Gran Torino Review Film Studies Essay

Gran Torino Review Film Studies Essay Gran Torino, directed by Clint Eastwood, is a very moving and captivating drama. Its a simple story about tolerance and cultural differences, but also one of hope, self-sacrifice, and unlikely friendships. A former auto worker at Ford, Walt Kowalski has just had to put his longtime wife to rest when the story opens. From his scowl, it looks as if he would like to join her. Instead he sits on his front porch chugging can after can of cheap beer in the company of his yellow Labrador, Daisy, while watching the world at a safe distance with a squint and a stream of bitter commentary. The remaining members of his family, including two sons with big houses, big cars, big waistlines, have no choice but to let him stew alone. Gran Torino tackles racism head on. Although the main character Walt Kowalski, played by Clint Eastwood, is prejudiced against almost everyone, the film focuses on an Asian neighborhood, uncovering racism and violence. The neighborhood has gone down hill since it has become immigrant-dominated. The house next door is now owned by a Hmong family, a widespread South-east Asian minority, and Walt does not trouble to distinguish them from the Koreans he fought in the 1950s. Throughout the film, we learn Walt had to kill many Koreans as part as his duty as a soldier during that period of time. The film takes a twist when the bitter old war veterans life takes an unexpected turn after Thao, a shy, teenage boy who lives next door to Walt is bullied by his thuggish cousin and no-good buddies into joining their gang. His initiation test is to bust into Walts garage and steal his treasured 1972 Gran Torino. Sure enough, Thao does as the others ask. While trying to steal the Gran Torino Thao tr iggers Walts halogen security lights and Walt comes out running with an assault rifle. Little do Walt and Thao know, their meeting will change both their lives forever. Thaos family, led by his mouthy, friendly sister, Sue forces the teenager to do pay his dues from trying to steal Walts car by working for Walt, an arrangement that pleases neither the Walt nor the Thao. As the story unfolds and the gang members return and Walt reaches for his gun, the film moves from comedy into drama, and then tragedy into something completely unexpected. The film takes a hard look at a Hmong community and the gang life within as it twists tough situations until its truly exposed, finding a few laughs at the core. Gran Torino portrayals real life drama while injecting it with some necessary comedy, which gives it a bit of a balance and keeps viewers even more entertained. The way the comedy weaves effortlessly in and out of the gritty Clint Eastwood film makes it an even better film for most to enjoy. Clint Eastwood has a great and useful skill of creating terrific drama films with a message, Gran Torino is one of those films. Like many of Eastwoods other films, he plays a role that involves a stereotypical toughness. This film can be seen as a interpretation on many issues encompassing gangs, racism, the disrespect of the youth culture towards their elders, and forgiveness. To me, all of these issues tend to come to mind when reminiscing about the film. I truly believe these are what the film is really about and what it was meant to be about. Throughout the film, it is mind blowing to see many of the characters change for the better throughout the film, especially Walt. This is yet another great film from Clint Eastwood, and its a film that addressees important issues that cant be ignored. Although, some may say that Gran Torino may not be the greatest work by Clint Eastwood, I believe the film did a splendid job in terms of race issues. Gran Torino is a good example of a film th at takes an unbiased look at race issues. This is a well made film, and its not just giving you straight advice like most films dealing with similar subject matter. Melancholy is imprinted in every long shot of Detroits devastated, emptied streets and in the faces of those who remain to still walk in them. Made in the 1960s and 1970s, the Gran Torino was never a great symbol of American automotive might, which makes Walts love for the car more moving and emotional. It was made by an industry that now barely makes cars, in a city that hardly works, in a country that too often has felt recently as if it cant do anything right anymore except, every so often, make a movie like this one. The drama, Gran Torino provides a surprisingly enlightened view at understanding cultural diversity within a rapidly evolving American neighborhood. The movie interjects the need for communication, understanding, and a return to middle class values in a youth oriented culture. Gran Torino expresses an issue that has been one of conflict in our society today; racism. Walt Kowalskis attitude towards minorities seems very prejudice and close-minded. I believe Gran Torino is about two things. It is about the late blossoming of a mans better nature, and it is about Americans of different races growing more open to one another in the new century. I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a drama/action film, and doesnt mind some foul language to go along with it. I think to some people this film can be a eye and mind opening experience. I believe it is important for people to see both sides of such a controversial issue, and that change is probably necessary in one way or another f or understanding, respect, and peace to surface

Free Yellow Wallpaper Essays - Schizophrenia in The Yellow Wallpaper :: The Yellow Wallpaper Essays

Schizophrenia in The Yellow Wallpaper  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout history people have always seemed to follow what notions that were considered "cool". Though I doubt that "cool" was the word used to describe these notions they were still there in some form or another. One of the greatest farces ever committed in the name of these popular perceptions was medicine. At that time, medicine that was on the cutting edge seem to have always involved some sort of noxious chemical or a typically atrocious diet. Not to mention the fact that ninety-nine percent of the doctors were men. Women's notions were immediately discounted on the bases of the preconception that women were not meant for such enlightened thoughts. No, men really knew what was best and women were meant to stand by what their husbands' said. This brings one particular husband to mind and how he was responsible for his wife going completely and utterly insane. His name is John and he is the husband to a woman who was diagnosed with a temporary nervous depression, meaning a slight hysterical tendency. Through John's interference he turned what was considered a minor case of a chemical imbalance into to full blown schizophrenia. During the turn of the century, which is when this story took place, what scientists knew of the human mind wouldn't fill the inside of a matchbook. This was for certain the case when it was a woman who was the patient. If there was any deviation in the accepted behavior of a woman as deemed by society, the woman was considered hysterical. When dealing with these patients, instead of seriously considering the consequences of their actions, they went along with obscenely stupid notions on how to deal with problems of the mind. The conventional course of action to take in the narrator's case was the one of nothing. I mean literally, nothing. For the narrator was considered hysterical and slightly depressed and there was only one course of action for such symptoms. That was one of complete rest. In those days the rest cure was very popular. It involved being set apart from anything that might have even the remotest possibility of stress in it. The main character of The Yellow Wallpaper was indeed set apart from all activity as directed by her husband. John dutifully followed the set path, not questioning any of the accepted methods.

Display designers Essay

Display designers design and decorate displays in stores and other public places. They sketch designs or use a computer to produce plans. They also source or make, the furniture and props for the display. Some work as visual merchandisers, arranging products according to company display policy. The display designer is responsible for interpreting the ‘look’ of the store. Sometimes, this look is determined by head office, so that every store in the country (and often those overseas) presents an identical image. In this case, the designer will probably work as part of a display team, which includes fashion designers and graphic artists, designing the overall corporate image. A related role within retail display is that of the visual merchandiser. Visual merchandisers do not have the same amount of creative flexibility as display designers. Rather, they arrange products in store according to a prescribed display policy. Visual merchandisers working in a hotel or business environment will put up displays that have been created for them by graphics or exhibition designers. Store displays are changed regularly and tend to be centred around the seasons of the year. For example, a fashion store might split the year into two halves, the first running from January to June, the second from July to Christmas. Each season might have three themes, so that the first half of the year is divided into ‘early spring’, ‘mid-spring/early summer’ and ‘high summer’ themes. Designs may also be influenced by particular events in the calendar such as Valentine’s Day or Christmas, or whether the store is running a particular promotion. Display designers may get ideas from films and shows or use big celebrations, such as the Millennium, as inspiration. Ideas can be based on popular stories, the use of colour and light, humour or the latest fashion trends. Planning starts months in advance. By April, most stores have already decided how they are going to dress their autumn displays. Display designers first study a profile of the store’s customers and decide what kind of displays would most reflect a customer’s lifestyle. Then, in liaison with store management and the buyers, they come up with ideas within a set budget. They sketch designs, or use computer-aided design and perhaps make models with colour swatches to show how the merchandise will be presented, making best use of the available space. Once the designs have been accepted, the display designer sets about sourcing materials. A display can be complex or minimalist, depending on current fashions or a display designer’s particular style. A summer display could involve building a garden scene, using deckchairs, parasols and decking. Other designs may involve a simple series of panels, or a blown up photograph used as a backdrop. A display designer will have to consider colours and fabrics, lighting, the shape and grouping of props, the type of flooring and dressing of mannequins. Props can usually be hired or bought from specialist companies, but most display designers have to make some props and for this they will need a range of skills, from painting to carpentry. Stores are increasingly moving into what is called ‘retail theatre’, where they create a complete visual experience for the customer within a themed area. Displays must also be maintained and display staff are responsible for making repairs and dismantling and cleaning the relevant areas between each design. They may also be responsible for organising advertising material and set design for events such as in-store fashion shows. The principles of retail design apply to other areas, including exhibition design, point-of-sale design, product promotion, museum display and set decoration for film and television. Work Environment Display staff spend most of their time indoors, working from an office or studio within the store. If they are based at a company’s headquarters they will travel to stores with a photo or sketch to help them complete the required displays. A great deal of time is spent on the shop floor or in shop windows, creating displays. This work involves a lot of walking around, climbing ladders, lifting and carrying, so wearing the right footwear is vital. Shop windows can also get very hot in summer. They may visit suppliers and contractors, and will make trips to other stores to see their displays. Job opportunities also exist within exhibitions, trade fairs, hotels, television and film studios (set dressing), airports, seaports and on board ship. This kind of work is more likely to involve staying away from home for one or more nights. Skills and Interests Someone considering a career in display must have an artistic streak, with plenty of creative flair. The ability to think three-dimensionally is important, as is having a natural eye for colour and composition. Display designers need imagination as well as the ability to translate other people’s ideas into eye-catching designs. It is important that they are up to date with all the latest design trends. They need the practical skills to work with a range of materials, from MDF board to fabric, and an appreciation of the principles of lighting design. IT and computer aided design skills (CAD) are important, as well as technical drawing skills. Budgeting skills can be useful for the more senior positions. Display designers and visual merchandisers usually work alone but, as the retail industry is characterised by team work, it is important to have strong interpersonal skills. The ability to communicate design ideas to others is essential, as is working to tight deadlines. Stamina is important for what can be a physically tiring job. A display associate who has completed a college course is likely to start in a junior position within a store display team. They carry out a range of tasks such as cleaning and preparing windows and in-store display areas, ready for dressing. They will also arrange displays and make and repair props, all under the supervision of a display manager. A new entrant is likely to be given a practical test where they may have to suggest approaches to a window display or dress mannequins. Some stores promote talented retail staff into display positions and offer them the opportunity to attend courses on a day release basis, although this route is now less common. Relevant full-time courses include the HND in Display Design offered by the Central College of Commerce, Glasgow. Subjects covered include 3-D design, lighting, CAD and designing A display designer generally works a 40-hour week, including Saturdays. Although the work is not restricted to nine-to-five, unsociable hours are rare. It may be necessary, however, to work late in order to finish a display, particularly before Christmas when weekend work may also be required.

Richard Wrights The Man Who Lived Underground Free Essay Example, 1500 words

This symbol shows that Daniels is depicted as being lower than the white officers, which is exactly how African Americans were treated at this time. This scene shows Daniels as less of a human being than the white officers, as there is no way they would stick their heads in a sewer. The depiction of Daniels in this scene is symbolic of how many blacks were treated in the Depression era United States. Also, the fact that he was forced into the sewers to begin with is an issue because â€Å"survival of this sort is an integral function of a particular discourse formation or dominant ideological view that pushes African Americans and other minorities into the negative pole of a phenomenological dialectic. In establishing a racial or an ideological hegemony over this segment of society, the culture of the majority (the aboveground) assumes a position of dominance--the positive pole (the privileged center or the "self")† (Young 1). The underground is also symbolic of how African Americans are enclosed in this life that they do not want any part of. We will write a custom essay sample on Richard Wright's The Man Who Lived Underground or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now African Americans do not wish to be treated as second class citizens, nor do they wish to flee the oppression that they face from other members of society. The fact of the matter, however, is that they must do this in order to survive. Daniels did not want to flee to the underground, but he felt that he would not survive unless he did so. He knew that the charges that were brought against him were not true, but he also knew that he would either be found guilty in court or would not even make it to court if he did not run. The only place that he could run was away from this society that oppressed him, which means that he had to leave society and join the underground. This was not so much a choice as it was a means of survival, albeit temporary, for Daniels. This is how much of black society is forced to react, as they know that they will face oppression in many parts of society, so they stay in their own society, away from the rest of the country. T his is how many African American institutions were started, but it has also led to many stereotypes being created, with many of them getting worse over time. Daniel’s situation shows that while African Americans can attempt to escape by leaving certain parts of society, the ideologies will eventually catch up with them because they are always present. While in the underground, Daniels is able to view many different parts of society, which is significant because he is on the outside looking in on these things.