Screening Report VI: Casablanca

Casablanca Screening Report:

1.     “Casablanca” is hailed as one of the great films of all time and it laid the blueprint for all the romantic dramas that followed. The film was written by Julius Epstein, Philip G. Epstein and Howard Koch, who won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay; and directed by Michael Curtis who won the Academy Award for Best Director. In addition, the film went on to capture the Best Picture award at the Oscars as well. Furthermore, Humphrey Bogart was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Rick Blaine.

2.     Although the film captured 3 Academy Awards, Humphrey Bogart was one of the main reasons why the film is as memorable as it was. Bogart was born on December 25^th 1899 in New York to a rich family; his father was a surgeon and his mother a commercial illustrator. His family was not very supportive of his decision to become an actor and thought he should pursue a more realistic career. He was enrolled at the Trinity School and began to take up acting at the local theatre. However, Bogart was not receiving any big-time parts and enlisted in the Navy in 1918. He was stationed mostly throughout Europe and unlike other soldiers Bogart enjoyed his time in the Navy and saying “At 18 war and traveling was great.” After his military service, Bogart returned to acting by taking his talents to Broadway; first as a stage manager, then a primetime actor. He soon landed his first movie roll in “Up the River” a prison film with Spencer Tracy. He then signed a contract with Warner Bros. after his critically acclaimed performance in “The Petrified Forest.” which had him making “$550 a week.” However, Bogart was beginning to get typecast in Hollywood and he was only landing mobster roles; until he was offered the Rick Blaine role in Casablanca. According to TCM “Ronald Regan was the first choice to play Rick” because he was under contract with Warner Bros. and he was known commodity among moviegoers. Then other actors like George Raft, were rumored to be offered the role as well. Soon Bogart signed a 7-picture deal with Warner Bros. earning him $2750 a week, which catapulted him into the title of “Highest Paid Actor” in Hollywood with $460,000 a year. Bogart’s performance proved that he could be the helpless romantic and the “reluctant hero.” In addition, Bogart earned an Academy Award nomination and he released at least one film each year over the next ten years.

3.     The article talks about Bogart’s life and his willingness to pursue acting even though it was frowned upon by his family. In addition, it mentions how Bogart garnered his fame through Broadway and how he worked his way up to reach super-stardom. The article did not change my perception of Bogart in any way because even on screen he always gave the audience a piece of himself and made the role his own. In my opinion his no nonsense attitude seemed to be his actual personality and that mentality made every moment he was onscreen unforgettable.

4.     Overall, I enjoyed the film, it displayed a lot of heart and Bogart’s character owned the screen every time he was on it. It had a great combination of mystery, drama, wisecracking humor and history. I liked how it was able to incorporate actual world history to the film and how it played a vital role in the outcome of the film. Ingrid Bergman’s character did come off a little dramatic at times but the acting was solid and even though Bogart’s character was an insensible and stoic individual, you still felt the pain and the different emotions he experienced throughout the movie. I enjoyed the other supporting characters, they all made it very watchable and I believe the music is an underrated strength of the film because it depicted each scene perfectly and it told a story all on its own. I can definitely see why the film is a classic and deserves that title without question.

http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/18290%7C71928/Humphrey-Bogart/

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: 3/30/14

Screening Report V: Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane Screening Report:

1.     “Citizen Kane” is considered one of the greatest films of all time and its greatness had most do with its writer, director and star Orson Welles. Welles had a presence every time he was on screen and being a member of the audience you felt every time Kane experiences something painful, happy, saddening etc. However, Kane had a lot of trouble trying to get the film made; in addition, when the film was completed it was a failure and sealed away in the studios’ vault. Even though Welles went on to star and direct many other famous films, he wanted to prove that even at age 24, he would be able to deliver a classic film. Studios did not want to take the risk and during production Welles was able to maintain complete control. Furthermore, Welles based the story on a man named William Randolph Hearst, who was a very wealthy man but wanted to run a newspaper.

2.     During Pre-production of the film, Welles tested many different actresses for the Emily Norton Kane role and eventually landed Ruth Warrick, who Welles personally invited. According to TCM, Warrick stated that Welles “was not in good shape at the beginning of production. When principal photography began, Welles was suffering from the effects of caffeine poisoning as the result of consuming thirty to forty cups of coffee a day. Welles then switched to tea, figuring that the hassle of having to brew the beverage would naturally limit his intake. But Welles had someone on call to brew the tea for him, and within two weeks, Welles was the color of tannic acid. It was also reported that he would go for long periods without eating, then put away two or three large steaks with side items at one sitting.” In addition, during the bedroom scene where Kane is wrecking Susan’s room, Welles suffered a severe cut on the hand but the camera did not catch the injury. Even though Welles was not in the best of health he always wanted to make sure his actors were comfortable on set and he tried to build relationships with them all. However, Welles did not show the same hospitality to Dorothy Comingore, who played Susan, Kane’s second wife. Welles was concerned with making the relationship of the characters as real as possible. Welles explained, "I treat her that way because she's got to hate my guts when we get to the later scenes. When she yells and screams and finally walks out on me, I want her to feel every bit of it in her bones." In addition, Comingdore’s career after “Citizen Kane” came to a halt after being “blacklisted” for ingratiating herself with Communist Party members. The scenes where Kane was onscreen were usually dark and did not require a lot of lighting and Welles believed the low angle shots provided a more authentic touch. TCM’s “unsung” hero of the film was a man named Perry Ferguson, who designed the huge sets and art direction. Ferguson made all his sets look realistic and expensive, which came to light in Xanadu mansion Kane built.

3.     The article entitled “Essentials: Citizen Kane” gives descriptive insight on what exactly Welles had to go through physically and mentally to make the film. It was incredibly taxing on his body and he was forced to mistreat one of the main actors in order to give a genuine performance. In addition, it mentions the people Welles hired to make the film and the preconceived monumental failure it was suppose to be, especially with Welles being so young. However, it goes on to mention the nine academy award nominations it received and how it is hailed “The greatest film of all time” by The American Film Institute in 1998.

4.     Overall, “Citizen Kane” was a good movie that showed great emotion, depth and kept the audience wanting more. There were times where emotions did go over the top and some characters came off annoying at times. I thought it was very clever how when Kane was younger there was more lighting and it was more upbeat and when he was older it more serious, not a lot of lighting and the camera shots were really low. However, the biggest thing was Welles performance as Kane because he was able to display every emotion so vividly and even when Kane was wrong you still found yourself rooting for him; whether it was to become a better man or be more socially open with the others around him. I can see why it was a classic and it definitely deserves all the praise it has garnered the passed 70 years. 

http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/89/Citizen-Kane/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: 3/24/14

Screening Report IV: The Stagecoach

Stagecoach Screening Report:

1.     There was a turning point in Hollywood, which introduced a new genre to the film industry in the late 1930’s. The Western genre was in its infancy but gave people a new outlook on Western American in the 1800’s. The western genre was such a hit that from 1939-1941 it was labeled as the “Greatest period of filmmaking.” Studios were making so much money off of westerns that people began to loose interest in dramatic film. John Ford initiated the western onto the big screen and experience harsh criticism for it; however, Ford went on to become one of the greatest directors in history winning four best director awards at the Academy Awards. Ford wanted to not only make a western but to make it relatable to the audience. Therefore, he adapted the idea of good and evil being a choice or is it by nature, which is something he brought to “Stagecoach.” The humanism he brought to the big screen really showed that westerns could be something special.

2.     United Artists, the studio that distributed the film, was not all in on Ford’s idea of a western. In addition, they were not completely sold on Ford as a director. According to TMC the studios saw Ford as a “low budget” director who could only make short films. Ford “shopped” the film to many studios that turned him down because they were unwilling to create a big budgeted western film, until United was willing to take a chance. However, the lead actor was a huge question mark and the studio wanted a well-known actor but Ford chose a young man named John Wayne to portray “The Kid.” The studio was outraged at the decision and demanded Ford change his pick immediately. However, Ford stood firm and did not budge on his decision. Soon after the film was released John Wayne received critical acclaim and his reputation grew throughout Hollywood. On a $250,000 budget the film made over $1,000,000 and received a best picture nomination at the Academy Awards. The film was restored by FOX in 1996 and re-released for home video. In addition, numerous studios purchased United Artist since 1967; with MGM purchasing the studio in 2005.

3.     The article explains the Hollywood studios unwillingness to give Ford a chance to bring the western to the big screen until UA took a chance on the film. In addition, it mentions the studios questioning of John Wayne as the lead actor in the film and why he would not work. It tells of the films acclaim and the numerous awards received and what circumstances the studio is currently in since the late 60’s.

4.     Overall, the film lacked narrative but I could see how it became a stepping-stone for the western genre.  The acting was solid and the characters were relatable even though it was an old film. The most exciting seen was the stagecoach shootout with the Apache Indians, even though there are some questions I would have about Native American intentions during the 1800’s. The only problem was narrative because it felt as though you lost track of what was occurring and how these characters got into certain situations, which does cause the audience to want to see the film again so they can understand what exactly happened. However, I can see why it is a classic film because it set the tone for the many westerns to come, which would feature John Wayne and many others.

http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/91227/Stagecoach/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: 3/14/14

Screening Report III: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Screening Report:

1.     Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the first animated feature film by Walt Disney. It was a turning point in animation and gave it new life in an era that was riddled with war and unemployment. After serving in the First World War, Disney moved back to California and worked as a cartoonist for an ad company. Eventually he began to create famous cartoon characters like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit with the rights going to Universal. However, Disney wanted to retain the rights to all the characters he created; therefore, he created a mouse while on a train ride to California from New York and eventually his wife Lillian named the mouse Mickey. Disney then began designing small-scaled cartoons in a small studio in Los Angeles. He and his staff then moved to a larger studio and wanted to create a film length animated feature film, which was something that had never been done before. The film cost over $1,000,000 to make, which even cause Disney to mortgage his house. However, after the films’ December 21^st 1937 release, it was a big hit making $8,000,000 worldwide and earned Disney an honorary Oscar at the 11^th Annual Academy Awards. With the success of Snow White films like Dumbo and Pinocchio soon followed, which launched Disney to superstardom. 

2.     Development on “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” began in            June of 1934. According to the New York Times Disney always wanted to bring the fable to the big screen and the film was going “to be released under Walt Disney Productions”; in addition, the projected cost of production was going to cost $250,000, which was ten times the budget of Disney’s previous cartoon creations. Disney had animators from all across the country come to California to help him with the film and mostly everyone attached had a say regarding film ideas. They used any source of inspiration they could find whether it was films that came out prior, real life sequences or animations from the past. In addition, Disney not only wanted the film to look great but for the music to be an intricate part of the film as well. The score was composed by        Frank Churchill and Larry Morey and from it came the classics “Whistle While You Work”, “Heigh-Ho” and “Some Day My Prince Will Come.” After the films’ release it was nominated at the Academy Awards for best musical score and Disney was given an honorary Oscar. In addition, it was a huge success garnering $8,000,000 at the box office and was re-released years later after World War II. Furthermore, it hailed “the greatest film of all time title by Russian Filmmaker Sergey Eisenstein.”

3.     The article praised the film heavily and it did not change my perception of the film in any way. It discussed the difficulties Disney faced making the film, the different personalities he had to manage and why he was willing to push the world animation to another level. It praised the film’s witty comedy, the score and the deep emotion it evoked from the audience.

4.     Overall I can see why the film was praised as much as it was and why it is regarded as not only one of the great-animated films of all time but also one of the great films of all time. Although there were a lot of clever lines used, the dialogue was a little tawdry. Snow White came off as a little girl rather than a young woman and I felt as though she could have been a little more mature. However, the dwarfs were the best part of the film in my opinion. There was never a boring minute when they were on screen and kept the audience excited with the next bumbling thing they had up their sleeve. The Queen was a very good villain and you could feel the hate she had towards Snow White. Outside of the beauty concept I would have liked to have seen why she harbored such venom towards Snow White. Even though the film did not delve into her character more, she was very entertaining yet wicked which are two qualities I believe all villains should have in a film. The music was great and it gave the film a great depth. Whatever character was singing you could feel the emotion that they felt which made the film even more enjoyable.

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/550602/Snow-White-and-the-Seven-Dwarfs

http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=EE05E7DF173FE070BC4C52DFB7668383629EDE

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: 3/2/14