Kari’s Hum 210 Blog

End of Course Paper

 
I truly enjoyed this class because it gave me the opportunity to look inside the film industry.  I have learned many things, especially all of the extra hard work and determination that filming entails.  Without this class understanding the diligence of the film industry and its evolution would never be known.  I had no idea how long ago filming began and who was involved.  The way in which filming techniques has changed the film industry is one element I am grateful for.  Just imagine if technology had not advanced itself, we would still be watching flat-filmed movies without dimension.  Thankfully the Hollywood film industry is constantly changing, never ceasing to try new things.  I have a whole new perspective and respect for the industry.  I am only an average moviegoer and now I understand and the ins and outs of the industry.  For instance I learned about the involvement of big named actors and their ties to producing films.  I saw Mission Impossible III last night and can understand why Tom Cruise wants and extra piece of the profit.  The film was amazing, this comment coming from someone who has not seen the first two films.  The high energy kept me on the edge of my seat.  The film had many elements that kept the audience engaged and captivated.  It was obvious that not one penny was spared in the production of the film.  From blowing up expensive cars to sneaking out of this world advanced spy technology this film is definitely a blockbuster hit.  On a funny note I had heard the Cruise’s main squeeze during MI: 3 would have an uncanny resemblance to his real life love Katie Holmes, the rumor was true. 

 
Another film element I learned the importance of is that the director, actors and producers must work in unity in order to make a film a huge success.  An example of such teamwork could be Pirates of the Caribbean.  Without big name actors to draw a wide audience variety and without the imagination of the director and the producer the film would not be the success it is today.  There is much to be said about imagination in the film industry, without it all movies would be the same.  I find it interesting that one man could take a Disney Land ride make a movie based on the inspiration and create a HUGE success in film.  My favorite part of watching movies is to learn where the idea for the film came from.  I find how so many people take old films and make them new again interesting.  Building off the imagination in the film industry, how is it that one person can take an old movie, mix it with their imagination and create big success in the end?  An example would be films like The Longest Yard, Adam Sandler gets his hand on an old film remakes it and here come the millions. 

 
I think that the biggest change to the film industry is the bigger the better theory.  It seems as though older films have more texture and meaning to the film.  Nowadays, if a film has a big name and explosives or something radical happening, the movie is considered a success.  This is one element I wish would change.  I think that slowly but surely films will begin to carry more substance once again.  In another one of my classes, we had to watch a few “Classic” films.  Fiddler on the Roof was one of the films.  This movie was made in 1970 and would be considered a classic musical.  I consider this film to have substance because it took certain issues and showed how a specific community handled the challenges.  There was definite substance to the film yet it was still highly entertaining without having to blow things up. 

 
Overall, I truly found this class interesting and believe that my knowledge is found in my discussions posted on the blog.  I feel as thought I tried to research things that I found interesting and that people might not know about the industry.  I always liked to research how much money was involved in a film’s production versus how much it grossed.  Along that same note, I liked to compare how much the actor made from salary and if eligible off the entire profit of the film.  I think there is always room for improvement and believe that I could put more effort into researching a wider variety of facts other than the money, which I find interesting.  As for where I will use the information I have acquired by this course, it is hard to say.  I think I could use my new information anywhere possibly in my daily conversation or in my future classes.   

Jerry Bruckheimer

 
“After a quarter-century at the top of the business, Jerry Bruckheimer is the envy of almost every producer in town”(3).  Jerry Bruckheimer was born September 21, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan to his German born immigrant parents who met in the U.S. in the 1920’s.  Mr. and Mrs. Bruckheimer were simple people and earned their monies as a salesman and a bookkeeper.  Jerry Bruckheimer spent his entire childhood in Detroit before heading off to college at seventeen.  Bruckheimer attended the University of Arizona and there he majored in psychology and minored in algebra.  Bruckheimer’s passion for film began as a youth; around the time he first began attending matinees.  Despite Bruckheimer’s intensity for film, he was unsure he would ever make waves in the industry.  Shortly after finishing college, Bruckheimer moved to New York and worked as an ad executive.  While working on a Pepsi-Cola commercial, the director solicited Bruckheimer for his new project, catapulting a new career in films.  In 1972 The Culpepper Cattle Company was born, this was the first film in which Bruckheimer had professional ties.  Shortly after the film, Bruckheimer became a friend of film industry legend Don Simpson.  Bruckheimer met Simpson in 1973 at a film screening for The Harder They Come; however, the two did not actually build a relationship until 1975.  Bruckheimer was recently divorced at this point in time and became Simpson’s roommate.  Eventually the two became business partners in 1983 and produced their first blockbuster, Flashdance for Paramount Pictures.  Eventually Bruckheimer left Paramount to join Disney Pictures, which allowed him free reign of his creativity.  The blockbuster hits have not stopped, nor do they show any signs of slowing down.  Year after year, Bruckheimer continues to produce films as well as television shows that boast popularity and success.  Mind blowing special effects, stunts and charismatic actors is what make Bruckheimer’s work stand above the rest.  His film portfolio is as wide as it is long, never ceasing to create the best work of motion picture art. 

I had a difficult time choosing which films to watch for this project, at the same time I was surprised to learn how many of my favorite films were tied to Jerry Bruckheimer.  For the sake of the assignment, I viewed Armageddon (1998) Remember the Titans (2000) and National Treasure (2004).  Armageddon featured a star-studded cast of Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Billy Bob Thorton and Liv Tyler.  “An asteroid the size of Texas is heading directly toward Earth at 22,000 mph.  NASA’s executive director, Dan Truman (BILLY BOB THORNTON), has only one option ­ to send up a crew to destroy the asteroid.  He enlists the help of Harry S. Stamper (BRUCE WILLIS) ­ the world’s foremost deep core oil driller ­ and Stamper’s roughneck team of drillers to land on the asteroid, drill into its surface, and drop a nuclear device into the core.  On this heroic journey, they face the most physically and emotionally challenging conditions ever encountered…to save the world and prevent ARMAGEDDON” (2).  I found this film amazing; each film element that I find important was included in Armageddon.  Suspense, love, action and desire for improving mankind were involved.  The cast was perfect; each actor suited the role in which they played.  The special effects were performed to the viewer’s expectations and appeared highly realistic. 

“In the early 1970s, two schools in Alexandria Virginia integrate forming T.C. Williams High School. The Caucasian head coach of the Titans is replaced by an African American coach from North Carolina. Tensions arise when players of different races are forced together on the same football team. Many of these tensions are eased during the two-week training camp in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. When players returned to Alexandria the players found the city in turmoil due to the forced desegregation of the high school. As the season progresses the team’s success caused the community to accept the changes. After the Titans’ perfect season, the team and the city were closer than ever” (1).  I found Remember the Titans an emotional film, which caused the viewer to question basic human rights.  There were a few moments in the film that it was easy to be angry at how one person would treat another.  My favorite part of the film was when the Titans played their arch enemy for a state playoff position.  During this intense game, the Titans were penalized for every play they made without just cause.  Coach Yost finally calls out the referee and tells the team to make history, stating that this will be the day that the town will never forget the Titans.  I liked this scene because Coach Yost took a bad situation, turned morality around and good conquered evil, the Titans were victorious.  In an interview, Jerry Bruckheimer spoke of why he chose to make Remember the Titans, “We made Remember the Titans about these two coaches who changed perceptions of racism in their community and should be remembered. I like to make pictures about people who make a difference”(4). 
“As an impressionable child, Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) learned from his grandfather (Christopher Plummer) their family’s unique and thrilling history. Six generations earlier, in 1832, stable boy Thomas Gates (Jason Earles) was entrusted with the cryptic words “The truth lies with Charlotte” by the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence”(6).  As an adult, Gates begins to seek out the “The truth lies with Charlotte” mystery.  Although Gates father believes that the entire family history is nothing but a story, he soon finds himself entwined in his son’s mess.  Gates decides to steal the Declaration of Independence and seek out the truth to his family’s legacy.  Eventually the truth is uncovered and Gates does find the treasure left by Templar Knights.  The conclusion of the film is open ended and I recently learned of a sequel, currently under production.  I enjoyed National Treasure because it combined a little bit of history, even if the point of view was skewed in with suspense.  But most of all, I like that the film evoked an imagination for the audience, providing a little time to escape into a child-like world of mystery. 

“The Bruckheimer logo encompasses more than rocket-launching mayhem. “What I hope the brand will signify is good entertainment,” says Bruckheimer, “whether it’s a car chase or whether it’s a hard-hitting story about a true individual”(4).  Bruckheimer has a wide variety of films in his resume; he does not follow one format and therefore is not a stereotype.  During and interview in 2003, Bruckheimer was asked what he looked for in a movie, his answer was simple. . . . “Something I want to go and see. It’s that simple. Everything I do is like that — I have a very broad range of movies I like. I just want it to be entertaining. I want you to like the characters. I want to take you on a ride, have strong themes — just like any good novel” (3).  Jerry Bruckheimer has a unique way of mise-en-scene, “putting on stage.”  The audience becomes involved in the film, viewing it from the perspective of actually being in the movie.    I feel as though a great amount of effort and consideration are put first in the production of each Bruckheimer’s films.  For example each hit on the football field in Titans was real and convincing, almost as though the viewer is on the field.  Every scene has wonderful lighting and is shot from at an angle that engages the audience.  This is the main reason why I think Bruckheimer has been incredibly successful.  He has mastered the art of involving the audience and stimulating their imagination, encouraging them to think outside of the box.  The editing in Bruckheimer films appears to be flawless, each scene is stitched exactly on the seam of the next, and I never felt like a scene was left unfinished.  In many movies it is easy to see where one scene was filmed and then edited, combining it with a reshot scene, I did not notice this flaw in any of the three films I viewed.  Moving on to sound, once again Bruckheimer has mastered this all-important trait in filmmaking.  I did not see Armageddon in the movie theater, but I could only imagine how powerful the film was in surround sound.  I find music and sound effects very important in the connection for the film viewer.  Bruckheimer is able to make a connection between sound and film.  Music selection for National Treasure was upbeat and would become faster during the chase scenes.  Due to the timing of the music growing faster, the overall momentum of the viewer increase, stimulating and adrenaline like response.    

I noticed that Bruckheimer has many return actors in his films.  For example Tom Cruise filmed Top Gun and Days of Thunder, whereas Ben Affleck has stared in Armageddon and Pearl Harbor.  A few other actors who have starred in more than one Bruckheimer film are Will Smith, Josh Harnett and Martin Lawrence.  Nicholas Cage is one actor who has returned to star in many Bruckheimer films including Con Air, Gone in Sixty Seconds, The Rock and National Treasure.  The fact that many big name actors take part in many Bruckheimer films speaks volumes of his ability, passion, vision and success.  “From American Gigolo, Flashdance, Dangerous Minds, and The Rock, to Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, Remember the Titans, and Pirates of the Caribbean, Bruckheimer is one of the most innovative producers of the last twenty years. With a knack for entertaining audiences, Bruckheimer’s passionate storytelling truly has the midas touch with his films earning worldwide revenues of over $13.5 billion in box office, video and recording receipts”(7). 

Many of Bruckheimer’s films revolve around suspense, action, love and improving mankind.  His ability to combine two different types of movies and find success is remarkable.  For example Armageddon, the basic plot is about and asteroid that will destroy the earth.  Mixed in to the tragedy is a love story between Grace and AJ with the ending resulting in the ultimate sacrifice, a father’s love for his daughter.  Not many people are capable of producing a film that can encompass two completely different styles of film.  I noticed that Bruckheimer has a genuine goal in film producing; he wants to make movies that will benefit the world around the viewer.  Bruckheimer has said, “I always like telling stories that are about individuals that changed things for the better”(5).

Jerry Bruckheimer has had an amazing career, he has learned from experience, been honored by many and chooses to create the best film to his ability.  He is important to the film industry because of his passion to create and show the audience the inner being of the film industry.  Bruckheimer shows the best of the movies through his creativity and willingness to step outside of the basic Hollywood template.  By putting great thought in each film he produces the audience reaps the benefits of his imagination.  Jerry Bruckheimer has said, you can’t do anything halfway, you’ve got to go all the way in anything you do”(8). 

Works Cited

 
1.  Anonymous, “Remember the Titans.” http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0210945/ Internet

 
Movie Database Inc. c. 1996-2006. 22 April 2006. 

 
2.  “Armageddon Plot.” http://www.jbfilms.com/ TM and Jerry Bruckheimer Inc. c 2005.

 
17 April 2006.  

 
3.  Galloway, Stephen. “Jerry Bruckheimer, Producer.”

 
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/interviews/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2031154.

 
17 November 2003.  17 April 206. 
 
4.  Head, Steve. “An Interview with Jerry Bruckheimer.” 

 
http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/455/455046p1.html. 15 October 2003. 17 April

 
2006.  

 
5.  Leopold, Todd. “Bruckheimer: The Brand Name in Movies.”

 
http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/11/jerry.bruckheimer/.

 
12 January 2006. 17 April 2006. 

 
6.  Mc Donagh, Maitland. “Review for National Treasure.”

 
http://online.tvguide.com/newsearch/detail.aspx?id=45716&sourcetype=m&progseriesparentid=0&tvobjectid=137675&keyword=&more=ucmoviereview. 17 April 2006.

 
7.  Pila, Megan.http://www.nbrmp.org/awards/JerryBruckheimer.cfm. 4 November 2004.

 
c. 2003 National Board of Review. 17 April 2006.

 
8.  Unknown. “Jerry Bruckheimer Quotes.”

 
http://204.202.3.19/quotes/authors/j/jerry_bruckheimer.html. Brainy Media

 
c. 2006. 22 April 2006. 

 
9.  http://www.jbfilms.com TM and Jerry Bruckheimer Inc. c. 2005. 17 April 2006.

I replied to Rob O. Nora M. and Sara P.

I really liked this module, the film and the reading coincide perfectly, which made the reading easy to relatable.  I loved the movie, it is incredibly creative, action packed and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.  I am a big fan of Pirates and cannot wait for the sequel this summer. 

Resource Found from Film/Reading

 
I furled a web page from yahoo that gave a synopsis on Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.  Basically Captain Jack finds out that he owes Davey Jones a blood debt and finds himself in another sticky situation.  I was surprised to find out that Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner are planning to marry in the sequel, but the summary says that Captain Jack’s problems will probably impose upon their pending nuptials.  I watched a preview to Dead Man’s Chest on this web page.  I cannot wait for the film to be released.  The preview was thrilling and has me wondering what Captain Jack is going to do in order to save himself from Davey Jones.  The special effects shown in the trailer looked amazing, once again I found myself impressed with the imagination and creativity of those involved in the Pirates trilogy.  The second installment of Pirates hits theaters July 7^th 2006 and to no surprise, the film was shot in the Caribbean Islands. 

 
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808556813/details

 
The next page I visited and furled was on the Disney Web site. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride made its debut December 15, 1989.   “First the attraction inspired the movie — now the movie is inspiring the attraction!”(1)  The most popular ride at Disney Land is currently closed but will reopen Surprise! July 7, 2006 the same day that the sequel hits the movie theaters.  The web page shows moving clips of the ride and it appears as though the creators of the film Pirates did their best to make the film look just like the ride.  I furled a second site that gave more information and details related to Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.  “This movie, being a Disney-produced summer action/adventure blockbuster, is not surprisingly full of colorful visuals, amazing special effects, and plenty of silly fun for the whole family”(2)  This web blog gives nothing but rave reviews of the film and delves deep into the detail of the film.  At the end of the article, the author mentions word of a sequel,(this is an older article) and states that originally Pirates was going to be a solo film and based on its popularity, it became a trilogy. 

 
 
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=PiratesoftheCaribbeanAttractionPage&bhcp=1. 30 April 2003.

 
McEwan, John R. “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.” The Republican. C 2004.

http://www.filmquipsonline.com/piratesofthecaribbean1-curse.html. 30 April 2006.

Report on Reading and Viewing

Module 9

 
I love Pirates of the Caribbean!  The first time I saw it was in the movie theater on its opening night.  I enjoyed the film then just as much as I did watching it at home.  I think the special effects are phenomenal and the casting is perfect.  Everything on the set from the costumes to the make-up keep the audience captivated.  Outside of the acting, the music selection highlights the best parts of the film.  Johnny Depp I one of my favorite actors and he plays the role of Captain Jack Sparrow to a “T.”  I also like how there is an underlying love story that develops throughout the film.  Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer did a wonderful job creating and producing this film.  I appreciate the imagination that went into this film.  I am excited that Pirates is going to be a trilogy.  I have discovered that the second in the series is finished filming and the cast is currently working on the third installment.  Overall I found this film fun and exciting and was once again captivated by the “big screen.” 

 
I liked the chapter, yet not as much as the movie.  It was interesting to read about theme parks and their ability to inspire the masterminds behind movie production.  For instance, Pirates of the Caribbean has been a popular adventure ride at Disney Land for a long time running.  I was amazed at the cost of theme parks 2 billion each to build and keep in business.  Once again Waterworld was used to show that not all popular rides at theme parks make it on the big screen.  With a budget of 200million, Waterworld’s net gross was 255 million leaving the film labeled as a huge disappointment.  I liked how the book finished with this topic, the future.  Even though it is an open wide topic, it made a lot of sense to leave the book open ended because the film industry is always evolving. 

I commented on Sara P., Rob O. and Nora M. for module 8

I liked this module, even though I am not a Star Wars fan.  I found the reading enlightening and interesting.  I never knew the depth of special effects in the film industry.

Report on Reading and Viewing

 
 
 
Even though I am not a fan of Star Wars or anything futuristic, I have to give props to George Lucas and his ability to mastermind the Star Wars legacy.  Attack of the Clones was interesting, I actually saw it in the theater.  My family had a guest in town and we all went to see the film because he was a BIG fan of Star Wars.  The audience was crazy, people were yelling and clapping, genuinely excited to be at the movies.  I had never attended a movie with such a crowd.   There is no doubt that Star Wars is the ultimate film for special effects.  Everything seemed so precise and as realistic as it could be for fiction.  I loved the way the audience received this film, which helped me keep interest.  I like the concept that the films are backwards and each one builds of the previous yet sets the audience up for the next.  The costumes were spectacular and the make-up matched.  I liked Natalie Portman’s character as the Queen the best and enjoyed Ewan McGregor’s ability to protect her.  I think the clone thing is a little weird, but considering the context of the film, the imagination was definitely in overdrive.  I applaud George Lucas for his creativity and passion behind the Star Wars as well as his other films, he seems to always put his best foot forward no matter the cost.  The reading was good and I thought Star Wars was the perfect film to watch to grasp the importance concept of special effects.  I specifically enjoyed the mini history lesson on special effects and when the concept was born.  It is easy to forget the past when the future is capable of outshining where we came from.  I cannot believe how advanced we have become, to think of what the generation after this will come up with is unbelievable. 

I furled a web page that was similar to a history lesson on special effects.  The web page expanded beyond the text to what many believe was the beginning of special effects.  Back in the 1700’s magicians were the first entertainers to use special effects for their magic show.  The film industry began to dabble with special effects around 1895.  Although the effect was nothing like today, for the time frame the people marveled in the effects of lanterns and mirrors.  “The greatest changes in the revolution of Special Effects happened in the 20th century, with computers.  Computers helped revolutionized the world of Special Effects in movies” (Utminer, 1).  I liked the website because it broke down each era of the special effect in films.  It is obvious that with advancements in technology, special effects in films will only become better.     

 
 “The History of Special Effects.” http://utminers.utep.edu/lacarrera/history.htm. 23 April 2006. 

Report on Resource from Viewing

 
I furled an interesting web page by yahoo that gave statistical information about Star Wars II Attack of the Clones.  I learned that $310,675,583 has been made in the U.S. alone for box office sales.  20th Century Fox released the film May 16, 2002 and filming took place in several different countries.  The countries involved in the filming were Sydney and New South Wales, Australia, Tunisia, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. 

On this same web page I found cast biographies and pictures taken on set both while filming and relaxing.  Each biography includes the actor or directors previous work, nominations and rewards received.  I like that the biographies offer the reader a sneak peak into the cast’s private life before the became big Hollywood actors.  Lastly, the web surfer is able to post their opinions of the film and other thoughts and comments. 

 
 
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800421139/details