Ghosts of Rwanda

    Ghost of Rwanda marked the 10th anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. This documentary is filled with interviews from many different influencial people whom either were involved in the genocide, watched as it happened and did nothing or those who did all they could with what they were given.

    Throughout the documentary the audience is given a look of the genocide through many different eyes, allowing a much larger understanding of many different point of views. The information was not fabricated making it completely unbiased. The speakers in this film were mainly directly involved in the genocide in one way or another. It was very powerful being able to hear their stories and learn from their words. It was a very effective way of getting a point across. Although not fully inticed enticed by the film I did learn much from it I may not have otherwise had the opportunity to achieve.

     Although I find learning about the genocide very interesting I was not fully captured by this film. I prefer dramatized movies rather then a documentary. Though its possible I gained the most information from this film rather then movies like Hotel Rwanda and Shake Hands with the Devil.

I give this film a 6.5 out of 10.

The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight, officially my favourite movie watched in class was the perfect example for the topic crime and insanity. Batman,the crime fighter and The Joker ultimate insane criminal are playing an extremely violent game of cat and mouse with all of Gotham city's pedestrians as chew toys. The combination of acting skills, costume's,  make up and music make an The Dark Knight incredibly effective film.

One of the factors which made this film so eddective eas the acting skills of it's stars. Christian Bale, playing Batman, and Heath Ledger, playing The Joker, are the stars of this film. Bale's performance was amazingly, although nothing beats the acting performance by Ledger. Each dialogue and motion executed by Ledger is so fluent it is hard to believe he himself is not the criminal mastermind. One aspect of the film that, in my opinion, truly makes The Joker's character is the constant changing of the story about how he received his facial scars. Each story is more believable than the last, especially because Ledger uses many mannerisms to make The Joker more human; the most common mannerism used throughout the film is the licking of the lips during speech. To prepare for this film, Ledger locked himself in a hotel room for a month to create the Joker character. It is romoured that Ledger died because The Joker character was haunting his thoughts, unable to leave his brain, although this has not been proved, it is easy to see the dedication that Ledger put into this film, it is shown in every scene in which he is involved. Another effective tool used in The Dark Knight was Costume and Make-up, without it the film would not fit together.

The Joker's make-up, Batman’s costume, clown masks and police uniforms are all forms of costume and make-up used in The Dark Knight. Without the use of costume and make-up nothing in this film would have made sense. Batman would be an average Joe who could not survive the situations he puts himself in. There would be no mystery to The Joker; he would have a history, a known story. The Dark knight depends on costumes and make-up to make it as entertaining and enticing as possible. The scene in which The Joker is disguised as a nurse in the hospital is a great example of how costume is used in this film, at first look there was no way to tell the nurse would be The Joker making the revelation much more pleasurable for the audience to watch as the face is revealed. Another effective use of make-up was the face of Harvey Dent as he turned into 'Two Face'. The first shot we see of Two Face is in the hospital scene. I found myself shocked about Harvey's transformation, but also intrigued by how well the make-up artists had made the side of his face appear. Music in any film intensifies the viewing experience and catches audience attention; this is apparent in The Dark Knight. 

Music in any film can transform any scene. The Dark Knight uses a variety of different music and beats to capture audience attention. ‘Why So Serious?’ is a piece written by Hans Zimmer, and plays every time The Joker appeares on screen. This was a great way to help the audience identify the killer and anticipate something big to occur. 

This film portrays the good, the bad and the ugly and is a great example of Crime and Insanity. Through the use of acting, costume/ make-up and music it creates a great movie that audiences will love to watch. I give this movie a 9 out of 10!

From Hell

   Johnny Depp stars in the historically inaccurate From Hell, based on the infamous Jack the Ripper killings. The film takes place in Victorian Era London follows the life of Inspector Fredrick Abberline (Depp) as he investigates the murders of Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, Marry Anne Nichols and Ada. Through the use of costume/make-up, acting and setting this film was very effective.
  
   Costume and Make-up were particularly important in this film. The movie filmed in 2001 did an excellent job dressing the cast members. It was very important in the film that the different classes were evident. In order to further the plot. Throughout the murder investigation there was a between the classes, many were ruling out the possibilty that a man of higher class could be the murderer. The atrocities also took place in a low-class neighborhood this meant the victims and the community had to look the part. This is evident in the scene in which Abberline takes Mary Kelly a local prostitute to see paintings in a gallery. The visual difference between Mary and the other, higher-class gallery viewers offer a very effective use of imagery. The use of make-up was also incredibly important when viewing the victims before and after the deaths. This made the killings much more realistic to the audience.

   While the film is set in Victorian London, many of the actors in this film are American, meaning the accents are fake, although you would never tell. Each actor did a superb job of becoming his/her character, Johnny Depp more than the rest. I have never seen a film where I didn't believe every word that comes out of Depp's mouth. Depp's performance os particularly riveting in the scene when he is talking to Sir William Gull, the Queen's doctor, about the Doctor being the murderer.

   Setting was a key aspect in this movie because it was based on true events. Although this film is not historically accurate, the setting is very realistic. The neighborhood was dirty and grimmy, visibly lower class as exemplified by the graffiti written on the walls at the scene of the murder. It read "The Juews are the men that will not be blamed for nothing", displaying the low education level and lack of respect people had for their community and peers.

   Although the film was a good one I couldn't get past the fact that it names the killer when in reality, the killer was never found, and that From Hell is mainly based on a love story. I give the movie an 7.5 out of 10.

Born on the Fourth of July

"And behind closed eyes I cannot make them go away
'cause you were born on the 4th of July (freedom ring)". These lyrics from the Jason Mraz song, The Remedy are exactly how I feel about the film Born on the Fourth of July; I cannot get the images out of my head. The true story of Ron Kovic mainly focus on the after effects of the Vietnam war. The begins in his childhood and follows him through his tour of duty in the war and ends in his adult life. The audience watchs as Kovics character, played by Tom Cruise, changes and develops.

Kovic, a young boy at the beginning of the film, watches as war veterans walk in the Fourth of July parade in his town. These are the men that he grows to idolize. Joining the marines in his mid teens, he is congratulated by his many peers, each proud of his devotion to his country. During Ron’s tour in Vietnam, he is involved in many traumatic experiences; such as witnessing a village of innocents being killed, shooting an American soldier in the midst of chaos, and being shot himself.

                Setting was very important in this film. Ron comes from a very suburban, middle-class neighborhood filled with many war veterans. This neighborhood is where he is recruited to be a soldier in the war. Soldiers giving a presentation in the school gym was very common during the time period and including this made the film that very realistic. The scenes in Vietnam were very effective portraying acts of war that were very realistic. For example, many soldiers were killed by men from their own side, this was called friendly fire. During a shootout it became very confusing and sides became unclear. I also found the hospital scene to be very effective, it shows the disturbing events that made many men mentally unstable after the war.

                The film was very gory which made it hard to watch. This was due to the effectivness of the costumes and make-up. These elements were effective in showing the change in Kovic’s character. In the beginning of his army life he was very well put together. Gradually throughout the film he becomes less and less attractive completely letting himself go. Kovic's hair, as well as facial hair, is not cut. Costume and make-up was also very effective in the scene in which Ron brakes his leg and the bone pops out. Although I couldn’t stand to watch the scene, the make-up was incredible and amazingly realistic.

                The movie was too gory for my eyes, but was a pretty good depiction of the after-effects of the Vietnam War. I give the movie and overall 7 out of 10.

Apocalypse Now

This Vietnam War film starring Martin Sheen has been known as “the” war film. The film goes back and forth on it's pro war/ anti-war stance, making it a slightly confusing film to watch. Although I can see how this would be considered such a fantastic film, I found myself somewhat let down. Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Sheen) was sent on a mission to kill Colonel Walter E. Kurtz, a soldier who was assumed to have gone somewhat crazy on his tour in Vietnam. Throughout the film the audience watches as Willard learns more about Kurtz and reveals his relation to the character.

I found that Willard was not a character I particularly enjoyed watching, he was cruel and not relatable. In one scene the men aboard the boat, Willard is traveling on kill a family on a boat leaving just one women alive. Instead of taking her to a hospital Willard shoots and kills her for the sake of his mission. This action made me truly hate Willard. As a soldier, without the war Willard was lost not knowing what he should do with his life.  

There were a variety of different of characters in this film who contributed to the plot of the film. Aboard the boat Willard was travelling on there were four other men: Lance B. Johnson, Jay ‘Chef” Hicks, Tyrone ‘Clean’ Miller and Chief Phillips. Lance was the crowd favourite, bringing an uncanny humour to the film. Lance is constantly doing the wrong thing and is high on some type of drug, making him unusually laid back and happy during his tour.

Special effects play an essential role in the effectiveness of this film. There is constantly explosions, shootings and aircraft in flight. The special effects not only make this film much more visually appealing to watch but it makes for the movie a feel much more realistic; I felt as if I was there. I found the scene in which Lance and Willard approach a group of men defending a bridge a very effective scene involving special effects. Lance, being high on acid, madkes a comment about the explosions being beautiful, but of course the audience knows it is anything but. I found this to be very effective because it is illustrates an important issue relating to the Vietnam War, the effects of drug use by the soldiers.

While this movie was a great portrayal of the Vietnam War, I could not sympathize with or relates to the characters. The only scenes I liked werethe ones involving Lance and his humour. I give the movie a 5.5 out of 10

Forrest Gump

  Tom Hanks stars in the classic film Forrest Gump. The film is about the life of a man who is faced with many handicaps. Throughout the film Forrest has many triumphs including meeting three United States presidents and surviving the Vietnam War. Forrest also has his heart broken many times by his childhood friend Jenny.

   This funny film really shows the effects of great acting. Tom Hanks plays the role of a man who is a little slower mentally than most. This film is successful because of Hank's wonderful performance, making the character lovable and truly believable, from his body language to his voice.

   The dialogue in this film is very moving. The line spoken by Forrest, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get”, pretty much plays out the plot for the rest of the film. Forrest comes across many important moments in life that he never expected. Some viewers may not have believed that a man of little intelligence was able to participate and contribute in so many events in history, but I personally take this as inspirational. Forrest Gump shows that no matter who you are or what life hands you if you just live your life to be happy instead of becoming “rich” or “important”, you will receive what you deserve.

   Although Forrest receives so much good in his life time he is never really happy unless he is with his beloved Jenny. Jenny, who Forest fell in love with in his early childhood, abandoned Forrest many times. The love Forrest has for Jenny is the base for the film, everything he does is for Jenny. I found myself happiest at the end of the film when Forrest finally ends up with Jenny because this is when he is at his happiest. Though Jenny dies, Forrest defies the odds again by becoming a full time father.

  This movie is incredible and watching it was like watching a brother grow up; every moment I cared for him and I only wanted what was best for him. When he hurt I hurt. I would give this movie a 9 out of 10.

Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Romeo Dallaire

 
The documentary Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Romeo Dallaire shows the journey of Dallaire’s trip back to Rwanda for the 10 year anniversary of the genocide. Dallaire brings his wife along and the audience watches as he shows her and others the city of Kigali through his eyes.

    As Dallaire walks through Rwanda he reveals his pain and guilt he feels for the lives of so many Tutsi and Hutu moderates who were brutally murdered. The setting of the film was crucial for this documentary not only for the audiences understanding but as well for the health of Dallaire. By viewing the destinations along-side of Dallaire’s flashbacks the audience gets an in depth look at the horrific events that occurred during the genocide. We are also able to see the effects that the genocide has on people, not only Dallaire but the many people interviewed throughout the film.

   The documentary allows the genocide to become much more realistic to all who viewed this film. Previous films although are factual they do not show real footage or interviews of those involved. This was very effective because I felt true emotion towards those who struggle to understand why they weren’t good enough to save or help. The visuals were so horrific it made me understand the importance of catching genocide in early stages. I know now that if anything like the Rwandan genocide happened again I would like to be one of the hopefully many trying to stop it.

  Although the film was more about the effects on Dallaire and his struggle to cope then the genocide itself. I give this movie a 7 out of 10.

Shake Hands with the Devil

   Shake Hands with the Devil tells the story of a Liuetenant General on his first mission with the UN. Romeo Dallaire enetered into Rwanada ready to keep the peace, although what seemed like an easy mission quickly turned sour. The Hutus gained power and began a genocide killing Tutsi's and Hutu moderates. With no help from the United Nations or from American and their allies Dallaire sat back an watched as 800 000 people were brutally murdered. Throughout the film the audience witnesses Dallaires struggle with the events that occured in the 1994 Rwanda genocide, both during and after the it happened.

     The costume and make up in this movie was done suppurbly. Due to the fact that the genocide in Rwanda was in fact a real occurence, it was very important to give a true image of the event. The UN soldiers were all dressed in the blue burrets and UN helmets. Roy Dupuis played the role of Romeo Dallaire. He was a great choice for numerous reasons but what sticks out most is his resemblance to the Lieutenant General Romeo Dallaire. This infact makes the movie seem much more real.

   The realism in this movie is almost scary. From killings, to dialogue this movie seemed to nail the facts. Unlike most blockbusters the storyline  of Shake Hands with the Devil is not fabricated. The audience is made to feel as if they were in Rwanda during the time of the genocide. Nothing is left up to interpertaion. To see Dallaire in such a personal place, thereapy really made him a much more likeable character. In other movies such as Hotel Rwanda he was made to look much harsher, although in this film we caught a glimpse of the man inside the soldier.

   Shake Hands with the Devil made me believe in the good of people. It truely showed how one man can make a huge change in the lives of others. I give this movie a 9 out of 10.

Hotel Rwanda

   The film Hotel Rwanada is based on the life of  Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle) a hotel marnager. During the genocide in Rwanada in 1994 he housed thousands of Tutsis refugees while excaping the Hutu militia. Hotel Rwanda is not only an amazingly insperational movie but is also a very effective movie.

   Hotel Rwanada is a very moving film. Don Cheadles character shows to be an amazing man. Throughout the film you see Paul help thousands of Tutsie Refugees by housing them in his hotel. Paul does not only house them but he tends to all their needs, provides food and water as well as medical help. The courgae Paul demonstrates while struggling to keep UN soldiers protecting the hotel and having to ask for supplies from Hutu members of the milita is extraordinary. Pauls character entices all audience member to become a better human being.

   The acting in Hotel Rwanda is phenominal. Each character is played with such authenticity its easy to get lost in the film. As I watched Hotel Rwanada each piece of movement felt as if I was witnessing it first hand which of course is horrible yet satisfying. I was able to feel the raw emotion of all the scared Tustsie refugees and hatred toward the Hutus militia.

  Hotel Rwanada although slightly changed for Hollywood is an incredible story of a man who expressed the uttermost courage and bravery. Paul Rusesabagina is an incredible influence for all people and should encourage those to fight for their rights. The use of acting truley made the film realistic.

Hotel Rwanada deserves a 9 out of 10 for performance, substance and realism.

Godzilla

     Godzilla the Japanese movie about a nuclear monster destroying their country was a very influential movie. It reflected on Japan's feelings towards the Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear bombimbgs that occured during the war. The movie was first realeased in 1954 and had many remakes and sequels.

     This movie was huge on special effects, with Godzilla blowing flames through his mouth and stepping on buildings as he parades through town. Not to mention the Japanese army trying to gun him down. Although for its time the special effects were amazing, they did not make up for the horrible acting.

    Everything in this movie was overplayed. The tears from main character Momoko Kochi (Emiko Yamane) made me want to keel over and die. Half the time you couldn't even tell if she was laughing or crying. She ruined this movie for me.

    Of course speaking english the subtitles did not help this movies case, although there is nothing they could do about it.

   Overall this movie receieves a 6 out of 10 for me. I do recomend people seeing it though due to its historical significance.

Children of Men

   Great acting, strategic colour shcemes, action beyond belief. These are all aspects of the Children of Men which I loved.

  Clive Owen showed great acting ability in this movie. I truely believed  his character until the end. With the use of body language everything seemed perfectly timed. I also found Theos character to be oddly relatable. Although he lives in a world nothing like our own he is still stuggling with problems that the population of today deals with all the time. This includes death of a child and ex love and dealing with a changing world.

  The grey colour scheme really helped to portray the type of depression the world is in. I felt the colours really reflected the emotion and events that occured within this movie such as the unbelivable amounts of death, the war, and the infertile world.

The war was everywhere, but against who? People were shooting at each other for reasons only apparent to themselves. In my opinion if there is an infertile world doesnt killing each other just kill off civilization that much faster? I thought people should just live their life to the end as well as they can because they are the last of us and mo one could help that. Although I have to admit I do love the action especially they last scene in which Kee must get to the Tomorrow boat.

Overall I really enjoyed this movie I would give it an eight of of ten!

V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta was a very intriguing movie. It showed the different bias between those of power and those who take orders from people with power. It as well used a variety of different Elements of Narrative to demonstrate different points of the movie. They also allowed the movie to be more entertaining. One of the most important aspects of the movie is the line between good and evil in which I think V plays both, very well. 

I really enjoyed watching V for Vendetta. I found myself on the edge my seat throughout the whole film.  I think the way they laid out the story line by using characters to reveal the past was really creative. It also kept me waiting to see who else would show up causing havoc to unavel. The writer also used a number of twists which changed the course of the movie and the way I viewed each character. For example the chancellor had much more to do with the virus that affected so many then the audience originally believed.  At first I did not like that V’s face was not shown because I didn’t feel like I was able to connect to him, although after giving it some thought I appreciated the mystery involved. At the end of the movie those who had died were at the rally taking off their masks, this made it easier to connect V to all those around him, because he did not have a face he was the face of everyone around him. I also really enjoyed the use of costumes in the movie.

The use of costume was really important in this film. V was dressed from head to toe revealing no skin.  The scene in the movie in which he is not wearing his gloves shows how important being clothed is to V. It allows him to feel less vulnerable and mysterious. Same goes for the mask. Without the mask there would be no mystery to V it also played a large roll in saving his life on more than one occasion.  The costume also help build the aggression toward the government by causing them to kill innocent people assumed to be V.  These actions however could also lead people to believe that V had only bad intentions.

It is hard to pinpoint the intentions of V. On one hand you can see he is trying to gain vengeance on what happened to him, on the other he is trying to good for the country.  I personally believe that V is not a terrorist. He gets lost in his anger and acts upon it but is still working for the greater good. In the end when he decided it is not his choice to blow up parliament that is a major indication that he uses sense and logic rather than irrational behavior that is something terrorists are not able to do.

V for Vendetta was a very interesting movie which demonstrated that the world isn’t always black and white. With the use of costume design, story line and character development a great movie was created.