PROMPT / INTRO TO FILM PAPER

Hey 1020. Don't forget to post the INTRO PARAGRAPH of your Gladiator paper by midnight, Monday before class.

Of course, these intros may change as you continue working on your paper through Thursday, but at least this will get you started. AND I am happy to give feedback on these.

**It's important to have a strong first paragraph! It gives the first impression of your paper, (which needs to be good), and writing it will help you focus/shape/guide the rest of your paper. You know this. Take full advantage of this assignment as an opportunity to get feedback AND deter those nasty procrastination habits.

Fright Night Scene Analysis -Tevin Lanier

As I was watching the beginning of Fright Night, I was instantly drawn into the fact that Charley is in the midst of making love but is curious about whats goin on outside. Charley must be a fan of horror movies for him to automatically get suspicious about people outside carrying things. Charley is so bothered about the people that he has completely neglected his girlfriend to explore the people's whereabouts. His lack of attention towards his mate even bothers his mother who is puzzled by Charley's actions. The next day Charley meets a new neighbor who is a well-known prostitute. Charley eventually makes up with his girlfriend and they go out to eat, then he notices that the new neighbor he has just met has been murdered.Charley is shocked by the news and his assumptions of foul play grows stronger.

Scene Analysis- Jowin Okere

The scene I chose to analyze was the scene when he finally saw what happened to his home. There were several things to notice in this scene. Basically after Maximus has avoided his death he travels all the way back to see what has happened to his home. As he travels he reminisces on quick glimpses of his childhood combined with other elements of what has happened to him. When he finally gets back home he sees what has happened and breaks down and cries.

During this scene there is alot going on as far as colors, camera angle, and sound goes. There are varying terrains that he goes through as he rides his horse back to his home. He went through snow, brown desert and into the barren wasteland. Not only does the terrain change but what we see changes. As he rides, there are transitions from us seeing him race to his home and his memories of him as a child in a garden. The memory shots were very colorful and vivacious. The green forage that surrounded him during these scenes represented life. During one of the memory shots, however, an army of horsemen came trampling him in the middle of his recess. It is unclear whether or not this is something that has actually happened or whether it was strictly symbolic. There were also alot of close-ups on the horses feet and on Maximus' face.

Ridley Scott's varying shots basically were to provide contrast to what has just happened while at the same time giving a glimpse in to the pure yet hardened heart of Maximus. Gladiator started off with Maximus being loved and revered and enjoying his duty as a soldier. However, in an instant things change for the worst and he is now in a negative position. His memories of his pleasant past combined with the soldiers trampling him in the same instant can be seen as a parellel to his current situation. All of these varying terrains show what he is going through internally.

The battle for Germania/Roman battle -Analysis

I decided to do my blog over the battle for Germania. I believe its the most interesting part in the film and a great way to grasp the audience's attention at the beginning. The scene is very dark, cloudy, and misty which sets the mood for the scene before the battle begins. For someone who has never seen it for the first time, it foreshadows that something bad or sad is about to occur. Before the battle begins slow music is playing in the background as the wind blows, symbolizing a cold day. Ridley Scott uses long shots as the horse with the headless man arrives on the horse. As MAximus Decimus leaves on his horse everyone rises symbolizing the respect they have for him. Numerous times the director also used to the camera to play Decimus' eyes; almost if we were him ourselves. As tension begins to rise everything in the scene begins to increase such as music volume, wind speed, and the volume of every one's voice in the movie as the begin to yell and charge. More close ups are occurring during the actual battle to see the bloody, violent scene as everyone is getting killed.

Karl McMichel Gladiator Scene

The clip from Gladiator the director Ridley Scott I chose the scene when Maximus Decimus announced his name to the King. In this scene the director uses a lot of close up shots in order to let the viewers see the facial expression on the various actors faces. It also captures the feeling of power that he has by using low shots looking up. He then uses a long shot at the end to show effect of the crowd and include them in the scene. The best principal actor of this scene is Maximus Decimus played by Russell Crowe because he used his body language effectively express that he won’t back down from anything.
The Music and sound was the most important and dramatic part of this scene. It captured the mood and the feeling of every moment. It also set the tone throughout the whole scene. The louder the music got the more intense the scene became. The crowd noise also got louder and louder to lead to the climax when they are cheering at full capacity.

Gladiator scene analysis -Tevin Lanier

I like the whole movie, but if i had to just choose one scene to analyze it would have to be the Maximus is the new emperor scene. In this scene you witness the cries of a son wanting to be like his father but instead is told that he is not worthy of such prominence. Marcus Aurelius is the emperor of Rome and unlike most great leaders,he chooses a gladiator to reign next instead of his own son. Marcus'son Commodus is perplexed about the shocking news and immediately shows his disapproval. Commodus even states that he has seen his father's list of characteristics for the next emperor and admit that he is not a man of those special virtues.In an effort to give solace to his son, Marcus continues by saying that Commodus' faults are not of any of his fault but of his own wrongdoings. The dramatic scene ends by Commodus hugging his father and giving one more reason to why he deserves a chance at the throne.I chose this particular scene because it raises questions on how a man could see past his family ties for the sake of leaving his country in good hands.

Gladiator Scene Analysis-Morgan Stevenson

In this scene, Maximus Decimus Meridius is told to introduce himself.  Once he is told for the second time to tell who he is, he then says, “My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, Commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.” After that was said the crowd and people surrounding him looked at him in shock as if they didn't expect that to be him when he took his helmet off. In this part of the movie Ridley Scott uses cinematography to emphasize the seriousness of this scene. There are many close-ups and medium shots that focused on the facial expressions of the characters to show how the introduction of Maximus is significant.

Scene in Gladiator

The Particular scene i will like to emphasize on is at the end of the movie. Maxius was capture when he was trying to escape and then he was forced to fight the emperor.(it was very dark lighting at this part of the movie the music was going very fast like something was about to pop off...) basically what happen was, he was stabbed by Commodus right before they were to fight,(Commodus make-up on his face was white with dark rings around the eyes looking as though he was stressed or either fearful) Commodus stabbed Maxiums hoping to win the fight but what actually happen was Commodus still end up losing the fight even with Maxius near death.(Maxius looked very tired they made him look as though he was ready to just die) The movie was really sad at the end because Maxius end up dying, but right before his dying breath he gave instruction.( the background music was very sad and slow) they picked up his body and gave him a solider burial and they left Commodus there like he didn't even matter.... which personally i thought that part was just.

I believe Ridley Scott wanted the mise-en-scene to show many different aspect of how Rome used to be in that particular day and age of 180 A.D
Example: Set being place in the arena, and a castle where the emperor lived all the props where in detail like sculptures of ancestors and the details of the arena it really looked like something only you would find in Rome. even the bedding and room lay out didn't look like anything you would find in America the Actors Commodus and Lucious clothing looked as though they were sons and daughter of a king. there clothing had many detail on them ( nothing like America)

The cinematography was very detailed and it made the audience express many emotions i believe that Scott did this well for example while watching the movie i felt different emotion depending on what the music was like.... with faster music i felt suspense, slower music i felt sadness, and with light hearted kind of upbeat music i felt better as though i was really a part of the Gladiator battles the crowds applause and yells also help these feelings. the camera shots (close up) help us to get a better feel of emotion express on the actor faces and the longer shots help me get an overview of the overall picture.... Overall i watched the movie 2full times 1before viewing my notes and the other time after and i still will say it was still a wonderful movie even after i critique it.

Gladiators...? (Just for fun.)

This has nothing to do with your assignment, folks. (At least, not really...)
Just thought I'd provide a commercial break. :)

Aaron Michael Milton- Gladiator

In Ridley Scotts, Gladiator we pay careful attention to one of the great battle scenes found in the movie. In this particular scene Maximus is entered into his first fight in the coliseum. Maximus and his newly found companions are suited up and gathered together; eager to engage in their first major gladiator event. Performing in front of the emperor proves to be a significant moment for Maximus. The winning of this battle will put Maximus in a better position to gain his revenge against the emperor, and restore his honor.

As Maximus and his gladiator army approach the coliseum entrance, Ridley Scott provides us with a series of close and low angle shots putting the viewer directly into the action. The lighting changes from the time the warriors are in the dungeon from the time they walk out into the arena. We are introduced to the many fans and spectators that are present in this prestigious event, by way of inserted sounds and a roaring crowd. As the camera pans across the scene the many fans shout and scream out awaiting the gladiators. Make up and costume further brings out the dramatics of the situation. Battle props such as weapons and chariots are used, and the many cries and arrows ripping the air are heard with ease.

The various camera tricks and Mese-en-scene used during the scene is Ridley Scotts way of portraying his overall theme of revenge and power. The emotion seen on these gladiators’ faces are unreal. Close up shots allow us to see as much as the way a particular character reacts to what he is seeing. The longing for revenge and to be a great gladiator is scene in Maximus’ eyes as he plans his next strike. While in the holding area before the fight, we notice the dark and shaded lighting in the corridor. Ridley Scott uses this setting to display the warrior’s uneasiness and anticipation for this battle. Various chants are heard throughout the scene as well, as Maximus demands and shouts orders to his warriors. This is an excellent indication of how powerful and witty Maximus still was; as he led the team to victory.

These just being some of the many examples Ridley Scott uses to display the power and glory of Maximus; along with the emotion of wanting revenge as he anticipates the emperor’s assassination.

If anybody finds Gladiator for FREE (on the internet or anything) please post it.

J.Hunter- Gladiator Scene Analysis

The sacene I have chosen for this analysis comes in the beginning chapters of the film. The scene is when the Emperor Marcus Aurelius breaks the news to his son Commodus (Ceaser) of his decision of not choosing him as his successor to throne. The cinematogrophy in the scene is set to dark lighting, which in my opinion helps viewers to capture the dark emotions being portrayed. Scott does a good job in this scene capturing Commodus's non-verbal emotions towards his father with the news he was given; choosing Maximus instead of him.
Further aspects of mise-en-scene are also displayed in this scene all taking a part in capturing the deep emotions of the characters. Soft music, dark lighting, and the setting with the two characters in close quaters along with the close-up shots of Commodus's facial expressions. Deep breathing, and nervous sweats, showing his anger and dissappointment leading him to murder his father that to me lead to the themes being put into this partucular scene of jealousy, anger, and the pursuit of power by Commodus. To me as said before Scott's use of mise-en-scene in the scene is outstanding being able to brinng out so many feelings in such a short scene really describing a character bringing more understanding to the viewers.

Ivory House- Gladiator Scene Analysis

The movie overall was fantastic! The scene that I found interesting was the scene where Maximus and Commodus fought. This scene was very intense. I was literally sitting at the edge of my seat! In this scene the music, sand flying , and the sound of the swords hitting one another made the scene even more intense. Commodus stabbed Maximus before the fight so I thought that there may have been a chance that Maximus would lose the fight.

When Commodus dropped his sword during the fight and no one gave him their sword I knew it was over for him. Even though Maximus was wounded he was still stronger than ever. The shaking of the camera hightened the suspense. When the camera showed a close up of the knife moving closer to Commodus' neck I knew the fight was over. When the knife went into Commodus' neck and the camera showed a close up of his face a feeling of relief went through me. Maximus died, but he got his vengeance before his death.

PROMPT / SCENE ANALYSIS - GLADIATOR

Watch Gladiator from start to finish. (For those of you who have already seen it, or seen it 10 times, WATCH IT AGAIN.)

I recommend that you go back through your notes just before watching the movie. This will help you. You'll see more of what's going on in the scenes.

**Your assignment for this week:

Choose one scene from the movie to analyze. In your analysis, you need to describe the scene in some detail, tell us what is going on in terms of the plot, and detail what you see and hear as a viewer.

THEN, identify the tools Ridley Scott uses to tell this part of the story, develop character(s), reveal a particular theme, etc. REFER TO YOUR NOTES and use film terms specifically. You should do this even more effectively in this post than in last week's post. Those of you who were in class Thursday already have some practice with this.

Try to tie your scene to a particular theme or motif in the movie. (This may help you later when you're looking for a new paper topic for class.)

Grab a soda, a beer, pour a glass of wine,* order food, find someone who likes you enough to watch a 2 hour movie with you. It's a gorgeous flick, so try to enjoy it. Good luck.

* Er, if you're 21+, of course. :)

Kya Riley- Flim Analysis

This scene was comes off as a very important part of the movie. In this scene the Gladiator reviles who is to the empire by showing his face and telling his name. Also this scene shows how the crowed is infatuated with him. The scene is also intense part of the movie, you can tell by the expression on the characters faces. The director Ridley Scott shows this by using a close up shots on the actors faces so you can actually see intense. The music/sound also played a major part in the scene, without the music you wouldn’t get the effect of honor that the director was trying to give. Also the sound demanded you to pay attention to the scene. Without the setting and costumes you wouldn’t have the movie. Ridley Scott set the movie in 1400A.D during the gladiator time pired he use the coutums to put you back in that time pired.

Film Analysis by Aaryn Howard

In the scene, the director focused on the Gladiator meeting the emperor; who he sought out for in in the movie. the lighting of the scene was back lighting, partial, and high key lighting; capturing the long and close up shots. The costumes were authentic giving the characters in the scene a royal and warrior effect. The Gladiator used a stick from the ground as one of his props in this scene. The others had swords and helmets as their props. The music expressed in this scene wanted the audience to see the glorious moment for the Gladiator after his introduction to the emperor. The crowd's applause also shows their respect for the Gladiator in the scene.

Gladiator by Deangelo Toles

In the secene, the Gladiator was there to get his revenge on the emperor because they murdered his wife and child. The cinemaography was a long shot because you couldn't even see the crowd faces. As they were talkin' though, there were a few close-ups. Ridley Scott did a great job on picking the costumes for this movie. It really brought out the spark and showed us how Romans wore their clothing in their day.

Ridley Scott really uses mise-en-scene to show the development of the characters and give us the Roman lifestyle. In the scene, the sand blew giving a great affects to the scene & Maximus. It also showed how demanding and powerful Caesar was by him making Maximus take off his mask and letting himself be known.

The setting was taking place in a coliseum where all of the Roman fights were held at. Romans were known for the rough, bloody fights. After Caesar and his troops threw in the towel, Maximus and his troops left through the coliseum showing how packed the stadium really was in there. That's how all Roman fights were because they had nothing else better to do wit their lives. This scene brought out the Roman culture to show how they lived and did things around the empire.

Aaron Michael Milton-Gladiator

In viewing this scene from the well known film Gladiator, it is evident the many ways Ridley Scott uses mise-en-scene to develop the characters and grasp the everyday roman lifestyle. In this scene Scott dose well to develop the strong and powerful character of Cesar. There is a moment when Cesar raises his voice demanding Maximus to remove his mask. At this very instant a whirlwind of sand blows by the scene, adding dramatic affects to the character as a whole.

Ridley Scott also does a good job with using close ups and costumes, as found very evident in this scene. Maximus is fitted with a mask resembling some kind of fierce creature or alien. The various costume variations with the characters allows for a real experience of what the roman people might have worn during battle. The many close up shots used in this scene as well help heighten the experience or emotions the characters are undergoing; this being a good tactic for moving the theme along.

Knowing the roman lifestyle is to know the many bloody battles fought at the coliseum. This was a reality for much of roman culture and the coliseum was a place filled with spectators. Towards the end of the scene Scott utilizes pan when showing how packed the stadium really is. Once again displaying that well known roman culture.

J.Hunter- Gladiator Film Analysis

In this clip from the film Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott he uses a sort of second-century Roman Colosseum to take his viewers back to the Roman times of intense action and enthusiasim, although this particular scene is at a point of dialogue and seriousness captured with the cinematogrophy by close-up shots of the actors, capturing their facial expressions. Scott also makes the scene alive with the sound of the crowd yelling in the background and dramatic orchestrated music. The scene also gets viewers at the edge of their seats with the use of many weapons as props, hinting of action. My impression of the scene is that it feels very realistic. It really feels as if I were a spectator in the colosseum watching the confrontation between the two characters take place. My favorite thing about the scene is Scott's use of cinematogrophy, capturing every aspect of the scene from the main characters to the dirt and wind hitting the face of a spectator in the crowd.

Film Analysis: Jowin Okere

Ridley Scott conveys a moment of revelation in this scene. Every aspect of the set, props, and cinematography all came together to finally help convey a mood of urgency. The close-up shots on the dagger on the ground helped to convey his thoughts without words. The gladiator clenched the dagger at different grips as the man approached him which helped convey his anxiousness to take action. He was a bit unsure about whether he wanted to approach his act of revenge in a barbaric manner however. He then gets sarcastic as a form with the man when asked what his name was and in a serious tone says "Gladiator", only to reveal who he really was and why he came. The bloody, no holds barred nature of Roman culture was present in every way in this scene from the crowd's chaotic chants to the egos of the two main individuals of this scene.

In my opinion, the child that was with the man that came into the stadium was an essential part to the essence of this scene. He was present to tone down the "bigness" or barbaricness of the men. The innocence of the child and the close-ups on his facial expressions helped convey the second guessing that the gladiator went through when approaching the situation of taking revenge. The queen was also present for a similar reason just to show how the effect of the situation going on was not just a matter of egos colliding but something that affects people outside of the situation.

Film Analysis

In this film the director uses many of the terms that we talked about it class. The costumes helped us understand what they wore during that time period. The setting being a Colosseum also tied everything together to help us keep the time period in mind. Props that were used were the horses. Close up shots and music were used to put emphasis on the important and intense scenes. For instance when the gladiator removed his mask the camera got close on his face and music began to play. The more intense the scene got the sound volume increased, whether it was the music playing in the background or the crowd cheering.

Film Analysis:Quorneshia Milner

In this film clip of the Gladiator "My Name is Maximus Decimus Meridius" there are two main characters and they are Maximus which is played by Russell Crowe and the emperor which is played by Joaquin Phoenix. There are many parts in this clip that have close ups such as when Maximus kneeled down to the emperor omlny to get the spear beside him, when Maximus and the emperor were talking back and forth before he revealed whom he was and many more. The costumes, props, makeup, and the set all tied in together really well. The set was a colluseum with lots of onlookers, there were many props like horses, carriages, dead people body parts,and others they whole scene was really cool looking. Ridley Scott did a really good job directing this film.

In this scene the director used a late 1400A.D. set (arena style) it went well with the gladiator costuming. He used props like horses and Shields when the men where first interring the ring and i also seen armor and Sharpe spears. far as the makeup they really didn't seem to have much on at all. there was more than one actor but there seemed to be only one main character in this seen of the movie. the cinematography, was initially at a long shot, far way angle and eventually came to a closer view of the characters face. the lighting seemed like a natural lighting because they were outside. If i were not looking at the scene i think i would have imaged that same picture in my mind when i heard the sound of the men marching and the horse making noises. the sound of the crowd brought a strong presents as well they seemed to like the gladiator a lot it sounded like they were saying Life, life, life in this particular scene of the movie.
I think that the director was trying to show the presents of a very strong character. I have never seen the movie gladiator before so when i watched the clip from my prospective the character seen somewhat bold and a little cocky (like turning his back) the crowd seemed to really like this guy. I get the feeling.... that the emperor is probably not a good character he just seemed to give me negative undertones for some reason or the other. but overall i think i might rent the movie just from watching the clip.

Film By Karl McMichel

In the clip from Gladiator the director Ridley Scott used the set to its maximum potential. He also uses a lot of close up shots in order to let the viewers see the facial expression on the various actors faces. He then uses a long shot at the end to show effect of the crowd and include them in the scene. Both of these shots allowed you to focus on the principal actors of the movie. The best principal actor of this scene is Maximus Decimus played by Russell Crowe because he used his body language effectively express that he won’t back down from anything.
Music and sound was the most important part of this scene. In this case it set the tone throughout the whole scene. The louder the music got the more intense the scene became. The crowd noise also got louder and louder to lead to the climax when they are cheering at full capacity.

**SOME NOTES (To help you with your scene analysis)

Here are some notes highlighting some things we discussed in class today re: film analysis.

Use this as a guide to help you with your post.

(Of course, you won't necessarily elaborate on each of the elements of film listed here for you assignment, but use what you need to do a good job.)

***

2/16/10 NOTES

Intro to writing about FILM:

ELEMENTS OF FILM FOR ANALYSIS

Mise en scene

TRANSLATION: In film, this is everything that the director puts in the scene (e.g., Sets/Locations, Costumes, Makeup, Props, Actors).

Director:

Author/Narrator (Short story) = Director/(et al.) (Film)

What other work has the director done?

What other similar films can this be compared to?

How does the director tell this story?

Principle actors:

Portrayal of the characters

Qualities they bring to their performances

(Avoid talking about actors’ talent. Talk instead about the qualities certain actors

have and how these build (or don’t build) the character.)

Other Elements:

* Cinematography

* Editing

* Sound/Music

* CINEMATOGRAPHY

Long shot

Medium shot

Close-up shot

High/Low [camera] angles

Panning

Tracking

Canted frames

* LIGHTING

High Key / Low Key lighting

Backlighting (Silhouette)

* EDITING (Basic tool is The Shot, or the Take)

Long/Short Take (In film, a 3-minute take is actually a LONG take!)

Continuity Editing (This is commonly used in Hollywood as a means to focus on the story w/out cinematographic “distractions.” This has multiple rules and techniques. You can look into this.)

* MUSIC/SOUND

film analysis By Mekina Caldwell

The director's main focus, was to get the viewers to focus more on the costumes, that the character's were wearing. The costumes were suppose to be how the actual wardrobe looked in that time period. The director also wanted the audience to pay close atention to the facial expressions of the characters, because this was a very dramatic scene. he also wanted us to see the props that were used. during this scene, the music went along with what was happening. it went from suspenceful to victorous at the end. My interpretation, was the gladiator or whatever he was, faced a confrontation. But once the agitator found out what type of man he was dealing with, he didn't want to fight him, because he was too real for him. He had to give him the thumbs up, for being so courageous. How he said"I'm here to get revenge" I completly understood that. Once he saw how fierce he was, he had to leave him alone. That's my interpretation I hope you enjoyed.

Film analysis Mekina Caldwell

PROMPT / FILM ANALYSIS

Watch this clip from Gladiator. Write a 2-3 paragraph analysis of the clip in which you say what you think the director (Ridley Scott) is trying to show us in this scene (about the characters, the culture, and/or about certain overarching themes). Explain HOW he does this in terms of mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, and music/sound.

***

THINK:

As you watch this clip, consider your own impressions of the central characters and setting. Try to identify the cinematic tools that the director (Ridley Scott) uses to make us think and feel a certain way about the characters, place, and what is going on in this scene.

WRITE:

First, describe the scene. In your description, include the director's use of mise-en-scene (Set/Location, Costumes, Makeup, Props, Actors), cinematography (types of shots, camera angles, lighting), editing (the sequence of images we're shown), and music/sound (noises from the crowd, the sounds of marching, underscore, etc.).

Refer to your notes from class, and just do your best.

Then, describe your impressions and personal reactions to certain parts of the scene, or to the scene as a whole.