Dallas buyers club was a movie centered around people who had contracted the HIV virus and in some cases had turned to AIDS. It was set at a time when it was commonly thought that the virus was only contracted between two gay men. Although there was not as much open hatred for the gays, it was still commonplace for people to hid their sexual orientation. When the main character, a straight male, is told he only has a month to live due to AIDS, he receives a lot of criticism and stereotyping from those who know him.
He is outcasted and has to find his own means to survive. He makes new friends due to his condition, one of whom is a transgender named Rayon. Rayon is played by Jared Leto, who does an absolutely amazing job. In this film, he manages to be a prettier girl than myself. He really seems to be living the part, as if he was truly born as this person. He may be what makes the film so special. His relationship with the main character, Ron, played by Mathew McConaughey, also adds to the emotional attachment viewers have with the movie. It is truly moving how their friendship starts and ends.
Dallas Buyers Club brought awareness to something that to this day, people are discriminated against. It shows the battle that people encounter as they live with this virus. It also gives a bit of history in it, showing how people thought that is was a disease only for gay men. It also shows the history of the medication being used to treat it. The movie makes the viewer feel compassion for a group of people who are cast out by others, because of a disease they are inflicted with. It makes one realize that there is little that could be done when such a small amount of awareness is enlightened onto the public.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Dexter
I've been watching dexter on Netflix, not having seen any of the series as it aired. There are eight season. I am only on the third. Dexter, so far, is a show I think might become one of my favorites. It is very technical and insightful where the law and determining murder cases is concerned. However, because it is so technical, when it is not, I notice.
The first thing that I would like to point out is that Dexter is always on top of not getting caught. he uses latex gloves at ever crime scene, to make sure not to leave evidence. One thing bothers me about this. He is so cautious, even though he leaves his footprints EVERYWHERE. Having seen various real life murder cases in which a criminal or suspect was brought down because of their footprints, this really irks me. How can someone who is so careful be so lazy? I thought maybe it is just something that was too technical to bring up, even for a technical show and stopped bugging myself over it. Until one episode. One episode in which they brought down a criminal due to footprints...
The other thing that really bothers me that takes place in the show is during Dexters 'rituals', when he kills people. He puts up pictures of the victims that they have killed so that they can see why he is killing them. Only sometimes, the pictures are completely out of view to Dexters victim. It may not be that big of a deal, but if he is trying to make a point, doesn't them actually seeing the pictures have importance?
Other than those two things, the show is great and I love it. I can't wait to finish the series and see if they fix these flaws as well!
The first thing that I would like to point out is that Dexter is always on top of not getting caught. he uses latex gloves at ever crime scene, to make sure not to leave evidence. One thing bothers me about this. He is so cautious, even though he leaves his footprints EVERYWHERE. Having seen various real life murder cases in which a criminal or suspect was brought down because of their footprints, this really irks me. How can someone who is so careful be so lazy? I thought maybe it is just something that was too technical to bring up, even for a technical show and stopped bugging myself over it. Until one episode. One episode in which they brought down a criminal due to footprints...
The other thing that really bothers me that takes place in the show is during Dexters 'rituals', when he kills people. He puts up pictures of the victims that they have killed so that they can see why he is killing them. Only sometimes, the pictures are completely out of view to Dexters victim. It may not be that big of a deal, but if he is trying to make a point, doesn't them actually seeing the pictures have importance?
Other than those two things, the show is great and I love it. I can't wait to finish the series and see if they fix these flaws as well!
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Water for Elephants
I'm sick of watching the typical love story movies. The one's about a guy and a girl, both in their twenties, living in the city, who become friends or date, then have a huge fight, and then end up back together in the end. They're predicable. So I decided to watch Water for Elephants. It's a 2011 film directed by Francis Lawrence, about a circus vet. It stars Robert Pattinson,
Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz.
I think the reason I liked it was because the whole film was a flashback. I feel like a lot of films don't take advantage of flashbacks. It's interesting to see a characters back story. It's also cool how it's set in the early 30's at a circus. Just by choosing a circus, you already know that there will be a lot of color, light, and music.
I think the director did a good decision with the music soundtrack. Throughout a majority of the movie there is music but it's all different types. He made good decisions when it came to when to play certain melodies. At about the 38:30 mark, when Jacob is about to be thrown off the train, the strings playing in the background added to the suspense of the situation.
Another thing I enjoyed that was different about this film, was after the flashback, the character ended up where he started. He started in a circus when he was growing up, and the movie ends with him getting back into another one. Also the amount of animals used in this film was cool. It had all different circus acts; lions, hyenas, horses, elephants, etc. Many times films only take advantage of one type of animal or even just dogs and cats, or when they have a lot of animals, they're animated, but this movie, they're real and interact with the people.
I think the reason I liked it was because the whole film was a flashback. I feel like a lot of films don't take advantage of flashbacks. It's interesting to see a characters back story. It's also cool how it's set in the early 30's at a circus. Just by choosing a circus, you already know that there will be a lot of color, light, and music.
I think the director did a good decision with the music soundtrack. Throughout a majority of the movie there is music but it's all different types. He made good decisions when it came to when to play certain melodies. At about the 38:30 mark, when Jacob is about to be thrown off the train, the strings playing in the background added to the suspense of the situation.
Another thing I enjoyed that was different about this film, was after the flashback, the character ended up where he started. He started in a circus when he was growing up, and the movie ends with him getting back into another one. Also the amount of animals used in this film was cool. It had all different circus acts; lions, hyenas, horses, elephants, etc. Many times films only take advantage of one type of animal or even just dogs and cats, or when they have a lot of animals, they're animated, but this movie, they're real and interact with the people.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Friday, May 9, 2014
Project 1 Final
My Final Project for Project 1. I didn't have time to reshoot this one, so i worked with what I had. But i played with the exposure and some coloring. I liked how it came out.
(Recreated)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C2oOOdaIGA&feature=youtu.be
Original Scene (Start at 0:08)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wb6aP0Q2tc
project 1 final
This is the original:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgcRsQOITsw
This is the recreation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvY-8Qgikf0&feature=youtu.be
Have a good summer everyone!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgcRsQOITsw
This is the recreation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvY-8Qgikf0&feature=youtu.be
Have a good summer everyone!
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Final Projects 1 + 2
Here are my two final projects. Have a good summer everyone! :)
Project 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm43p0FcrKE
Project 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yan5SW1DCHk
Project 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm43p0FcrKE
Project 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yan5SW1DCHk
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
The REAL Final of "The Send-off"
Unfortunately the copy I posted perviously had quite a bit of errors from when I rendered it.
This is the REAL final of my project 2, please enjoy, sorry for the confusion!
THANK YOU!
This is the REAL final of my project 2, please enjoy, sorry for the confusion!
THANK YOU!
Wolf Of Wall Street
I had the DVD for the Wolf of WallStreet for ever but hadn't watched it till recently, and after all the hype over this movie i figured i should check it out. There was a lot about this movie i loved. First being the cinematography, this whole movie from the hairstyles, to the language and slang of the time was so on point. I really felt like they brought you back to the time period they were trying to remake. The performances were another thing i loved, Loe is an amazing actor and always has been, he really took this character over but still was able to bring out a little bit of his own style. Although i do like the way this was edited i felt like the storyline seemed to drag on. I also felt like some scenes were a little repetitive like they could have taken out one drug or sex scene. I know they were trying to get a point across that he became a huge partier and drug addict but it started to bore me at points. I would recommend this movie because it is based on true events and throughout the movie i had to remind myself that all those events happened, making the film much more interesting.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
The Sendoff
Final Cut, Project 2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNCdbll6JRw&feature=youtu.be
Enjoy. This was a pleasure to create, thank you to everyone who helped make this happen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNCdbll6JRw&feature=youtu.be
Enjoy. This was a pleasure to create, thank you to everyone who helped make this happen.
Lion King vs. Frozen
As I was scrolling through my news feed on Facebook, I came across an article on E! Online and it talked how The Lion King (1994) and Frozen (2013) are the same story. With The Lion King being my favorite Disney movie, I was interested to see what the article had to say.
Most of Disney's animated movies are similar: there is usually a princess, a funny sidekick, a villain, a conflict and then there's always a happy ending.
The first thing the article says is similar is the opening sequence. Both movies start with a cheery song that introduces the viewers to the movies vibe: a fictional kingdom of Arrendale and the African savannah. Both families are royals and both families are effected by a tragedy. In Frozen the parents are killed out at sea in a ship wreck, and in The Loin King the father is killed by his own brother. After the parents are gone, both main characters, Elsa and Simba run from their problems and sing songs about being free from their problems. Once they're gone, there's a villain trying to take over. Also the villains try to guilt Elsa and Simba using the same line with different subjects. "You killed your sister!" "You killed your father!" Then the heroes eventually make it home to make things better and everyone lives happily ever after.
After reading the article in full, I realized that the movies have similarities, but are definitely two different stories. However, it was interesting to see other people's perspectives on them.
Most of Disney's animated movies are similar: there is usually a princess, a funny sidekick, a villain, a conflict and then there's always a happy ending.
The first thing the article says is similar is the opening sequence. Both movies start with a cheery song that introduces the viewers to the movies vibe: a fictional kingdom of Arrendale and the African savannah. Both families are royals and both families are effected by a tragedy. In Frozen the parents are killed out at sea in a ship wreck, and in The Loin King the father is killed by his own brother. After the parents are gone, both main characters, Elsa and Simba run from their problems and sing songs about being free from their problems. Once they're gone, there's a villain trying to take over. Also the villains try to guilt Elsa and Simba using the same line with different subjects. "You killed your sister!" "You killed your father!" Then the heroes eventually make it home to make things better and everyone lives happily ever after.
After reading the article in full, I realized that the movies have similarities, but are definitely two different stories. However, it was interesting to see other people's perspectives on them.
Sweeney Todd
My roommate convinced me to watch a musical the other day called Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber on Fleet Street. It's directed by Tim Burton and starred Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. It's a 2007 musical horror film based off the musical with the same name. The plot of the movie is an English barber and serial killer that kills his customers with the help of Mrs. Lovett. After he kills his victims, she uses them for her meat pies.
Like other Tim Burton films, this one was very dark and creepy. A majority of the film was either black, white or grey except for pops of color, either yellow, red or blue. The actors were all very pale and their eyes very dark. The skies were always dark and cloudy and the streets didn't have much color. The lighting was dull but effective. It added to the creepy feel that Burton was aiming for.
It was also interesting how he adds little bits of animation to his movies. For example, with this movie, a lot of the camera pans and zooms were animated. At about the 8:13 mark, the camera follows Depp's feet through a tunnel then it starts taking us through a journey through the town that lasts about twenty seconds. The audience passes a few people on the street but never long enough to tell whether they're real or not.
Over all I thought it was a cool movie, with a crazy concept. The only thing that I would change, is the loudness of the music while the characters are singing. Throughout the film, the sound is very sharp and precise, but then when they're singing, it was difficult for me to understand them. I'm not sure if it also was because they had accents, but I think that if the background was lowered just a little, it would be clearer.
Like other Tim Burton films, this one was very dark and creepy. A majority of the film was either black, white or grey except for pops of color, either yellow, red or blue. The actors were all very pale and their eyes very dark. The skies were always dark and cloudy and the streets didn't have much color. The lighting was dull but effective. It added to the creepy feel that Burton was aiming for.
It was also interesting how he adds little bits of animation to his movies. For example, with this movie, a lot of the camera pans and zooms were animated. At about the 8:13 mark, the camera follows Depp's feet through a tunnel then it starts taking us through a journey through the town that lasts about twenty seconds. The audience passes a few people on the street but never long enough to tell whether they're real or not.
Over all I thought it was a cool movie, with a crazy concept. The only thing that I would change, is the loudness of the music while the characters are singing. Throughout the film, the sound is very sharp and precise, but then when they're singing, it was difficult for me to understand them. I'm not sure if it also was because they had accents, but I think that if the background was lowered just a little, it would be clearer.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Final Submissions - Projects 1 & 2
And here they are. Hope you enjoy.
~ Project 1 ~
Original Scene - Office Space
Recreation - College Space
~ Project 2 ~
Finals
Project 1:
Original:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuKqQ6plZ_I
Recreation:
"Spider Man 2 Elevator Scene"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4CNUwZC49g&feature=youtu.be
I know they're facing the wrong way but the lighting wouldn't have worked the other way and I know the voices don't match but this was the best I could do.
Project 2:
"You're Still Beautiful"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNifQF8AOkA&feature=em-upload_owner
Original:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuKqQ6plZ_I
Recreation:
"Spider Man 2 Elevator Scene"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4CNUwZC49g&feature=youtu.be
I know they're facing the wrong way but the lighting wouldn't have worked the other way and I know the voices don't match but this was the best I could do.
Project 2:
"You're Still Beautiful"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNifQF8AOkA&feature=em-upload_owner
Behind Closed Doors Project 2 Final
I used the suggestions I was given when i posted my rough cut. I found a really nice steady piece of music to use throughout the entire thing. I was going to use another piece of music but I felt for what I was trying to show i only needed one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4GJ4Ud9Ueo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4GJ4Ud9Ueo
The Conjuring Project 1 Final
Hi guys!
I added about three different eerie instrumental pieces to get the dramatic creepy feel.
Final Project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hTfo2panBUQ
Original Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZfeDbToqLk
I added about three different eerie instrumental pieces to get the dramatic creepy feel.
Final Project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hTfo2panBUQ
Original Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZfeDbToqLk
Sunday, May 4, 2014
FINAL PROJECTS - MOLLY MCKEE
PROJECT 1 FINAL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BGMi0zXKMA&feature=youtu.be
ORIGINAL SCENE FORM PRETTY LITTLE LIARS--- START AT 1:20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5REQat2Tfs
PROJECT 2 FINAL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sssnbzeV5zg&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BGMi0zXKMA&feature=youtu.be
ORIGINAL SCENE FORM PRETTY LITTLE LIARS--- START AT 1:20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5REQat2Tfs
PROJECT 2 FINAL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sssnbzeV5zg&feature=youtu.be
Friday, May 2, 2014
project one final
Clerks Guidance Counselor re-creation scene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5AVnsMYjQY
Rough Cut Project 2
I'm not particularly happy with how this came out. I could of done a bunch of different things but i didn't. I just have to fix a few clips and find a good piece of music and it'll be done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u25Rct6cXbk&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u25Rct6cXbk&feature=youtu.be
Franco Scarcello Final Project 2
Here is my final edit of Project 2 for DVP 1! Enjoy!
~Franco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bneuXr3P3aU
~Franco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bneuXr3P3aU
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Rough Cut Project 2
Hello everyone, this is my rough cut of Ambulans Mortuus. Let me know what you think. There are still a few glitches I need to fix, but I am pretty happy with this cut as of now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1acL84RYAQ
Frozen
So I was wondering what all the fuss was about when every kid and teenager was talking about frozen. So of course, I watched it (with the kids I babysit). At first, I thought it was just going to be another silly animated disney film about a princess who needed saving (which in reality, it was). But I ended up really liking it. So what made the film so special?
Well first of all, the music was corny at first. I hate musicals and know a lot of other people who do. But for this one film, I think I can make an exception. It really added to the overall feeling of the movie. It was cut and silly and made the story tie together lose ends. The real fun though was the ice queen/ princess. She was the villain and the victim at the same time, and that was a bit of a twist. You could not help but feel bad for her, yet she was making her sister's life, the protagonist, a living nightmare. She shunned her sister and then made her work to come help her.
It was a good movie for both children and adults. It had silly parts to it, like Olaf the lovable snowman. It also had serious parts, for the more mature audiences like the death of the two sisters parents. It held a dynamic that had everyone enticed almost right from the start (aside from the singing). The storyline was the the key point to the movie.
With great animations and likable characters, the main draw was the plot. Starting out with two girls who were best friends and quickly escalating to two sisters who were complete strangers. From there, a twist comes that brings the two girls together for a night, only to pull them further apart. But the determined younger sister keeps the viewer enticed to watch as she goes on a journey to save her.
I thought this movie was particularly good because it focused more on the relationship of the two sisters rather than the usual love story. It showed younger girls that they can take charge of dangerous situations. Even though she does need the help of a man, in the end it is the two sisters who save each other. It creates a feeling of family empowerment and motivates all to reach out to their brothers and sisters, even if they have become estranged. The visual adds were cool as well, with an ice castle and a whole sea under ice. It was not was I was expecting and I am surprised I liked it enough to write about it.
The only criticism I would make would be that the is ALWAYS a love story. The movie did not need that aspect and could have ended it without the happy ever after of two lovers. Not that I don't like love stories, it's just that in disney movies, they are so predictable.
Well first of all, the music was corny at first. I hate musicals and know a lot of other people who do. But for this one film, I think I can make an exception. It really added to the overall feeling of the movie. It was cut and silly and made the story tie together lose ends. The real fun though was the ice queen/ princess. She was the villain and the victim at the same time, and that was a bit of a twist. You could not help but feel bad for her, yet she was making her sister's life, the protagonist, a living nightmare. She shunned her sister and then made her work to come help her.
It was a good movie for both children and adults. It had silly parts to it, like Olaf the lovable snowman. It also had serious parts, for the more mature audiences like the death of the two sisters parents. It held a dynamic that had everyone enticed almost right from the start (aside from the singing). The storyline was the the key point to the movie.
With great animations and likable characters, the main draw was the plot. Starting out with two girls who were best friends and quickly escalating to two sisters who were complete strangers. From there, a twist comes that brings the two girls together for a night, only to pull them further apart. But the determined younger sister keeps the viewer enticed to watch as she goes on a journey to save her.
I thought this movie was particularly good because it focused more on the relationship of the two sisters rather than the usual love story. It showed younger girls that they can take charge of dangerous situations. Even though she does need the help of a man, in the end it is the two sisters who save each other. It creates a feeling of family empowerment and motivates all to reach out to their brothers and sisters, even if they have become estranged. The visual adds were cool as well, with an ice castle and a whole sea under ice. It was not was I was expecting and I am surprised I liked it enough to write about it.
The only criticism I would make would be that the is ALWAYS a love story. The movie did not need that aspect and could have ended it without the happy ever after of two lovers. Not that I don't like love stories, it's just that in disney movies, they are so predictable.
rough cut of Project 2
Hopefully this is my last rough cut of project 2. What do you guys think?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPaCSN3aga0&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPaCSN3aga0&feature=youtu.be
Game of Thrones
For those of you who know me, of course I am writing about game of thrones. For any of you who watch and are not caught up, do not read this. The season has been fulfilling, as always but episode 2 of the season was the most fulfilling episode of the series so far. There was a specific scene that I thought was particularly well played out.
It was at the purple wedding, king Joffrey was celebrating his marriage with food, wine, and of course, tormenting is poor uncle, Tyrion. They are surrounded by their friends and family as King Joffrey manages to make an utter fool out of the most cunning and clever character on the show. Of course, be cunning and clever, Tyrion does not make a scene in front of the guest but plays along with Joff's little charades. Being beloved by the viewers, everyone is feeling bad for Tyrion. Being hated by the viewers, everyone is loathing Joff.
As the scene progresses, Tyrion is made to look weak and vulnerable as Joff is portrayed as cruel and uncaring. This is when the great visuals take place. Joff starts apparently choking and his face turning purple. He claws at his throat and the cameras zoom about to see the reactions of the onlookers. Some are horrified, plainly while others do not seem to know how to react -- stunned would be the word.
Joff continues on choking and falls into his mothers arms. As he lays there, vomiting all over himself and manages to lift a feeble finger to point at his uncle Tyrion, who is picking up the goblet he was drinking from, looking guilty. Then the camera brings us back to the boy-kings face as he is purple as a plum. He has vomit around his mouth and cannot catch a breath. As he takes is last agonizing attempt to breath, blood trickles from his nose and his eyes are beat red. The shot lingers, to give the views the full affect of the gory death that just occurred.
The lingering shot does not always work when such a strong scene is happening, but for this, the lingering shot only aided in the distraction of one of the most hated characters on television. It was not quite a close-up, but close enough to feel the presence of the dead king through the screen.
Having read the books, the show did more than justice for the gory death of the evil boy-king. It was just was stark-lovers needed to soothe their troubled hearts after the beheading of one and the infamous red wedding.
It was at the purple wedding, king Joffrey was celebrating his marriage with food, wine, and of course, tormenting is poor uncle, Tyrion. They are surrounded by their friends and family as King Joffrey manages to make an utter fool out of the most cunning and clever character on the show. Of course, be cunning and clever, Tyrion does not make a scene in front of the guest but plays along with Joff's little charades. Being beloved by the viewers, everyone is feeling bad for Tyrion. Being hated by the viewers, everyone is loathing Joff.
As the scene progresses, Tyrion is made to look weak and vulnerable as Joff is portrayed as cruel and uncaring. This is when the great visuals take place. Joff starts apparently choking and his face turning purple. He claws at his throat and the cameras zoom about to see the reactions of the onlookers. Some are horrified, plainly while others do not seem to know how to react -- stunned would be the word.
Joff continues on choking and falls into his mothers arms. As he lays there, vomiting all over himself and manages to lift a feeble finger to point at his uncle Tyrion, who is picking up the goblet he was drinking from, looking guilty. Then the camera brings us back to the boy-kings face as he is purple as a plum. He has vomit around his mouth and cannot catch a breath. As he takes is last agonizing attempt to breath, blood trickles from his nose and his eyes are beat red. The shot lingers, to give the views the full affect of the gory death that just occurred.
The lingering shot does not always work when such a strong scene is happening, but for this, the lingering shot only aided in the distraction of one of the most hated characters on television. It was not quite a close-up, but close enough to feel the presence of the dead king through the screen.
Having read the books, the show did more than justice for the gory death of the evil boy-king. It was just was stark-lovers needed to soothe their troubled hearts after the beheading of one and the infamous red wedding.
Project 2 Final Cut - Picking a Major
Here is my Final Cut for Project 2. My short film is called Picking a Major. It is about a girl named Isabelle and she is in the library trying to decide which college major to pursue.
Compared to my rough cut i think i definitely improved, but let me know what you guys think. I didn't play with the color effects but i didn't think i needed to.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_A2GnZEzNU
Compared to my rough cut i think i definitely improved, but let me know what you guys think. I didn't play with the color effects but i didn't think i needed to.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_A2GnZEzNU
Final Project 2 Sisterly Love Alex Cimieri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-qDYwgkbOc&feature=youtu.be
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