Hawks' "Friday" Hits Screwball Homerun

Films after the Great Depression saw a number of changes both technologically and aesthetically.  By this time sound and the 'talkie' had completely eliminated the silent film era.  The advancement in audio recording paved the way for a different kind of actor, screenwriter and director. These new era contributors forged new approaches to the craft of filmaking which were not possible prior to the invention of sound.

Scripts and screenwriting became much more important along with the dialogue that was written.  The actors performance switched focus from physical gags and facial expressions to strong delivery of the written words with interpretation playing a greater role in how the film is received by the audience.  These developments in sound paved the way for a new style of scripting now known as 'Screwball'.

Notable for its overlapping, fast-paced, sequencing and quick witted repartee- Screwball comedies became very popular during the mid 30's and often incorporated larger social issues within the comedic story lines. Directors of this genre such as Cupra and Cukor drafted the format that Howard Hawks would seemingly perfect in his 1940 classic His Girl Friday.

The basic premise behind His Girl Friday was love; in that the main charecter played by Cary Grant attempts to derail a former lovers plans to settle down and marry.  His opposite played by Rosalind Russell is determined to leave the fast paced life of news reporting in order to marry her current boyfriend who lives an unextraordinary life in the suburbs of upstate New York.  Grant entices her to get one more scoop that leads them through a series of comical situations.

The dynamic between the actors is tense at times but the dialogue leaves the impression that there is still some degree of attraction between them.  The overlap was purposefully used as a technique to mimick the natural rhythm and pace at which normal conversation takes place.  Hawks noted that often people speak over on another during conversation and he took great pains to recreate that condition.

The drawback to this "overlap" style of scripting was limited by the technology.  Because microphone techniques were not mobile and most of the action needed to be stationed around the mic is caused stale moments in the pace.  The quality of the audio was also an issue since there was very little ability to separate the sound the dialogue has confusing moments that are unclear.  Though the ambitiousness of Hawks reigns, it is still a difficult task to handle.

Overall, His Girl Friday was a fun movie.  The pace was quick and the material was light and witty.  Hawks insistence to keep the flow of the dialogue natural was noted and his use of improvisation enriched the performances. The pinnacle that Hawks achieved during this film became the template for many modern directors like Woody Allen and for many projects like Moonlighting and Married with Children.

source-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/His_Girl_Friday

Stagecoach: Western That Won the West

Out of all of the western movies ever made, John Ford's Stagecoach is without a doubt the game changer.  An involved story- about an unlikely group of travelers, aboard a horsedrawn carriage,through 'savage' country, was engaging and entertaining.  Set against the backdrop of the southwestern US,  the film was beautifully captured and told through Fords trademark style.  Long and wide shots were used to capture the majesty and reality of the scenes which assisted in validating the story.  The plot points were easy to follow and the cast was suitable and convincing.

Considered to be John Wayne's breakout role,  the film provided the perfect opportunity to spolight his " home on the range" bravado.  Although Wayne starred in other westerns, none reached the box office heights of stagecoach.  Supported by an eclectic ensemble cast, the film chronicles the journey of a motley crue; the Outlaw, the Prostitute, the Army Wife, The Rougue Gentleman, The Drunk, and The Whiskey Salesman.


The film examines relationships between strangers and reveals how predetermination and bias can be present among strangers.  The film follows these main characters through a series of trials, difficulties and obstacles. Ford's deeper vision is revealed through character development and his commentary regarding our 'binding factors'  is apparent through the course of the movie.

 The passengers of the Stagecoach are diametrically opposed to one another at the begining of the movie yet by the final moments of the film have united, shown growth, displayed courage and redeemed their shortcomings and misgivings present from the begining.  Ford consistently thrusts situations on the screeen that force the viewer to question themselves and their own actions confronted with the similar circumstances.

In terms of overall filmmaking; Stagecoach is a masterpeice.  This assertion can be supported because it laid the groundwork for countless westerns to follow.  It showed western genre filmakers that followed  how to properly capture a western.  Ford's filmmaking style encouraged other directors to shoot on location versus in the studio.  He also innovated the "Hero" shot which incorporated the wide shot, a subject and dramatic lighting (depicted in photo above J. Wayne).

Stagework laid the foundation for films like Bonanza, The Lone Ranger and Gunsmoke.  It paved the way for on screen talents like Gene Autry, Clint Eastwood and.Lee Van Cleef.  As a fan of movies I enjoyed Stagecoach for its beautiful scenes and great action sequences.  I would reccomend this film to other movie fans and those interested in the Americana.

source- 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_(genre)
http://www.altfg.com/blog/classics/stagecoach-john-wayne-claire-trevor/

 



Ford's Wrath Forshadows Future

John Ford circa 1946

Families Forced From Homes Live Migratory Lifestyles.
 Corruput Finance in Cahoots with Big Business.
America's Divide- Have's v. Have not's.
 1% Plot "New World Order".

These one liners can easily be mistaken for recent headlines from the New York Times or the Post however, they're really some of the dismal themes portrayed in the 1940's John Ford Film, Grapes of Wrath.  A stunning film, Wrath earned Ford his second Best Director Award from the academy.  Ford's signature style emphasised the peril, turmoil and sadness of the main charecters of the movie, The Joads.

The story of the Joads,can easily be inserted into the lives of millions of Americans feeling the downturn of our embattled economy.  Mothers and Fathers out of work, retired grandparents forced to work because of looted retirement accounts. Occupy Wall Street events and  forclosed mortages within walking disctance from Squatters Row; images that could be expertly captured by John Ford.

In fact,  Ford's ability to use natural scenery to tell the story, revolutionized the  way that stories could be told.  His use of landscapes and other natural wonders to add to the drama and impact experienced by the charecters was genius.  The peril of riding down rt 66 in an overpacked, underigged jalopy furthered my sympathy for the unlucky clan following the ransacking of their birth plot.

Visually, the movie captured the agony and pain of living in such heinous and unsafe conditions with an unapolegetic honesty.  Ford captured the tremendous sacrifice and disappointment experienced by each of the main players.  Casting also added to the impact of this film, however, Editing could have been smoother and less repetetive.

I would highly reccomend this film for anyone interested in such  classic material, the length of the movie, however is challenging. Nevertheless this movies was enjoyable and though provoking.  Ford's talents were at its peak during the making of this film,hence raising the bar of expectation for filmakers to follow. Although it only grossed 600,000 in it's first year, it is considered on of the most 50 most important films ever made.

Chaplin's Gold Rush Enjoyable and Fun

Although I had never actually watched "The Gold Rush"  I was somewhat familiar with the story and some of the classic clips. I went into to the experience of settling into a big comfy chairs in CAS 106 with rose colored glasses concerning Chaplin. After watching it though, I thought that it was masterfully produced.  

Chaplin's ability to choreograph entire sequences of physical comedy coupled with compelling story lines laden with moral implication, was truly astonishing.   As I watched the movie I tried to imagine what it would be like to make a film with the bare bones production that Chaplin commanded.

 It is evident that Chaplin wanted to portray a particular message with the making of The Gold Rush.  The frenzy of the Yukon gold rush was  what motivated people, controlling their decisions and driving their dreams.  Through all of that however, Chaplin wanted to stress the "people need people", not materialism theme, within the story.  He achieved this by introducing the love interest into the story.  His up and down antics while trying to woo the girl takes the focus off the "gold rush" aspect and places love above all.

At the time of its release, The Gold Rush made a tremendous impact. Hailed as Chaplin's greatest work, A New York Time's article said "as it has more thought and originality than even such masterpieces of mirth as The Kid ". Its release influenced comedic filmmakers like Keaton, the Three Stooges and Abbott and Costello.


I would recommend this film to anyone who likes movies.  Even though it is silent, the 96 min running time seemed to speed by. The story enticed me to want to see what would happen next.  I believe that the editing, however, could have been smoother ,yet the imagery was magnificent and the lighting was adequate.


Many of the cabin scenes were extremely detailed and complex. With snow storms, mountainous terrain and precarious slopes, The Set Design of the movie was also notable. After doing some research it was revealed that Chaplin filmed this in California and the cabins scenes were part of a custom built set on a lot at his property.

Chaplin set the pace for a generation of filmmakers to follow.  His sensitivity and dedication to the story a-la-Chaplin, became his calling card that many modern comedic filmmakers continue to emulate today.

The Gold Rush was definitely worth it!


Sources -
http://iwatchedthismovie.wordpress.com/2010/03/19/the-gold-rush-1925/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gold_Rush