Throughout time, there have been movies of all types that have become known as the best of their kind. In this paper, I will argue that Quo Vadis (1951) is one of the greatest spectacles of its kind because of its complex plot, exciting action, grandeur, detailed costuming, and spectacular acting.
The plot of the film is quite complex. There is the overarching romantic plot between Marcus Vinicius and Lygia, as well as a few subplots that round out the film while also remaining well connected. The subplot between Nero and Petronius adds a comical level to the film while the persecution against the Christians adds drama and action.
Action is another venue for a film to display its talents. Within Quo Vadis, the action is incredibly intense. In scenes such as those within the coliseum, the audience can’t help but watch as the Christians face a seesaw of death and life.
Within the film, the sets are immense. The triumph scene in particular is extraordinarily large. These scenes are shown through wide establishing shots that highlight the grandeur of the film.
The costuming within the film is magnificent for Lygia, Nero, and Marcus Vinicius. Their costumes are intricately detailed and brilliantly colored. The costuming, however, falls short when it comes to that of Poppaea and the soldiers. Though there may be shortcomings in these few areas, the costuming for the other characters compensates.
The acting within the film is amazing; the talents of Peter Ustinov (Nero) and Leo Genn (Petronius) are impeccable, especially in the ironic scene where Nero receives Petronius’ last words. The same cannot be said, however, for the unchanging face of Patricia Laffan (Poppaea). Her acting is monotonous and shallow. It seems as if her face is always plastered in the same expression. Nevertheless, the renderings of Nero and Petronius overshadow the less well-done portrayal of Poppaea.
The plot, action, grandeur, costuming, and acting all contribute to the marvelous spectacle that is Quo Vadis. And because of these, Quo Vadis can easily be argued as one of the best of its kind.
The plot of the film is quite complex. There is the overarching romantic plot between Marcus Vinicius and Lygia, as well as a few subplots that round out the film while also remaining well connected. The subplot between Nero and Petronius adds a comical level to the film while the persecution against the Christians adds drama and action.
Action is another venue for a film to display its talents. Within Quo Vadis, the action is incredibly intense. In scenes such as those within the coliseum, the audience can’t help but watch as the Christians face a seesaw of death and life.
Within the film, the sets are immense. The triumph scene in particular is extraordinarily large. These scenes are shown through wide establishing shots that highlight the grandeur of the film.
The costuming within the film is magnificent for Lygia, Nero, and Marcus Vinicius. Their costumes are intricately detailed and brilliantly colored. The costuming, however, falls short when it comes to that of Poppaea and the soldiers. Though there may be shortcomings in these few areas, the costuming for the other characters compensates.
The acting within the film is amazing; the talents of Peter Ustinov (Nero) and Leo Genn (Petronius) are impeccable, especially in the ironic scene where Nero receives Petronius’ last words. The same cannot be said, however, for the unchanging face of Patricia Laffan (Poppaea). Her acting is monotonous and shallow. It seems as if her face is always plastered in the same expression. Nevertheless, the renderings of Nero and Petronius overshadow the less well-done portrayal of Poppaea.
The plot, action, grandeur, costuming, and acting all contribute to the marvelous spectacle that is Quo Vadis. And because of these, Quo Vadis can easily be argued as one of the best of its kind.
I like how you added that the costumes do a big part in the over all scheme of the movie because they allow the audience to get a visual and it also helps them identify with the characters and their roles.
ReplyDeleteYour structure and organization is great. It is clear to see your thesis and your evidence for the arguments you present in it. I also liked how you added a counter argument with the terrible costuming of the soldiers.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Connor and Ian. The structure of your review is clear and functional. I hope the final paper will tell us _how_ the subplot(s) intersect with the main plot and why that is particularly good.
ReplyDeleteI also hope you'll give us some more detail about what makes the costumes magnificent: are they just expensive-looking, or do they help to reveal the nature of their wearer, underline certain themes of the movie, ...?
I'd only get rid of the very first sentence: it's too general (a typical "Since the Dawn of Time" beginning) and not at all needed. Remember, you are trying to write an opinion piece in which you are trying to tell us why you think "Quo Vadis" is well worth watching.