The Godfather

  The Godfather Journal 7 by segattor

The Graduate 

  

  The Graduate Journal 6 by segattor

Casablanca

  Casablanca Journal 5 by segattor

Citizen Kane

  Citizen Kane Journal 4 by segattor

Stagecoach

  Stage Coach Journal 3 by segattor

It Happened One Night 1934

It Happened One Night Jounal 2 by segattor

The Gold Rush (1925) - Journal 1

1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.

                In class we discussed the introduction of slap stick comedy made famous by Mack Sennett.  He helped in the development of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton’s careers in film. The film we viewed in class “The Gold Rush” starred Chaplin as the main character. Chaplin was focused on creating a character he can continuously use on set which was “The Tramp” which he showed in the screening. He wanted to use comedy which was a foreground everyone could relate to like in “The Gold Rush” he eats a shoe because he is so hungry. Chaplin showed independence through film making and showing loneliness on camera. He was one of a kind and often stood alone in and out of character.  The film showed him lonely in the cabin but he does find a lover at the end but also shows a hard work ethic by hunting for his food. As mentioned in class, he wanted to make a point through his comedy and in the screening he was able to induce the audience with various amounts of emotions which he did with his comedy, despair and love.

2) Find a related article and summarize the content. (On the film, director, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, etc.) You can use the library or the internet. We will discuss suitable references in class.  Cite the article and copy the URL to your journal entry. You should also mention the title of the article and author directly in the answer. Summarize in your own words the related article but do not plagiarize any content.

                This article describes Charlie Chaplin, focusing more on what he did behind the camera as well as touch on his acting habits. He had an extreme attention to detail from what the article mentions and also wanted control over everyone and everything. “He demanded that the entire cast work together in every performance. Without this unity he could not express the subtlety of character that was so important to him. The only way to achieve that unity was to maintain complete control over every scene” (PBS 2006). He found this subtlety was the reason why his films were successful and was very demanding on the crew. He awards his film accomplishments from his involvement with each character and scene. It was as if the film industry was not a career, but a lifestyle of those who were lucky enough to take part in it. Chaplin invested his whole life to the film industry and is one of the most prominent film figures. 
The article also explains his spontaneity with many unprepared scenes in his films. He would often only have a basic structure and improvise the rest. Often shooting hundreds of takes with small variations, he would choose the scene that best fits and is natural yet have an exaggeration for comedy or distress. Some actors found him exhausting to work with but he wouldn’t stop until he found it perfect. (PBS 2006) Charlie Chaplin is someone that will be carried through history because he was a pioneer of film. He paved the way of modern day cinema and was a great impact in film.



"Charlie Chaplin - About the Actor." PBS. PBS, 28 Aug. 2006. Web. 
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/charlie-chaplin/about-the-actor/77/

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class. How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.?

                I never knew how involved Chaplin was with his work. I did not have such deep knowledge on him until I began reading about him and watching his films. This changes the way I see him because I thought his comedy was all quickly done without much thought. His type of awkward and clumsy Tramp character makes it seem he isn’t serious in front of the camera which I found out was the contrary.   One of his most famous films being “The Gold Rush” makes me wonder how many scenes he had to go through to find the perfect clips. In the film it shows many different scenes that involve a lot of behind the scenes coordination with the house falling off the mountain and strong winds in the cabin and continuous music that I never put into consideration until after reviewing the film. Chaplin flexed all his skills and abilities in “The Gold Rush” and really showed the world the type of artist and worker he is.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of 4 things: the screening, class 3 discussions, text material and the article. I am less interested in whether you liked or disliked a film, (although that can be part of this) than I am in your understanding of its place in film history or the contributions of the director.

                The screening of gold rush showed Chaplin’s ability to reach into the emotions of the viewers. He was one of the first pioneers of film to do this effectively. His performance allowed the average viewer to relate and laugh at his clumsiness, feel sympathy for him in his cold and hungry state as well as feel the passion of his love with the young woman at the dance and dinner. As Foster states “The premise of the film gives Chaplin an opportunity to deeply explore the ability of a character or situation to evoke sympathy” (Foster 42). Many believe that “The Gold Rush” is one of Chaplin’s greatest films.

                Chaplin was said to be hard working and involved with every character, it is evident with various scenes but specifically the scene where he is almost eaten because he looks like a chicken. He would push boundaries and every detail of his films was examined by him to make sure everything is perfect. During class discussions, it was easy to see why Chaplin was so influential even today. Chaplin will be talked about for many years. 

Foster, William R. Early Film History. 1st ed. N.p.: Kendall Hunt, 2012. Print.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/210178733/Plagiarism-Checklist-The-Gold-Rush-Journal-1

Plagiarism Checklist - The Gold Rush - Journal 1