Billy Wilder - Director

Here are a few posters from Billy Wilder's great films.

Double Indemnity

Sunset Blvd.

Sabrina

Some Like It Hot

Ace in the Hole

The Apartment

Witness for the Prosecution

One Two Three

Billy on One Two Three Poster

Take Home Final Exam

Good, solid answers with some detail and analysis where appropriate.  One half page each would be a minimum.  Please turn them in to me in HARD COPY during the last class session.

1.     The classic Hollywood Studio System started in the 19 teens and spanned about 50 years.  Name the Major and Minor Studios.  For extra credit, what type of films were some of them known for. 
 
2.     What were the advantages of the Studio System?  Were there any disadvantages?
 
3.     Name and discuss three of the reasons for the decline and eventual end of the original Studio System.
 
4.     Explain the rise of the Star System and why you think it continues to be an important part of the American Film Industry.
 
5.     The French critic Andre Bazin developed the AuteurTheory in the 1950s.  What is it and which filmmakers (name 3) might fit its definition from the first five decades of American Film?
 
6.     A large part of the decision to make a film is based on its genre.  Every genre has its own conventions and characteristics.  What are some of these in relation to the Horror Film?  Name some landmark films from this genre.  
 
7.     What were some of the consequences in the conversion from the Silent to the Sound Film?

"Ace in the Hole"

The movie is very interesting and I was surprised to learn from the instructor that the movie was not considered a good movie during that time. The director Billy Wilder did a good job bringing the best of Kirk Douglas. I felt so bad for Al Fedeber (Frank Cady) and his wife because among all involve, they are the one that truly lost a lot. They lost their son, probably their business. The reporter Chuck Tatum (Kirk Douglas) got what he deserved even less than he deserved, I was hoping one way or the other Leo Minosa (Richard Benedict) would be rescued and in the process the mine would collapsed on Chuck. Unfortunately for Leo, the wife he was suffering so much to impressed obviously didn't give a hoot about him and left after all (what a looser). The film was very interesting and I truly enjoyed it.

Guidelines for Paper #2

At least four full pages plus a citation/reference page.  You should list any films you watched for this paper on this final page.

Select an American filmmaker. This can be a director, a producer, a screenwriter or a cinematographer.

Give some historical background including biographical material and the characteristics of the period in which they worked or are working.

Are there frequent collaborators, including actors?

Are they known for a particular genre?

Do they favor a certain type of story?

What are the characteristics of their style?

Are there recurring themes in their work?

Do an analysis of at least two of their films.  You can include those viewed for class.

"The Thing From Another World"

The thing was a great movie considering the year the movie came out, I bet it was really scary to audience then. I remembered growing up in the seventies, even ordinary screaming would scare us children then. The movie industry like all other entertain events/activities has gone far beyond normal. Everything nowadays has to be real thus; it takes a really big efforts and realike actions to make audience hold on to the edge of one's sit. I like the comedy/romance/action/horror in the film. Especially the last comments/report of the newspaper guy. My classmate and I was wondering if anybody was able to figure out what was the movement behind the glass window when captain Hendry and Nikki was talking in a room. I thought the producer intention was to showed that it was snowing, but it came out looking like something was moving outside the window or they were like on a train or carlike something that was moving. It was also funny to me that they were all close together holding axes, big cutlass, I was imagining how one or two people are not going to end up axing each other accidentally when "The thing" showed up.     

The Thing from Another World

I really liked The Thing from Another World.  I thought it was a lot more funny than scary.  In fact, I didn't think it was scary at all (not compared to today's horror movies).  I liked the romance going on between Nikki and Captain Hendry too, and the fact that the men always had "another" great idea on how to stop the alien, even when they were running out of options.  Overall a good movie.

I also wanted to mention that in one of the posters that Tom posted is The Creature from the Black Lagoon.  The underwater scenes of that movie were filmed near Tallahassee at Wakulla Springs.  There is an awesome, old school lodge there that is very cool.  It feels like you step back in time when you are there - old Florida.  They also give boat tours on the springs and talk about the movie, etc.  Here is a link to the lodge.  My family stays there every summer.  It's worth checking out if you are looking for a family getaway.  http://www.visitwakulla.com/Hotels/Wakulla-Springs-Lodge

The Thing From Another World

I really enjoyed the movie tonight.  I loved the newspaper reporter.  Even though it was supposed to be a horror movie, I thought it was really funny.  Tom I love the poster you posted of all the science fiction movies.  The one liners in this film were funny and entertaining.  I would have loved to have seen this movie at the drive inn on a big screen.   5stars.....

An American in PAris

An American in Paris was a great musical movie, but I don't know much about movies, so I cannot form a sincere opinion about the performance of the actors and actress. It was entertaining if anything, but boring to those of us that are not interested in opera. The dancing was something though, they were great dancers and singers. But, I like the American guy he's funny and charismatic.  

1950s Science Fiction Films

Here are a dozen poster images from some 50s sci-fi classics.

CLICK on them to see a larger image.

The American in Paris

I agree, the last 30 minutes was difficult to watch.  I love musical and performed all over the county and I dance for the Walter Shack Dance company for over 10 years and choreographed musical show and that last dream sequence was 15 minutes to long.  The story was like a soap opera and I think the female lead was over acting.  She was a great toe dancer but dramatic and over zealous.  Gene Kelly is so much better in "Singing in the Rain".  Also, who where taps shoes all day everyday.  Now musical like Grease, Rent, Hairspray and Mama Mia are my types of show where you can sign along.  Sorry I would only give it one star because the sets and the filming were great for that time in American film making.

An American In Paris

I really enjoyed this musical up until the last 30 minutes.  The dance segment at the end seem a little much to me.  Gene Kelly performance was awesome in the film and his dancing was superb.  I really do not understand what the dance segment had to do with the movie. (anyone is free to enlighten me.)
I thought the lighting was done especially well in this movie.  Musical are a great genre, and this one was done pretty good.  I give it 3 stars....

An American In Paris

I really enjoyed watching the movie, An American in Paris.  I don't normally like musicals but I thought the movie was really good, funny, and engaging.  The romantic story line was endearing to the characters as well.

Gene Kelly was an amazing dancer.  On his Bio page (biography.com/people/gene-kelly-9362176) it states “Gene Kelly was a dancer whose athletic style transformed the movie musical and did much to change the American public’s conception of male dancers.”  That guy could dance!

Also, it states that Gene Kelly choreographed the movie, including the lengthy (18 minutes) finale ballet scene.

Wiki states that George Gershwin wrote the music in 1928 as he was inspired by the time he personally spent in Paris and wanted to capture the sights and energy of the city.  Call me crazy but I think I might buy the Soundtrack…

Seven Chances

The movie "seven chances" is hilarious and I truly enjoyed it. It is about a young man that his Grandfather left inheritance of seven millions for, with a condition that he must be married by seven pm by his twenty-seventh birthday. From the beginning to the end, Jimmy (Buster Keaton) kept the viewers captivated and laughing. His endurance and the love he had for his girlfriend (Mary) pushed him through his ordeal. People will go to extra length when money is involved. All the ladies that he had approached was chasing him around after they learned that he was going to become a millionaire. It was a good comedy movie even with the white and black picture.

The french Connection

Popeye (Gene Hackman) is an honest, but hard headed man. He stood by what he believes in and it almost got him killed. I was happy in part two, that despite that he did not have the support that he needed from his bosses in New York he was still able to crack down on the drug cartel and bring their business down. Some of the things that I wondered about was: Who shot who at the end of part 1, Why was "Popeye so bent on hunting down the drug lord, even with little support from his supervisor. Was it for personal gain or just to prove a point?

"Sullivan's Travels"

Sullivan Travel was really interesting, the fact that the lady actress was seven months pregnant and they were able to dressed her without showing was really a great display of talent at that time. The movie itself was a great comedy (I like comedy) and inspirational. Sometimes we don't know what privilege means we just thought we are smart unless we are able to wear someone else's shoe we should always have empathy for other people. I like the fact that the actor was able to use his experience to make other people happy (comedy) instead of doing what his bosses believes in.  

The Outlaw Josey Wales

The Outlaw was really an exciting movie. Clint Eastwood really captivate the audience with his audacity and hilarious spitting habit. Luck was on his side probably because he has gone to hell and back. He lost his family and his property, then was used by the government, and been hunted by the people he fought for. I think I would have been on a killing spree too, the hunted become the hunter. It was a good western/Texas old movie. The old Indian man was very interesting too. He made himself important and at the end of the day he found himself a family instead of rotten in the jungle all by himself. All the actors/actress and the director (Clint Eastwood) did a very good job like always.

Vincente Minnelli - Director

Here are some still images from some of this great director's films.

Meet Me in St. Louis

The Pirate

An American in Paris

The Bad and the Beautiful

The Band Wagon

Gigi

Some Came Running

Home From the Hill

Minnelli directs An American in Paris

The OutLaw Josey Wales

I really did enjoy watching this movie all the way through.  I have seen bits of this movie several times.  It was entertaining and was filmed very well in my opinion.  I have to say my favorite parts are when Josey (Clint Eastwood) spits on everything.  I think it took great talent to do this...LOL  I also liked in the film when  Josey had flashbacks.  It was a great film, I give it 5 stars....

Fast Eddie Felson -- The Hustler

Robert Rossen did a great job with this film. I enjoyed watching the ups and downs of the main character. As with many gamblers, Eddie doesn't know when to call it quits and it ends up destroying him multiple times. In his path of self destruction, Eddie also destroys other people. The ending of the movie shows Eddie overcoming his destructive ways and standing up for someone other than himself.

I read on IMDB that Fast Eddie Felson reappears in "The Color of Money". The movie "Kingpin" is a similar storyline as the "The Color of Money". I found this amusing because when I watched "The Hustler", I thought of the movie Kingpin.

I really enjoyed the movie last Thursday night.  I thought the movie  was funny and entertaining Once again I am a costume buff  so I like the clothes that were used in making the movie.  I thought they did a great job in hiding the pregnancy of the leading lady... I give it 5 stars... Like it alot

Sullivan's Travel

I thought Sullivan's Travels was a funny movie with a serious message.  The comedy and antics were very entertaining while the message of the reality of the Great Depression was moving, especially in the scenes when all of the homeless people were sleeping in one big shelter, or sitting around fires to stay warm.  American society was in turmoil during that time so it was risky on Director Preston Sturges part to make light of such a somber time, but it worked.  I also thought the ending was perfect with John Sullivan realizing that people need a reason to laugh, especially in times of duress.  In addition, this was the first time I ever saw Veronica Lake in a movie and she was great! 

The French Connection

Watched this one over the weekend. I am not sure if I am the only one, but the ending left me disappointed. I also thought there was a lot of time wasted developing the story. I know there is a sequel to this one, but I didn't enjoy this one to invest the additional time.

What say you?

The Asphalt Jungle

The Asphalt Jungle was an ok movie for me.  I really do not care for gangster movies of the 50.  I thought the direction of Huston was good, and I liked the role that Monroe played.  I thought the cast and crew did a great job.  I am a big wardrobe buff so I did like the outfits and costumes the actors were wearing.

John Huston - Director

Here are a few still photos from some of John Huston's films.

Huston directs Marilyn Monroe in The Asphalt Jungle

The Maltese Falcon

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

The African Queen

The Misfits

Fat City

The Man Who Would Be King

Prizzi's Honor 

The Dead

I really enjoyed the movie.  I was amazed on how many stars were in it.. It was great!

Robert Altman - Director

Here is a sampling of still images from some of Robert Altman's films.

The Player

McCabe & Mrs. Miller

3 Women

M.A.S.H.

Popeye

Nashville

The Long Goodbye

Short Cuts

Altman on Location