Director's Notes Assignment

Film:  Jackie Brown (Directed by Quentin Tarantino)


Plot Change...

Overall concept I wouldn’t want to change overall.  In my opinion, I feel that because it was already made, it’s already “out there” in the world.  In addition, It was only made once which means that others thought it wasn’t necessary to remake it because of it’s uniqueness.  Quentin Tarantino is known for his witty plot lines and complex, yet dynamic dialogue.   So, I find it difficult to compromise the creativity of someone that I appreciate.

Time...

Could be changed to Film-Noire

Location...

Could be changed to a train instead of a flight

Cast Change...

Maybe not necessary, but just change the wardrobe to the 1920-30’s time period.

The Day of the Locust

The 1930’s publication by Nathanael West was definitely interesting to read.  I’m a huge fan of the early 20^th century and all the fascinating and exciting cultural trends that arose during that period. 

West doesn’t shy away from writing using a dark and rather explicit tone.  If you’re looking for a romance novel…this is not it.  But on the other hand, life is not a romance novel- sometimes things don’t happen in a series of fortunate circumstances all leading to that “happily ever after”.  So I guess what I saying is that I like West’s realistic disposition toward the story. 

A little about the plot…West introduces us to the novel through the third-person omniscient perspective of Tod Hackett.  But, at one point in the novel the perspective shifts to Homer Simpson (another key character). 

Hackett, a gawky individual and painter, moves to California to take a position at a production studio.  Like many hopefuls of the time, Tod came to Hollywood to “make it big”, but so far he’s just barely skimming by.  In addition, as a personal project he decided to create a painting called “The Burning of Los Angeles”- a graphic and “apocalyptic” scene representing the lower-class who immigrated to California.

Shortly after arriving in L.A., Tod has gained a diverse set of “friends”- from a belligerent dwarf, named Abe Kusich, to an aspiring (yet untalented) film star, named Faye Greener.  We further become introduced to other male characters in the story- A cowboy who works as an extra in cowboy movies, his Mexican friend who frequently participates in cock fights, and a washed up businessman whom Faye is taking advantage of, named Homer Simpson.  All are so different; yet, they share one common interest- Faye.  Tod intends to include all these people in his painting, as well.

Tod’s painting could be considered an omen that leads up to "The" unfortunate event- concluding the book in sheer mayhem and catastrophe.  Damn, talk about an ending. 

Interestingly enough, I’m actually willing to read this novel at least a couple more times because I feel like I’ll be able to further understand the complex underlying themes and motives even more each time.

Hunger Games

To be honest I didn’t know anything about this story prior to the release of the book (written by Suzanne Collins).  As soon as production on the movie was in full swing the public took to the “blog-o-sphere”, and even uploaded amateur videos/ websites in anticipation of the release. Not holding back their true feelings about the upcoming movie, devotees are keeping close tabs on every decision Hollywood is making.  Most rejoice, but others announce their disapproval (ex: casting the heroine, Jennifer Lawrence was a wrong decision).

The story takes place in a futuristic world called Panem, which used to be North America. Penem is divided into 12 Districts- all severely ruled by a harsh government; The Capitol. We learn that 74 years prior to the beginning of the book, Panem rebelled against the Capitol. As an example to the other citizens never to undermine or rebel, District 13 was completely obliterated.  The “Hunger Games” is an annual televised event, where one girl and one boy from every district are chosen compete into an outdoor arena – literally battling for their lives.  And as a result, whoever is the last one standing receives fame, fortune, and their district gets privileges rained upon them for the next year.  (So wait…all that effort to stay alive and the rewards are only good for one year?...What a rip-off!)

Collin creates an interesting blend of two worlds.  The whole notion of people fighting to the death for the sake of entertainment is barbaric --dating back to the early days of Rome and the Gladiators fighting in the coliseums – except this time adolescent children are being used as pawns in this ruthless game.  Now for the twist, all of this is being broadcasted the audience via television– adding a modern and futuristic component to the story.  It’s like a game show, yet it’s disturbing that “entertainment” has succumbed to the demoralization of human lives.

The contextual ideas and themes in this story aren’t necessarily the most original creations.  A couple stories that immediately came to mind were “The Gladiator” and “Battle Royale”.  All contained similar underlying concepts, but I liked how she was able to produce her own uniqueness.  After reading this book, I’m definitely curious to see the movie and whether it fell short or remained true to the novel.

Metropolis

First and foremost…wow, what a cool movie!  I typically am not a fan of silent flicks because I tend to get too distracted noticing the way actors heavily dramatize themselves in each scene; I completely become disengaged with the storyline altogether.  But with Metropolis, I instantly became involved with the plot and the “overdoing” was not “overdid” this time.

This conception of Fritz Lang was simply a visually stunning film to watch.  For it’s time (released in 1927) the imaginative architectural backdrops were so grandeur.  It’s interesting, though, to note that there are two dramatically different styles of architecture being used.  One referenced a mythic and medieval style.  The other pushed ideas of envisioning a modernist and ultra-industrialized Utopia.  It’s interesting that the idea of total reliance of technology is not only feared by people presently, but even those 80 years ago felt the same way, too.  I’m a huge fan of architecture – the immense underground factory was especially visually appealing.

The Bible heavily influenced Lang’s creative motives, as well.  For example, the social progress of the citizens was diminished to heavy imagery of enslavement (just like the epic and grueling engineering of the construction of the Tower of Babel)- the city being Babel or course.  Also, Lang was greatly ambitious to take on the ever-debatable themes of capitol and labor issues, and political manipulation.

Encircled by all this drama was a blooming love between Freder and Maria. Freder is the son of the city’s ruler and Maria is the “prophetess” who speaks about a future,in which a mediator will unite the hands of the workers and the brains of the rulers- eventually ensuing a revolt.   Although, we quickly learn that the “evil” scientist, Rotwang has perfected a mechanical man that can look like anyone he chooses. He assures Joh (the city’s ruler/ Freder’s father) that this will replace the Workers and become the perfect slave of tomorrow.  Unfortunately Maria becomes the mold from which the robot takes her appearance, to be his forever. 

Regardless of the 2 hour run time, this film is filled with drama from beginning to end.  It’s certainly made its mark in film history.