Kari’s Hum 210 Blog

 Jerry Bruckheimer

“After a quarter-century at the top of the business, Jerry Bruckheimer is the envy of almost every producer in town”(Galloway, 1).  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.  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” (JBFilms, 1).  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” (Anonymous, 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 are being penalized for every play they make even though there is not 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 moral 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”(Head, 1). 

“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”(Mc Donagh, 1).  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”(Head, 1).  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” (Galloway, 1).  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”(Pila, 1). 

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”(Leopold, 1).

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”(Unknown, 1). 

Works Cited

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

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

 
“Armageddon Plot.” http://www.jbfilms.com/ TM and Jerry Bruckheimer Inc. c 2005. 17

 
April 2006.  

 
Galloway, Stephen. “Jerry Bruckheimer, Producer.”

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/interviews/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2031154. 17 November 2003.  17 April 206. 
 
Head, Steve. “An Interview with Jerry Bruckheimer.” 

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

 
2006.  

 
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. 

 
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.

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

 
2003 National Board of Review. 17 April 2006.

 
Unknown. “Jerry Bruckheimer Quotes.”

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

 
c. 2006. 22 April 2006. 

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

I responded to Diane C., Sara P, and Nora M.

I received a few responses on my blog page all were nice compliments.  I think that most of us agreed that this unit was not our favorite but we did enjoy the overall concept of researching sequels. 

Report on Resource for Film Element

Western / Romantic Comedy

1.  Johnson, Bill. “The Art of the Romantic Comedy.”

http://www.storyispromise.com/wromance.htm. 18 April 2006. 

 
2.  http://www.taylor.edu/community/news/featuredArticles/loy_04-19-05.htm. 18 April

            2006. 

Report on Resource from Reading & Viewing

 
Based purely on my curiosity not on my enjoyment on the movie, I decided to research how much money Freddy vs. Jason has grossed since its production.  I must say that I was amazed how much money has been made on Freddy vs. Jason.  To date this film has earned $114,326,122 world wide, who would have known? (1)  I learned through research that Freddy vs. Jason was released nearly one year to the date of Alien vs. Predator and its budget was exactly half of AvP.  Alien vs. Predator was released August 13, 2004 with a budget of 60 million dollars whereas Freddy vs. Jason came out August 15, 2003 and held a 30 million dollar budget.  The two films go head to head with Freddy vs. Jason earning approximately 2.4million dollars more. (2)  “Despite this, both films “FvJ” and “AvP” manage to give their stars surprisingly good reasons to get involved with one another, and give us enough action the rest of the way to make the rides worthwhile.” (2)  One last interesting fact I found was the classification of each film.  FvJ was considered Horror Comedy and was rated R and AvP was Sci-Fi and pg-13. 
 
”Sequels have take over $20bn at the box office in the past quarter of a century. The highest grossing series of films is the Star Wars franchise, the five movies earning $1.4bn at the US box office and the sixth movie keenly awaited by exhibitors and the public alike in 2005.” (3).  Amazing isn’t it the human fascination of what will happen next is quite powerful.  The unknown factor is capable of drawing in an audience including those who might not even be a fan of that type of movie.  For instance, I am probably the only non-Star Wars fan in the world, but I was dragged to the theater to see the Attack of the Clones and I must say I liked it, but still have no interest in seeing any of the other films. 
 
 
1. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=freddyvsjason.htm

2. http://www.movieforums.com/reviews/303

3. http://www.mindbranch.com/products/R261-031.html

Response to Reading & Viewing

 
Ummmmm I had a hard time with this module.  I am definitely not a fan of horror of suspense films, I may sound a little ridiculous but I prefer to keep my mind free of violence, aliens and nightmare inducing monster figures.  The only positive thought that comes to mind is that both Alien vs. Predator and Freddy vs. Jason had great special effects.  A few years ago before Alien vs. Predator came out, I watched a how they did that type show on HBO.  I was really impressed with how detailed the facial movements of the creatures were.  They really knew what they were doing when they created the life like aliens.  As for Freddy and Jason, hopefully this film will be the last in their legacy, although I am impressed with the longevity of the films and the publics lasting interest in the storyline.  My favorite part of the reading came from the section on serials, series, sequels and remakes.  I found how the film industry breaks down movies into four categories interesting.  I did not realize how much films overlap each of the four categories for a “good” film.  The chapter was easy to understand because of all the examples given to illustrate a film series, trilogy, etc..  It is amazing how enthralled the general public is with horror and suspense films.  Even though each film uses the same outline with different actors and settings, the people continue to flock to the movie theaters.  For instance the film Halloween has been around for approximated three decades and it is still grossing money and the sequels continue to come to fruition.  Overall I liked the chapter but did not like the movies. 

Jerry Bruckheimer

http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0000988/

 
This web page gives a list of Jerry Bruckheimer’s film names and dates of production along with fun facts and details about the film.  A mini biography included date and place of birth is listed about Bruckheimer.  This site is a good starting place because of the film time line. 

 
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Insider/?cmsGuid=%7BCDE83132-DDF2-48F9-9DD7-AA5381BCC22F%7D

 
I found another mini biography on Bruckheimer at this website along with a listing of all of his television shows he produces. 

 
http://www.jbfilms.com/

 
I really liked this webpage, it give detailed information about each of Bruckheimer’s projects.  It even leads the researcher to future films that he will be producing.  The web page is broken down by film, television, community and future projects.  This is the web site I had found that made me want to  research Bruckheimer for this project. 

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

 
On this web page I found a fun, laid back interview of Jerry Bruckheimer.  His character came out in this interview, he was funny and appreciative of his success.  The interviewer was joking with him that his name is synonymous with success. 

 
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060116/glory_road_060116/20060116/

 
Bruckheimer comments on the film Glory Road and its tie to a true story.  Deemed the underdogs, a high school basketball coach leads his team the finals and the ultimate upset for the former champs.  According to Bruckheimer this film gives new light to the coach Don Haskins. 

 
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/interviews/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2031154
 
Another candid interview of Bruckheimer, although different from the other interview.  In this one, Bruckheimer tells the interviewer why and how he found producing.  He speaks briefly of his family and their support of his dream. 

 
http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/455/455046p1.html

 
This interview is interesting because Bruckheimer explains why he chooses certain films over other in the production world.  He speaks of Dangerous Minds and Remember the Titans when asked about his more “independent” films. 

http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/455/455046p1.html

 
On this website I found a variety of pictures of Bruckheimer on the read carpet as well as a list of awards he has won. 

 
 
http://www.worldscreen.com/JerryBruckheimer.php

 
This site is yet another interview of Bruckheimer but the questions stick mainly to his television productions. 

 
http://www.nbrmp.org/awards/JerryBruckheimer.cfm

 
This site was an article written about how Bruckheimer was going to receive the National Board of Review Producer’s Award in 2004. The site also mentioned Bruckheimer’s previous recognition for his films such as Black Hawk Down in 2001.

I posted comments on Rob O. Nora M. and Sarah P. web pages

I liked this module for the most part, I enjoyed waching Malcolm X, if found it very informative and well put together.  Then there was Sex, Lies and Video Tape, not so much…. I like the reading, it seems like the chapters are becoming more interesting, especially because they are giving more insight to specific actors.  I received a few comments on my blogs, each of which were complements, thanks!

I really enjoyed watching Malcolm X I found the movie to be educational in many ways.  I was unaware of Malcolm X and his legacy.  It seems as though he has inspired many people and was genuine in his prospect to change the world.  The film was contemporary but seemed to be based on facts.  I found Spike Lee’s work to be organized and well planned, I liked that he played a minor role in the film.  On the other hand Sex Lies and Video Tape was a little boring and too much like a home movie.  I did not like the context of the story, cheating husband and a semi-naive wife.  I think that the film could have been made more interesting and should of had more substance in the plot.  Although I did not enjoy I respect the concept, make the viewer feel as though they are sitting in the movie, what I mean is the film had a home grown feel to it, almost as though the scenes were happening in one’s own living room.  As for the readings, my favorite part was about the sundance film festival and the focus on the up and coming people in the industry.  I think that it is important to give credit to not only the veterans, but acknowledge the newbees. 

Steven Soderbergh has a bigger status and demand in the film industry than I had known.  Sex, Lies and Videotape was the first film he wrote and directed in 1989.  He received the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival for his hard work both writing and directing Sex, Lies and Videotape.  He is credited with launching the independent film boom of the 1990s(infoplease).  Soderbergh never attended college and had a number of random jobs that gave him zero sense of success.  Filming Sex, Lies and Videotape “catapulted him to fame and renewed hopes for the future of independent films in Hollywood”(infoplease).  Soderbergh knows the thrill of success and the agony of defeat.  After his Grammy Award, he found himself in a slump of great disappointment.  Getting back on track, Soderbergh directed Out of Sight with George Clooney and wrote a few screen plays such as Nightwatch with Ewan McGregor.  Soderbergh then produced Pleasantville starring Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire he received two Oscar nominations for his involvement in Erin Brockovich and Traffic.  Without much surprise, Soderbergh won the Oscar for Traffic, which then lead him to direct the triology Ocean’s Eleven.  One fact I learned about Steven Soderbergh is that he works as his own cinematographer, instead of listing his name in the credits, he uses the code name Peter Andrews.     

 
Steven Soderbergh. http://www.infoplease.com/ipea/A0775258.html. 8 April 2006.

“In its twenty-year history, Sundance Film Festival has helped usher a new and unconventional group of writers and directorys to the forefront of film making, and has acted as a catalyst for expanding the public’s appetite for films that are challenging both in format and subject matter”(De Silva).  Little did I know, Robert Redford is the sole man   behind the Sundance Film Festival.  I had no clue that he started this widely known and well-respected event held annually in Park City Utah.  The festival has been in existence since 1978 and moved to Park City in 1981.  Thousands of people descend upon Park City each year to learn, grow and view countless films by the future Hollywood stars.  Countless number of film actors, directors and producers catapult onto the Hollywood scene at the annual festival.  Steven Soderburgh for example premeired his first film Sex, Lies and Videotape at the festival.  Now days the film festival has grown from retrospective films and seminars to include a wide variety of films such as international, contemporary and independent.  The festival currently hosts 125 films each year that are shown in their entirety, approximately 90 minutes in length.  Many of the films shown are documentary in style and have included films such as Jennifer Aniston’s The Good Girl.  “In its twenty-year history, Sundance Film Festival has helped usher a new and unconventional group of writers and directors to the forefront of film making, and has acted as a catalyst for expanding the public’s appetite for films that are challenging both in format and subject matter”(De Silva)
 
De Silva, Johan. “2004 Sundance Film Festival: The Premier Showcase of U.S. AND

INTERNATIONAL Independent Film.”  http://www.futuremovies.co.uk/filmmaking.asp?ID=64.  8 April 2006.