A film blog for students of my classes at Santa Clara University. Use this blog to discuss the films we are studying, classic films, current releases or production issues you encounter while making your own films.
Monday, April 14, 2014
The First Three Films
By now you have watched Modern Times, Stagecoach and Casablanca. What do you think of these films? Why do you think they are considered some of the best ever made?
21 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Each of these films are completely different, yet when stepping back and comparing them in a historical context they have each done something rather significant. Modern Times, released during the Great Depression, was one of the first films that really captured the ultimate Charlie Chaplin working on an assembly line. The film was silent and rather long, yet audiences enjoyed it still to this day. Even so, this assembly line scene in this film has been replicated several times over and over again in other famous films and tv shows later on down the road. Chaplin showed that a fully length comedy film could be done. As for Stagecoach this was on of the first Western films with sound. This was very impactful for the film industry overall and allowed acting and the actor themselves, John Wayne, be the stars of the film to make sure that they were successful. My dad is one of the biggest John Wayne collectors and he always talks about how Stagecoach was the one that started it all because it was the most exciting and different than anything ever really seen more that time. As for Casablanca, most of the world as seen this film, yet what people don't realize is that the acting in the film was one of the first that really made a significant impact. Having Humphrey Bogart star in the film really changed this idea to draw audiences to the theaters to see such an impactful American cultural icon. Overall this films writing and memorable quotes are still recognized today, even if audiences haven't seen the film. The lines of "here's to looking at you, kid." and “of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine" are lines that no one will ever forget. All three of these films may have been made over 50 years ago, but they are still being talked about today because of the revolutionary ideas behind them.
All three films have different story lines, but depict real life situations that reflect the time period they were produced in. First, Modern Times was written, directed, and acted by Charlie Chapman. The silent film shows Charlie working on an assembly line during the Great Depression and shows his struggles with the new industrialized society and workplace. The film is a comical portrayal of this struggle and keeps the audience engaged although it is lengthy. The comical aspect of trying to keep up with the assembly line has been reused many times and is praised for its representation of industrialization in an entertaining way. Stagecoach, an American western film from 1939, portrays a group of men riding on a stagecoach through danger as they travel from Arizona to New Mexico. The scenery captured in the film is what sets it apart from other films of the time, as well as its historical accuracy. The film is full of action and constantly keeps the audience on their toes. Finally, Casablanca was and still is greatly praised for its montage and acting. The film is about two lovers and the difficulties they face deciding whether or not to put their love first. The film is set during World War II and has great historical accuracy. However, it is almost known more for its romantic love story behind the political aspects of the plot. Humphrey Bogart did an incredible job as the star of the film along with Ingrid Bergman, his love interest. Many later films drew on elements of Casablanca, as it perfectly combines all aspects of a film: comedy, romance, drama, history, etc. Casablanca, Stagecoach and Modern Times all did an outstanding job of setting the scene for future films to look back to.
Never before had I seen these films prior to this course and, after watching them, I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them. The reason why I believe that these films were met with such great reception is because of the social climate at the time of their releases. Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times (1936) was released during the United States' Great Depression and the film was a statement on how modern industrialization was a major contributor to the dreadful fiscal conditions at the time.
Stagecoach (1939), on the other-hand, was so well received because it was a brilliant comeback of the Western film genre that had recently become unpopular at the time. The John Ford film was the first (of many) to be shot on location and with sound, a genius idea that was equally as expensive of a gamble. Fortunately, the gamble paid off as the film was a major box office success. This Western led the way for countless others over the course of film history.
Finally, Casablanca (1942) was released in 1942, only a few months after the U.S. officially got involved in WW2. A major theme of the film was that of Rick's sacrifice for his ideals, for the resistance, and most importantly for love. It was this theme of sacrifice that resonated so well with a wartime audience who could relate with such painful sacrifices for the greater good of the world. Ultimately, all three of these films are perfectly executed genres (Comedy, Western, and Drama) that succeeded as well on film as they would have on stage.
I think all three films were so successful because they were movies that really evoked audience emotion and empathy. Like the previous comments have stated, Modern Times was a commentary on the distressing life of common working class citizens and (I know, it's cliche) the myth of the American dream. I think this movie was so successful because of its comedic portrayal of an awful situation which many audience members could identify with. I think the book was spot on when it said that Chaplin understood that good comedy "always existed close to the brink of tragedy" (182). For Stagecoach, I believe that this was such a success because again, it captured American nostalgia for the old West. Stagecoach was released after the huge industrial boom and towards the end of the Great Depression so I think a lot of Americans were longing for a simpler time. Further, it really got the audience involved with its action packed plot. I also think that it was exciting for the audiences to root for a kind of anti-hero-- we learned to love John Wayne's character even though he was an outlaw. Casablanca was such a success because of its elaborate plot and great writing. The one liners such as "here's looking at you, kid" have been iconic even in today's time. It is a great romance story and as a previous comment mentioned, was released during a time where majority of the world was in major turmoil and this movie had themes that really appealed to its audience at that time. Overall all three movies were huge successes in their day and are still really enjoyable movies that still emotionally involve its audiences.
I enjoyed each of these films and I can see why the have stood the test of time, the reason being that the are very much ahead of their time. Modern Times (136) was one of the first comedic and starical roles of an industry assembly line worker during the Great Depression era, a time when people could really use a laugh. It rose the popularity of the great Charlie Chaplin's famous "Tramp" character who brought a slapstick yet tender performance or audiences to enjoy and come back for more. My favorite out of the three was Stagecoach (1939) by John Ford with the debut of hugely popular western movie star John Wayne. Stagecoach was extremely ahead of its time as far as character depth and personality, setting and staging, and action sequences. I truly enjoyed each character and how they interacted with each other as a group of several very unlikely strangers set out through dangerous Indian country by stagecoach. Stagecoach had every important element to great "epic" movie, that is still followed today, which included the elements of action/adventure, romance, drama, mystery and comedy to name a few. Casablanca (1942) is timeless as far as its sweeping romantic theme and dramatic acting that made it so popular, the script is modern and even edgy and memorable one liners and it still holds up today as one of the best stories and perfect combination of acting and screenplay.
Overall, I enjoyed these films. Although they were all very different in terms of plot line, I think they all showed aspects of advancing the methods of film and storyline in their time periods specifically. They include aspects of war and romance while also having some comic relief throughout the films. I thought the characters were all pretty realistic in that they had a certain realness along with some rebellious aspects of some of the characters which I found to be interesting. Not only did the films express emotion among the characters which seemed to be pretty groundbreaking at the time, but they each had a sense of depth to their backgrounds which engaged me in them a lot. I especially liked the main female character in Modern Times, I thought her role portrayed strength which probably wasn’t very common for women in that time period. Lastly coming from the visual perspective, I thought the films had a good use of sets and outside scenery. Especially in Stagecoach I thought their travels were documented very well.
Modern Times: Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times was an absolutely delightful film that dealt with the issue of industrialization in a playful and fun way. People were able to laugh while still feeling the stronger impact of the films message. The best scene to illustrate this loss of humanity through comedic relief has to have been the scene where they are trying out the new machine that allows you to eat lunch while on the job. This film must have hit home during the depression and was definitely a large reason for its success but it has remained timeless because of its theme of fiscal struggles. Stagecoach: John Ford's Stagecoach was a breath of fresh air into the genre of westerns who previously had been loosing popularity. With its incredibly exciting and well paced plot stagecoach is the type of film that feels too short. The action scenes and gunfights from this movie were very cutting edge and set the standard for what westerns should look like but most importantly Stagecoach introduced us to one of the most iconic actors of all time, John Wayne. Casablanca: Micheal Curtiz's Casablanca is so good it barely needs to be described. The themes of sacrifice, love and war are so timeless that when you watch this movie you can barely remember it was made in 1942. The lighting set a new standard and showed the world how beautiful a film can look when the time is taken to perfect every detail of a shot. Ingrid Birdman gives a performance of a lifetime and if you haven't completely in love with her by the end of the film then you weren't paying attention. Casablanca was the first old movie my parents made me watch and I plan to do the same to my own kids. Casablanca is the ultimate romantic movie and love is a theme our society will always be able to appreciate. All three: These films were in many ways the Blueprints for how to make the perfect film in Comedy, western, and romantic genres.
I really enjoyed Modern Times and a lot of that had to do with Charlie Chaplin. I thought that the movie was very entertaining and focused on the issue of industrialization in a comical manner. The message of the movie was brought to its viewers in a thrilling way. My favorite scene in the movie was when Charlie was working in the factory and had a complete breakdown. This scene exemplifies desperate employment and the rigid tasks that people had to do during the Great Depression when modern industrialization was emerging. This movie is considered one of the best movies ever made because many people can relate themselves to the tramp.
Stagecoach by John Ford sits at the top of the list in the category of Westerns. I was on the edge of the couch during this movie. I didn't want it to end because it was so exciting. The different variety of characters was genius and they all played so well off of each other. All of the scenes were so well directed. I really enjoyed the action scenes when there were gunfights. This movie definitely set the standard for what Western movies should be like. I believe this movie is recognized as one of the best films created in largely due to the acting of John Wayne.
Out of the three movies I watched I enjoyed Casablanca the most. I found it touching that the two main characters sacrifice their love for a greater purpose. So many of the scenes in the movie moved me. Especially when the bars piano player sang "As Time Goes by". This film was emphasized and taken to a new level due to the new technology of lighting. Ingrid Birdman truly made this movie special. In my own opinion, she was a huge reason why the film is thought so highly of. All three of these movies are perfect examples of romance, westerns, and comedy.
I believe each of these films are considered some of the best ever made because they each set a standard for films to follow for each particular genre. I especially enjoyed Modern Times because it was comedic, but still had a great deal of heart and a clear narrative. I especially appreciated how the music enhanced and was well timed with the action on screen. Scenarios from this film have been repeated in countless films and TV shows following its creation, showing its long lasting effect on audiences. Similarly, Stagecoach set the standard and structure for Western films. The wide landscape shots have become a staple for all Western films and TV shows following the creation of this film. I was surprised by the impressive stunts as the actor jumped between different horses, and I assume that was a difficult technical feat for the time. Additionally, the classic Western characters such as “The Banker,” “The Lawman,” and “The Lady” where created in this film and have shown up in countless Westerns for years afterward. Joss Whedon, the creator of the show Firefly, has even stated that he based this space western show on the structure and characters of Stagecoach, showing its influence and endurance into the present day. Finally, Casablanca set a high standard for romantic dramas that filmmakers consistently try to emulate. This film successfully used the star system to create a film that audiences wanted to see. The setting of WWII also made the film especially relatable to audiences of the time period, which always has an effect on the popularity of films, even into the present day. People praise this film for a perfect balance of comedy, suspense, and romance, which is what many filmmakers strive to obtain in their creations. The combination of great acting and writing made this film particularly strong overall, and therefore set a standard for future films. Though Modern Times was my favorite and the most enjoyable film for me, I appreciate each film for its unique story and for pushing the limits technically and artistically.
Like many people have said in previous posts, I believe the three films we have watched so far were so important and influential because they rose and set a new and high standard for three popular genres of film; comedy, western, romance drama.
The comedic timing of all Charlie Chaplin’s films, and especially Modern Times is spot on. Even though sound and dialogue could have been incorporated into Mordern Times more than it was, I liked that there was minimal sound effects, and no dialogue. It was a film you could just sit back, watch and laugh, but still had heart. Even without dialogue, you could follow the story, and have a sense of compassion for the Tramp. I think the time of the release impacted the popularity of the film. I can see how middle class American workers would connect with the Tramp and his struggles through out the film. There were similar struggles they themselves faced during the Great Depression. And yet, the slapstick humor took the viewers away from their troubles and made them laugh for the 90 minutes they watched the film.
Though I am personally not a fan of western films, I can definitely see why Stagecoach was so well received, and has remained important to the history of American film. The film is action packed, and edited flawlessly, and the dialogue is really strong as well. I can understand how John Ford is credited with bringing back Westerns. I think the fact that the film was shot a location made the film much better; it seemed all the more realistic. I felt like I was actually there in the middle the action.
My favorite was Casablanca. I personally value dialogue and screenplay very highly, and for me, Casablanca is one of the best screenplays ever written. The plot, themes, and characters are all developed flawlessly. You want Rick to end up with Isla, but also don’t want her to leave Victor. The captain is totally corrupt but he has the funniest lines in the movie, so I love him anyway. I feel like it is almost Shakespearean, in that you could take the script and the characters and put it in any new year and setting, and the response would still be the same. War and patriotism, lost-love/love-triangles, and corrupt governments are themes and ideas that transcend generations. Not to mention some of the greatest one-liners ever written are in Casablanca.
I’ve never been a big old movie watcher, I have seen a few but none that sparked my interest enough to watch others. However, I think the reason that none of them were able to keep my interest is because none of them stood the test of time. Of the films we were assigned to watch, I had only ever seen Casablanca, but these films became the first old films I have really enjoyed. I think that Modern Times, Stagecoach and Casablanca can be considered some of the best films ever made because they were timeless, well made, and innovative. I think that each of the films captured how far film was advancing and although they all had different plot lines, characters and themes they were evoking emotional responses with well thought out narratives. Modern Times portrayed a struggle of the times with comedy. Stagecoach brought westerns back to the forefront in a new way that set the standard for new western films. Casablanca created a new criteria for complex in depth dramas by depicting love and sacrifice during a time of war. Overall, the films were advanced and they became the design that would be followed by films for decades to come. I feel that a big reason these films stood the test of time and became some of the greatest ever made is because these are the films that really specified specific genres, and these are the films that have helped to mold other great films.
The three films are all very different from each other, but each was wildly successful during its release. I think it’s interesting that these films were all released within ten years of each other, and, despite their differences, still all appealed to the mass audience. I really enjoyed Modern Times, largely due to Chaplin’s performance. He really understood the art of physical comedy, and was able to do it without being over the top. I think the fact that his performance could still be enjoyed now—in a time period where most people would turn away from silent films—really proves just how talented he was. I think it appealed to the audience of the time because it was relatable—the Little Tramp had to deal with the realities of the Great Depression, just as the audience did. Stagecoach wasn’t my favorite, simply because I’m not a big Western fan, but I can appreciate the value of it and how it affected film at the time and in the future. It really brought back the Western genre, and reignited that nostalgia for the “old West”. Casablanca was probably my favorite of the three. The script was complex and the characters interesting, and the performances were equally as strong. Like Modern Times, the fact that it was set during WWII made it relatable.
I enjoyed re-watching Modern Times and Casablanca and was pleasantly surprised at how entertained I was while watching with Stagecoach. I think each of these movies set precedent for what the genre should consist of. They set the rules and established the mold of their genre.
I also couldn’t agree more with Alex. I think the social climate in which the films were released really had an effect on how they were received. We mentioned in class how the new movie Nymphomaniac couldn’t have been released even just a couple years ago because the public would not have been prepared for it and probably would have rejected if it was released earlier. This idea of having a prepared audience is very important for these three films as well. Each film was released during a time when the public was ready to completely embrace the genre and the themes. Modern Times was released during the depression and audiences could relate to Chaplin’s common man character. Stagecoach was released to a public that had not seen a significant western of the talking pictures era yet, and people were nostalgic for the lost frontier. Casablanca was released during World War 2 and many people loved the tragic hero triumphing over the Nazi’s by sacrificing for the greater good.
It was wonderful to see Modern Times, Stagecoach, and Casablanca for the first time. I think that these three films hold a lot of power—the kind of power that allows a movie to retain its popularity and influence on into the 21st century, which is a major achievement: for Modern Times, that’s close to 80 years. It is interesting to think about when you consider the transformational landscape of cinema and film as a media platform: not just the progression and adaptation of many new technologies, but trending topics. The idea that these three films helped shape our present day affinities by becoming the seminal foundations of their genres may be a slight overstatement, but I still think it a viable one. When I finished Casablanca, I thought, “how classic!”. I felt the same way about Modern Times and especially about Stagecoach. Then I had to consider what exactly “classic” meant. Casablanca embodies what a lot of romance films aspire to be. It’s an authority. Stagecoach, just the same, is an authority in the Western genre. Modern Times is perhaps harder to pigeonhole, but it is an authority in physical comedy—and it was a wonderful transitional piece with its integration and manipulation of sound effects. These films all set precedent, which makes them “classic”, because no matter the film industry’s continual morphing, all successors to Modern Times, Stagecoach, and Casablanca, in their perspective categories, seem to subscribe to them at least a little.
I think these three films are successful and have stood the test of time because of their appeal to middle class audiences and the social messages that the three of them have to offer, particularly concerning the critique of power in all three films. Life is depicted as a power struggle in all three films. Modern Times depicts the struggle of the working man against big business. Stagecoach pits a group of people against Geronimo in the early western days and Casablanca shows a man struggling to choose between "love and virtue" amidst a struggle against the Nazis. All three movies demonstrate film's ability to appeal to the sentiments of the wider middle class and explain how their messages have given them a timeless quality.
It has been very interesting watching these three movies and watching how the technology of film evolved over the years. So far my favorite has been Casablanca but each had their moments. Modern Times was a classic slap stick comedy and although scenes went on longer then what we are use to, it was interesting to see the kinds of movies that attracted big audiences. I think it is considered one of the greats because it incorporated sound along with elaborate scenes with Charlie Chaplin. Stagecoach for me was a little harder to keep up with. For some reason I couldn't keep all the characters straight but it was still an interesting story line to follow. Stagecoach was a great classic western that incorporated entertaining gun fighting scenes and the deep story line raised the bar for the western films that had come before it. Like I said Casablanca was my favorite. The style of acting along with the the story line made it really interesting to watch. The use of lighting with shadows and reflection was very well planned out. The script was full of classic one-liners and was overall very well written. The difference between the three movies is very apparent, however it can be argued that Casablanca would not be what it was without the other 2 before it. With each movie the approach to film, and the use of technology helped boost the next.
All of the 3 films are probably one of the most influential and celebrated in the history of American cinema. Yet, they represent 3 very different ideas and styles of filmmaking.
Charlie Chaplin’s “Modern Times” is probably of the best examples of a simple comedic silent film. With its simple story of the struggles of a factory worker during the time of unemployment “Modern Times” was very relatable by the majority of the audience during the challenging time it was released – the Great Depression. From my point of view the film being silent adds a certain charm to it. It allows the audience to laugh at problems they have to face everyday and let go, even for an hour and a half.
While “Modern Times” was a great example of a simple comedy with usually a few people in the scene and the movie being mainly based on the actors’ charisma and acting abilities, “Stagecoach” represents a very different kind of cinema. It is a breathtaking western that definitely keeps you on your feet through out the whole film. One of the reasons why the movie appealed to me so much, despite its well-done cinematography and breathtaking shots was the dynamic relationships that developed between the characters. I found it extremely interesting how easy I started to sympathy with Ringo and his dimensional relationship with Dallas.
Probably one of the best pictures in sound films of all time is the one of the kind “Casablanca.” This film is a great example of a symbiosis between an outstandingly written script and incredibly well-done cinematography. Every line, every word in “Casablanca” seems to be thought of and chosen just perfectly. The story of a strong lonely man and his love for a woman could not have been written better. A great proof to it would be the amount of lines that people quite a few decades from now use from this film. So many times I hear people drop: “we will always have Paris,” and “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
21 comments:
Each of these films are completely different, yet when stepping back and comparing them in a historical context they have each done something rather significant. Modern Times, released during the Great Depression, was one of the first films that really captured the ultimate Charlie Chaplin working on an assembly line. The film was silent and rather long, yet audiences enjoyed it still to this day. Even so, this assembly line scene in this film has been replicated several times over and over again in other famous films and tv shows later on down the road. Chaplin showed that a fully length comedy film could be done. As for Stagecoach this was on of the first Western films with sound. This was very impactful for the film industry overall and allowed acting and the actor themselves, John Wayne, be the stars of the film to make sure that they were successful. My dad is one of the biggest John Wayne collectors and he always talks about how Stagecoach was the one that started it all because it was the most exciting and different than anything ever really seen more that time. As for Casablanca, most of the world as seen this film, yet what people don't realize is that the acting in the film was one of the first that really made a significant impact. Having Humphrey Bogart star in the film really changed this idea to draw audiences to the theaters to see such an impactful American cultural icon. Overall this films writing and memorable quotes are still recognized today, even if audiences haven't seen the film. The lines of "here's to looking at you, kid." and “of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine" are lines that no one will ever forget. All three of these films may have been made over 50 years ago, but they are still being talked about today because of the revolutionary ideas behind them.
All three films have different story lines, but depict real life situations that reflect the time period they were produced in. First, Modern Times was written, directed, and acted by Charlie Chapman. The silent film shows Charlie working on an assembly line during the Great Depression and shows his struggles with the new industrialized society and workplace. The film is a comical portrayal of this struggle and keeps the audience engaged although it is lengthy. The comical aspect of trying to keep up with the assembly line has been reused many times and is praised for its representation of industrialization in an entertaining way. Stagecoach, an American western film from 1939, portrays a group of men riding on a stagecoach through danger as they travel from Arizona to New Mexico. The scenery captured in the film is what sets it apart from other films of the time, as well as its historical accuracy. The film is full of action and constantly keeps the audience on their toes. Finally, Casablanca was and still is greatly praised for its montage and acting. The film is about two lovers and the difficulties they face deciding whether or not to put their love first. The film is set during World War II and has great historical accuracy. However, it is almost known more for its romantic love story behind the political aspects of the plot. Humphrey Bogart did an incredible job as the star of the film along with Ingrid Bergman, his love interest. Many later films drew on elements of Casablanca, as it perfectly combines all aspects of a film: comedy, romance, drama, history, etc. Casablanca, Stagecoach and Modern Times all did an outstanding job of setting the scene for future films to look back to.
Never before had I seen these films prior to this course and, after watching them, I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them. The reason why I believe that these films were met with such great reception is because of the social climate at the time of their releases. Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times (1936) was released during the United States' Great Depression and the film was a statement on how modern industrialization was a major contributor to the dreadful fiscal conditions at the time.
Stagecoach (1939), on the other-hand, was so well received because it was a brilliant comeback of the Western film genre that had recently become unpopular at the time. The John Ford film was the first (of many) to be shot on location and with sound, a genius idea that was equally as expensive of a gamble. Fortunately, the gamble paid off as the film was a major box office success. This Western led the way for countless others over the course of film history.
Finally, Casablanca (1942) was released in 1942, only a few months after the U.S. officially got involved in WW2. A major theme of the film was that of Rick's sacrifice for his ideals, for the resistance, and most importantly for love. It was this theme of sacrifice that resonated so well with a wartime audience who could relate with such painful sacrifices for the greater good of the world.
Ultimately, all three of these films are perfectly executed genres (Comedy, Western, and Drama) that succeeded as well on film as they would have on stage.
I think all three films were so successful because they were movies that really evoked audience emotion and empathy. Like the previous comments have stated, Modern Times was a commentary on the distressing life of common working class citizens and (I know, it's cliche) the myth of the American dream. I think this movie was so successful because of its comedic portrayal of an awful situation which many audience members could identify with. I think the book was spot on when it said that Chaplin understood that good comedy "always existed close to the brink of tragedy" (182).
For Stagecoach, I believe that this was such a success because again, it captured American nostalgia for the old West. Stagecoach was released after the huge industrial boom and towards the end of the Great Depression so I think a lot of Americans were longing for a simpler time. Further, it really got the audience involved with its action packed plot. I also think that it was exciting for the audiences to root for a kind of anti-hero-- we learned to love John Wayne's character even though he was an outlaw.
Casablanca was such a success because of its elaborate plot and great writing. The one liners such as "here's looking at you, kid" have been iconic even in today's time. It is a great romance story and as a previous comment mentioned, was released during a time where majority of the world was in major turmoil and this movie had themes that really appealed to its audience at that time. Overall all three movies were huge successes in their day and are still really enjoyable movies that still emotionally involve its audiences.
I enjoyed each of these films and I can see why the have stood the test of time, the reason being that the are very much ahead of their time. Modern Times (136) was one of the first comedic and starical roles of an industry assembly line worker during the Great Depression era, a time when people could really use a laugh. It rose the popularity of the great Charlie Chaplin's famous "Tramp" character who brought a slapstick yet tender performance or audiences to enjoy and come back for more. My favorite out of the three was Stagecoach (1939) by John Ford with the debut of hugely popular western movie star John Wayne. Stagecoach was extremely ahead of its time as far as character depth and personality, setting and staging, and action sequences. I truly enjoyed each character and how they interacted with each other as a group of several very unlikely strangers set out through dangerous Indian country by stagecoach. Stagecoach had every important element to great "epic" movie, that is still followed today, which included the elements of action/adventure, romance, drama, mystery and comedy to name a few. Casablanca (1942) is timeless as far as its sweeping romantic theme and dramatic acting that made it so popular, the script is modern and even edgy and memorable one liners and it still holds up today as one of the best stories and perfect combination of acting and screenplay.
Overall, I enjoyed these films. Although they were all very different in terms of plot line, I think they all showed aspects of advancing the methods of film and storyline in their time periods specifically. They include aspects of war and romance while also having some comic relief throughout the films. I thought the characters were all pretty realistic in that they had a certain realness along with some rebellious aspects of some of the characters which I found to be interesting. Not only did the films express emotion among the characters which seemed to be pretty groundbreaking at the time, but they each had a sense of depth to their backgrounds which engaged me in them a lot. I especially liked the main female character in Modern Times, I thought her role portrayed strength which probably wasn’t very common for women in that time period. Lastly coming from the visual perspective, I thought the films had a good use of sets and outside scenery. Especially in Stagecoach I thought their travels were documented very well.
Modern Times:
Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times was an absolutely delightful film that dealt with the issue of industrialization in a playful and fun way. People were able to laugh while still feeling the stronger impact of the films message. The best scene to illustrate this loss of humanity through comedic relief has to have been the scene where they are trying out the new machine that allows you to eat lunch while on the job. This film must have hit home during the depression and was definitely a large reason for its success but it has remained timeless because of its theme of fiscal struggles.
Stagecoach:
John Ford's Stagecoach was a breath of fresh air into the genre of westerns who previously had been loosing popularity. With its incredibly exciting and well paced plot stagecoach is the type of film that feels too short. The action scenes and gunfights from this movie were very cutting edge and set the standard for what westerns should look like but most importantly Stagecoach introduced us to one of the most iconic actors of all time, John Wayne.
Casablanca:
Micheal Curtiz's Casablanca is so good it barely needs to be described. The themes of sacrifice, love and war are so timeless that when you watch this movie you can barely remember it was made in 1942. The lighting set a new standard and showed the world how beautiful a film can look when the time is taken to perfect every detail of a shot. Ingrid Birdman gives a performance of a lifetime and if you haven't completely in love with her by the end of the film then you weren't paying attention. Casablanca was the first old movie my parents made me watch and I plan to do the same to my own kids. Casablanca is the ultimate romantic movie and love is a theme our society will always be able to appreciate.
All three:
These films were in many ways the Blueprints for how to make the perfect film in Comedy, western, and romantic genres.
I really enjoyed Modern Times and a lot of that had to do with Charlie Chaplin. I thought that the movie was very entertaining and focused on the issue of industrialization in a comical manner. The message of the movie was brought to its viewers in a thrilling way. My favorite scene in the movie was when Charlie was working in the factory and had a complete breakdown. This scene exemplifies desperate employment and the rigid tasks that people had to do during the Great Depression when modern industrialization was emerging. This movie is considered one of the best movies ever made because many people can relate themselves to the tramp.
Stagecoach by John Ford sits at the top of the list in the category of Westerns. I was on the edge of the couch during this movie. I didn't want it to end because it was so exciting. The different variety of characters was genius and they all played so well off of each other. All of the scenes were so well directed. I really enjoyed the action scenes when there were gunfights. This movie definitely set the standard for what Western movies should be like. I believe this movie is recognized as one of the best films created in largely due to the acting of John Wayne.
Out of the three movies I watched I enjoyed Casablanca the most. I found it touching that the two main characters sacrifice their love for a greater purpose. So many of the scenes in the movie moved me. Especially when the bars piano player sang "As Time Goes by". This film was emphasized and taken to a new level due to the new technology of lighting. Ingrid Birdman truly made this movie special. In my own opinion, she was a huge reason why the film is thought so highly of. All three of these movies are perfect examples of romance, westerns, and comedy.
I believe each of these films are considered some of the best ever made because they each set a standard for films to follow for each particular genre. I especially enjoyed Modern Times because it was comedic, but still had a great deal of heart and a clear narrative. I especially appreciated how the music enhanced and was well timed with the action on screen. Scenarios from this film have been repeated in countless films and TV shows following its creation, showing its long lasting effect on audiences. Similarly, Stagecoach set the standard and structure for Western films. The wide landscape shots have become a staple for all Western films and TV shows following the creation of this film. I was surprised by the impressive stunts as the actor jumped between different horses, and I assume that was a difficult technical feat for the time. Additionally, the classic Western characters such as “The Banker,” “The Lawman,” and “The Lady” where created in this film and have shown up in countless Westerns for years afterward. Joss Whedon, the creator of the show Firefly, has even stated that he based this space western show on the structure and characters of Stagecoach, showing its influence and endurance into the present day. Finally, Casablanca set a high standard for romantic dramas that filmmakers consistently try to emulate. This film successfully used the star system to create a film that audiences wanted to see. The setting of WWII also made the film especially relatable to audiences of the time period, which always has an effect on the popularity of films, even into the present day. People praise this film for a perfect balance of comedy, suspense, and romance, which is what many filmmakers strive to obtain in their creations. The combination of great acting and writing made this film particularly strong overall, and therefore set a standard for future films. Though Modern Times was my favorite and the most enjoyable film for me, I appreciate each film for its unique story and for pushing the limits technically and artistically.
Like many people have said in previous posts, I believe the three films we have watched so far were so important and influential because they rose and set a new and high standard for three popular genres of film; comedy, western, romance drama.
The comedic timing of all Charlie Chaplin’s films, and especially Modern Times is spot on. Even though sound and dialogue could have been incorporated into Mordern Times more than it was, I liked that there was minimal sound effects, and no dialogue. It was a film you could just sit back, watch and laugh, but still had heart. Even without dialogue, you could follow the story, and have a sense of compassion for the Tramp. I think the time of the release impacted the popularity of the film. I can see how middle class American workers would connect with the Tramp and his struggles through out the film. There were similar struggles they themselves faced during the Great Depression. And yet, the slapstick humor took the viewers away from their troubles and made them laugh for the 90 minutes they watched the film.
Though I am personally not a fan of western films, I can definitely see why Stagecoach was so well received, and has remained important to the history of American film. The film is action packed, and edited flawlessly, and the dialogue is really strong as well. I can understand how John Ford is credited with bringing back Westerns. I think the fact that the film was shot a location made the film much better; it seemed all the more realistic. I felt like I was actually there in the middle the action.
My favorite was Casablanca. I personally value dialogue and screenplay very highly, and for me, Casablanca is one of the best screenplays ever written. The plot, themes, and characters are all developed flawlessly. You want Rick to end up with Isla, but also don’t want her to leave Victor. The captain is totally corrupt but he has the funniest lines in the movie, so I love him anyway. I feel like it is almost Shakespearean, in that you could take the script and the characters and put it in any new year and setting, and the response would still be the same. War and patriotism, lost-love/love-triangles, and corrupt governments are themes and ideas that transcend generations. Not to mention some of the greatest one-liners ever written are in Casablanca.
I’ve never been a big old movie watcher, I have seen a few but none that sparked my interest enough to watch others. However, I think the reason that none of them were able to keep my interest is because none of them stood the test of time. Of the films we were assigned to watch, I had only ever seen Casablanca, but these films became the first old films I have really enjoyed. I think that Modern Times, Stagecoach and Casablanca can be considered some of the best films ever made because they were timeless, well made, and innovative. I think that each of the films captured how far film was advancing and although they all had different plot lines, characters and themes they were evoking emotional responses with well thought out narratives. Modern Times portrayed a struggle of the times with comedy. Stagecoach brought westerns back to the forefront in a new way that set the standard for new western films. Casablanca created a new criteria for complex in depth dramas by depicting love and sacrifice during a time of war. Overall, the films were advanced and they became the design that would be followed by films for decades to come. I feel that a big reason these films stood the test of time and became some of the greatest ever made is because these are the films that really specified specific genres, and these are the films that have helped to mold other great films.
The three films are all very different from each other, but each was wildly successful during its release. I think it’s interesting that these films were all released within ten years of each other, and, despite their differences, still all appealed to the mass audience. I really enjoyed Modern Times, largely due to Chaplin’s performance. He really understood the art of physical comedy, and was able to do it without being over the top. I think the fact that his performance could still be enjoyed now—in a time period where most people would turn away from silent films—really proves just how talented he was. I think it appealed to the audience of the time because it was relatable—the Little Tramp had to deal with the realities of the Great Depression, just as the audience did. Stagecoach wasn’t my favorite, simply because I’m not a big Western fan, but I can appreciate the value of it and how it affected film at the time and in the future. It really brought back the Western genre, and reignited that nostalgia for the “old West”. Casablanca was probably my favorite of the three. The script was complex and the characters interesting, and the performances were equally as strong. Like Modern Times, the fact that it was set during WWII made it relatable.
I enjoyed re-watching Modern Times and Casablanca and was pleasantly surprised at how entertained I was while watching with Stagecoach. I think each of these movies set precedent for what the genre should consist of. They set the rules and established the mold of their genre.
I also couldn’t agree more with Alex. I think the social climate in which the films were released really had an effect on how they were received. We mentioned in class how the new movie Nymphomaniac couldn’t have been released even just a couple years ago because the public would not have been prepared for it and probably would have rejected if it was released earlier. This idea of having a prepared audience is very important for these three films as well. Each film was released during a time when the public was ready to completely embrace the genre and the themes. Modern Times was released during the depression and audiences could relate to Chaplin’s common man character. Stagecoach was released to a public that had not seen a significant western of the talking pictures era yet, and people were nostalgic for the lost frontier. Casablanca was released during World War 2 and many people loved the tragic hero triumphing over the Nazi’s by sacrificing for the greater good.
It was wonderful to see Modern Times, Stagecoach, and Casablanca for the first time. I think that these three films hold a lot of power—the kind of power that allows a movie to retain its popularity and influence on into the 21st century, which is a major achievement: for Modern Times, that’s close to 80 years. It is interesting to think about when you consider the transformational landscape of cinema and film as a media platform: not just the progression and adaptation of many new technologies, but trending topics. The idea that these three films helped shape our present day affinities by becoming the seminal foundations of their genres may be a slight overstatement, but I still think it a viable one. When I finished Casablanca, I thought, “how classic!”. I felt the same way about Modern Times and especially about Stagecoach. Then I had to consider what exactly “classic” meant. Casablanca embodies what a lot of romance films aspire to be. It’s an authority. Stagecoach, just the same, is an authority in the Western genre. Modern Times is perhaps harder to pigeonhole, but it is an authority in physical comedy—and it was a wonderful transitional piece with its integration and manipulation of sound effects. These films all set precedent, which makes them “classic”, because no matter the film industry’s continual morphing, all successors to Modern Times, Stagecoach, and Casablanca, in their perspective categories, seem to subscribe to them at least a little.
I think these three films are successful and have stood the test of time because of their appeal to middle class audiences and the social messages that the three of them have to offer, particularly concerning the critique of power in all three films. Life is depicted as a power struggle in all three films. Modern Times depicts the struggle of the working man against big business. Stagecoach pits a group of people against Geronimo in the early western days and Casablanca shows a man struggling to choose between "love and virtue" amidst a struggle against the Nazis. All three movies demonstrate film's ability to appeal to the sentiments of the wider middle class and explain how their messages have given them a timeless quality.
It has been very interesting watching these three movies and watching how the technology of film evolved over the years. So far my favorite has been Casablanca but each had their moments. Modern Times was a classic slap stick comedy and although scenes went on longer then what we are use to, it was interesting to see the kinds of movies that attracted big audiences. I think it is considered one of the greats because it incorporated sound along with elaborate scenes with Charlie Chaplin. Stagecoach for me was a little harder to keep up with. For some reason I couldn't keep all the characters straight but it was still an interesting story line to follow. Stagecoach was a great classic western that incorporated entertaining gun fighting scenes and the deep story line raised the bar for the western films that had come before it. Like I said Casablanca was my favorite. The style of acting along with the the story line made it really interesting to watch. The use of lighting with shadows and reflection was very well planned out. The script was full of classic one-liners and was overall very well written. The difference between the three movies is very apparent, however it can be argued that Casablanca would not be what it was without the other 2 before it. With each movie the approach to film, and the use of technology helped boost the next.
All of the 3 films are probably one of the most influential and celebrated in the history of American cinema. Yet, they represent 3 very different ideas and styles of filmmaking.
Charlie Chaplin’s “Modern Times” is probably of the best examples of a simple comedic silent film. With its simple story of the struggles of a factory worker during the time of unemployment “Modern Times” was very relatable by the majority of the audience during the challenging time it was released – the Great Depression. From my point of view the film being silent adds a certain charm to it. It allows the audience to laugh at problems they have to face everyday and let go, even for an hour and a half.
While “Modern Times” was a great example of a simple comedy with usually a few people in the scene and the movie being mainly based on the actors’ charisma and acting abilities, “Stagecoach” represents a very different kind of cinema. It is a breathtaking western that definitely keeps you on your feet through out the whole film. One of the reasons why the movie appealed to me so much, despite its well-done cinematography and breathtaking shots was the dynamic relationships that developed between the characters. I found it extremely interesting how easy I started to sympathy with Ringo and his dimensional relationship with Dallas.
Probably one of the best pictures in sound films of all time is the one of the kind “Casablanca.” This film is a great example of a symbiosis between an outstandingly written script and incredibly well-done cinematography. Every line, every word in “Casablanca” seems to be thought of and chosen just perfectly. The story of a strong lonely man and his love for a woman could not have been written better. A great proof to it would be the amount of lines that people quite a few decades from now use from this film. So many times I hear people drop: “we will always have Paris,” and “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
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