The Crank series [Crank (2006) and Crank High Voltage (2009)] epitomizes the objectification of women as the main character played by Jason Statham is fighting just to survive in a world of hostility. In the newest movie, Crank High Voltage, Statham finds himself in the most unfortunate situation: without a heart. Following the movie's ridiculous plot line, Statham desperately searches for his heart while using a battery pack attached to his body to temporarily keep him alive.
At the start of his journey, Statham inadvertently saves a hooker from a cruel pimp. He takes her by the hand and forces her to walk him to the place where they have his heart. As she points him to what appears to be a stripper bar, Statham immediately abandons her. To her disgust, she yells back but he of course gives no answer. Inside, Statham finds his girlfriend, played by Amy Smart, who he hasn't seen or bother to call for days on the table dancing. He angrily pulls her off, while making sure to knock out her upset pimp in the process.
A few scenes ahead, Statham finds himself needing a "friction boost" to save his battery powered heart. Unable to find his girlfriend, he uses an old lady for electric current by rubbing his body all over her. Startled by this, Statham's girlfriend comes into the scene confused as ever. Ignoring her questions, Statham simply stops using the old lady and starts using his girlfriend. What begins as a public display of "spooning" leads to actual sex in the middle of a public place. While you can't blame the actual character, for desperately trying to stay alive, this movie's director, Mark Neveldine, takes the objectification of women to an almost comical level.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
V for Vendetta
V for Vendetta epitomizes Karl Marx's theory on the corruption of power due to money, which inevitably (in the case of the film, that is) causes the proletarian to rise up in rebellion. Director James McTeigue revolved his film around actor Hugo Weaving's character, V, leader of the rebellion whose goal is to end the corruption by taking physical action against England's leaders. In addition, Natalie Portman plays a woman who although is upset with England's corrupt government, is unaware of how to take action until she meets V.
Despite this movie being in the future, McTeigue uses many historical references throughout the film. As an example, the 1812th overture is played as Parliament is set to explode with an absurd amount of dynamite. This musical piece was written to commemorate Russia's defense against Napoleon's advancing army in 1812. Sympathizing with the common man, the proletarian is rising up in defense just as Russia did to prevent further corrupted control by "Napoleon's force," which in this case is England's Parliament.
In the ending scene, everyone is wearing V's mask and black apparel as their hero, V, is sent with the dynamite towards Parliament. With everyone dressed the same, mankind is viewed in this moment as completely equal with no diversity whatsoever. The proletarian's main goal of rebellion overrides all petty differences in thought and physical appearance that they may have with each other. Karl Marx would have probably seen this movie more than once.
[Blog 7]
Despite this movie being in the future, McTeigue uses many historical references throughout the film. As an example, the 1812th overture is played as Parliament is set to explode with an absurd amount of dynamite. This musical piece was written to commemorate Russia's defense against Napoleon's advancing army in 1812. Sympathizing with the common man, the proletarian is rising up in defense just as Russia did to prevent further corrupted control by "Napoleon's force," which in this case is England's Parliament.
In the ending scene, everyone is wearing V's mask and black apparel as their hero, V, is sent with the dynamite towards Parliament. With everyone dressed the same, mankind is viewed in this moment as completely equal with no diversity whatsoever. The proletarian's main goal of rebellion overrides all petty differences in thought and physical appearance that they may have with each other. Karl Marx would have probably seen this movie more than once.
[Blog 7]
Monday, November 2, 2009
White Privilege
Before I even read these articles, I already knew the positions in which the authors would take. I do agree that whites, including myself, have had it easier than minorities. However, the stances they take in my opinion are obtuse and over the top. Perhaps I am approaching this too blatantly, but if our class was assigned readings with opinions on both ends of the spectrum, my conclusions on the matter would be less arbitrarily decided. Seeing refreshing new viewpoints, whether it be from the college student from UT that Robert Jensen argues with, or someone with more prestige, gives us an abundance of intellectual resources in which we can compare and find the best solutions to our social problems.
As I have already stated, I admit there is an unearned white privilege. Many of the white advantages Peggy McIntosh and Robert Jensen list are true. Yet, what I don't understand is why the solution has to come in the form of affirmative action and criticism of SAT scores. Affirmative action promotes racism because it IS being discriminate; forcing people to see that blacks are "weaker" than whites so they must be compensated just like the elderly is compensated with Medicare. Interested by Jensen's comment that the SAT is still written for whites, I dug up some articles online. I found that in the 2009 scores, Asians have outscored the Whites in the Writing Section, which ironically has been stereotyped as their weakness. While many Asian families endorse rigorous study habits in their children, I think it is safe to say that it is possible to do well on the SAT with the proper study habits regardless of color. Thus, it is important to take preparation and education quality into consideration when looking at the test's average, which applies to every ethnicity. Eliminating racism is not an easy task, but we must be sure not to inadvertently promote it in the process.
As I have already stated, I admit there is an unearned white privilege. Many of the white advantages Peggy McIntosh and Robert Jensen list are true. Yet, what I don't understand is why the solution has to come in the form of affirmative action and criticism of SAT scores. Affirmative action promotes racism because it IS being discriminate; forcing people to see that blacks are "weaker" than whites so they must be compensated just like the elderly is compensated with Medicare. Interested by Jensen's comment that the SAT is still written for whites, I dug up some articles online. I found that in the 2009 scores, Asians have outscored the Whites in the Writing Section, which ironically has been stereotyped as their weakness. While many Asian families endorse rigorous study habits in their children, I think it is safe to say that it is possible to do well on the SAT with the proper study habits regardless of color. Thus, it is important to take preparation and education quality into consideration when looking at the test's average, which applies to every ethnicity. Eliminating racism is not an easy task, but we must be sure not to inadvertently promote it in the process.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The Patriot
The Patriot (2000) presents a dramatic representation of the American revolution. Actor Mel Gibson, who plays Benjamin Martin, leads the American militia in response to King Henry (of England)'s tyranny. While this film emphasizes genuine patriotic ideals, there is also a side story of racism told. Actor Jay Arlen Jones plays a slave named Occam who is forced to join the American Militia because of his master. Director Roland Emmerich portrays this in an unfair manner as Occam's master is afraid and unwilling to join the militia himself. He gives him over as he tells Gibson's character, "You can have my Negro."
Throughout the militia's conquest, there is a transition in the relationship between Occam and his fellow militia men. At the beginning, they see him as less than human, almost a nuisance really. Actor Donal Logue's character even criticizes Occam's benefits by exclaiming, "I can't believe this. First they're gonna' pay 'em, and now they're gonna' free 'em! What are you gonna' do with freedom?" This last question is an accurate portrayal of how those in favor of slavery viewed their position: keeping the blacks as slaves allows them to have a place in society, without it, chaos will occur.
As time moves on however, Occam bonds with the militia and even stays after he is officially set free. This selfless act gains the respect of even Donal Logue's character, who expresses his gratitude by saying he is honored by Occam's presence. My one criticism of this movie's depiction of racism, however, is that at the end Occam is shown free and happy - helping rebuild Mel Gibson's character's house along with the rest of the militia. However, in reality, Occam will have to continue to fight many battles of another kind after the war is over.
[Blog 5]
Throughout the militia's conquest, there is a transition in the relationship between Occam and his fellow militia men. At the beginning, they see him as less than human, almost a nuisance really. Actor Donal Logue's character even criticizes Occam's benefits by exclaiming, "I can't believe this. First they're gonna' pay 'em, and now they're gonna' free 'em! What are you gonna' do with freedom?" This last question is an accurate portrayal of how those in favor of slavery viewed their position: keeping the blacks as slaves allows them to have a place in society, without it, chaos will occur.
As time moves on however, Occam bonds with the militia and even stays after he is officially set free. This selfless act gains the respect of even Donal Logue's character, who expresses his gratitude by saying he is honored by Occam's presence. My one criticism of this movie's depiction of racism, however, is that at the end Occam is shown free and happy - helping rebuild Mel Gibson's character's house along with the rest of the militia. However, in reality, Occam will have to continue to fight many battles of another kind after the war is over.
[Blog 5]
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Mulan
Standing out as the exception, Disney's Mulan (1998) attempts to break free from its stereotypical role of women. On the surface, it seems Disney finally let a woman take charge, however, under a thicker lens, the issue is more complex. The main character, Mulan, impersonates a Chinese soldier by creating a masculine facade. Despite her being a woman, it is not until she becomes a "man" that she is able to fight for her family's honor. Things really get interesting, however, when her fellow soldiers find out she is a woman.
After the Chinese army abandons her upon this realization, Mulan attempts to pursue her task of protecting China from the Huns by herself. In the ending climactic scenes, Disney blatantly makes fun of the stereotypical Chinese woman, as the "Be A Man" song is played while Chinese soldiers dress up like Geishas and distract the Huns' attention. Although Mulan does in fact save the emperor and the land of China from the Huns as a woman (weapon of choice: Chinese fan), she is put back in her place at home. Welcoming her back are her father and mother, who are glad she is back and will most likely make sure she never leaves especially to impersonate a Chinese soldier. Additionally, the captain of the Chinese army enters, who is probably going to marry her - symbolizing a submission of Mulan's power to this man. All Disney really did is put an ironic, comedic spin on their stereotypical woman, ending it similarly to Snow White (1937) or Beauty and the Beast (1991).
[Blog 2 replacement]
After the Chinese army abandons her upon this realization, Mulan attempts to pursue her task of protecting China from the Huns by herself. In the ending climactic scenes, Disney blatantly makes fun of the stereotypical Chinese woman, as the "Be A Man" song is played while Chinese soldiers dress up like Geishas and distract the Huns' attention. Although Mulan does in fact save the emperor and the land of China from the Huns as a woman (weapon of choice: Chinese fan), she is put back in her place at home. Welcoming her back are her father and mother, who are glad she is back and will most likely make sure she never leaves especially to impersonate a Chinese soldier. Additionally, the captain of the Chinese army enters, who is probably going to marry her - symbolizing a submission of Mulan's power to this man. All Disney really did is put an ironic, comedic spin on their stereotypical woman, ending it similarly to Snow White (1937) or Beauty and the Beast (1991).
[Blog 2 replacement]
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight (2008), sequel to Batman Begins (2005), can be considered a post-noir film. While this movie shares its similarities with noir films, it also brings new elements to the table. The most apparent comparison would be the dim lighting technique, made famous by the noir films. Agreeing with its title, the Dark Knight uses the dim lighting technique as a primary foundation while filming the actors in the appropriate setting.
Digging below surface level similarities, one will begin to find several uses of brutality, criminal acts, and sexuality. These subjects which were once considered taboo, were beginning to become more exposed within the realm of noir films. However, as time furthers on, what was previously thought to be radical in the noir films would be minimal compared to what is shown in the Dark Knight. While sexuality in the Dark Knight may consist of merely innuendos, the excessive violence and crimes make what is shown in noir films mere child's play. While having to respect the noir films for their influential ideology in the role of film making, its predecessor, Dark Knight, takes it to a whole new level with its villain, the Joker played by Heath Ledger.
Unlike the static, undeveloped antagonists in the past, the director made sure that the Joker set a new bar in character development. In the Dark Knight, the Joker's rotten nature is revealed in refreshingly new ways, such as in his clever plot to let his accomplices' greed get themselves killed while robbing the bank as well as playing off a police officer's emotions in jail to escape. This uniquely constructed character is so overwhelming that is it thought to be linked to Heath Ledger's death.
Digging below surface level similarities, one will begin to find several uses of brutality, criminal acts, and sexuality. These subjects which were once considered taboo, were beginning to become more exposed within the realm of noir films. However, as time furthers on, what was previously thought to be radical in the noir films would be minimal compared to what is shown in the Dark Knight. While sexuality in the Dark Knight may consist of merely innuendos, the excessive violence and crimes make what is shown in noir films mere child's play. While having to respect the noir films for their influential ideology in the role of film making, its predecessor, Dark Knight, takes it to a whole new level with its villain, the Joker played by Heath Ledger.
Unlike the static, undeveloped antagonists in the past, the director made sure that the Joker set a new bar in character development. In the Dark Knight, the Joker's rotten nature is revealed in refreshingly new ways, such as in his clever plot to let his accomplices' greed get themselves killed while robbing the bank as well as playing off a police officer's emotions in jail to escape. This uniquely constructed character is so overwhelming that is it thought to be linked to Heath Ledger's death.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Jackass
The Jackass series is the ultimate collection of stunts people would find funny to downright hysterical, but would never dare attempt them in real life. From skateboarding down a bowling lane to riding an explosive rocket, Johnny Knoxville and his gang to it all. Because the restrictive lines of movie censorship have grown thin over the years, Jackass is able to use this to its advantage and gets away with just about anything.
Although the majority of the movies provide its audiences with physical stunts that usually involve the cast with bruises and scars, occasionally they will play off other social norms. For instance, Johnny Knoxville dresses up as a senior citizen and pretends to share his alcohol and cigarette to his "grandson" while using foul language in public. The majority of the humor is not derived from the actual acts but in the reactions of the nearby people who state their mind at what seems like an atrociously irresponsible grandfather.
Playing on social norms is nto a new concept; it can be rewound all the way back to Allen Funt's Candid Camera (1948) and beyond. However, what may have seemed despicable in the 1940's, generates not only laughs but also large amounts of revenue in today's society. Thus, the Jackass crew makes a strong effort to see how far they can go, similarly to Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat and Bruno. And, while there may be organizations that are overtly against these films, as the Catholic League of Decency was in the past, the economics of the issue is not in their favor. While the saying, "money makes the world go round"may sound like a cliche', it still holds true today. Although, the Catholic League of Decency would probably prefer the saying, "money is the root of all evil."
Although the majority of the movies provide its audiences with physical stunts that usually involve the cast with bruises and scars, occasionally they will play off other social norms. For instance, Johnny Knoxville dresses up as a senior citizen and pretends to share his alcohol and cigarette to his "grandson" while using foul language in public. The majority of the humor is not derived from the actual acts but in the reactions of the nearby people who state their mind at what seems like an atrociously irresponsible grandfather.
Playing on social norms is nto a new concept; it can be rewound all the way back to Allen Funt's Candid Camera (1948) and beyond. However, what may have seemed despicable in the 1940's, generates not only laughs but also large amounts of revenue in today's society. Thus, the Jackass crew makes a strong effort to see how far they can go, similarly to Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat and Bruno. And, while there may be organizations that are overtly against these films, as the Catholic League of Decency was in the past, the economics of the issue is not in their favor. While the saying, "money makes the world go round"may sound like a cliche', it still holds true today. Although, the Catholic League of Decency would probably prefer the saying, "money is the root of all evil."
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Refusing to fit the mold
No Country for Old Men attempts to defy the stereotype by ultimately letting the "bad guy" win. The author cleverly uses unfortunate events of an "innocent" cowboy, Lewlyn Moss played by Josh Brolin to form his representation of language. This movie would derive a constructionist viewpoint, seeing as the author clearly intended to defy the norm, by letting the bad guy essentially win. While seeing the protagonist lie dead on the ground, the audience is forced to form their own conclusions.
Previous to watching the movie, I had painted a conceptual map in my head. It stated that the good guys win, usually get the girl, and the bad guy is left defeated. However, Lewlyn Moss constantly argues with his wife, Carla Jean Moss played by Kelly Macdonald. The author is content in revealing humanity in people's marriages. Worn thin from stress, Lewlyn Moss leaves his house to go back to an old pick up truck, where he had found a wounded man earlier. This causes him to go on a tedious chase with the villain, Anton Chigurh played by Javier Bardem.
The irony in Lewlyn Moss's death, is that it was not some epic firefight that ended with dramatic music. In fact, the movie doesn't even have music, which defies yet another norm in movie productions. But focusing in on Lewlyn's death, the author does not even show you a fight between him and the villain. Only Lewlyn's cold, lifeless body is revealed lying on the floor the next day found by the sheriff played by Tommy Lee Jones. This movie completely crashed my conceptual map I had put together in my mind, ending with me attempting to pick up its pieces.
Previous to watching the movie, I had painted a conceptual map in my head. It stated that the good guys win, usually get the girl, and the bad guy is left defeated. However, Lewlyn Moss constantly argues with his wife, Carla Jean Moss played by Kelly Macdonald. The author is content in revealing humanity in people's marriages. Worn thin from stress, Lewlyn Moss leaves his house to go back to an old pick up truck, where he had found a wounded man earlier. This causes him to go on a tedious chase with the villain, Anton Chigurh played by Javier Bardem.
The irony in Lewlyn Moss's death, is that it was not some epic firefight that ended with dramatic music. In fact, the movie doesn't even have music, which defies yet another norm in movie productions. But focusing in on Lewlyn's death, the author does not even show you a fight between him and the villain. Only Lewlyn's cold, lifeless body is revealed lying on the floor the next day found by the sheriff played by Tommy Lee Jones. This movie completely crashed my conceptual map I had put together in my mind, ending with me attempting to pick up its pieces.
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