ISU - Fantasy/Adventure Film Study

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MOVIE GENRE STUDY: Fantasy-Adventure movies

The genre of fantasy is a large, vast genre, and one of the most versatile, commonly mistaken for horror or sci-fi. It can be paired with any other genre, which gives great freedom of creativity in creating a movie. The most common sub-genre for Fantasy movies is fantasy-adventure, with movies such as How To Train Your Dragon, Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland and Avatar.

The codes and conventions of Fantasy-Adventure movies are common and repeated amongst the films of this genre, and are easy to detect and expect while watching.

CODES AND CONVENTIONS:

CHARACTER:
Fantasy movies are defined by their setting which, in turn, defines their characters. For example, because Pirates of the Carribbean is based in a fantasy world where sea creatures and monsters are common, we in turn get characters such as Davy Jones and his Kraken. The same applies to Star Wars and their aliens and space creatures, built around the setting of the film. The type of setting in a movie defines what their character looks and acts like.

A common feature of the main character in fantasy-adventure movies is that he/she is an underdog, different from the rest in an obvious way. Be it they are much weaker and smaller in comparison to their peers (Harry Potter), or they have much stronger abilities and are cast out because of it (Percy Jackson). Or sometimes, they are just plain-out different. The main character usually stands out, in a positive or a negative way. Sometimes they even have a side kick who is just as different, or who has been assigned to them to watch them (Digimon, Lord of the Rings)

PLOT:

Fantasy-Adventure movies are based around a main character, or hero, who has to partake in an adventure or some form of quest, and the movie centers around this. Commonly seen quests in movies are: To save the world (Eragon), Save someone they love (Golden Compass), or just to make it home (Spirited Away). All plots are based around a quest, the end of which has a bad guy and something the character is hoping to achieve.

Often in Fantasy-Adventure movies, there is also a sub-plot, a personal quest or goal for the character, that they will achieve during their adventures. This sub-plot could be romantic, where the main character seeks to win the heart of their love, a search for knowledge (ex. To find out where you came from or who your father is; percy jackson), to gain courage from the adventures, or to gain some sort of realization from their travels. The main character goes on their quests/journeys to save the day, as well as achieve their personal goal.

SETTING:
The setting is often what makes a fantasy movie what it is, because it gives the freedom of having the movie based in any sort of world or place imaginable, or one that is based on our own with supernatural aspects. Some movies hold the same qualities or a resemblance to our world, with a fantastical twist on setting or characters (Such as How To Train Your Dragon, which is based in a world similar to ours just with dragons and over-exaggeratedly muscular vikings). Others are based in a world outside, or parallel to, our own, which can be found by entering a portal of some sort, such as a rabbit hole or a wardrobe (Alice in Wonderland), or by being able to see this different world. (For example, Harry Potter, where they live amongst normal humans, but are able to see Magic and Wizardry because they are wizards).

The construction of reality in fantasy movies can be next to normal, with different species living in our world, or one similar to ours (Narnia), or can be very obscure, strange, and completely fantastical (Alice in Wonderland, Avatar). The artistic boundaries of the Fantasy Genre are unlimited, and can be as realistic or as obscure as the creator wishes.


VALUES AND CREEDS:
Most fantasy-adventure movies have a strong moral in the end, that the main character learns from his struggles. The most commonly seen are:
-You can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it (How to Train your Dragon)
-Never doubt yourself (Big Fish)
-Always do what you believe is right; Don't let anyone alter your opinion. (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)

CONCLUSION/REPEATED FILM TECHNIQUES

Modern day computer animation technology has opened these movies to a world of possibilities, that may have been too challenging decades ago. This has led to an influx of movies in this genre, with stunning special effects, and creatures that reach beyond the imagination.

In contemporary fantasy-adventures, the trend has been to create sequels as the audiences are often left wanting to see more of their hero and their adventures. For example the Harry Potter series, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Star Wars, and the Chronicles of Narnia.

The 'spirit' of classic comic book plots - Media Review No. 5

The Spirit is a classic comic book with one of the best typical plot lines - good guy falls in love with bad girl, but they are torn apart by their place in society. It's a typical action/romance, one that was made even better by including the classic "Spirit" hero.

The only problem that I had with this comic was the childish drawing style. It was a major put-off for me, because its hard to take the story seriously when all the characters looked like bad cartoons. The dialogue itself was above the drawing style, which made it hard to follow along the story. When you saw the drawings, you'd assume that it'd be dumbed down and easier to understand, because it seemed to be drawn for children; but it turns out it wasn't. I had a hard time getting into reading this story because it wasn't as fun to read as it appeared it would be, and it was only until I was sitting at home and focussing solely on the story could I get myself to read it.

By the time the end came along, I came to appreciate the classic plotline and drama of this comic. Cartoon-y drawing style aside, it's still a classic, and I suggest anyone who appreciates a good comic should take the time to read it.

Independant Music - A Music Genre Study

Indie Music: a constant controversy on whether or not it can be labeled as a genre. The definition of indie music is "music produced by artists that haven't signed to a major label, and produce their own music, or are signed to a minor indie label". This definition doesn't exactly classify a genre of music, does it? But the fact is, it is a genre, because all of these "indie bands" share a lot in common. All indie bands share the same aspects of artistic liberty, freedom from the control of large companies, as well as the ability to make their music the way they want and how they want it. That's how you define indie music; freedom of expression and taste.

All indie music has a series of sub-genres, in fact, it's these sub-genres that form the music. Indie music, considering it has no particular sound besides whatever unique twist an artist puts into it, has to be based off of some sort of other genre. Such as Indie-Rock (Arcade Fire), Indie-Folk (Such as Bon Iver), and Indie-Ska (Bedouin Soundclash)... The list goes on and on. The instruments of this genre can vary from the most simplistic (basic guitar-drums-base), to a wide variety of obscure, and less common instruments (such as the xylophone, glockenspiel, harp, accordion, hurdy-gurdy, and the series of classical instruments used in bands like Arcade Fire). Indie music is the pure definition of artistic freedom; the artists can do whatever they want, because the only thing representing them is themselves. These artists make their music more for expression than money, considering a number of these indie artists, who are signed to minor labels or none at all, do not make as much money as their commercial counterparts. They rely solely on their fans purchasing their music to gain any profit.

Indie music began to emerge in the 1980's, when alternative bands such as Soundgarden and Pearl Jam broke into the mainstream and gained widespread exposure. When this happened, "alternative music" lost it's name and began to refer to a new form of music that was now achieving mainstream success. As a result, "indie music" emerged, and began to refer to the bands that remained underground (which is the difference between alternative and indie).  Indie artists used at-home studios with simplistic recording techniques, and had a full-out disinterest in giving out to the mainstream alternative scene.
So Indie music began to emerge, and became widely popular amongst college radio stations, where bands such as R.E.M. became popular and well-known. During the 1980's, the first indie charts in US and UK were formed, and were trapped under the watchful eye of big labels, eager to exploit the growing popular underground scene and make a profit off of the "new sound" they had discovered. But the true indie artists remained unsigned and unfazed by these labels, to keep their true independence. Only music produced at home or by means of a small label was considered "independent". Between college radios and the internet (which enabled indie artists to post their music on sites such as myspace to get their sound out to the world), indie music began to be more and more popular.

The Indie scene soon began to adopt its own look. An "indie" person, also known as a "hipster", is typically a person with straight/skinny jeans, stretched ears, sometimes beanie hats and beards, choppy hair and unique, vintage/old school clothes. As the genre grew, so did the fashion expressions of the fans.

Canada has a large indie rock scene. Arcade fire, for example, were forerunners in Canadian Indie music, Indie-rock in particular. They began as a small band in Montreal, and grew to where they are now, nominees and winners of numerous and honorary awards including a Grammy for best album in 2010. I remember seeing Arcade Fire when they were still a minor band at Hillside Festival, getting photos with them, and sitting in the crowd watching them, the crowd small in comparison to what their fan base is now.

Arcade Fire, though one of the most popular, is only one piece of Indie Music. It is Indie-rock, the most basic indie sound, but this style of music can vary far more then their simplistic sub-genre. Bon Iver, an Indie-Folk band, is revered for its originality and unique, obscure sound, that differs so much from other genres that you usually hear today and brings folk music into popularity.

Another renowned Indie Band is Bright Eyes, a band with such a soothing, basic sound, that it has won the hearts of many. Mixed with gentle and basic music, rough recording job and a shakey voice, Bright Eyes is the epitome of Indie Music.

Eternal Sunshine of a Fantastic Movie - Media Review No. 4

For anyone who had an average romantic movie in mind, Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind would be far from expected. Along with it's fantastical concept of being able to erase memories, as well as the unique film structure and quirky romance, this movie was the best love story I've seen. The plot was interesting and the concept was intriguing, and it was done in such an artistic way that it captured my attention immediately. No doubt Jim Carrey did not make big bucks for this movie, but he performed it anyways, and he did an excellent job considering the previous roles I've seen him in. As surprising as it is for me to say it, I don't think anyone could've done better in this role than Carrey. He added a well-fitting quirkiness and awkwardness that brought a smile to my face, and fit the role fantastically. The cast was well chosen, the plot was near-perfect, and the special effects were believable and fit in perfectly to what they were representing (ex. the spotlight and darkness representing fading memories). Overall, I truly enjoyed this movie, and will no doubt sit down and watch it again myself just to properly appreciate it out of classroom curriculum.

Beetle Juice, Beetle Juice, Beetle Juice! - Media Review No. 3

No doubt Tim Burton can be listed as one of the most intriguing and unique directors of our time - a definite favourite of mine. He opens our minds to new, dark and twisted worlds that we never would've thought of without his help. From Edward Scissor Hands, to Nightmare Before Christmas, to Corpse Bride - he has never let his audience down. One of the highlights of his career is the beloved 'Beetle Juice'. Jam-packed with Burton's twisted views and humour, as well as creepy and dark creatures that we could never imagine, this movie will go down as one of my all-time favourites. Undoubtedly, this is not a movie for everyone; though the movie's elements of fear and macabre were toned down to suit more audiences, it is still a rather frightening concept with equally frightening imagery and animation. It is not a movie for all ages, despite the type of humour included that could appeal to all; for example, when the two ghosts Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis) try to chase off the humans who are now living in their home, and make them dance to the Day-o Banana song:

This film is paired perfectly with an excellent cast, an all-ages humour and Burton's dark twist that seems to be found in all his work. Undoubtedly, if you don't like Burton's style, this movie will not be your cup of tea; but if you do, it is a definite must-see in his collection of creepy films. All of Burton's films seem to be an acquired taste, and this is no exception. For a person who appreciates a darker, twisted style of art, I strongly recommend this movie.

One Momento - Media Review No. 2

I started watching Momento without having any idea what it was going to be about, nor the plot line to it. In watching the film, I was very confused as to what I was watching, until I came to the end and the pieces somewhat fit; even then, I had to ask what it was about. It was confusing - and a bit dull starting - and I could easily see a viewer getting impatient or annoyed to the point of not following through to the end. The concept of the movie was an interesting one, one that, had I read about it, would be interested in seeing; but the way the plot was presented is what put me off. I found the movie a bit plain and uneventful. The plot is shown going in bits and pieces backwards to add more intensity, but had it been played forwards, I think it would've been rather boring. Playing it in reverse isn't going to change that. In my opinion, the movie concept was intriguing, but it had so much more potential than the way it was portrayed. Not to mention the main actor could've been quite the stud, sans the bleached hair.

Seriously, look at the difference:

No wonder Rebecca Black didnt take the bus.. with all the seating options she would of had a panic attack. - Media Review No. 1

Never in my life have I stumbled upon a song that can bring me this much irritation, as well as get stuck in my head for hours on end. Although I must salute Rebecca Black for managing to get over a million hits on her video, despite the fact that most were earned in mocking her. I mean: pairing an irritating voice with horrid lyrics and a bad melody? Not even throwing in an older man to rap badly could save this video; in fact, it just made it worse. One of the worst parts is the fact that Rebecca Black could have potential, maybe, had she not been paired up with the horrid elements that formed this song. On the upside; the song is so bad that she has managed to become well-known in modern culture, so kudos to you Rebecca Black.

Rip-off?

To manipulate an existing song enough, you can in fact claim it as your own creation, in my opinion. Sound is sound; many artists use present keyboard sounds, effects and beats, so what is the difference if they borrow a sound clip or two. So long as it is altered and changed enough from the original, to make an entirely new song, it is no different then using preset music or sounds.

I have to agree with Dilberto Gils statement, "Nobody creates in a vacuum. Everything comes from something else. How many people had to pick up a camera so that you could do what you're doing today?" because it is true. There is no new ideas; so many genres of music are based around the same set of chords, or the same general sound. Everything is based off of eachother. Think of it; country music all sounds the same, with the same instruments and methods, rap is the same, with its simple background and rapping overtop of it. All music genres are just based around the sound of the guys before them, just with a different twist to it to make them stand out a bit more. Every genre I can think of is based off of one of it's previous artists, everything is reused, recycled, with a different twist. The same should be able to apply for ripping and remixing music. It's basically a condensed and specified version of what has been happening in all genres of music; bands and sounds are based off of eachother, just like these new songs are based off of old ones.

Because of the Internet and sites such as Myspace and music blogs, it has helped tremendously with chances of becoming a successful musician. Not only does it give an easy way to upload and share music, but it also brings it into a collective of people who have the same goals and ideas of you. Before these sites, it would've been a lot more complicated to get your music out there and heard. Now that it's so easily accessed, it is much easier to get heard and to get discovered.

I do agree for the most part on Copyright infringement, because what belongs to you, belongs to you. It wouldn't be fair if everyone started stealing your music. But when it comes to an average citizen, getting penalties for sharing a few songs, it is not even close to fair. They meant no huge offence by sharing these songs, and merely wanted to hear the songs. I know my Dad always justified any music sharing by saying how he had already bought the album six or seven times in his lifetime. A few songs here and there aren't a huge offence, and it's nothing to get a penalty for. I think there shouldn't be any direct punishments on anyone about sharing music, unless they ignore any warnings or don't stop immediately. In my opinion, the only person that should get punished is the person who is sharing the music, because so long as it's on the internet, anyone and everyone has access to the music. It is the one who is sharing the music that has taken the music, that isn't theres, and shared it with the world.

Silent Films; waste of time or work of art?

Films of the Silent Film era. For the most part, they are simple, basic, and don' t have much to them. If you look at some of the films like, for example, "The Kiss", there is literally nothing to them. At the time though, in a world where movies were new, it would have been amazing, fascinating, and probably was worth the money paid to see it. But unfortunately, because of the new technologies and advances in theater you see now a days, with the amazing graphics, intense plot, and even 3D technology? It is nothing. All artistic simplicity, all appreciation for the simplest things, has been forgotten. Everything has to be intense, flashy, attention-grabbing. The criteria for a "good movie" is so high up, we have forgotten to even appreciate the idea of it all. For my opinion on the movies in this time period... considering the time they were in, I can come to appreciate them. Their simplicity, and the idea of the fascination of the people when they went to see it for the first time, makes me have some sort of appreciation towards them. These were the movies that brought us to where we are today. They may be lacking fancy effects, colour, sound? But they are the milestones that brought us to where we are today.

Granted, would a silent film like we watched in class be seen today, with our raised bar of what we have been told is "quality" and "a good flim", no one would come to appreciate it. No one would spent the time or the money. Sure there is nothing to them but the basic excitement of seeing a film for the first time (for when they were first released), but you have to appreciate the leaps and bounds that had been made to come from those films to the ones we see today. Not only that, but in films we see today, it leaves nothing to the imagination. It tells you when the characters meet, what they do, how they act, how they end up. It doesn't leave us wondering what will happen, what did happen, and what could happen. Like in "The Kiss", the couple could have millions of stories behind them. They could be on their 30th anniversary, they could be putting on a happy mask to hide their true feelings, they could be anything! There is just so many options and ideas that we could infer from it. Movies in the modern day, they share all details and leave nothing for the imagination. Like a lot of things you see now a days, it is just given to you. Here's this movie, this is what happens, and that's all there is to it. Everything is premade, prepackaged, pre-thought out, just like these movies. There is nothing unique or exciting to them. It's all the same, and what you see is all you get. When you look at the old movies, with their simplicity, it leaves you wondering, thinking. It gives you time to think about what you've seen and infer whatever you want from it. In that sense, and historically, they are incredible. But when you contrast them against modern day films in the view of almost anyone on earth? They are nothing, unless we can come to appreciate the artistic simplicity of them.

For example, The Kiss. Contrast it against modern day romances, with tension, plot, different scene, and timelines reaching throughtout years at a time? There is nothing to it. Some might even find it unattractive to watch because the featured people are older, and not youthful like you find now a days. But, from my perspective, I can appreciate the simplicity of it, and it comes off almost artistic to me.

Another example, the Train Robbery. If you contrast it against the Action/Adventure films that come out in our modern day, it is dull and eventless. Were we in the time period? They would've been exciting, thrilling, scary even! They weren't used to seeing such action in their every day lives.

And lastly, the trip to the moon. Of course it's unrealistic, and doesn't make much sense. But it is exciting, full of adventure of the unknown. We now know what is on the moon and almost all the details to it, but they didn't back then, so imagine the excitement to see the concept of what could be there, for the first time.

These silent films, they do have interest historically, for they are milestones to where we are today, but, with the right eye watching them, they can be works of art in their simplicity, and their ideas that leave much to the imagination.

"Tell me what you know about dreamin', dreamin'. You don't really know about nothing, nothing."

I chose this video of the song Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi (The Megaforce Remix) not only because it has to be one of my favourite songs, but also because the video, though lacking much sense, seems like an interesting enough one to dissect and talk about in my Blog Assignment.

In this video, the reality that is shown in the video can no more easily be described as a that of a stoner. Kid Cudi is famous for smoking marijuana and expressing his love for it, so it is to no surprise that yet another one of his videos are of him, surrounded by smoke, and most obviously high. The reality portrayed in the video is neither realistic or practical, and seems to be working every stereotype of someone who would likely smoke weed; lazy, hallucinogenic, and generally out of it. The portrayal of Kid Cudi, constantly going to stand up but ending up back on the couch, shows laziness, or perhaps even the inability to stand up straight. The strange women and people seen at the party, as well as Kid Cudi shown pretending to climb out a window more then once, are his hallucinations, and his inability to think or see clearly. The smoke shown floating around no doubt is a representation of marijuana smoke, helping even more with the stoner stereotype, making it seem like all Cudi does is smoke up and laze around, hallucinating about strange women. This same idea is shown in a good number of his videos, for example, his song "Day and Night" (Crookers Remix) shows him smoking up and hallucinating at work as well.

The Creeds and Values in this video are somewhat difficult to understand if you think about it. On one hand, it could easily be promoting the use of Marijuana. On the other, the portrayal of Kid Cudi the "stoner" is not exactly an ideal one. He is shown as slow moving, lazy, out of sorts, not exactly happy, for if you notice he doesn't smile. The song itself backs this up, with it's slow beat, and title; "Pursuit of Happiness". He is looking for it, but has not yet found it. From the looks of it it's not an ideal life style, so though it could be promoting the use of Marijuana, it could also be setting up an image of someone who does, not exactly in a flattering way, to try and deter people from doing as Cudi does.

This video may appeal to teenagers because of it's drug references. It could appeal to the ones that use drugs in the way that they can relate to it, and it could also appeal to others who don't, who are curious about it, and find interest in something they are not used to nor see on a usual basis. Kid Cudi leads his life in a way that not many do, and when they do, they don't express it as openly as he does. This comes as an interest to people, as it does to me, because it's so different from the ways we are used to.

Though there is not much to it, I do believe it is a well done video, with good visual effects and an interesting mood that has been set. It is unique, very different from the ones you now a days. I can come to appreciate the originality of this video, and do enjoy watching it. So in all, I believe this was a well done video, even if it's intentions are not exactly clear.

I'm On the Pursuit of Happiness

"And I'll scream,

so loud that everyone in this place,

will hear every word I say.

'Cause this is my time, this is my time to shine,

let nothing stand in our way."

-A Day to Remember

Media is very important in my life. Though I like certain types of media more so that I like it overall. I am very passionate about music and well thought through films, so they are very important to me. Music, Films and Television are most important to me in media. I grew up in a musical family, and have been surrounded by it all my life, so it has come to be an important aspect in my life. My family also frequently sits down together to watch a movie, and we analyze the movies to determine if it could be considered a "good movie" or not. For example, In Bruge, Synecdoche New York, and Little Miss Sunshine are all movies that we watched together and enjoyed. Television as well, because I know for sure that there are a few shows that I could not live without, such as That 70's show, Arrested Development, Big Bang theory and The Office.

Our modern popular culture is, in my opinion, a bit too superficial. It is based around looks and flash, rather then function and originality. I do appreciate some of the new technologies to help us communicate in different ways, but at the same time I know it's a bit unnecessary. I don't like how pop culture is so superficial, and sometimes even solely based around money and profit. I use media for entertainment and you might even say a hobby, because I grew up playing music and making mini-movies, etc., so it's a big part of my life.

One form of media I have a strong, passionate connection to is music. I have grown up around music and have been living with it all my life, to the point that it has become my life in a sense. My favourite artists, the ones that are most inspirational to me, would have to be A Day to Remember, Jack Johnson and other bands such as Modest Mouse, Bright Eyes, and Eminem, to name a few. I like a large variety of styles in music, and could easily say I love every type of music. Music has gotten me through a lot of rough patches, and has always been there to offer me the support that no one else could, so it is definitely a huge part of my life.