Kari’s Hum 210 Blog

Report on Reading and Viewing

Module 5

 
I viewed The Patriot featuring Mel Gibson for this assignment.  The film was made in 2000 and features the American Revolution.  Gibson stars as Benjamin Martin a retired war hero, simple man, widow and father of seven children.  The film was highly emotional and active engaged the viewer throughout the entire length of the film.  Gibson as well as Heath Ledger were the perfect actors for the film.  Their ability to fuse together as a unit made the on screen relationship as father and son realistic.  Both of the actors were passionate and made it easy for the viewer to relate to each character.  The costumes, set and makeup appeared to be appropriate to the time in which the movie took place.  The way in which the director captured each frame was unique.  I like how he would focus on the face of the actor, specifically during an intense scene.  He made the viewer feel like they were on the battlefield.  Some of the shots were incredibly up close, so close that beads of sweat were seen on the face of the actor.  Overall I enjoyed the film, all of the important elements from directing, casting, and set were well planned and executed.  My favorite part of the film was the feel for family; it was obvious that family and freedom are two elements of life worth fighting for.

 
 I found this chapter in the text the best of all that I have read.  I was able to read and not become bored or lost.  I liked how so many different names of actors were mentioned.  The chapter was wide spread and held a ton of information.  I found the fact that many actors are able to command their pay and profit from their staring roles interesting.  I chose Mel Gibson as the actor whom I wanted to watch on of his films.  I have seen What Women Want, but I had no idea that he was the director and producer.  I had no idea that so many actors were profiting past their salary for films.  For instance Michelle Pfiffer buying the rights to The Deep End of the Ocean.  Another example I learned was Tom Hanks and his involvement in That Thing You Do; I did not know that he was the writer, director and producer of this film.  The portion of the chapter I found most enjoyable was the From Small to Big Screen.  I found George Clooney the perfect example to demonstrate the rise to stardom.  I remember watching him on ER and all of a sudden he was tearing up the big screen.  Once again I am amazed at the ins and outs of the film industry.  As I continue on in the class I learn new facts and see movies in a different light.