HOLLYWOOD MELODRAMA IN EUROPEAN FILMS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

HOLLYWOOD MELODRAMA IN EUROPEAN FILMS - Essay Example After 1960, European cinema took itself to a new level by addressing to new and better class audiences. It also started deviating from the paradigm set by Hollywood regarding classical narrative cinemas. Melodrama first appeared in Hollywood during the era of pre- Hollywood silent cinema. During those times, it was equated with the subcategory of ‘woman’s film’ which invited female criticism on women’s ‘subaltern’ status. During the decade from 1970- 1980, European cinematic discourse took a different turn. It paved the way for â€Å"revalorization of the affective†. Through her works, Linda Williams led the way. This new way required placing of emotions in a broad category. She is also credited for taking the melodramatic genre beyond family melodramas or women – centric stories. As compared to European movies, the melodramatic movies of Hollywood contained â€Å"semiotic, psychoanalytic or ideological structures†. Melodra matic movies, in opinion of (LANDY, 1991, p. 19- 20) carried different interpretations. Groups supporting different film movements differ in opinions. In most parts of the Western Europe, as well as in Hollywood, realist melodramatic movie gained popularity. Society and social issues were the chief subjects of these movies. Melodrama, as a theatrical genre of Hollywood emphasizes more on subjectivity of emotions over social commentary. Everything related to emotions is externalized and presented in form of gestures (Deleuze and the cinemas of performance: powers of affection, 2008, p. 71). Music has played one of the most important roles when it comes to theatrical melodramas of nineteenth century. This tradition has remained unchanged even in twenty -first century. Thus, present day melodramatic movies bear subtle impression of traditional functions and conventions of music (Reay, 2004, p. 6). Conventions of Hollywood melodrama In European movies Since 1920, European cinema has set for an enterprise to have an individual identity and disassociate itself from Hollywood. Though the goal was achieved to a certain degree by countries like Germany, France and Italy, European cinema could never come out fully from Hollywood domains (Dyer and Vincendeau, 1992, p. 8). Chief notions of melodramas in Hollywood are- art is primarily used for criticism, domestic tragedy is a sub- genre of melodrama, virtuous characters suffer throughout the discourse it s worth noticing that, degree or possibility of suffering does not depend on person’s nature. Also, absolute happiness portrayed through characters are not practical in certain cases as in real life sufferings are inevitable. Lastly, the main character represents the entire population having similar problem. He or she stands for a whole mass seeking to change the course of actions or an entire system. Before ceasing its existence, melodrama in European film was deeply influenced by generic iconographies of Hollywoo d. General subject matters, perceived from a broader point of view were considered for producing melodramas. Hollywood’s influence could then be felt in European cinemas as the producers and directors made use of conventional Hollywood devices like â€Å"peplum files, historical swashbucklers, biblical epics and exotic adventure. All these were modifies and conditioned according to

Private School vs Public School Essay Example for Free

Private School vs Public School Essay Many public school facilities are impressive others are mediocre. The same is true of private schools. In the public school system, the twin engines of political support and economic revenue base are critical. In private schools the ability to attract endowments and other forms of financial support are just as critical. Private school facilities reflect the success of the schools development team and that of the school to continue to generate alumni support. Some private K-12 schools have facilities and amenities which surpass those found at many colleges and universities. Hotchkiss and Andover, for example, have libraries and athletic facilities on a par with those at Brown and Cornell. They also offer academic and sports programs which make full use of all those resources. It is hard to find comparable facilities in the public sector. They are few and far between. Public schools also reflect the economic realities of their location. Wealthy suburban schools will have more amenities than inner city schools as a rule. Think Greenwich, Connecticut versus Detroit, Michigan, for example. So, who has the edge? Lets call it a draw, all things considered. Class Size: According to the NCES report Private Schools: A Brief Portrait private schools win out on this issue. Why? Most private schools have small class sizes. One of the key points of private education is individual attention. You need student to teacher ratios of 15:1 or better to achieve that goal of individual attention. On the other hand a public system has to take almost anyone who lives within its boundaries. In public schools you will generally find much larger class sizes, sometimes exceeding 35-40 students in some inner city schools. At that point teaching rapidly degenerates into babysitting. Teaching: Public sector teachers are generally better paid. Naturally compensation varies widely depending on the local economic situation. Put another way, its cheaper living in Duluth, Minnesota than it is in San Francisco. Unfortunately low starting salaries and small annual salary increases result in low teacher retention in many public school districts. Public sector benefits have historically been excellent; however, health and pension costs have risen so dramatically since 2000 that public educators will be forced to pay or pay more for their benefits. Private school compensation tends to be somewhat lower than public. Again, much depends on the school and its financial resources. One private school benefit found especially in boarding schools is housing and meals. Private school pension schemes vary widely. Many schools use major pension providers such as TIAA-CREF Both public and private schools require their teachers to be credentialed. This usually means a degree and a teaching certificate. Private schools tend to hire teachers with advanced degrees in their subject over teachers who have an education degree. Put another way, a private school hiring a Spanish teacher will want that teacher to have a degree in Spanish language and literature as opposed to an education degree with a minor in Spanish. Budgets: Since local property taxes support the bulk of public education, the annual school budget exercise is a serious fiscal and political business. In poor communities or communities which have many voters living on fixed incomes, there is precious little room to respond to budget requests within the framework of projected tax revenue. Grants from foundations and the business community are essential to creative funding. Private schools on the other hand can raise tuition, and they also can raise significant amounts of money from a variety of development activities, including annual appeals, cultivation of alumni and alumnae, and solicitation of grants from foundations and corporations. The strong allegiance to private schools by their alumni makes the chances of fund-raising success a real possibility in most cases. Administrative Support: The bigger the bureaucracy, the harder it is to get decisions made at all, much less get them made quickly. The public education system is notorious for having antiquated work rules and bloated bureaucracies. This is as a result of union contracts and host of political considerations. Private schools on the other hand generally have a lean management structure. Every dollar spent has to come from operating income and endowment income. Those resources are finite. The other difference is that private schools rarely have teacher unions to deal with. Advantages and disadvantages: There are many advantages and disadvantages to both public and private schools. As a parent, both options must be explored and the choice must be based on what is right for each particular child. Public schools often have a larger variety of subjects available, especially when it comes to electives. However, what is learned is somewhat decided by the state because public schools need to do well on standardized testing. Private schools, on the other hand, whether parochial or private have much more freedom of choice in curriculum and can choose to make their own assessments. Because of the individualized instruction, private schools tend to do generally better on standardized testing, that is, if they choose to use it. Private schools, many times, have more demanding curricula and have a higher rate of students who go on to attend college. Public schools are larger and also have larger class sizes. Public schools also have larger student-teacher ratios. According to a web site called Public School Review, Private schools average 13 students per teacher, compared with an average of 16 students per teacher in public schools (public school review). However, public schools have certified teachers. Private schools typically have teachers who are not state-certified and who may not have expertise in their subject matter. The biggest difference between public and private schools probably is that public schools are required to educate all students. They cannot deny any student admission. On the other hand, private schools have complete control about which they accept and can kick students out much more easily. Public schools are funded by tax revenue whereas private schools are funded privately. That means private schools cost money to attend called tuition. Taxpayers pay for public schools so the payment is included in what people pay. However in private schools, the payment is upfront for students to attend. Overall, there is no one right answer for which kind of school a student attends-public or private. The decision must be made for each individual student as there are advantages and disadvantages of both. Comparisons: Private school can be more beneficial than going to a public school. Private schools focus on preparing students for the next level of education; public schools are focused on test preparations sessions. Choosing the right school system for your child has a repercussion towards their future education. In the public school system the classrooms are overcrowded with students. Each class has an average of 27 to 30 students to it, which can limit the ability of one on one interaction with the teacher. A lot of the bullying issues come from the unstructured dress codes. This can create social divide to the less fortunate kids that can’t afford all the name brand items. In public school teachers are quick to say your child needs to be on medication if they are high strung, without knowing what other forms of issues might be occurring in the home. When parents try to discipline their child at home the school seems to always try to step in. Some things should be up to the parents to handle without haven to worry about the school stepping in. In the private school system when a child enters the school for the first time he or she will start out with a minimal class size with no more than 20 students. This allows more one on one time with the teacher, it also opens up more time for activities. The private school has a very strictly enforced dress code to eliminate animosity between the students. The schools are very family oriented with parents and students being involved with school activities. Teachers and parents are held to higher standards from the private schools. Teachers are expected to continue to grow and parents are obligated to maintain discipline of their children even in their absence. The testing that takes place at private schools is called Terra Nova, and kids are tested two or three times a year. Conclusion So, who comes out on top? Public schools or private schools As you can see, there are no clear-cut answers or conclusions. Public schools have their advantages and disadvantages. Private schools offer an alternative. Which works best for you? Thats the real question which you have to answer.

Vasco da Gamas Exploration of India and Portuguese Voyages of Discover

Vasco da Gama's Exploration of India and Portuguese Voyages of Discovery When asked which nation contributed the most to sea exploration in the fifteenth century, the obvious answer is Spain. What if there were another nation, a nation whose contributions were far more than landing one continent? What if there was a nation that in only 100 years managed to sail in every ocean, every major sea, touched every continent except Antarctica and possibly Australia, and were the first Europeans to land in China, Korea, New Guinea, the Azores, Cape Verde and numerous other places. Well, there was such a nation, and it is Portugal. Portugal was the country that lead the greatest expansion of the known world in the history of the world. In only one hundred years they managed to be the first Europeans in nearly one half the globe, as well as be the first to push south. The accomplishments of the rest of Europe paled in comparison. The Portuguese exploration and expansion at this time is a huge subject. Here will be discussed only one of their voyages, that of Vasco d a Gama's voyage to India, as he was the first European to sail to there. Prince Henry the Navigator was most definitely a driving force in this venture, while the King during the voyage, Manuel, was the one who ordered it. Bartolmeu Dias was the first to round the Cape of Good Hope, in his 1487-88 voyage, proving that it could be done, and breaking ground for da Gama. Born in 1394, the Infante Enriques, known to the world as Prince Henry the Navigator, became the man who was most responsible for the maritime expansion of Portugal and of general marine science, as well, both of which led to the voyage to India. As a boy he was infatuated with accounts of the wild beasts, w... ...bus and Spain tried to reach India by going West, some daring, risk taking Portuguese knew it could be reached by sailing east, and unlike Spain, actually acheived what they meant to do. Works Cited: Hamilton, Genesta. In the Wake of Da Gama. London: Skeffington and Son Limited, 1951. Hart, Henry. Sea Road to the Indies. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1950. Jones, Vincent. Sail the Indian Sea. London: Gordon and Cremonesi Publishers, 1978. Pearson, M. N. The New Cambridge History of India. pt. 1, vol. 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1987. 8 vols. Russell-Wood, A. J. R. A World on the Move: The Portuguese in Africa, Asia, and America 1415-1808. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1993. Wallis, Helen. "England and Portugal 1386-1986; 'Things Hidden From Other Men'; the Portuguese Voyages of Discovery." History oday June 1986: 27-33.

Life is beautiful

The main aspects that the film covers are the importance of love and family, the role f imagination and the resilience of the human spirit. Therefore, in the movie â€Å"Life is Beautiful† the director shows Guides personal commitment to being both a protector of innocence for Joshua and a loving husband to Dora that is, at times, essential to filter other people's prejudices in order to be true to who you are. The director shows through Odor's character on how we present ourselves, gets taken in two different ways by people, either in a positive or negative way. Some could be against the prejudice or for it that despite on who's in charge.To Dora, Guide was a hero, but to he Nazis he was nothing more than a dog. To Guide, the Nazis were of no consequence; only the lives of his beloved concerned him. Guides Interests were Dora and making her life into something that no one will ever expect; a magical life full of happiness. For Instance, the romantic, funny scene where Guide o nly looks at Dora instead of the Opera show, shows how Guide forgets everyone around him and only stares at the one he loves, Just like how he did not care what happens to him the moment he needed to find Dora before the German guards did.He did not care what he Nazis did to everyone but all Guide needed to do was find Dora and protect his son, like any husband or father will do for his family. Nazis were only brutal because they were following the orders of their superiors and a leader who was showing hatred towards the Jews; but Dora was not because she was her own person and she Is not the type of person to hate other people because of their culture, which Is why Dora was not that much worry on what happens about being married to a Jews.She wanted to be happy, that Is what Guide made sure that Is what happens In Odor's life very day. Racism, negative comments, Ignorance and hatred affects not Just one's moral values but also their Identity. Many times Individuals struggle while d ealing with prejudice and end up causing self-harm. In this film however, we experience Guilds character In a complete opposite way. Guide Is the type of person who does not choose the path of self- harm but bottles up his emotions Just to see his family alive and happy.For Instance when, he Is forced to carry anvil up the stairs on a dally basis at the camp, he knows that If he asks for a reprieve, he will be killed, and as a season, fall his son and everything he Is working for. Even though he Is weak and dreadfully tired every day, Guide still puts on a smile and carries on the facade whenever Joshua was near. He never allows his son to get the sense that something Is horribly wrong. Guide wouldn't react to pain and he wouldn't show his sorrows whenever Joshua was near.He was suffering deep wealth him but due to his love for his son, he managed to laugh even while In Immense pain. Even when Guide was being taken to the corner to be shot, Guide still managed to march â€Å"playfu lly so as to the game. Guide never let any opportunity occur where his son can start to question his true intentions and reason for lying; he never even let on to Joshua that he was lying. Through the feeling that Dora, his wife, knew that Guide would never allow for their son to face any challenges alone.During the scene where Guide and Joshua speak over the speakers, it was a way to assure Dora that they are both safe and that Guide has fulfilled all the duties as a father by making sure that Joshua is protected from the Germans. Guide was always seen as a hero to Dora, even if others did not UT that did not let Guide stop from believing what is right or wrong. Humans show their true colors and emotions to those who understand its value. However, this differs from age to age.When it comes to children, they tend to be kept hidden from the surrounding negativity only to protect their very innocence that is cherished by all. Throughout the train ride and upon arrival at the dismal ca mp, Guides only aim was to protect his son from the horror which surrounded them. He invents an elaborate game, requiring silence and complete dedication in order to gain the mints necessary to win. Guide didn't want Joshua to know the full truth of racism and hate that occurs on a regular basis around them but instead wants him to know that everyone is equal despite their beliefs.All Guide wanted was to show to his son that nothing is different between Jews and the supposed Aryans. Aryans were considered the supreme beings for having blond hair and blue eyes and free of all external disease, whereas a person with the same internal characteristics but different external appearance were considered less of a human. Once they reach the bunks at he concentration camp, and an opportunity presents itself to Guide to preserve Joshua innocence, he leaps at the chance.He is asked to translate for the German Nazi the rules of the camp, although he doesn't speak German; instead makes it appear to his son that the guard is explaining the rules of the supposed game. This was extremely risky for Guide, as it could land him straight in front of the barrel of a gun, but his intention was primal and he was concerned only of his son's safety. He hid the true reality and their predicament from Joshua for the sole reason of reserving his innocence, and hopefully provide a chance at survival.If Joshua truly knew of the events that occurred all around them on a daily basis, he would have started to hate his father for the wrong reasons. One of the motives Guide could have had for his actions may have been his desire to not have his son, his flesh and blood hate him – for being a Jew, and passing that on to his son. He wanted Joshua to love him for who he is as a human being and not for the faith he believes in. Guide intention was to fulfill the role and responsibilities as a father towards his son.Guide is scared of the concentration camp and the Nazis but he holds himself together for the benefit of his son, demonstrating courage and heroism when dealing with fear. He loves his son so much that he shields him from the harsh reality of life at that time. This shows that love has the power to conquer all. In conclusion, â€Å"Life is Beautiful† is an inspirational film that shows the cruel and hate of many Aryans towards the Jews. Throughout the film you see the different ways racism, and negative comments are being spread towards the Jews as a way to make them feel sees important.It's also about the power of one individual to filter out other people's thoughts and negatively comments in order to be true to who you really are. Just how even though she could have stayed back due to her religious, she choice to be where her family is. The director also shows through Guide the power of being protective to his son and a lovely husband to Dora, at the same time flattering out negative comments around him for the better of his family. â€Å"Life is b eautiful â€Å"has touched the hearts of many viewers and continues to do so.

Insecurity and Ignorance Essay

Grasping the idea of sexual assault and rape can be a difficult task. We know of it within our world, but it may not effect us in our own lives. Vulnerability is a more comprehensible feeling. Many girls around the world can relate the constant comparison between themselves and others, their need for attention, and insecurity. In Joyce Carol Oats’ Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? , the main character, Connie, displays these feelings through her subconscious thoughts and mindless actions. Her longing for acknowledgement leads to the extremely unfortunate event, meeting Arnold Friend. Connie’s low self-esteem, constant need for male attention, and lack of judgment force her to be helpless to the manipulative people she attracts. Connie’s insecurity causes her to constantly desire for male attention. She consistently daydreams about the boys she has been with, â€Å"Her mind slipped over onto thoughts of the boy she had been with the night before. †(365) Even as Connie goes through her normal, relaxing day, her mind subconsciously slips to thoughts of boys. This shows her obsession, desiring more from the males with whom she interacts. Connie’s clothing also displays her low self-esteem, when talking about Connie’s two different appearances: â€Å"She wore a pullover jersey blouse that looked one way at home and another way when she was away from home. †(362) Connie’s need for male attention causes her to dress in an inappropriate way, that she cannot show at home. She lost all self-respect, allowing herself to dress in a way to fulfill her mind’s desires. Because of the way she dresses, males treat her as they would someone much older, who dresses in the same way. Connie’s low self-esteem causes her to think that being pretty is all that matters, â€Å"She knew she was pretty and that was everything. † (361) Connie believes she is pretty and that she is better than anyone else because of that. Her world revolves around boys, and she thinks that all men care about is how pretty women appear, therefore being pretty is everything. The actions and thoughts of Connie cause her to have little self-respect in a world that revolves around males. Connie’s attitude and action towards males does not attract her the kind of attention she desires. Her mother tends to get angry with Connie for her arrogance. When Connie explains her mother’s preference for her older sister, June, she said, â€Å"If Connie’s name was mentioned it was disapproving. † (364). In Connie’s mind, the importance of the boys in her life is much greater than the importance of family. Spending nights at the drive-in restaurant, a popular hangout spot, Connie attracts the attention of older boys. This is what she intends to happen, but she is unaware of how this can lead to trouble. Older boys treat Connie as they would a girl their own age. This pressures Connie into doing things she would not normally do with someone as young as herself. In addition to the pressure from older boys, her actions by hanging out at the drive-in put her in danger. When Connie was with a boy at the drive-in restaurant, she caught the eye of a man who would prove dangerous: â€Å"He wagged a finger and laughed and said, ‘Gonna get you, baby. ’† (363-364) Connie does not know at the time that she was attracting danger. Connie is naive of the world around her, acting without thinking about the affects these decisions could have on her life. Through flirtatious acts and her attitude, Connie attracted a rapist, from whom she was unable to escape. By hanging out at the drive-in restaurant, flirting with older boys, and wearing provocative clothing Connie attracted the attention of the creepy Arnold Friend, whose intentions can be inferred from the story. When Arnold first pulls up to Connie’s house, and they officially meet for the first time, Connie instantly thinks about his impression on her: â€Å"She couldn’t decide if she liked him or if he was a jerk. (367). Connie did not find this abrupt encounter with Arnold strange, because he showed up at her house and knew about her. She first thinks about whether she liked him or not. She is oblivious to the danger of strangers, only thinking about if he is worth her flirting. Once Connie fell into Arnold’s trap, she is unable to escape: â€Å"She thought for the first time in her life that is was nothing that was hers, that belonged to her, but just a pounding, living thing inside this body that wasn’t really hers either. (377). She no longer had control of herself or of her fate. Everything lies in the hands of Arnold Friend. A potential rapist easily takes advantage of Connie, because of her vulnerability, longing for male acknowledgement, and not thinking about her actions. Connie’s whole world is centered around boys, consistently in her thoughts, which influence her actions. As a result, Connie’s daydreams of being with boys turned into nightmares of reality.

Free Essays on Declaration

Declaration of Independence The King of Britain has committed many injuries and usurpation’s on the 13 Colonies, for he is a prince-whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant. The Declaration of Independence, was written to establish the basis of the revolution that the colonists were planning, and enacting, it expressed the reasons for which the colonists claimed as factors for their wants to be independent. The document was divided into three major parts: the first section contained a statement of principle that discussed the rights of man and the legitimacy of revolution; the second presented a long list of grievances that provided the rationale for rebellion; and the third/last portion of the declaration included the formal announcement of independence. The 1st Section of the Declaration discussed the rights of man and the legitimacy of revolution. The Declaration most significantly declared that â€Å"All men are created equal† and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain rights to enjoy â€Å"life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.† Moreover, the Declaration argues that government must be representative of the people and is limited in power by a recognition of basic political rights. If when a government violates these people’s natural rights, the people have the additional right to hereby â€Å"alter or to abolish that government.† Thereof, the wanting of a â€Å"Democracy† among the 13 colonies. In contrast, the present King of Great Britain has forever elongated a series of usurpation’s that evinces a design to increase absolute despotism by neglecting to attend to the needs of his colonies and to their o so unalienable rights. Evenmore, controversial to the accusations made against the present King were a long list of specific grievances that provided the rationale for rebellion. These grievances were evidence to evince that the colonists rights... Free Essays on Declaration Free Essays on Declaration Declaration of Independence The King of Britain has committed many injuries and usurpation’s on the 13 Colonies, for he is a prince-whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant. The Declaration of Independence, was written to establish the basis of the revolution that the colonists were planning, and enacting, it expressed the reasons for which the colonists claimed as factors for their wants to be independent. The document was divided into three major parts: the first section contained a statement of principle that discussed the rights of man and the legitimacy of revolution; the second presented a long list of grievances that provided the rationale for rebellion; and the third/last portion of the declaration included the formal announcement of independence. The 1st Section of the Declaration discussed the rights of man and the legitimacy of revolution. The Declaration most significantly declared that â€Å"All men are created equal† and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain rights to enjoy â€Å"life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.† Moreover, the Declaration argues that government must be representative of the people and is limited in power by a recognition of basic political rights. If when a government violates these people’s natural rights, the people have the additional right to hereby â€Å"alter or to abolish that government.† Thereof, the wanting of a â€Å"Democracy† among the 13 colonies. In contrast, the present King of Great Britain has forever elongated a series of usurpation’s that evinces a design to increase absolute despotism by neglecting to attend to the needs of his colonies and to their o so unalienable rights. Evenmore, controversial to the accusations made against the present King were a long list of specific grievances that provided the rationale for rebellion. These grievances were evidence to evince that the colonists rights...

The Medicated Child Example

The Medicated Child Example The Medicated Child – Book Report/Review Example MEDICATED This is a documentary that aired on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) program, Frontline. I described difficulties diagnosing and treating childhood behavioral disorders. In my view it illustrates a tendency in The West, especially in America, to treat many perceived disorders, including behavioral, as medically based, that is caused by some kind of brain defect rather than by a deficiency in socialization. This is not to deny that a brain problem can cause behavioral issues. Rather I would argue such disorders may be caused by brain defects or problems in the social environment or a combination of both. The documentary pointed out that at least until the time President Clinton gave a 6 month patent extension to pharmaceutical companies on new drugs in exchange for their commitment to do clinical trials on their effects on children as well as adults, there was little research on their effectiveness in treating children and whether there would be any negative and dangero us side effects on kids. The program documented by individual case studies, that especially prior to Clinton’s policy change, little was known about the effectiveness and dangers of drugs on children compared to adults and the risk that while a drug may prove effective in treating one disorder it may cause another. It also highlighted the tendency to faulty diagnosis because some symptoms are similar in different disorders. For example, an increasing number of children have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder previously thought to be an adult only problem. In conclusion, I think the program has done an excellent job documenting the extension of America’s medical culture to children with its’ assumption that most medical issues can be treated with proscribed pills. However, I think it falls short in its failure to examine more holistic solutions. For example, what effect does a child’s parenting and/or extended social environment have on a child’s behavior? Also, if a child’s body is not developed sufficiently to react favorably to pharmaceuticals could techniques from Oriental medicine such as acupuncture and aromatherapy prove more effective and less dangerous? I think an investigation into alternatives to pharmaceutical based treatment regimes could prove enlightening and offer better options.