revised abstract

The movie industry has gained technology over time that has allowed them to incorporate more graphic scenes into movies.  This is especially evident throughout the production of the four movies we have watched up to this point; starting with Cabiria in 1914 and ending with Cleopatra in 1963.  The improvement in graphic scenes in the later films adds to the intensity of action scenes and helps to develop the plot more effectively.  There is evidence from all four of these movies to help prove this point.

            In Cabiria (1914) there is a larger lack of technology than in the other movies.  Obviously there is the absence of sound, however the lack is also apparent in the action scenes.  During the scene in which Maciste first saves Cabiria, he flees to the roof and throws one man that was pursuing him is a vat of fire.  The man stands up while on fire and begins to writhe around.  It is obvious that this man is pretending and ends up looking ridiculous.  As a result, the audience relaxes in a scene where they should be on the edge of their seat. 

            When comparing the two versions of Ben Hur, the 1959 remake is clearly the more graphic movie.  In scenes such as the naval battle with the barbarians and the chariot race between Judah and Messala, this definitely helps to improve the scene.  The slaves cannot escape while the Romans and barbarians are fighting because they are chained up.  Their savage deaths demonstrate the brutality of the Romans.  During the chariot race, the vicious injuries that occur build up the suspense of the scene and lead up the final crash when Messala is fatal injured.

            While examining Cleopatra (1963) there are a few instances in which the plot is developed.  First, is the scene in which Julius Caesar is assassinated.  It is the turning point in the movie and leads to Antony coming to power and shows Julius Caesar being stabbed by Brutus, the man who didn’t want to betray him in the first place.  Next is when Antony abandons his troops in the midst of battle to follow Cleopatra.  All of the dying, drowning men call out for their leaders help, but receive none.