Screening Report X: Apocalypse Now

Apocalypse Now Screening Report:

1.     “Apocalypse Now” is a 1979 war film directed by Francis Coppola and stars Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall and Marlon Brando. The screenplay adapted from the novel “Heart of Darkness” was written by John Milius; however, Coppola re-wrote most of the film and a documentary entitled “Heart of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse” tells the story of the many obstacles production encountered. “Apocalypse Now” received widespread acclaim and many scholars have tried to decipher the hidden messages within the film. It was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars and for a Golden Globe award. Even though it did not win any major awards it is regarded as one of the most influential films ever made.

2.     The TMC article entitled “Apocalypse Now” talks about the strong influence the film had over the general audience, the obstacles production overcame to make the film and Coppola trying to capture the full essence of what Vietnam was about. The film came out in 1979 during a time where there were numerous films about the Vietnam War, which tried to answer the question why America was involved in the first place. The idea of the project was introduced by George Lucas, who was an assistant for Coppola at the time, wanted to adapt John Milius’ “The Psychedelic Soldier” script as a documentary. Lucas planned to shoot in South Vietnam but eventually signed on to direct Star Wars: A New Hope. However, Coppola coming off of his Oscar winning Godfather films signed on to direct the film.  Orson Welles was Coppola’s first choice for the role of Col. Kurtz along with Robert Redford, Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson. The role of Willard was given to Harvey Kietel after Al Pacino turned down the role but soon Kietel backed out of the role. Eventually Martin Sheen was cast as Willard and Marlon Brando, who starred in Coppola’s “Godfather” and was 100 pounds overweight for the role, was cast as Col. Kurtz. The shooting schedule was unlike anything ever seen in Hollywood; a span of 238 days over a sixteen month period and required a budget of $31 million. Coppola wanted to capture the full essence of the war in Vietnam. He allowed Pentagon officials to read a draft of the script but they refused to cooperate with Coppola. Production of the film began on March 1^st 1976 and it was probably the most enduring filming process ever. Members of the crew became stricken with malaria, Coppola lost nearly 100 pounds due to mental fatigue and Sheen suffered a minor heart attack on set. In addition, filming was not allowed in certain portions of the jungle due to hidden bombs and the Philippines unwillingness to cooperate with the crew. Principal Photography ended on May 21^st 1977. The film received mixed reviews upon its release but received eight Academy Award nominations, which they won for best cinematography and sound. In spit of all the mixed reaction the film it has become an important piece of American history and regarded as one of the great films of all time.

3.     The article goes into greater depth about the hardships that many of the crew faced while making the film. The many casting prospects they had lined up for the role and why it is an important film in cinema history. The article also changed my perception of filmmaking and it shows that in order to make a great film you have to do things that many would find unpleasant or foolish. Even though I was not a fan of the film, the message is very clear and it captured what it was like to fight in the Vietnam War.

4.     Overall, I was not a fan of the film. There were certain sequences where it felt like it just dragged along. The action was very good and it kept the Coppola mark of being very gory and violent. However, the story appeared convoluted at times and I was not too sure what the main point of the film was. The music was average; there was nothing too exciting until the final ten minutes when it got very eerie and mysterious. The acting was solid even though there was no one that jumped off the movie screen. One of best parts was the cinematography because it covered every angle in the jungle, gunfight and social moments; it was well deserving of its Oscar win. Even though the film is important in American history, I did not find it entertaining or captivating.

http://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/188688%7C0/Apocalypse-Now.html

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 

1) (X) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class. 

2) (X) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper. 

3) (X) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text. 

4) (X) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper. 

5) (X) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read. 

6) (X) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography. 

7) (X) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality. 

8) (X) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper. 



Name: Wayne Clark                                                              Date: 5/14/14

Screening Report IX: The Godfather

The Godfather Screening Report:

1.     “The Godfather” by Francis Coppola is considered arguably the greatest film of all time. Having been nominated for 11 Academy Awards and winning 3 including best picture. Furthermore, we mentioned Coppola’s background and the different assistants he enlisted to help him direct his films like George Lucas and Martin Scorsese. The film won the Sam Goldwyn Award for best original screenplay by Mario Puzo and Coppola. The sequel, The Godfather Part 2, was once again nominated for 11 Academy Awards but went on to win 6; including best director, picture, screenplay and actor in a supporting role (Robert De Niro).

2.     The article entitled “The Godfather (1972)” talks about the overall impact the film has and continues to have on cinema today. Francis Coppola was not Paramount’s first choice to helm the film; Sergio Leone was offered to direct the film first but turned it down so he could direct “Once Upon A Time in America.” Peter Bogdanovich was offered the job but turned it down to direct the film “What’s Up Doc?” Eventually the studio offered Coppola the job with a $2 million production budget after they saw the direction he wanted to go with the film being that no one other film really explored Italian mobsters; furthermore, Coppola, who was in a $300,000 hole with Warner Bros. after a failed project with THX. Paramount was considering firing Coppola after just a week into production after Al Pacino was injured on set and Coppola making changes to the script, which kept delaying production dates. Paramount’s patience was wearing thin with Coppola and they needed hit in a desperate way. In addition, to keep the studio happy Coppola added more violent scenes to the film to appeal to the audience.  The film became a blockbuster when it was released making $81.5 million in North America. It soon went on to make over $135 million at the box office. Making it the highest grossing film on 1972. Throughout the next few decades the film has been re-released in theatres numerous times bringing its grossing total to $285 million.

3.     The article talks about Paramount’s unwillingness to hire Coppola and their thought process throughout the production. Since the release the film has received numerous awards, including three Oscars and one of the highest critic ratings for film ever. Paramount finally got the “hit film“ they were looking for and they wanted a sequel in the worst way. During production of “The Godfather Part II” Paramount gave complete control of the film to Coppola and many arguably consider it better than its predecessor.

4.     Overall, “The Godfather” was just an amazing film. It kept the audience guessing and on their toes. Due to the film’s violent nature, it felt as though anyone could be killed at any time. The score by Nino Rota was great and made it feel like a true gangster film. The cinematography by Gordron Willis was good but at times was very dark making it difficult to see but the different cuts and shots made the film enjoyable. In spite of all the positives, Pacino’s performance is what made the film for me. It demonstrated a man’s evolution from a kid whom nothing is expected from to a man that becomes head of the most lethal crime family in America. Pacino commanded the screen every time he was on it and made this crime boss who ruled with an iron fist struggle with his own personal battles to make him sympathetic in some ways. In the beginning it felt as though it was going to be a Marlon Brando film and they fed off of one another perfectly as a father-son duo but it became Pacino’s coming out party.

http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/443184/The-Godfather/articles.html#00

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 

1) (X) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class. 

2) (X) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper. 

3) (X) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text. 

4) (X) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper. 

5) (X) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read. 

6) (X) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography. 

7) (X) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality. 

8) (X) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper. 



Name: Wayne Clark                                                              Date: 4/27/14

Screening Report VIII: The Graduate

The Graduate Screening Report:

1.     “The Graduate” is considered a film that highlighted the rebellious era of teenagers during the 60’s and 70’s. The film was directed by Mike Nichols, who is known for winning an Academy Award, which he won for this film, a Tony Award, a Grammy and an Emmy. He then married famous news anchor Diane Sawyer in 1988 and “The Graduate” was nominated for seven Academy Awards. It was a breakout role for Dustin Hoffman, who plays Ben, a shy college track star who is worried about his future, until he begins having an affair with his father’s business partner’s wife Mrs. Robinson, played by Anne Bancroft. Furthermore, the film uses some “obvious” camera angles but zooms in on the characters during certain situations or uses sequences of cutaways.

2.     The article entitled “Why the Graduate is Essential” talks about the impact the film left on audiences and gave them a new perspective on the upcoming generation. However, director Mike Nichols’ take on the film was very different; he stated how the film “is not at all about the "generation gap," as it is so often perceived, but about the idea of objectsthe material things people strive to acquire and cling to in their lives, the objects through which people become objects themselves. For him, Benjamin's story is not one of youth in rebellion but of someone trying to become "active instead of passive" and struggling "not to be used as an object" like everything surrounding him.” Although Nichols’ view was very different from the audiences, the film created the epiphany of “50’s vs. 60’s” and how teenagers were beginning to break the norm and revolt against society. In addition, Dustin Hoffman’s performance of Ben set the tone for future films and it “broke the mold” of traditional acting to create more complex characters.

3.     To summarize, the article talks about the reasons why “The Graduate” is essential in film history. It changed the game and made the audience aware that change was imminent; thus, creating the divide between teens and adults of that era. In addition, it gives Nichols contradicting comments on the film and the reasons why he felt the need to make the movie.

4.     Overall, I can see why audiences felt as though the film changed the perception of adolescence in America. The acting was very solid and Dustin Hoffman’s performance was one to remember. His quick responses and witty banter with the other characters made the film enjoyable. The film’s soundtrack was very good and it created this very eerie tone at times but it worked for this film. However, the song selection did feel very repetitive and there were times where it felt like the music was not needed or another song could have been used for a particular scene. In addition, even though Ben is considered the “protagonist” in the story, you weren’t too sure whether you wanted to root for or against him, which made the film even more entertaining and fun. There were certain points in the film where the narrative was not as strong but it was overshadowed by the great performances of the actors.

http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/18530/The-Graduate/articles.html

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 

1) (X) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class. 

2) (X) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper. 

3) (X) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text. 

4) (X) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper. 

5) (X) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read. 

6) (X) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography. 

7) (X) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality. 

8) (X) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper. 



Name: Wayne Clark                                                              Date: 4/13/14

Screening Report VII: Vertigo

Vertigo Screening Report:

1.     During the late 1940’s, there was a period in Hollywood where studios were having problems trying to get people to see their films. In addition, U.S. monopoly laws caused studios to sell their theatres and jobs that involved producing, distribution and exhibition were eradicated as well. Along with additional laws being added to Hollywood, television was becoming more popular amongst the general public, even though it did not make the full transition to color until 1964. In 1962, the low box office numbers, which was the lowest box office year in film history, resulted in studios laying off workers and studios were forced to adapt new technology such as 3D, Cinerama and cinemascope. Furthermore, The House on Un-American Activities Committee began investigating actors, producers and writers for any connection to communist activity. If someone was caught they were blacklisted and banned from Hollywood. Dorothy Comingmore, who played Susan Kane in Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane”, was among the actors blacklisted in 1951.

2.     The article entitled “The Big Idea Behind Vertigo” talks about the Alec Coppel and Samuel Taylor’s inspiration for adapting French writers Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac’s bestselling book “The Woman Who Was No More.” A French director named Henri-Georges Clouzot filmed the book previously; however, the film rights were later purchased by Paramount for Hitchcock in 1955. After acquiring the rights Hitchcock enlisted close friends Maxwell Anderson and Angus MacPhail to pen a first draft of the script. However, Anderson’s script did not measure up to Hitchcock’s standards and MacPhail “bowed out” of development. Eventually Hitchcock landed Alec Coppel to re-write the script and Hitchcock “loved” his first draft; but scenes needed to be re-written for chemistry purposes. Therefore, Hitchcock brought on a new writer named Samuel Taylor to pen the new scenes. After the final draft of the script was done, Taylor wanted to take full credit for writing the film but the Screen Writers Guild awarded both writers credit for the screenplay. Principal photography began on the film in August 1957.

3.     The article mainly talked about the Hitchcock’s inspiration for the film and why he always had this film at the top of his to-do list. It mentions how Paramount acquired the rights before the original first film was even translated to English. In addition, it goes into depth about the divide between both screenwriters and their relationship moving forward.

4.     Overall, the film was solid and the actors did a great job portraying their characters. In my opinion the film started off strong but it fell flat as it went on. The story seemed to be all over the place, which probably attributes to the two screenwriters different perspectives on the story. I did not like the way James Stewart’s character turned out in the end of the film; because, in the beginning, even though he had a mental deficiency he came off as a very strong willed individual but towards the end he came off as very obsessive and unstable. I personally do not like when films leave the protagonist in limbo and leave you thinking that there could have been a better resolution. However, the score was my favorite part of the film and it made it even more suspenseful and thrilling.

http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/94742/Vertigo/articles.html

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM 

1) (X) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class. 

2) (X) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper. 

3) (X) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text. 

4) (X) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper. 

5) (X) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read. 

6) (X) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography. 

7) (X) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality. 

8) (X) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper. 



Name: Wayne Clark                                                              Date: 4/6/14