Homework for "Citizen Kane"

After viewing the film and hearing some of the commentary by Roger Ebert, what do you remember the best (and what is most important for you about the film?). Does it deserve its status as one of the greatest films of all time? Would you recommend it to a friend? Why or why not?

The Wizard of Oz

"The Wizart of OZ" fills such a large space in our imagination" as Ebert said in his review. I agree with what Ebert view point. I was attracted to Dorothy’s character, played by Judy Garland. I could not stand to see it again and again at home. Dorothy hits tornado and see some person, animal, and furniture is flying in the sky. Then the house flies in the sky, too. She drops into the wonderful OZ. She meets a number of strange characters, for instance, Scarecrow, Tin man, Cowardly Lion, the Good Witch of the North, The Wicked Witch of the West, and Professor Marvel.

At first, she meet a Scarecrow without the brain. She meets a Tin man without the heart and a Cowardly Lion without courage. How can you image the big Cowardly Lion without courage? Moreover, A kind girl Dorothy helps Scarecrow, Tin man, and Cowardly Lion, to find their shortages, such as the brain, the heart, and courage.

In the begin, Dorothy felt timid, curiosity and longing. In the end, she full of joyful and confident because her the best friends, Scarecrow, Tin man, and Cowardly Lion  overcome his weakness. Ultimately, Dorothy lay on bed and see every person in her dream. Is it a real journey or a strange dream? “The Wizard of Oz” furnishes “a large space in our imagination” for kids and adults.

“The Wizard of Oz”

“The Wizard of Oz” is thought of as a children’s film. “A wonderful surface of comedy and music, special effects and excitement…” as Ebert said in his review. He also indicated: “As adults, we love it….” I agree with Ebert’s view point. “The Wizard of Oz” is not only for children, but also for adults. Undoubtedly, many of us have similar experiences from our childhood. Sometimes we wanted to run far away from home, especially when we felt our thoughts were not accepted by adults. In this film, Dorothy's Aunt tells her to "…find yourself a place where you won't get into any trouble". In the same situation we might have the same idea as Dorothy, to run away from home, protect her pet Toto, and to find "'someplace where there isn't any trouble”. But when Dorothy left her family after a tornado, her only wish was “go home”. Her journey to get back home is an adventure that she takes with her new companions, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. In spite of many unexpected challenges on the way, they sing and dance forward to achieve their goals. These scenes “remind us of a journey we have taken.”

Moreover, the film’s famous song, "Over the Rainbow", was sung for adults rather than children. The song was sung by actress Judy Garland, and was used in the film when “Dorothy experienced an unpleasant incident involving her dog”. The song goes: “…Someday I'll wish upon a star…..Where troubles melt like lemon drops…”. No wonder Ebert said “Judy Garland had, I gather, an unhappy childhood” and “When she hoped that troubles would melt like lemon drops, you believed she had troubles.” Therefore, as a parent of two sons, I prefer this movie just as Ebert told us: “That is why any adult in control of a child is sooner or later going to suggest a viewing of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Responding to Roger Ebert and "The Wizard of Oz"

Read Roger Ebert’s review of “The Wizard of Oz” and respond to one or two things he says about the film. Be specific when you mention Ebert’s ideas and agree or disagree (say why you do) with him. Write your answer in a paragraph and post it to the blog before coming to class next week.

Wizard of Oz

Wizard of Oz

It is so amazing! The movie “Wizard of Oz” made me very similar. It seemed talking about a beautiful dream which happened in every little girl’s childhood-- she played with her pet normally. Incidentally, she left her family relations with threats. On the rough road she tried to back home, she met series happening. A strawman, a tinman, a lion, they were all huge and strong than the girl, but they had been getting friendly caring from the little girl with her pure insides. Then they would like to be governed under her and did their best to protect her as if she were their princess. Certainly, there was a ugly witch who was jealous against the little girl and tried all ways to kill her, robbing the girl’s magic slippers. Justices eventually defeated evils. Whole world supported the girl no matter in the past or nowadays! Unbelievably, in that old days, with poor technics the narrator could film a girl’s fairylike dream with fantastic scenes. Perfect color matching. Dreamful scenery. Vivid dialogue of personification. I love this story which reminded me somewhat.

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The Great Dictator

The Great Dictator is a great film of Charlie Chaplin. The 1940 American satirical political comedy-drama film starring, written, produced, scored, and directed by Charlie. He is an incredible talent genius in this field. Wearing a tight dress, over sized trousers and shoes, holding a walking stick, along with his typical bowler hat and mustache, Chaplin successfully created a unique image in his movies that is remembered by his audiences. “Chaplin” stands for humor, satire, and comedy.

In The Great Dictator, Chaplin used lots of strategies to create ridiculous effects. The clumsy soldier makes many mistakes that cause lots of funny combat scenes during the battle. The marching of the soldier with the enemy and the reversed flying of the airplane interested us for they do not make sense. Some scenes are surreal, such as the auto turning bullet of the canon, and the status of Venus and Rodin’s The Thinker raising its arm to show respect to Hynkel. Another interesting scene is when Chaplin shaves a customer to Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 5. His actions which matched the musical rhythm are incredible.

Chaplin making us laugh on the screen is not just for entertainment. He may be attempting to have us think deeply with his artistic combination of comic effects and serious issues. An example of this is when he makes a long final speech in this film: “…We are coming into a new world, a kinder world, where men will rise above their hate, their greed and brutality…” Even though seventy years have past, the speech of Fight for Liberty is still powerful to me.

The Great Dictator

My heart filled up with complex feelings: sweetness, delight, pride, and emotion after I saw the movie, “The Great Dictator”.  The fake dictator’s speech was full of wise and powerful words.  Every word aroused the soldiers and everyone else. Those words encouraged the soldiers and the people to unite together and pursue freedom and democracy for their country. Those words also won over the dictator's lover’s heart.

 Greed is the biggest enemy of humanity. It urges a great leader to pursue his desires and power so that he eventually loses his humanity and gentle nature. Dictators strive to gain more power to rule the whole world. The dictator played with the balloon globe in the hands, however, the globe burst. This symbolised that his hope would be shattered.

I love the music at the barber shop when barber shaves the customer’s beard along to the music of Brahms' Hungarian Rhapsody No. 5. His shaving actions matched the music very well. It was pretty interesting and funny. I prefer the music at the end. I feel that is full of joy, peace, and hope, especially with Hannah’s sad, but smiling face. That scene deeply touched my heart. This humour comedy is like the brilliant sun to arouse glory of humanity.

Responding to "The Great Dictator"

Write a paragraph or two that discusses your personal reaction to seeing Charlie Chaplin’s film, "The Great Dictator." Please post your response as a comment and bring a copy to class next week for us to discuss together.