What is noticeable about Perks of Being a Wallflower when watching it was that the pacing was very well done. The story, as well as how the plot carried it out allows the audience to stay engaged with the characters, trying to piece together each of their stories, Charlie’s especially. His story is confusing to the audience at first. Mainly in the first act, he comes off as introverted, fragile, emotional however the audience doesn’t understand why yet. The present situations that Charlie goes through, one being his experience with Sam, his love interest, will flashback to glimpses of Charlie’s past. Soon enough when Charlie has his depressive episode in the third act and ends up the hospital, the audience now knows the full extent of the story and comes to an understanding.
Perks almost plays the opposite of dramatic irony where the audience doesn’t know something, but the character does. The pacing and storytelling are also successful when Charlie is narrating, reading his letters out loud to his past friend. It gives the audience a sense of what’s going on in the present, as well as Charlie’s thoughts about the situation. It foreshadows up to the climax of the film when Charlie would quickly mention in his narrating bad signs of depression such as “I’m starting to get bad again”.
The movie happens over a long period of time. It happens throughout Charlie’s school year. We can tell because the film does a good job with providing us context clues about where the characters are in terms of the seasons and events that would normally happen throughout the school year. For instance, you could tell it was the beginning of the school year or fall by having Charlie’s and Patrick’s first scene together at a football game. You could tell it was winter from how the characters dressed for their Christmas party and, of course, the snow. We could tell it was around springtime when Charlie’s mom mentions something about Easter. They’re really subtle but it’s clever how it shows a passing of time and it helps the viewer travel through the acts of the film. This also allows for only the important aspects of the story to play out which can be limiting but could also keep the audience engaged.
I enjoyed the course because I feel like I got a sense of appreciation for films in general. Going into the class, I was very fixed on, but probably still prefer, animated films. I really love studying animation and the evolution of animated movies. As well as how it can include all audiences and break certain “rules” in movies apparently “made for kids”. I would get bored with live-action movies. However, I think it was good to take a look at movies and genres I don’t usually watch. It gave me a better appreciation for the amount of work that goes into them. I really liked Side by Side because it talked about the start for CG and special effects. Some of my favorite movies from the class were Glory, Scent of a Woman, and The Final Girls. Still, I do wish we watched and talked about at least one animated film throughout the class. Nonetheless, I definitely learned a lot and enjoyed watching films for homework.
ParaNorman is a 2012 stop-motion animated film created by the studio Laika and directed by Chris Butler and Sam Fell. The film follows social outcast Norman Babcock who has the special ability to speak to the dead. He is visited by his late uncle who tells him to carry on his duties of stopping the centuries-old witches curse on his town, each year by reading from his book. When Norman read the book at the wrong grave, the witch rose the dead bodies of the seven council members who convicted her. What’s interesting about ParaNorman is that the film would fall into the subgenre of comedy-horror. The film deals with a few heavy topics but is cleverly outweighed by the use of comedic elements. It’s something worth studying since this movie is intended for younger audiences.
Horror films that gained popularity among children date as early as the 1930’s, and this was something that was taboo and worry-some at the time according to parents. Though this kind of content that children were fascinated with can be controversial or even looked down upon, there are ways where this is beneficial. Horror can be a tool for children in coping with negativity. It’s studied that children feel a sense of relief watching horror, having knowledge that much of what they watch isn’t real and could even be comedic through some chiches that comedy- horror movies play with. The rating system that’s established through the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) helps parents determine what they believe is right for their children to watch without being too exposed to horrific content.
The first successful and memorable record of the comedy-horror subgenre is the film Abbott and Cotello Meet Frankenstein (1948). Both Abbott and Costello were a comedic duo in real life, so this is how the comedy plays into the movie, mixed with serious monsters. The monsters’ stories are part of the horror but are outweighed when Abbott and Costello’s cross with theirs. Some scenes in the movie where both parties mix are dealt with in a comedic way most of the time. Both Meet Frankenstein and ParaNorman share this template.
What’s different about ParaNorman, however is that it’s a film intended for younger audiences and it ends in a moralistic kind of way. When working with younger audiences there can be limitations on how far creators can take their horrific elements. This is why the film has quick witty humor during the more intense scenes, one exception being the climax of the film, just so children can find enjoyment through these scenes. The main group of characters in ParaNorman play tribute to the typical horror cliché personality types, such as the main characters friend (Neil), the bully (Alvin), the cheerleader (Norman’s sister Courtney), and the jock (Neil’s brother Mitch). They all each apply a comedic element that relates to their personalities. Even Norman’s parents have moments of comedic relief. What’s also adds to outweighing intense horror scenes is that it’s medium is stop-motion animation. This is important where when children see the disgusting- looking zombies, they understand that what they see is not real. This is, in a way coping with the negativity by seeing the monsters. They look disgusting and creepy however they still comply with the overall style that ParaNorman has which is exaggerated and clearly not real.
The climax of Paranorman
The monsters and the witch also have a redemption at the end of the movie. They both have reasons for their actions and the townsfolk, especially Norman, were able to find an understanding of this. The towns people and Norman’s family also gained an understanding of Norman’s differences, and lastly Norman found acceptance in himself and his ability, since that is what helped him save the town from the witch’s curse. He was also able to understand that there are good people in the world who will support him (Neil).
While rewatching the movie numerous times, the score for the movie is noticeable where it separates calm and comedic moments with serious moments in the film. When Norman and Neil hang out there’s this light-hearted, kid- friendly theme. It also plays in the end at the resolution. The theme that represents horror moments is intense and is briskly paced. This is played in the scary movie Norman watches right at the beginning of the film as well as the scene when the zombies rise from the dead. The movie within the movie foreshadows the realism in Norman’s world which is clever writing. Lastly, there is a third theme. This is an overall theme that is played multiple times in ParaNorman and it can be played in many different tones, each creating a unique mood. It can sound calm, intense, scary, kid friendly. This ties the movie along nicely.
Butler believed that children are smarter than parents lead on, and that there are many things that they can learn from watching these movies. Norman’s internal issues that he blames on his “gift”, how that brings trouble at school, and how his family is affected all can relate to the audience, both adults and children. Norman’s constant struggle of not being understood by others can be something relatable to children. The movie also clearly helps children become more comfortable with the concept of death. As mentioned before, with these movies, children are able to cope with negativity and the heavy topics that are brought up in horror. Norman’s grandmother whom he was very close with stays with him after passing and acts as Norman’s guardian angel. She says in the movie “I promised I’d watch out for you”, meaning that she decided to stay on earth instead of passing her soul completely. This is a great example for coping with death at a young age.
There are some great adult comedy-horror films to watch, but it’s rare to find one that’s intended for younger audiences that end with serious morals. ParaNorman is beautifully written, animated film and I believe it’s well worth the watch.
For 1989, Glory holds as a visually stunning and brilliantly written wartime film that’s unlike any other during it’s time. The film retells the story through the eyes of Colonel Robert Shaw as he commanded the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment of 1863, an all African-American division, first to be in the Union Army. The film is incredibly historically accurate.
The screenplay which was done by Kevin Jarre, states that much inspiration came from a few sources, two of these being books; Lay this Laurel which presents a combination of photographs and information about the regiment, and One Gallant Rush which is written based off of letters by Shaw. Jarre also studied Shaw’s personal letters and lastly was inspired by its own monument located in Boston.
Though the film is very historically accurate, heavily based on scholarly and primary sources, the film has its fair share of historical inaccuracies. In Glory’s case, thankfully, these inaccuracies aren’t too major where it doesn’t incorrectly tell the important parts of the narrative. However, it makes the audience wonder “Why are there inaccuracies to begin with?” There could be a few possible reasons to this:
One of the inaccuracies in the movie has to do with the soldiers not being able to receive new boots. Shown in the film, some have shoes in terrible conditions, and some had none. Shaw was informed about this and confronted the quartermaster until the regiment was given new boots. Apparently, this part of the narrative did not happen in reality. It’s possible that the fight to get new boots emphasized the hardships that African-Americans had to go through while being slaves and that they had to fight for many things, even something as simple as shoes. There’s also an inaccuracy revolving around the flogging scene and that this kind of punishment ended before the regiment was established. Again, I believe it emphasizes on the sufferings these slaves had to face. It’s also a really devastating moment in the movie as Trip intently glares at Shaw while he’s trying his hardest to endure his painful punishment.
Accuracy is an important part of these films. This is something the audience wants because movies like Glory are the only ways, besides books and primary sources, that shape a viewer’s perspective about these events. It gives audiences a chance to see something of reality that they may have never known was true. It allows for further research on these events and more awareness about our history.
Lastly, I ask myself this after watching these kinds of films “Why is this a movie?” and “Why is it important for me to see?” Glory shows the fight for freedom. Though it represents a small portion of the Civil War adding that the film ends tragically, it also speaks to the audience on how much of an impact and how historically important this regiment was.
The story of Ed Wood although based on his true story correlates with Tim Burton more than an audience would think. Tim Burton’s style is categorized as “gothic”. His movies are fantasy-like mixed with horror. Ed Wood is a bit different than Burton’s average movie. Audiences do not see much of Burton’s style in the film. There’s not too much exaggeration behind the characters or sets. There’s not a strong presence of the gothic style. This movie is classical; it is more character and subject matter-driven than it is style-driven. The film follows Ed Wood as he navigates through life working hard to become a famous movie director, only to be titled the “Worst Movie Director of All Time” in 1980. This is due to his style which consists of stock footage, technical mistakes, and his bad taste in aesthetics. Although Wood didn’t get to live out his personal dream, I believe he was able to find better things in life. This has to do with his relationship with Kathy O’Hara and Bela Lugosi. O ‘Hara was able to accept who Wood was, even if he was a transvestite. Bela Lugosi was Wood’s idol and role model, and he was able to become good friends with Lugosi and was able to work with him before his death.
Burton found a strong connection with Wood while making Ed Wood and found a way to see through his perspective. Burton made the movie in a more optimistic light on Ed and his crew just so the movie wouldn’t be a mockery of Wood but rather a tribute to him. Ed’s relationship with Lugosi was something that Burton could really relate to. He too had an idol that he became colleagues with; and this was Vincent Price. This relationship was profusely impactful to Burton personally and he wanted to portray this director-actor relationship towards Wood and Lugosi. This is where auteur theory comes to play. It’s hard to find at first. Burton’s style is opaque, and audiences wouldn’t be able to tell right away that this movie belongs to him. Again, the movie is more subject matter-driven rather than style-driven. However, Tim Burton becomes the author by adding his personal experience through Wood’s eyes.
Tim Burton and Vincent Price
It’s also worth mentioning that there is some auteur theory in the film itself. Ed Wood as the director made the film Glen or Glenda. This is a clear story to his true self. His mother wanted a girl, so she would dress Wood in girls’ clothing when he was young. This is something that imprinted on him and as an adult he grew a sense of comfort in wearing women’s clothing. All in all, Glen or Glenda was about him being a transvestite. Having a movie within a movie both give off the premise of auteur theory, it plays as a theory within a theory.
What’s ironic about Ed Wood is that it was successful movie in representing a director of unsuccessful movies. Tim Burton had full creative freedom with the film but kept his connection with Ed Wood true. He didn’t signature the movie with style or exaggeration. Instead, he signed it personally and used himself as a reference for portraying Wood.
The Final Girls is not much of a horror show but a strong tribute to the horror genre and all its clichés. This horror- comedy challenged this gap between the audience and what they see on the screen. Although there has been movies made where the characters are put into a show or movie that it’s centered around that specific universe, the characters who were put into this 1986 slasher film Camp Bloodbath had the knowledge of what a classic horror movie was like and were able to use its ques in order to bend it and shape the movie on their own. This puts an interesting spin in this story.
A prime example of this would be the concept of the final girl. Duncan who knows most about Camp Bloodbath is first to mention this. The final girl is portrayed as the last one in the group to survive, a virgin, and must be the one to kill the killer in the end. The group concludes that Max is the one to do the job and the cliché plays out as planned. Another case where the characters control the film was that when Billy was chasing Nancy, Max and Chris, Max told Nancy to retell her flashback story. This allowed them to travel to the flashback shown earlier in the film so they could avoid Billy. Another instance that is slight but noticeable is the non-diegetic sound of Billy’s theme. This is how the characters know that he is close. They also know that Billy’s around through the act of sex. It’s this play with disrupting the movie instead of observing it that makes you wonder what can or will happen between the two sets of characters as well as how they react to being given the chance to predict or bend the story on their own.
There are two very noticable aspects of The Final Girls that can separate it form a classic horror film: the comedy, ironic aspect, and the heart-felt connection between the two characters Max and Nancy/ Amanda. The comedy aspect could come from the characters in Camp Bloodbath, where they have strict stereotypical personalities. For example, Nancy is the shy girl with the clipboard and the guitar; Tina is the sexy, peppy but dumb girl; Paula is the badass virgin who is the final girl, etc. The actors over exaggerate these stereotypes to give off this chiche, comedic relief to the audience. The horror template that starts as “normal” teenagers is inspired.
Max and Nancy’s dynamic is an interesting aspect to the film. Not many horror movies have this kind of connection, so it is worth mentioning. As Max was living in her world she seemed a bit more reserved after her mother’s death. The audience can confirm this better when Vicky talks to Max about how she saw her during those past three years. Once the audience can piece together that Max now placed in the movie has the possibility of interacting with her mom once more (just as a different persona), the audience can infer that Max will have a second chance at saying goodbye, and the audience receives that moment right before Nancy sacrifices herself for Max.
The genre is a bit challenged for this film. It’s very horror driven but pushed in a comedic way, playing tribute to most cliché horror films. It’s unique where the real-life characters understand the movies ques in order to shape it themselves; and its also unique due to the presence of Max’s needed development with her mom to finish the movie on her own.
Scent of a Woman brilliantly covers the growth between an unlikely pairing of two opposing characters. Charlie Simms and Frank Slade spend Thanksgiving weekend together as they both try to achieve their own objectives. Throughout these few short days both are able to obtain a better understanding of each other and end up helping each other reach their goals; which don’t go exactly as both had planned. Much of their acting tells audiences who these characters really are and how they connect.
There are many aspects of acting that can tell audiences a lot about a character. Whether it’s body language, facial expressions, their use of language, or how they interact with others, all of these can tell audiences the character or a part of the character that is being put forth. Oscar-winning Al Pacino hits the nail on the head while playing Frank Slade in Scent of a Woman. Although Frank is blind in the film, he’s no push over. His loud, demanding voice makes Charlie do and say what he wants. He orders him about how he wants to be addressed and helped. In terms of facial expressions, Frank’s eyes are mostly always shown open wide in the film but in some moments we can see his change in mood through the rest of his face. In this case his eyes aren’t always the window to his soul. One big shift in mood would be his expression when he talked to or talked about women. He describes in short that the hair is the best scent of a woman and that what’s in between her legs are like the “gateway to heaven”. His face is almost in a daze, and it looks like he’s dreaming. When he tangoed with Donna, it was the first time the audience saw him smiling! These small moments especially the second one I mentioned proves that a relationship with a woman or the feeling of being with one is very important to Frank. It was even on his list before he wanted to commit suicide. I feel like these moments are important because it allows the audience and Charlie to see him as vulnerable and that is a crucial aspect to Frank’s character.
Another mood Pacino portrays for Frank’s character is when he is simply down in life. You can see this a few times throughout the film; after Frank chokes his nephew, after he test drove the car, at the climax of the movie where he was ready to commit suicide. His facial expression throughout these moments could be described as foggy, shocking, desperation. These emotions are very real and relatable to people like Frank Slade. He is able to show this process of denial, anger, questioning, then finally acceptance. It could be a big reason why his role was award-winning.
Charlie Simms played by Chirs O’ Donnel is younger, possibly naive, and stuck in a situation that may cost his future. While he’s with Frank, Frank would push him into doing things for him, would yell at him, but he also gave him advice, pushed Charlie to reveal more of himself, and let him vent his frustrations about school; and throughout the movie Frank’s advice to Charlie was all about sticking up for you and what you believe in. Charlie made his decision by the end of the movie but also helped Frank by caring for him through his low moment.
It’s very impressive to see how Al Pacino pulled off his role. You can tell he was immersed in Frank’s character through what he researched and learned. It’s a very good example of method acting.
Introduction to Film Studies 