Gone with the Godfather

The Oscars have always been a very important night for all movie lovers for they are allowed to witness the best accomplishments in the cinema industry. However, it appears that the Oscars next year, (the 85^th since 1929) will encounter a dilemma: for the first time in a long time, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will have a very difficult time deciding on which movies to nominate for such prestigious categories in February. Yet, this problem did not occur because too many good movies were produced; instead, too many bad movies were made this year, offsetting the balance between those movies that were wonderfully influential and those that were created as an afterthought.

With the economy crisis, ticket sales have dramatically increased [check older blog post] which motivates many to stay in at home and simply watch TV. This situation is particularly aggressive to present movies right now such as Argo, which has been widely praised by critics and rumored to be a big Oscar contender, merely had 7.6 million viewers over the weekend as opposed to the 8.2 million viewers one “Glee” episode attracts.

This problem is further worsening with the fact that most movie nowadays seem to be lacking in cultural and educational depth. Now, the American public is being satisfied with the simple but abrasive movies such as the R-rated comedy, Ted, or unless the movies are action-packed or dramatic like the Twilight Saga or Marvel’s The Avengers, they will not succeed in the box office.

Due to this, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is left wondering what to do in order to produce more memorable movies such as “The Godfather” and “Gone With the Wind.”  Suggestions about improving the quality of movies nowadays have varied, with the Academy staff wanting to join all the Best Picture Oscar winners filmmakers to create a campaign shown in theaters to remind the audience of the importance of movies. Others members from the Film Institute have considered starting campaigns with influential politicians such as Bill and Hillary Clinton as their supervisors of film award programs to attract a wider and more mature audience.  

This article is very important because it draws attention to a huge problem in today’s film industry. It seems that adults and older critics alike are constantly praising the films from many years ago and now that makes sense because today’s movies are very weak and sometimes pointless compared to the older ones. Although some movies created today are still fantastic such as War Horse and Hugo, these types of movies are becoming rarer with each passing day and no matter how much the audience yearn for something better, they are still a bit powerless since they do not have a voice in the entertainment industry. Still article raises the topic of the importance of films and that is certainly a step forward since the audience needs to be informed of the dilemma before a solution can be cultivated.

This article caught my eye because it made me wonder about the effects technology has had over movies and their making. For example, since technology is constantly improving practically every day, are filmmakers becoming too dependent on it? Do they feel like their movies do not need to have such a strong story or lesson because they believe all the “special effects” will make up for that? Before, say in the 1940’s, technology was absolutely nowhere near what it is now, and so the filmmakers knew they had to have a strong story to make the movie captivating. I feel like this is part of the problem because there are many influential directors such as Christopher Nolan (The Batman Trilogy and Inception) and Jason Reitman (Up in the Air and Juno) that do not like the new 3D technology either and strongly oppose it for they believe in maintaining the purity of their film intact. On some level, this proves that the new technology made to benefit movies actually backfired on the entertainment industry.

As a student, this impacts me because I am learning a valuable lesson: today’s era of movies need to be improved and fast. It makes me realize that the future of movies does not look so bright because although the movies may become fancier with the new technology, it will still be pointless if they do not contain some sort of depth that will make certain movies stand out and remain a classic. Such news inspires me to focus on the good movies that were made years before and keep an optimistic attitude about today’s movies.

As a future filmmaker, this article motivates me to ensure my future films are worthy enough and unforgettable due to their story. I do not want my films to be simple and cliché or only created for the purpose of money because that is actually quite sad. Movies should be made because it’s a passion, and seen only by those that can truly appreciate the quality and work behind them.

As a consumer, this article impacts me because I agree with the viewpoint described above and so I am one of those that refuse to go to the theaters and pay for a movie that I know is typical and boring so I would rather just rent it. Personally, I prefer the more emotional and deep movies such as The Perks of Being of a Wallflower or Argo, and so movies like Ted, I find quite offensive and pointless because its sending the wrong message to the audience. Movies similar to Ted also make me ponder about this generation….are we, the so-called “movie-lovers”, satisfied with such crude movies? If we are, then what does that say about our characters?

As I read this article, the standards of the movies made today left me thinking; do the filmmakers truly enjoy making insulting movies such as Ted, or are they just doing it because they know it will attract audience, and therefore, accumulate a lot of money? I also wonder about the impact of technology on modern movies and whether it bettered movies or only added to the ignorance of consumers. Are filmmakers becoming too reliant on technology, or are they using it as a helpful tool rather than a crutch? After all, it is possible to combine technology and valuable ethics in any movie, like Christopher Nolan did with The Dark Knight Rises; he was able to show amazing special effects and still maintain a strong lesson (e.g. the poor versus the rich). I guess a balance between the two elements needs to be found soon or else the entertainment business will see the dark age of movies.        

 
New York Times: Escape Cultural Irrelevance

 

BBC in London

By now, the US and the media in general is already familiar with sexual abuse reports surfacing and accusing major household names, such as Sandusky from Penn State and the participants of the national Boy Scouts. Yet, now it appears this problem has become more apparent all over the world for now, in London, BBC, the country’s largest broadcasting company, is being investigated for sexual abuse against nine staff members and contributors. The accusation states that children’s TV host, Jimmy Savile, who died last year at the age of 84, had abused underage teenagers over several decades.
Director- General George Entwistle stated that BBC is currently looking into the situation as strictly as possible after multiple victims have spoke up about being abused while working for BBC. Yet, criticism was drawn when it was discovered that Savile did not follow through a background check while first being employed at the company because of certain “cultural problems.” Now under deep observation, Entwistle, will deliver a testimony before the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sports Committee, explaining the situation and the role the broadcast company, BBC, played in the sex abuse scandal.   

This article is very important because it shines light on the daily challenges many endure while working in the entertainment industry. Obviously, sexual harassment is no laughing matter and should never transpire for any reason because there is no justification for it, yet many people continue to do it. It is quite sad that after the world has heard of horrendous but similar cases happening, such as Sandusky from Penn State, some people still remain silent or even participate in such acts. Although this has always been a worldwide problem, it is now becoming worse with each day and must cease before the dilemma grows even bigger to the point that it can no longer be stopped. 

            The article caught my attention because it felt like such cases are happening way too often and I wonder what the authorities do to combat the problem. Although I expect the public to react the same (always in a disgusted and horrified manner), the accused might have a different approach and only be sorry for getting caught and not for actually committing the act.

As a student, this article impacts me because I can relate to the situation because I am a teenager around the same age of the victims. I imagine putting myself in their shoes and trying to succeed in the entertainment business as I endure a horrible treatment from a complete a stranger. I cannot even begin to fathom what the victims had to have experienced, but my heart goes out to them.

            As a future filmmaker, this article strongly acts as a warning for the kind of people I work with. It reminds me to always be cautious with the people I employ or work under because I never truly know if they hold a secret agenda or not. Since I am now being inspired to direct documentaries in specific, I would want to make a documentary about this whole problem as well as the rise and effects of human trafficking all over the world.

As a consumer, this impacts me because now I will pay more close attention to BBC. Although I had heard of the company previously, my whole attention was never truly focused on it, but now it will be because I would want to know how the victims are doing.

            After reading the article, I have several questions involving the victims; how are they handling the whole situation? What gave them the courage to speak up? And why does this continue to happen, especially in the media industry? Is there some sort connection to the entertainment industry and risk of being sexually abused? And if there is…what can be done to stop it?

 

San Fransisco Chronicle: BBC Scandal

Wisconsin's Hero

Jennifer Livingston: "No More Bullies!" She Says

 

In today’s world, it is no surprise that bullying has dominated most schools yet most people immediately assume that bullying only exists within schools and that no other groups of people besides students can be victims of verbal abuse. Unfortunately, this is not the case; not only are students the victims of bullying, but now, so are adults in public workplaces.

 

Such a horrible event transpired around the first week of October, when a Wisconsin news anchorwoman, Jennifer Livingston, was more or less attacked due to her weight. It turns out that a young man, Kenneth Krause, wrote an email to Livingston, stating that she is an unsuitable role model for young girls because she is overweight. The email details further by informing Livingston that she has had many years to improve her physical condition, yet has simply chosen not to.

 

At first, Livingston simply ignored the personal attack since she has always been a strong person, but since she is a mother to three adorable children, she realized that they might interpret the situation differently and others might as well. Due to this, Livingston then discussed the incident for about 4 minutes in a small segment on her news channel, WKBT-TV in La Crosse, in which she acknowledged the fact that she was indeed overweight, but realized it was cruel and unfair of Krause, a complete stranger, to actually attack her for it and deem her worthless because of it.

 

After her husband, also an anchor person in WKBT-TV, posted the email in Facebook, an overwhelming support hugged Livingston, praising her for her courage and dignity in handling the situation. Jennifer Livingston was also hailed as a hero and as an inspiration for young kids fighting bullies and abuse for daring to be different.

 

And I have to admit I fell in love with her when at the end of her segment, Jennifer Livingston looked straight at the camera and stated: "To all of the children out there who feel lost, who are struggling with your weight, with the color of your skin, your sexual preference, your disability, even the acne on your face, listen to me right now: Do not let your self-worth be defined by bullies.”

 

I felt this article was extremely important because once again, the grave issue of bullying was brought up, especially since October is national anti-bullying month. This event also shone light on the fact that bullying happens everywhere and affects everyone, including adults at professional work places. This article also caught my eye because I enjoy reading about good things that happen in the world because with the high gas prices and depressing economy, such inspiring events seem rarer so they should be cherished greatly. This article also attracted my attention because it made me realize that heroes are ordinary people with extraordinary hearts that do not need to stop a burning building from collapsing, but simply need to motivate others to be better, if at least for one day.

 

As a high school student, this article impacted me because it made me want to be a better person by helping anybody that I can, even if it is something quite small because it can truly make a difference even though I may not be aware of it. I am sure when Jennifer Livingston and her husband posted the hurtful letter, she did not expect to receive such an overwhelming positive response, nor did they imagine the many lives she inspired that sparked YouTube videos and interviews on popular daytime shows.

 

As a future filmmaker this piece of news affected me because it serves as a warning of the possible events that can transpire by being a public figure in the entertainment industry. It taught me that my movies or tv shows will not be the only elements criticized, but I will be scrutinized as well, along with my personal life. Yet, it shows me that I can also be superior and rise above such comments just like Jennifer Livingston which is what truly defines her as a person.

 

As a consumer, this article affected me because now I will want to watch Livingston’s news channel (if possible) to determine how she will further handle the situation if it is brought up again. It also encourages me to look at other public figures to discover if they have been attacked in a similar manner and if they managed to handle the situation as well as Livingston did.

 

After reading this article, I was flooded with many questions regarding the thoughts and emotions of Kenneth Krause. In the article, he stated that he did not intend to hurt Livingston nor act like a bully, yet in this case, words happened to be louder than actions which made his statement seem false. So I wonder Krause is feeling right now; does he truly realize the impact of his role in bullying Livingston? I also wonder about the young daughters of Livingston; how did their parents let them know of the situation revolving their mother? I would like to think that the three girls are very proud of their mother for standing up for herself and for the all the children that are victims of bullying every day.

 

 

Presidents and Nick

As election day gradually becomes a reality rather than a mere hot topic for discussion, everyone is becoming more and more interested in the two candidates: current Democratic President Obama and Republican Mitt Romney. Now, kids are also excited to learn more about the future leaders of our countries which is displayed by Nick News, a Lucky Duck production that has been running for 21 years. On October 15th, the children's network will showcase a TV special titled "Kids Pick the President: The Candidates", which focuses on interviewing the presidential candidates about specific topics such as obesity, immigration, and bullying. Yet, unlike President Obama, Republican Mitt Romney will not be able to be part of the show due to previous scheduling commitments. Linda Ellerbee, the host of the show, commented on Romney's absence by stating: "We are disappointed that Mitt Romney wouldn't take the time to answer the questions..." Still, the show will go on since President Obama agreed to do the interview, and in Romney's case, the network simply decided to use clips about his campaign that address the requested topics.

 

I felt this article was very important because the election is very close so such topics need to be discussed. Sometimes in the news, the bigger topics such as the recession are addressed by the presidential candidates and so the weaker points are dismissed although they still hold the same value. Yet, by having a children's network such as Nick News take an interest on the overshadowed topics such as bullying, the discussion is set to be ready which also attracts young kids.

 

As a student, this impacted me because the show gives me a chance to learn more about the plans of my country's future leaders. Although I am still too young to vote, I can still form an opinion from the new knowledge I acquire. I believe it is always good to learn because that makes one more aware of such important news so that one is neither completely clueless nor ignorant.

 

As a future filmmaker, this news makes me realize that the world is always changing and which gives me more freedom regarding what I want my audience to be aware of. It is always nice to create a film in which fantasy dominates the story, yet it is still necessary for reality to have a place in films and shows to better communicate with the audience. So by having shows such as Nick News, it inspires me as a future filmmaker to keep these topics in mind so I do not forget to inform my audience on such important events because it truly makes a difference.

 

As a consumer, this affected me because I am interested in the plans of the presidential candidates so I will try to watch the show. The show also attracts more people because it holds a poll that predicts the ultimate winner, which has been correct 5 out of 6 times. So it will be nice to see if this year will result in another favorable win for the Nick News Poll.

 

After reading this article, I wondered if people realize the true affect media has on young kids. Even though they may not have been too keen on the constant reporting of Obama and Romney, they might experience a change of heart after watching the show. I also wonder if this will somehow hurt or affect Romney in some way because although kids do not vote, they can have powerful voices at home. As Linda Ellerbee said: "By answering kids' questions directly [the interviews], candidates show respect for kids."

 

Hollywood Reporter: Obama and Romney on Nick News

 

The Issue With Sue

It is no secret now that the world has been experiencing some turbulence regarding religion. Although the various perspectives about religion have always been problematic, matters were made worse when a film director under the name of Sam Bacile, released "Innocence of Muslims" which could be viewed on YouTube. Immediately, the movie was assaulted with aggressive anti-American responses and attacks from the Middle East which resulted in more than 17 tragic deaths, including the U.S ambassador to Libya.

Due to this violent feedback, an actress from the movie, Cindy Lee Garcia, has sued the film’s producer and YouTube as well, claiming that the reaction of movie has caused her to receive death threats which eventually made her an invalid caretaker for her grandchildren. Still, the movie has also caused problems in other aspects of Garcia’s life, such as being fired from her job since her employers now believe she poses a threat to those around her.

Garcia decided to sue because she states that she was tricked into making the film; she claims that the filmmaker tricked her into taking a role in the movie by assuring her that the movie was actually an adventure story set in ancient Egypt.

The actress wants all her association to the movie to be cut immediately before further problems in her life arise, since she feels that her reputation and image has been tarnished.

I thought this article was important because it shines light on the treatment certain actors are exposed to after one of their projects fails. Although one constantly reads and hears about a movie hitting rock bottom in the box attention, no one truly pays attention to the actual people behind the movie. Yet, this article accomplishes the opposite because it makes the readers understand just how powerful certain effects are regarding elements as influential as movies which is the idea that originally attracted me to the article in the first place.

As a high school student, this impacted me because I was able to connect with the issue that Garcia faced. Everyone cares about the manner in which they present themselves to others and so as a society, everyone tries to keep that image as true as possible. Yet, Garcia claims her image was changed, giving off a negative vibe, which is not fair since she had no control over such action.

As a future filmmaker, this piece of information impacted me because it made me realize the risk involved in producing a controversial movie. Although I am sure the director did not mean to evoke such a powerful response that eventually lead to deaths and riots, he must have wanted some sort of reaction and emotion since every story has a theme. Yet, this article only put the main problem more into focus, giving me a warning about voicing my opinions and views about a delicate subject such as religion.

As a consumer, this impacts me because now I am interested in watching the film. When I first head of the riots and chaos in the Middle East, I never imagined it would be a voluntary attack against Americans over one simple film. I have not yet watched the movie, but after hearing how it is affecting history, I am more eager to watch the movie to determine myself if the movie really is as horrible and offensive as the attackers claim it is.

After reading this article, multiple questions quickly sprang into my mind. I wondered what the director was feeling after witnessing all the madness that erupted after showing his movie. I am sure he did not expect this kind of reaction and so it must have shocked him greatly, as well as realizing the lawsuit filed by Garcia. I also ponder about Garcia’s views on all the whole situation; at what moment did it fully hit Garcia that the movie she worked on caused her life to be threatened, pushing her to file a lawsuit against the producer and YouTube?

Cindy Lee Garcia Sues