fearing and depression. She is always strong. For me, the movie shows the figure of the new style of women.

Bree's Loneliness and Inner Conflict shown by POV

2011-11-28T08:36:00.031+09:00
In this movie, Bree shows a dark side of city people who are helpless, weak and deeply lonely. Especially, her loneliness is shown by certain Point-Of-View shot (POV) and low-key lighting which emphasize only on her figure and erase the other backgrounds. When she sleeps alone, the camera angle captures only her eyes through the bed from a distance. (1*) It gives a narrow frame on her as if her body is contracting with fear and loneliness. Also, when Bree relaxes herself and sings alone in the living room, the scene is quite dark with few candles and only Bree stands out in her red gown in front of the candle lights. (2*) Low-key lighting is used here to describe Bree’s solitude and focus on her state of mind.

(1*) (2*)

As a call girl, Bree acquires both freedom and temporary love by acting and manipulating men. However, it is caused by her loneliness and failure to be an actress in her real life. Bree herself knows it and suffers for the impulse to call to get customers. She explains to the psychiatrist that she feels good to be wanted by men and get the priority by manipulating them. At the same time, she does not want to keep being a call girl and does not like her prostitute girl friends. Her confession scenes with the psychiatrist reveal her inner conflict of being a prostitute. Since the camera angle is often from the psychiatrist’s point of view in those scenes, her figure looks clearer and gets the audience’s attentions more on her honest talk. (3*)

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　(3*)

Moreover, POV is used quite often to create the atmosphere that Bree is always watched by someone. For example, when she meets Mr. Goldfarb, they are shot from a distance as if Klute is watching them. (4*) Also, there is a POV which is in front of Bree’s apartment and someone is peeping through the fence. (5*) When Bree is going to encounter Peter, the camera angle is from Peter, watching Bree walks over here a little by a little. (6*) Either way, Bree’s fear of being watching is proven by those camera angles.

(4*) (5*)(6*)

Bree’s figure as a lonely city people is also described by backlighting. It is impressive that when Peter meets Bree in Mr. Goldfarb’s shop, they are both shown as a silhouette by backlighting, as if they have no character or personality, but just a man and a woman. (7*) (8*) The scene looks terrifying and desperate because the audiences cannot see their expressions at all, which also lead to the uncertain feeling.

(7*) (8*)

Interaction between Bully’s loneliness and love

2011-11-26T17:40:00.008+09:00

In Klute, Bully has to work as a call girl to earn money because she cannot make success to be an actress. Her unfulfilled desire to be an actress makes her do sex with a different man. This is not only because she has to earn money but because she needs someone who treats her and want to feel like being needed by someone. She always lives with emptiness and loneliness. However, after seeing Klute, she finds what true love is and her empty feeling of loneliness is filled by Klute. He cares about Bully well and tries to protect her from danger and fear. Her inner feeling gradually reveals in front of Klute and she is not lonely any more. Therefore, this movie shows Bully’s loneliness that comes from her hopeless dream and seeming relationship with men, and her changes to overcome her loneliness by Klute.
Bully feels empty because she cannot pass an audition to be an actress. She isn’t needed in the field that she wants to be. This hopeless situation makes her lonely and makes her feel no one needs her. Because of which, she tries to find someone who wants to do sex. In the scene which she makes a phone call as a call girl, medium-close up is used to show her action to call.(*1) Also, her face is casted a shadow and can’t be seen her expression exactly. It represents that she has a problem in her mind and she hides that problem. Moreover, on the way to Goldfarb’s room, she walks imposingly like an actress but there is no audience where she walks. In this scene, long shot is used to show the contrast between Bully herself and the background. (*2) Her costume is black with feathers and seems like gorgeous like an actress. On the contrary, her background is deserted and there are artificial dummies that are not real but shape like human. This contrasts emphasis on her loneliness and empty feeling. Also it shows her feeling to do call girl is no real.
*1

*2 Bully pretends to be a strong person but actually she has some weakness. There are some scenes that she consults to a psychoanalyst. Medium-long shot is frequently used and sometimes camera angle changes suddenly from Bully to a psychoanalyst. She expresses her feelings about sex that she dominates a man and pretends to understand his desire and acts like what he wants. She is replete with her superiority, which she cannot feel that kind of feeling in her daily life. She tries to fill her empty mind incorrectly. This is shown in Goldfarb’s scene, while he sits on his chair, she stands in front of him and walking back and forth with taking her clothes off.(*3) This contrast of sitting and standing shows their power relationship and realize that she tries to dominate him. However, this scene is separated from a frame. Therefore, this shows that they don’t truly understand each other and this relationship between male and female is a fake.
*3

However, she gradually notices what love is and overcome from her loneliness thanks to Klute. The scenes of Bully and Klute are included some romance besides suspense. Camera works, especially dolly shot, are effectively used in these scenes. Dolly shot build terror and fear of being stared by someone. (*4) The relationship between Klute and Bully is getting better and they seem to love each other. The scene that they go out together describes like romantic scene. There are the crowds which mean she is not alone and the use of bright lighting. (*5) In addition, Bully’s behavior toward male are changed throughout the lobe of Klute. She doesn’t dominate him like standing and fascinating male and both are sitting together. (*6) This shows that Bully doesn’t feel lonely or empty any more. She gets real relationship of love with Klute, which is different from relationship with men as a call girl.

*4
*5 *5*6
Therefore, Bully is symbolized as a lonely and empty person but finally she can overcome her loneliness by noticing real love. Her dream to be an actress never come true and she cannot help doing call girl to earn money. She has a feeling of being needed by someone and wanting to forget her loneliness. That is another reason to do sex as a call girl. When she has relationship with men, she really feels like dominating men and acting like what he wants. Her inner feeling to fill her loneliness seems to be accomplished superficially but she has still inner problem. However, throughout spending time with Klute, she gradually notices that her real love for male. She doesn’t need to pretend strong as a call girl. Klute really cares about Bully and protects her. Bully feels to be loved and protected from danger and finally she isn’t lonely.

The Stepford Wives

2011-11-23T22:54:00.001+09:00
Perhaps in good ways in terms of art, the movie The Stepford Wives (directed by Bryan Forbes, 1975) betrayed my expectations twice in a row.
The biggest surprise came at the climax, when Joanna finds out that wives in Stepford have been transformed of their bodies as well as their minds by their husbands at the Stepford Men's Association clubhouse. Because of the lighting effects in the Eberhart house, I thought that things would become better, if not good, for Joanna in the end. In other words, the gradual increase in the amount of light from unseeable pitch-dark to dusky seemed to me to be corresponding with the increase in the possibility of her reaching a positive resolution. Although its incomplete level, where background outlines can barely be made out, kept a small doubt on such idea in my mind, the change in Walter's facial expressions accelerated the analysis. He has been raising his eyes and his voice furiously when he makes an attempt to capture Joanna for the conversion, but he calls Diz and begs the policeman about her disappearance in a pitiable voice after she runs away from their house in search for the truth. Moreover, on seeing her again at their house after her dash to Bobbie's, Walter seems to actually regret what he has compelled (or, at least, tried to compel) his wife. These seeming hints turn out to be fake, though. Now I recall the scene, I feel that their falseness may have been somewhat indicated beforehand. For one thing, Walter never shows his face fully on his second encounter with Joanna. With half of his face strictly hidden as if it does not exist, what he thinks when he is not with her is kept secret. By burying his true intensions under bottomless darkness, he deprives her of a solution or even a simple help to the situation. In fact, Walter expresses none of his opinions regarding the Stepford Men's Association explicitly but waits until Joanna to say them for him. He not only expects her to accept his opinions but also refuses to let her object them by not holding an interaction from the beginning. In this sense, Walter seems to be not so different from other self-centered husbands.
Then, another surprise occurred in the very end. After a short blackout, Stepford wives appear at the supermarket in pale colored dresses overly decorated with big frills and matching hats with broad brims. Their way of exchanging greetings ---in a slow speed with a taming tone--- proves that all the wives, including Joanna, have obviously been robotized. Believing that Joanna would be saved after all on the bases of the previous hypothesis and the typical Hollywood rule of good-over-evil ending, I was really shocked to see her whisper textual set phrases: "Hello, Bobbie. Oh, I'm doing fine, thank you. How are you?" Perhaps because the ending was rather amazing than frightening to me at first sight, the movie left me with an unconvincing impression and increased its eeriness little by little afterwards.

the stepford wives

2011-11-22T16:31:00.000+09:00