Existentialism and Film Noir Essay Example for Free

Existentialism and Film Noir Essay Existentialism and its worldview are believed to have derived from Nietzsche’s provocative and controversial statement â€Å"God is dead†. The underlying meaning to Nietzsche’s controversial statement is that empirical natural science has replaced metaphysical explanations of the world. As a result of this, according to Nietzsche we no longer have any sense of who and what we are as human beings. He concludes that no foundation exists anymore for the meaning and value of things. Nietzsche’s philosophy shines light on what film noir is. That is, an artistic response to, or recognition of, this alteration in our understanding of the world. To emphasize the existentialist attitude in film noir, various stylistic and thematic techniques are used. Common techniques or characteristics of film noir that we see in both The Maltese Falcon and The Killers include: unconventional or non-classical narrative patterns, opposition of light and shadow, disorientation of the viewer, incoherent plot lines, inversion of traditional values and its corresponding moral ambivalence, non-chronological ordering of events, and characters whose actions are not motivated or understandable in any rational way. The similarities of characteristics between existentialism and film noir are prominent; for example, Siodmak and Huston distinguish the alienation and disorientation of a post-Nietzschean world, one without transcendent meaning or value. The constant opposition of light and shadow as seen in The Maltese Falcon and The Killers, helps communicate the dark characteristics of a post-Nietzschean world. For instance, when the swede peacefully awaits his assassins, we get a sense of estrangement and lack of sense and meaning. This lack of sense and meaning is further emphasized when the room goes dark and you see him from the neck down in light, but the face is in total shadow. A sense of despair is created through this camera technique by showing that no one else is in the room, leaving him hopeless to escape. A common characteristic of film noir that we see in both The Maltese Falcon, and The Killers, is the use of unconventional or non-classical narrative patterns. The use of non-classical narrative patterns emphasizes the cynical characteristics of a post-Nietzschean world. For instance, in The Maltese Falcon, Miss Ruth Wonderly initially claims to Spade and Archer to be searching for her sister, however her true intentions were to implicate Thursby her unwanted accomplice by killing Archer. Miss Ruth Wonderly’s contemptuous behavior coincides with the pessimistic view about the nature and purpose of human life. Non-classical patterns are established through various stylistic techniques. Such as the non-chronological ordering of events, often achieved through flashbacks. An example of this technique is seen in The Killers, when flashbacks are used to tell the story leading up to Ole Andersen’s death. The use of flashbacks and complicated sometimes-incoherent plot lines, as in The Maltese Falcon, are examples of the stylistic techniques that are used in film noir to communicate the mood and sensibility. A final common technique that is used in film noir is portraying characters whose actions are not motivated or understandable in any rational way. For example, why does Miss Wonderly lie about her name and objective in the beginning of The Maltese Falcon when she is sure to get caught at some point? By portraying the characters in this manner, Huston leaves the viewer with unanswered questions, leading to the disorientation of the viewer. It has been argued that film noir cannot be defined, therefore has no essential characteristics. That being said, considering noir as a response to the death of god helps explain the commonality of elements that philosophers have recognized in noir films. Moreover, the directors of The Maltese Falcon and The Killers use of thematic and stylistic characteristics in their films make them two of the best examples of film noir. They clearly depict a world of the post-Nietzschean period in their films, that is one of despair, alienation, and paranoia, which is essentially an existential attitude towards life.

West Side Story And Romeo And Juliet Film Studies Essay

West Side Story And Romeo And Juliet Film Studies Essay West Side Story is an American musical written by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and choreography by Jerome Robbins. It is said to be a rendition of Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet. West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet have a number of similarities and differences in many ways. The play, Romeo and Juliet, is set in Verona in about 1594.   In contrast, West Side Story takes place in New York City in 1957.   Most of the characters in West Side Story can be seen as a modernized version of many characters in Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet. Tony can be seen as Romeo, Maria as Juliet, The Jets as Montagues, The Sharks as Capulets, Anita as the Nurse, Riff as Mercutio, Bernardo as Tybalt, Doc as both Friar Laurence and Balthasar, Chino as Paris, The Police as Prince, Anybodys and Baby John as Benvolio. Many scenes in West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet have very close parallels connection. The confrontation between the gangs at the beginning of We st Side Story can be seen as a parallel to the 3rd civil brawl scene in Romeo and Juliet, dance at the gym as party at the Capulet house, fire escape scene as balcony scene, mock wedding at the bridal shop as wedding at Friar Laurences cell, rumble underneath the bridge as duels between Mercutio, Tybalt and Romeo, and Anitas mock rape scene as nurse abandons Juliet by urging her to marry Paris. In addition to the similar connection between the characters and the scene, the theme of male dominate patriarchal society appears to be one of the major theme throughout both plays. Romeo and Juliet has been criticized by many critics as having strong gender roles. According to an article written by Professor Jeanne Gerlach, Professor Rudolph Almasy, and Professor Rebecca Daniel, the men are expected to carry themselves with honor and pride. Anything the man or the head of the family wanted would be put into motion as soon as he finished saying the words. In contrast, a womans typical role and characteristic of that time period was weak, subservient, always holding her words when it came to decision making, and be obedience to the husband and father. At the beginning of Romeo and Juliet when one of the Capulets servants, Sampson said, And therefore women, being the weaker vessels, are ever thrust to the wall; therefore I will push Montagues men from the wall, and thrust his maids to the wall.(I, 1, 15) These words from Sampson is further reinforcing a typical stereotypical Renaissance thinking which suggests that women are weaker in physically, emotionally, intellectually and morally in nature and they exist for male sexual gratification only. Similar, such thinking on woman can also be found at a parallel scene in West Side Story during the confrontation between the Jets and Sharks at the beginning. After the character, Anybody, express her interest in joining the gang and that she could fight as good and strong as the men does to Riff, one of the Jets wannabes start making fun of her sexually or mocks her undesirability then Riff sends her away by telling her to beat it. Such action done by the Jets also further reinforcing the stereotypical thinking and inequality between the man and the woman. Another example of how Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story further reinforcing genders roles within the male dominate society can be seen in the rumble between the Sharks and the Jets underneath the bridge scene. After the Rumble, Anybodys treat to act as Tonyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸s unofficial protector. Even though she was not physically present during the rumble between the Sharks and the Jets, she seems to be lurking in and out from shadow and only appear as the most useful person or tool when the man, Tony in the scene, in urgent need of her to help rescue him from the police after all the other Jets fled the scene without him. In fact, she refuses to leave without him by repeatedly shouting Come on, Tony! until he escapes with her. Such action perform by Anybody could be seen as a reinforcement on gender roles. A woman, the wife or daughter, should remain loyal and obedience to the man, husband or father, even if everyone else are not doing the same. Such loyalty that the society is s eeking the woman should have also appeared in the scene where Juliet learns the news that Romeo has killed her cousin from the nurse. Nurse: Will you speak well of him that killd your cousin Juliet: Shall I speak ill of him that is my husband? Ah, poor my lord, what tongue shall smooth thy name when I, thy three-hour wife, have mangled it? (III, 2, 105) Juliet is showing her loyalty to her husband, Romeo, even when the nurse is blaming Romeo for Tybalts death. In conclusion, both Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story both reinforcing the idea that the womans typical role and characteristic of that time period was weak, subservient, always holding her words when it came to decision making, and be obedience to the husband and father. In contrast, a mans typical roles and characteristic should be masculine and powerful and expected to carry themselves with honor and pride. In Romeo and Julie, Mercutio and Tybalts death were a result of a man defending the mans pride and honor. The death of Bernardo in West Side Story was also a result of the men defending the mens honor and pride. We can see these values that the society put on us being employed in both Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story.

Morals :: Religion, Ethics

Who’s to Blame One night, a few years ago, I was watching television with two of my younger brothers. As I flipped through the stations I could not help but notice that on every channel was an interview of our President, Bill Clinton. The discussion was about President Clinton’s involvement with another women. They questioned him if he had â€Å"oral sex† or â€Å"committed adultery† with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern. Neither of my brothers commented at the time on what they saw or heard but I just started to imagine what could be running through their heads. â€Å"Well if the President can, why can’t I cheat and lie?†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This, just one of many, is an example of how a child’s morals may be misguided. A young child may be looking at the wrong person or people as role models. If the situation rose in which a kid has the chance to cheat on a test will he? Would that child realize what he is doing wrong when people like the president are committing acts that may give that child the wrong impression on what is the right thing to do? These are just some questions that may be brought up on the topic that schools are teaching children bad morals.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many people say that schools are not to blame for children holding bad morals. Some may ask, â€Å"Is it the schools responsibility to teach children good morals or is it the parents job?† Some parents are â€Å"too easy† on their children. In today’s world most parents defend their children rather than punish them. For example, a child is caught doing drugs or alcohol, and instead of the kid receiving a punishment from the police, his parents hire a lawyer and find loop holes in the system to â€Å"get the kid out† without a punishment. This proves to kids that although they did something wrong they can get out of it so it’s no big deal, bad morals.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another problem that rises is that in today’s schools teachers can not use any type of a faith or religion as a guideline for morals. Today’s laws prohibit teachers from teaching religion in public schools. Teachers are also told not to involve personal feelings in their teaching. It is very difficult for teachers to teach about morals without involving what they feel is the â€Å"correct way to act.† Some parents ask, â€Å"who are they to say what is right way for my child?

Shakespeare presents Antony, Cleopatra, and Caesar as committed only to

The language Shakespeare uses in Antony and Cleopatra is concerned overwhelmingly with image and display. As Enobarbus describes the first meeting of the lovers we are drawn in to a world of colour and wealth, ‘The barge she sat in, like a burnished throne,/ Burned on the water’. Cleopatra herself is described in even more majestic – even divine – terms, ‘o’erpicturing’ the goddess Venus. Antony himself is ‘the crown of the earth’, whose eyes ‘glowed like plated Mars’, while Caesar is ‘a Jove’, whose ascendancy will bring ‘the time of universal peace’ – an allusion, Rene Weis suggests, to the everlasting kingdom of Christ. However, it is debatable as to whether the characters themselves share the intent of the grand words surrounding them, and if they are as committed to image as this quotation suggests. Antony, in fact, seems to surrender his public image completely for Cleopatra’s sake. The play opens with a comment on the received view, Antony has become a ‘strumpet’s fool’. Indeed, he is willing to sacrifice Rome and his worldly status in virtue of his love for Cleopatra, ‘let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch/ Of the ranged empire fall’. Only absolute political necessity can draw him from Egypt, and even then he recognises that ‘i’th’East my pleasure lies’. His marriage to Octavia angers Cleopatra greatly, but it was enacted only to placate Caesar and is soon rendered useless as he returns promptly to Egypt. Furthermore, his heroic image [he was said by Plutarch to have been like Hercules] is damaged by his preferences, Caesar mocks him as ‘womanly’ while even Antony himself cries at Cleopatra’s servant ‘O, thy vile lady! She has robbed me of my sword!’ In a sense, it appears that Antony has been unmanned by his com... ...d me my robes, put on my crown’ – shows her determination to make a memorable final tableau. On the other hand, and more likely given the divine undertones and implications in the language, she seeks Antony in a life beyond death, realising that life and politics – those ‘baser elements’ – are trivial compared to everlasting love. A conclusion can now be established. Antony is positively unconcerned with display, he sacrifices image and politics alike for the love of his Egyptian queen. Caesar is centred on image – the very nature of his role in power demands it, and his highly rhetorical speeches are testament to this aspect of his character. Cleopatra seems to develop as the play progresses from a character more comparable to Caesar to truly Antony’s lover, ultimately sacrificing the most precious gift – life itself – in favour of an afterlife in his company. Shakespeare presents Antony, Cleopatra, and Caesar as committed only to The language Shakespeare uses in Antony and Cleopatra is concerned overwhelmingly with image and display. As Enobarbus describes the first meeting of the lovers we are drawn in to a world of colour and wealth, ‘The barge she sat in, like a burnished throne,/ Burned on the water’. Cleopatra herself is described in even more majestic – even divine – terms, ‘o’erpicturing’ the goddess Venus. Antony himself is ‘the crown of the earth’, whose eyes ‘glowed like plated Mars’, while Caesar is ‘a Jove’, whose ascendancy will bring ‘the time of universal peace’ – an allusion, Rene Weis suggests, to the everlasting kingdom of Christ. However, it is debatable as to whether the characters themselves share the intent of the grand words surrounding them, and if they are as committed to image as this quotation suggests. Antony, in fact, seems to surrender his public image completely for Cleopatra’s sake. The play opens with a comment on the received view, Antony has become a ‘strumpet’s fool’. Indeed, he is willing to sacrifice Rome and his worldly status in virtue of his love for Cleopatra, ‘let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch/ Of the ranged empire fall’. Only absolute political necessity can draw him from Egypt, and even then he recognises that ‘i’th’East my pleasure lies’. His marriage to Octavia angers Cleopatra greatly, but it was enacted only to placate Caesar and is soon rendered useless as he returns promptly to Egypt. Furthermore, his heroic image [he was said by Plutarch to have been like Hercules] is damaged by his preferences, Caesar mocks him as ‘womanly’ while even Antony himself cries at Cleopatra’s servant ‘O, thy vile lady! She has robbed me of my sword!’ In a sense, it appears that Antony has been unmanned by his com... ...d me my robes, put on my crown’ – shows her determination to make a memorable final tableau. On the other hand, and more likely given the divine undertones and implications in the language, she seeks Antony in a life beyond death, realising that life and politics – those ‘baser elements’ – are trivial compared to everlasting love. A conclusion can now be established. Antony is positively unconcerned with display, he sacrifices image and politics alike for the love of his Egyptian queen. Caesar is centred on image – the very nature of his role in power demands it, and his highly rhetorical speeches are testament to this aspect of his character. Cleopatra seems to develop as the play progresses from a character more comparable to Caesar to truly Antony’s lover, ultimately sacrificing the most precious gift – life itself – in favour of an afterlife in his company.

Eudora Weltys The Golden Apples Essay -- Eudora Welty The Golden Appl

Eudora Welty's The Golden Apples The review "Technique as Myth: The Structure of The Golden Apples" by Daniele Pitavy-Souques presents an easy and reasonable approach for reading Eudora Welty's The Golden Apples. Her ideas, which address structural unity, represent a sound foundation of simple fact, which in turn, provides a better understanding. The finished product, written with concise and understandable language speaks to a clearer vision of Welty's ever-present themes of fascination, mirroring and separateness. Daniele Pitavy-Souques begins her review by pointing out difficulties most articles have with the structural unity of The Golden Apples. She says,"Nearly all articles dealing with The Golden Applesas a whole tackle the problem and attempt to solve it by establishing close parallels between (mostly) Greek mythology and the various characters and incidents in the book" (109). She continues with:"Content cannot be dissociated from form; the text should be analyzed as a whole. Indeed, its narrative functioning deserves the closest attention since alone i...

Edward Marshall Boehm Essay

Edward Marshall Boehm is a company that is all about delivering quality while focusing on Nature. This report will include the vision, mission, SWOT, internal and external environments, and a strategic decision from my team in specific detail. Edward Marshall Boehm had a vision that was different from other businesses. Their vision was, â€Å"To capture that special moment and setting which conveys the character, charm, and loveliness of a bird or animal in its natural habitat†. This vision was set in order to attract a specific demographic and that was people who enjoy and embrace nature. Edward Marshall Boehm had a mission that was very similar to its vision. The mission was, â€Å"Make the world aware and protective of endangered wildlife by making them aware of nature’s charm†. I got a quote directly from the company when I called and someone who was very close to Mr. Boehm told me that, â€Å"Mr. Boehm wanted to achieve the bigger picture and that was sending his Vision and Mission around to everybody so that people would understand why he does what he does. You can only tell this to your class but Mr. Boehm would sometimes write personal letters to buyers with both the Vision and Mission written on there. He felt that personally writing that would make customers value their product more and value him more† (Richard Bassel). As we focused in on the external environments of Edward Marshall Boehm, we found many opportunities and risks. One factor surround Boehm Inc. is the market they compete in. Their market is not a very large market. Focusing in on adapting other markets could be very useful to the company and help them grow. One suggestion we have is to adapt into a European environment. By doing so, Boehm Inc. can broaden their line of products and adapt a market that is extremely large. Having knowledge about your external environments is crucial in business. While looking at retailers that have Boehm’s products I was shocked. There are little to no stores in the states with the most endangered species and nature. There is one store in California, which is the state with the most endangered species. No stores in Colorado, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska. Those states, to me, are arguable some of the most beautiful states when it comes to wildlife and nature. We suggest that Boehm Inc. finds stores that can sell his merchandise in these states. This will make his business grow and most important have more people aware of Boehm’s vision and mission. When we take a look at Boehm’s internal environment we start at the hard working employees, management, and structure/leadership of the organization. The management of Boehm Inc. is the backbone of the internal environment. One problem we found with Boehm Inc. was the leadership quality. Boehm specifically says, â€Å"We want to further the position the company for the long run†. Going along with Boehm’s vision and mission, if his company wanted to plan for the future, what happens when Mr. Boehm passes on? Boehm passed away in 1969. They still sell his products today but are they selling his products with another vision and mission? If Boehm was so focused on people recognizing his vision and mission, why didn’t he think to have other sculptors come in so that when the time comes they can continue to make products based on his vision? This is a question that cannot be answered but clearly there was a lack of leadership. Boehm used his external environment to make his internal environment better. EX. Boehm found that customers liked his dogs and horses but wanted his birds, so he started creating more exotic and large bird pieces. As you can see from the diagram above, there are several types of values that when put together determine many different things. Control values are focused on productivity, which lies with management. Ethical values are all about teams and teamwork, which goes with the structure of the company. Development values is all about planning and research which also lies with management. The relation between the internal environment and the external environment has a significant meaning to the overall productivity of the company. All of these values combined help in making decisions and completing long and short-term goals and objectives. Boehm Inc. has many strengths. The management is a very close related group. They are progressively growing the company looking for more opportunities. The quality of Boehm’s pieces is what pulls them apart from any other company. They are one of a kind pieces. This draws people to want them more and they have a collectors feeling on them. The weaknesses of Boehm Inc. slightly outweigh their strengths. The process of creating their products takes a very long time, which is not what companies usually want. The leadership of the company seems to be lost in a sense. Nobody is taking charge and setting up the company for future success. Since they don’t use technology and it is an old fashioned, a possible competition threat is at risk. Another interesting topic about Boehm is forecasting. The company can’t really forecast their sales because some items may be in demand while others aren’t. Since the process takes a while it puts them in an awkward position. There are many opportunities for the company. Updating their online store is a start that could make significant progress. New markets are another large opportunity. The company can grow if they decide to search into another market. With the speed of their process being so slow, they might want to look to speed it up some way. This will require significant research and knowledge about a specific plan or plans. Threats for Boehm Inc. are not major but still are nothing to look past. New artists could threaten the company because they could make cheaper products that almost look like â€Å"knock-offs†. These would severely damage the company. Substitute materials are another topic that could really hurt Boehm’s company. Instead of high-grade porcelain, other companies could look to use lower grade material but still produce beautiful products. After completing our SWOT analysis, our team has come up with some options for Boehm to explore. Boehm has a very functional online store. We think that because technology is so important now, Boehm could use the online site for something more than just selling. Boehm’s Vision and Mission, because they were so important should be expressed on the site. By giving a brief description of the animals and nature around them, people can understand the importance of the animal itself and the work that Boehm has done. Secondly Boehm should start immediately to find more artists that can continue creating pieces like Edward Marshall Boehm did. Not any artist is capable of doing such tasks. These artists must be well known and appreciate the charm of nature and the loveliness of animals. Another suggestion is for Boehm to find more stores to sell his pieces. These stores should be located in the states we mentioned before (Alaska, California, Oregon, Montana, Colorado). Lastly, we think that Mr. Boehm’s company should open a new line of products, Jewelry. Jewelry is always in high demand. By creating a Jewelry line, Boehm Inc. can bring in new customers and another smaller price range of products. By doing so, Boehm’s vision and mission can be carried out in places that have some of the most well known nature and animals around. Boehm should not lose out on their biggest opportunity, to expand into new markets. Through all of our research and our SWOT analysis, we have come to a specific recommendation. Edward Marshall Boehm should update their online store, so that people have a better understanding of the nature and beauty within the piece. The company should also sell to more states. Especially states that have a large nature aspect to them. Boehm Inc. should also consider looking for new artists with the passion of nature and animals. If they do that, they can continue to grow their product line while bringing in possible new ideas. Another suggestion we have is to consider possible endorsement. Endorsement can bring a lot of awareness to the company. Mr. Boehm wants people to realize the beauty of nature and animals and what better way to do so then endorsement. By doing these things, Edward Marshall Boehm Inc. should be able to continue growing their business while still focusing on Mr. Boehm’s vision and mission which is to appreciate nature and the charm animals and life brin g to it.

Precarious Condition of Primary Education Essay

The status of the primary education given in the ZP run schools of the backward districts of Dhule & Nandurbar is a big mess & the administrators of both the Zilla Parishads are seem to be at their wits end because of the irresponsible teachers, & negligent staff. The trouble is doubled recently because of the increasing number of drunkard teachers who hardly attend the school & whenever they turn up they come up in dead drunk state. There have been incidences where the frustrated villagers have locked up the school after seeing that the deputed teachers don’t attend the school for weeks, & if at all they attend the school turn by turn. The headmasters, the teachers & the staff of the schools are hand in gloves in the conspiracy of absence from the school & whenever the authorities pay a surprise visit they try to cover up the matter. The CEO of Dhule ZP, Deependrasingh Kushwah last week suspended the headmasters of two schools & issued show cause notices to the staff teachers of two schools on account of the serious discrepancies in the number of students dubiously enrolled & the actual number of the students in these schools. Many schools in the mountain area of these districts are single teacher schools because the staff appointed never joins the duty & if at all join it is only on the paper. The teachers use their political connections & also grease the palms of the responsible officers to cancel their transfers to unwanted places in the hilly terrains of Shirpur, Dhadgaon, Taloda, Akkalkuwa, Shahada Tehsils of Dhule & Nandurbar districts. The level of the education & the training of the teachers amongst the ZP run schools is another problem & one doubts if the teachers have really complied the eligibility criterion for the appointment as a teacher. Sometime back when he was a CEO of ZP Dhule, Purushottam Bhapkar inspected some of the ZP run schools & was surprised to see that the teachers could not spell the simple word †Week†, they could not write correctly the spellings of the weekdays, many could not count beyond 100 & were unable to remember the tables beyond 10. The increasing number of alcohol addicted teachers in ZP school is another menace in these schools these days & in a recent Nandurbar ZP meeting the sitting standing committee member & Nandurbar District BJP president Nagesh Padwi raised this serious issue & appealed the administration & the standing committee chairman Jipalsingh Rawal to take serious action against the teachers found drunk in the school. Such is the peril of the incidences of drunken teachers attending the school that the demand of keeping alcohol test kit in ZP schools is tabled in this meeting by the members. Nandurbar ZP has decided to go for Dress Code for the teachers in ZP school so that the misbehaving teacher could be noticed. There is a demand from the villagers & the parents of the students where these schools are, to keep a biometric instrument which will keep the record of the attendance of the teachers & staff so that the defaulters could be brought to books. The members of the standing committee also pointed out in this meeting that there are many schools running in the district only on paper & the authorities also have a record of such schools but because of the political influence, interference no action is taken on the teachers & the staff involved. The members of ZP, the administration claim that it is the teachers & staff of the school having the backing from the political leaders of the districts, is responsible for the rack & ruin of the education in these schools. Overall the situation of the primary education & the ambitious Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Scheme of the government in ZP run schools of Dhule & Nandurbar Districts is really a weltering one. ———————————————————————————————-