Comm424,Murderball

The 2005 film Murderball takes a in depth look at the lives and actives of paraplegics, but is presented in somewhat of an unorthodox way. The movie introduces the audiences to men who compete for the United States wheelchair rugby team. Rugby, known for being a very intense and psychical sport, is taken to a entirely different level of intensity when modifying some rules and adding wheelchairs. These men who are confined to their chairs and limited to several functions in their limbs compete with such high levels of intensity and pride. The cultural assumption of people with similar conditions and people with disability is that they are weak; society places a common stereotype that dehumanizes people with a handicap like this. In the movie we observe a culture that many people may not be familiar with. The level of intensity that these men on these national teams is not different then any other professional athlete. The film allows them to express their feelings and destroy several myths that people may believe to be true. Rather then making the movie showing their daily difficulties, the producers embrace their exceptional athleticism and how they are making the best of their situation. This is highlighted through firstly sports, attitude, masculinity and even sexuality. By presenting the movie in a first person and actual life perspective, viewers are able to gain a better insight into the lives of quadriplegic, but also to destroy any preconceived notions or thought about disabilities in a broader sense.

Pulp Fiction Response

Pulp Fiction is a very popular movie directed by Quentin Tarantino in 1994. This criminal thriller starts out by introducing the audience to tow characters, Pumpkin and Honey Bunny. These two low-life criminals are conspiring to commit one more of their several robberies, this one taking place in a dinner during breakfast time. As they are about to call the attention of the employees and people eating, the scene ends. I believe that this initial set up was purposely constructed in order to foreshadow or hint to viewers what the rest of the film will consist of. The construct of time and place are very crucial and notable throughout the movie. We are taken day by day, scene by scene before we are reintroduced to Pumpkin and Honey Bunny. Jules, Vincent, Marcellus and other main characters are focused on. We learn that Jules and Vincent are two hit-men that work for Marcellus, a shady businessman assumed to engage in illegal activity to produce an income. Their primary task and mission in the movie is to retrieve a briefcase that belong to their boss, Marcellus. After killing several people, they retain the package and a new scene begins with the two at the same dinner Pumpkin and Honey Bunny are. Although Vincent ultimately get killed during another hit, he is still shown to be alive until the end of the film because of the way the scene are put together.  The contents of the package are never shown, but every time it was opened, a bright golden light emits from it.

Rambo film Notes

Rambo goes to look for his friend.
Speaks with older woman and finds out that how friend is dead.
They were friends who flight is the War of Vietnam together.
Stopped by police officer.
Officer escorts him out of town. Does not welcome him; suggests he leaves. Calls him a drifter.
Walks back to town and is confronted by officer. Searched and is arrested.
Notices where several riffle/ shot guns are located. Camera paused monetarily on the gun locker. Won't let them get proper fingerprints
Severe scarring all over his body. Soon attacked after.
Has flashbacks from being tortured in war.
Will not let the officers shave him. Attacks them all and escapes
Proceeds to steal a motorcycle and is chased by an officer deep into the woods.
Several officers arrive on the scene and they attempt to go search for Rambo
They begin the man and are very close to Rambo. He sees an oncoming helicopter and has no other choice but to jump from a very steep ledge onto trees after being shot at several times.
The officer who was shooting at Rambo fall out of the helicopter and dies.
After doing research they find out he is a highly trained solider and war hero.
Officers think they spot him, but it was a scarecrow. Two dogs are released after a man was shot;Rambo presumably kills both dogs.
As the search continues, he picks officers one by one; attacks then and sets violent traps.
Media coverage is at the bottom of the mountain; state police and other government agencies are present
Rambo's commanding officer is present and informs them about the type of person they are dealing with.
He refuses to cooperate even after speaking with his old friend.
Is spotted by a young civilian and lets him go with no harm, but gave up his location
After attempting to kill him with an explosive, we find out that Rambo survived the attack. He was still in the abandoned mine.
"When in doubt kill"
Colonel knows that he is still alive, but doesn't tell anyone
He looks up where the explosion took place and can sense that he is still alive.
As He returns out of the mountainous area, he takes over another military truck carrying several guns and weapons.
Crashes into a gas station and begins to take out electricity units all over town with a large automatic weapon. He is searching for the Sheriff.
As he corners him inside the police station after shooting him, he spare his life. Colonel is there to talk him down, and we see a compassionate Rambo who is under sever PTSD
He breaks down inside the station and surrenders 
There was no way he could escape, he was surrounded by 200 people searching for him
Walks out of the station with his old commanding officer.

Comm 424-Blue Velvet

The film Blue Velvet, directed by David Lynch in 1986, contains elements and styles from film noir. Although this film contained scenes that are much more cynical from movies like it in the past, Lynch puts his own personal twist and style to his movie. The main characters fit into classic noir type film, but the surrealism and depiction of this small town underworld is like no other. We are introduced to the protagonist in the movie, a young college student named Jeffry. He stumbles upon a severed ear. As he takes this ear to the authorities, he continues to venture further and seeks to discover how he came upon his finding. Jeffrey’s character fits right into the classic noir style of film. Alongside character traits, camera angles, lighting, and story line, Lynch provides viewers what seems to be a typical noir type movie. However, Jeffreys curiosity and voyeurism leads to meet Dorothy, a singer who performs at a local nightclub. After some amateur investigation work and help with his new friend, Sandy, Jeffery begins to look deeper into Dorothy's life and others who influence her life. Frank is a man who has kidnapped Dorothy’s son and husband. He is the antagonist in the movie and his personality and habits are exploited and shown with great emphasis. Frank is a psychotic man with a drug problem. He is inappropriate, aggressive, and hostile throughout the entire film. His facial expressions, tone, and violence is unlike any other character in the movie, distinguishing behavior not found in all noir work.

Buying the war- Notes

Film starts with clear introduction.
Concerns and deals with the war on terror, specifically the War in Iraq .
Being with 9/11 and the events leading into and after the act.
The citizens were looking for answers and closure to their questions. Devastated that a terrorists act an happen on US soil.
Wanted and looked to put blame on someone- the government and media outlets chose to put it on Iraq
The White House made assumptions that they possessed weapons of mass destruction.
The made ties to anything that the UN reports found to try and make is seem ad if Iraq had WMD
"Tubes". Story swept the nation
The White House gave official interviews on news outlets in order to convince citizens and viewers that Iraq is a threat.
Washington Post very influential
Stories were constantly being repeated constantly
Rumors are said that there were designated reporters that Bush would call on during interviews
Never gave a clear answer for why they feel like they went to war
The White House clearly manipulated the entire situation, fueled by the media.