Disreputable Heroes

"The beast then made its way to Marathon where Theseus sacrificed it"
This is why people call comic books our modern day mythology.  Small little connections in stories like this show that these myths are part of universe building.
And while we are talking about comics, let's address how, like the Greek, we venerate people who do horrible things as heroes in our tradition.  The first person that comes to mind is the Punisher.
I was tempted to use the picture from the swimsuit edition.
This guy kills anyone who could be considered at all bad, and does so viciously.  However the marvel universe clearly shows that nobody really agrees with or likes Frank here.  So lets try a more reputable group, like the avengers.

The Scarlet Witch is a former terrorist who later attempted to kill her closest friends and managed to destroy the Avengers.

Hawkeye divorced his wife because she "killed" her immortal rapist.

The Vision tried to take over the world and the internet.

Thor I guess invaded a country.  That's kind of uncool.

Hank Pym (Ant-Man) beat his wife, betrayed the Avengers, is blonde, and made a robot responsible for the death of the entire population of a fictional country about the size of Lithuania.

Iron man has done way too much awful stuff.  There's no point in really going over it all so I'll just summarize that he is an arrogant, manipulative, and controlling gentleman.

Web Site Design

For your final project, please select a film you really like and about which you would like to create a website.

Preferably this film should be one from among those we have seen or will still watch in our Colloquium, and also one that you did not review for your second paper.

By Tuesday, you should have some idea which features of the film you would like to address on your webpage. These could be features that you find particularly memorable or worth discussing in more detail, for example,
• the plot (how the plot relates to other toga movies, what's original about it),
• the acting,
• the costumes (how costumes support the film's message, characterization of roles, etc.)
• set (maybe in terms of the way it is used to convey the movie's themes),
• cinematography and editing (could talk, e.g., about the use of slow-motion in "Gladiator"),
• sound effects
• music
• leitmotifs or themes, recurrent imagery, etc., etc.

There are many ways to create a website for free and without too much technical knowledge.
If you have a Mac, you could try out your iWeb software.
PC Users may have something similar, or you could use, for example, WiX:
http://www.wix.com/?utm_campaign=vir_wixad_live&experiment_id=abtestbanner49310001.

See you on Tuesday!

Gladiator Screen Shot

Commodus is talking to his father about how he has been trying so hard to be loved and accepted as his son. The camera is at eye-level with Commodus as this is kind of an over the shoulder shot from Marcus Aurilius' point of view. This emphasizes Marcus' weakness as he grows old, foreshadowing his death by the hands of his own son. Further the statue of Marcus behind Commodus further reveals the change of plans about to happen, as Marcus will only be a memory of the past as Commodus will become front and center as the new Caesar. The statue could also represent the pressure from his father to be a great person, like a heavy burden on his shoulder, but in the end all he can do is kill his father to match the statue behind him, motionless, and cold as stone.

Gladiator screen shot

This is an interesting screen shot from Gladiator. It is in the beginning of the movie, when the audience is introduced to Russell Crowe's character. This movie uses many medium and close up shots like this one. Here we see Maximus taking up the majority of the shot, with two lines of soldiers that create an angle behind him. Almost all of the soldiers are looking at him, which puts the attention on Maximus and tells the audience that his character is respected by his men, which is very important to the plot. Although he is facing the audience, Maximus also is showing his back to all the soldiers which shows trust. The colors used in this shot are very dull, which compares to later gladiatorial scenes where brighter colors are used. The color scheme of this scene reminds me of different parts of the movie, for example, the aerial shots of Rome also uses these soft grays, and the shot where Maximus returns home after his family has been murdered and runs his hand through a field of wheat.

Gladiator Final Scene Analysis

Source: http://3rdreel.blogspot.com/2010/04/gladiator-14528.html 

There is a lot going on in this scene, all of which contributes to the overall picture and the message that it implies, a message of loss and distress that still has underlying feelings of hope.  To begin with, Maximus is located dead center of the frame which shows how important he is to the scene and how his death and his struggles in life will live on for years to come. This fact is even more obvious because of all the people surrounding him who have just witnessed what he has done.  The number of black-clad soldiers in the foreground alludes to the black and dark present that Rome is experiencing, but behind them is the Senate dressed in white robes, which alludes to the bright future that Rome has now that Commodus is gone.  Another visual that drives home the evil of the present and the recent past is the red flower petals scattered on the ground, petals that look suspiciously like pools of blood.  To top it all off, we see Commodus's sister running toward the fallen Maximus, dressed in yellows and golds, looking suspiciously like the sun that will burn away the dark clouds or like the light that Maximus is nearing.

Gladiator screen cap

In this screen cap we have an establishing shot of Rome.  We are behind the main senators and overlooking the army and the return of Commodus, the newly made emperor.  The main point of the scene is the arch in the far back which is barely seen.  The armies are standing on both sides of a walkway of sorts further drawing the viewers eyes to the middle of the scene.  This is similar from the movie Triumph of the Will where at a funeral for a general a similar scene occurs.  It is virtually identical in the army standing on both sides creating a walkway for three people Hitler and his generals.  This means that Gladiator most likely took from this scene to make connections between Commodus and Hitler and portray Commodus as a clear villain within the movie.  Also notice how the colors of the scene are dark as it is possibly a dark day.  The only real bright colors that are shown are the senators in white possibly referring to them as the heroes of Rome or they are pure and uncorrupted like Commodus is.

Gladiator Screenshot Analysis

This screenshot of Gladiator is taken when the crowd and the emperor are waiting for Maximus to kill Tigris. He is in the center of the shot from the waist up, letting the audience see him contemplate his decision, holding the ax up in suspended motion, which contributes to the scene's feeling of tense anticipation. The angle is slightly low so that the audience looks up at Maximus, contrasting Commodus's previous scene where he is at eye level, implying that Maximus is more powerful than the emperor at the moment. Fractured sunlight, which usually indicates Jesus in religious art and cinema, is shining down on him; as Jesus was known for his mercy, it foreshadows Maximus sparing Tigris's life and his eventual title as "Savior of Rome". His armor is black, subverting the usual "black is evil" meaning, and is more elaborate than his provincial armor, representing how he's regained his rank of "general" among the gladiators, in keeping with their loyalty towards him.  

Gladiator Screenshot Analysis

This screenshot depicts Commodus and Maximus in the arena after Maximus has revealed himself to the emperor. Commodus is dressed in armor but in a very royal fashion, representing his high status. His color scheme is predominantly black, representative of the evil role he plays. Maximus wears the light armor of the gladiators and is not returning the gaze of Commodus. Neither of the two are in the center of the shot; rather, this spot is taken by one of Commodus' guards and his shield with the emblem on full display. Maximus is so close to the emperor that given the right moment he could easily strike. The centered guard, however, reminds us that Commodus is not entirely vulnerable in this moment and that any action Maximus might attempt would receive swift retribution. 

Gladiator Scene

This is the final fight scene between Maximus and Commodus. The shot is from a bird's eye view looking down but it could also be the view from some of the spectators in the stands. Although the center of the scene isn't any of the main characters, the audience's eyes are drawn to Commodus and Maximus. In this scene the costumes are important. Commodus is dressed in white to symbolize how "good" he is and Maximus is dressed in black to symbolize "evil". This is ironic because Maximus is the protagonist and Commodus is the antagonist. This scene is before the fight has even started and Commodus's body posture is standing tall and giving off the impression of confidence. Where as Maximus's body posture is more slumped and "defeated" looking (probably because he was stabbed just before) even though he ends up winning the fight.

Gladiator Screenshot

This scene occurs just after Maximus' first victory in the Coliseum.  He plans to kill the emperor once they are face to face, however Lucius acts as a shield in this instance.  Maximus has met Lucius and does not want to put him in danger.  If Maximus had attacked in this instance, Marcus Arellius' last wishes would not have been fulfilled.  Had he killed the emperor in this scene then Rome would have not had the chance to admire Maximus and support him, essentially making him more powerful than the emperor of Rome.  Lucius being used as a shield is a minor act, but makes a huge impact on how the rest of the movie develops.

Scene Analysis: Gladiator

   
     This scene from the film Gladiator encases the most famous line of the movie: "Are you not entertained?" It is a medium shot of Maximus after his first solo gladiatorial fight. The shot is at eye level with Maximus dead center.  The scene conveys the power and strength he holds in his central positioning as well as his outstretched arms. The fact that his body takes up the majority of the room in the shot also underscores this idea. He is in typical gladiatorial slave garb with his leather armor and simple tunic underneath, which convey his new status. Maximus' body language and facial expression communicate his anger and frustration, as everything he cared for has been taken from him and now his noble profession is turned into a side show. This scene captures much of the emotional torture going on within Maximus and reveals a lot about his strong character.

Gladiator Scene

This scene is during the first gladiatorial battle after he is captured. He teams up with another slave and they begin to work together to avoid their deaths. Russell Crowe's face in this scene shows determination, courage, and hidden anger deep down. His stance also indicates that he is in defensive mode and is ready to attack. His partner has a more frightened look, as he is backed up more behind Crowe and has a scrunched up face. This also puts Crowe in a dominate position, as he is in the front of the two.

Gladiator Scene Analysis

This is a scene that is a reoccurring day dream/ dream for Maximus. This is his home and he dreams about touching his crops and seeing his family once again after being away from them for over 2 years while fighting for Rome. He again sees this at the end of the movie when he is dying because this is his heaven and his paradise. This scene can be interpreted as just a simple wide over the shoulder shot of him standing at home in his fields enjoying the view but I believe it means so much more. He is in utter bliss by the simplicity of touching his crops and the emptiness and stillness the farm provides. This is a break from the chaos and brutality of war. He dreams of this and that is why the scene has a distinct hue in order for the audience to differentiate this dream image from the original scenes of the movie. He is still in his army attire because it shows that he is dreaming and he is actually still on the battlefield but he is imagining himself there and that is why he is wearing armor instead of farmers clothing.

Gladiator Screenshot

In this scene we have an over the shoulder shot.  We see Maximus who looks out across this field.  The scene plays up this field and road, suggesting there is somewhere to go.  The road suggests there is somewhere Maximus must travel. He touches the wheat, which represents what he has grown, perhaps the fields of his homeland.  This scene is also vaguely blue, signifying its otherworldly/illusionary role as part of Maximus's dying visions.  Far in the background are his wife and son, who he dreamed of seeing again.  Indeed, this scene represents him having finally returned to the home he has always wanted to. 

Revised Abstract: "Quo Vadis" Review

Thesis: Quo Vadis is a good movie in terms of its visual symbolism which connects several underlying themes of the film. 

First Body Paragraph: Nazi Imagery/Parallels

1. The Praetorian Guard wear black robes and have a salute that is reminiscent of the Gestapo
2. The Triumph
   a. has all the spectacle of a Nuremburg rally
   b. When Nero views the Triumph the scene is framed like photos of Hitler viewing his armies
   c. The common people have for Nero the same hero worship the Germans had for Hitler after he came into power
        i. "We worship you"
       ii. Woman holding up baby to see the emperor
3. Nero burning Rome = Hitler burning down the Reichstag and blaming the Communists to increase Nazi party's popularity
4. The persecution of the Christians and their eventual death in the arena parallels the Holocaust
   a. Poppaea's bull is black, representing both the Romans and the Nazis; his death foreshadows that of both Nero and Poppaea

2nd Body Paragraph: Cinematography

1. Nero
   a. Close up of Nero playing the lyre while Rome burns has Satanic imagery
        i. Framed by glowing red flame, the gold wreath he wears due to the shot’s angle looks pointed, giving an impression of horns
   b. Nero’s final scenes are framed in shadow, suggesting his morality
        i. When he runs into the palace his wreath falls off his head but he does not retrieve it
       ii. His death is similar to that of Hitler, who committed suicide as the Allies overran Berlin
2. Scene Transitions
   a. Scene of Marcus complaining about how he was unable to charm Lygia --> Lygia asking God for forgiveness for being “tempted” by Marcus
   b. Peter speaking to the Christian meeting about his time with Jesus, which is transposed with visuals of that particular event, including one modelled after Jesus’s Last Supper

3rd Body Paragraph: Characters

1.  Lygia embodies Christian values and usually wears pink and blue and wears lavender in the arena
   a. Pink: traditional color for femininity and also stands for romance
   b. Blue: stands for loyalty
       i. Gold stars on her dress possible reference to the stars Jews wore in Nazi Germany
   c. Lavender: evokes nostalgic/romantic feelings, possibly chosen by Poppaea to mock her
   d. is compassionate and tries to get Marcus to understand her faith 
2. Marcus stands for the Roman empire but is dressed as an ordinary soldier, not the Praetorian Guard, indicating there is more to his character, and wears a red cloak
   a. Red: associated with war, desire, and love
   b. starts out as someone who is not the least bit sympathetic
       i. believes the conquest is the only way to attain peace, doesn't believe in freeing slaves, and "compares taming a woman to taming a horse" (Hollywood's Ancient Worlds)
      ii. Over time becomes humanized as he starts to care about more than just Lygia's looks
3. Nero is often shown in purple and wears a black robe when presenting Neropolis
   a. Purple: stands for royalty
   b. Black: traditional color denoting evil and death
4. Petronius, who is opposed to Nero’s plan, wears the traditional white robes of a senator
   a. White: indicates purity and goodness, relating to Petronius’s undying love for Rome
        i. There is also red on his robes, which is a common color motif for the Romans
   b. Petronius also stands out as one of the few Romans not portrayed as solely evil; his flaws don’t overshadow his positive attributes
       i. Petronius begins, like Marcus, as your average Roman with no regard for human life and is callous in his treatment of Eunice
      ii. However, also like Marcus, Eunice's love starts to humanize him, and with that humanization his love for Rome is also brought to the forefront

Conclusion: The visual symbolism of Quo Vadis elevates the movie to a struggle between the forces of good and evil, with the forces of good triumphant.

Second Paper Abstract

Spartacus is one of the best movies of its kind because of the dynamic story, brilliant acting, exquisite film techniques, and historical knowledge. There is a simple and powerful main story that has many side plots to it. The main story being the struggle of Spartacus and the various side stories deal mainly with the politics of Rome. By having more than one major plot line the audience is given a deeper story and relationship with all of the characters. The actors make the movie powerful, funny, and engaging. This makes the movie serious and emotional yet at times funny. There are scenes that make us laugh, like scenes with Gracchus, and scenes that are more serious, like the burying of a child. The movie also makes strong statements about the role of women and the business of slavery. The movie uses many different shot angles and widths to capture everything from simple conversations to grand battles. The movie also uses editing techniques to do this as well. There are various cuts of close ups to full shots to birds eye angles in the final battle. The film, in comparison to some of the other movies we have watched, is fairly historical. The film accurately depicts roman legions and their battle formations. It also shows realistic gladiator training. All great movies, however, have their faults. Spartacus could use more action, as there is only one major battle shown. The scenery could use some work. There are scenes where the audience can easily tell that the actors are on some set and not in the middle of a forest. Rome itself looks meek by comparison to other toga movies, the buildings are small and there is no grand forum that we are used to seeing in big toga movies. Despite these setbacks, Spartacus is an excellent movie that everyone needs to see twice.

What Makes a Character a Good Character? Quo Vadis Review

There are many different criteria that are used to judge a film only one of which is the accuracy and believability if the characters.  Although the characters are not always considered the most important, often considered lesser than costumes and sets, they are what let the audience truly understand the message of the film.  I will argue that Quo Vardis is one of the best films of its kind due to its portrayal of its complex and differing cast of characters.  Characters that are highlighted through: genuine audience connection, character development, and the humanistic portrayal of characters seen in the film. 

One of the highlights of Quo Vadis is the depth of the connection we, the audience, feel to the storyline and to the suffering of the characters.  The audience is fully invested with the protagonists, so much so that there is genuine emotion expressed when a character is in trouble or in danger. To us, the audience, Marcus and Lygia are as real as we are and we cringe at the horrors they experience.  This genuine connection is due to the fact that Marcus and Lygia operate as people not as characters.  They are not perfect and they don’t always make the right decisions, thus we are able to see some of our selves in all of the characters. 

Another vital part of the characters is the fact that they do not start out perfect.  They change and grow throughout the film.  That way we see them earn their happy ending as opposed to them being granted one.   

The humanistic portrayal of the characters influences many areas of the production including the acting.  In Quo Vadis the stilted manner of acting seen in silent movies is almost completely gone.  What remains is acting that we can connect with and characters that are human to us not alien. 

Although many characters are well crafted that is not to say they all are for instance Poppea is far less than human.  She in fact does seem alien and strange to us.  After all not every character can be well portrayed otherwise who would we have to compare the well crafted to?