The Dark Knight

The 2008 film "The Dark Knight" is a new look at the characters of Batman and the Joker, who were also portrayed in the 1989 film "Batman."

Compare the two Batman films and comment about the differences you saw.

Mighty Joe Young 1949 1998

Filmmakers often do a remake of an earlier film because they have something new to say. The plot or the characters may be a little (or a lot) different from the earlier version, or the story may explore different themes.

The story of "Mighty Joe Young" from 1998 is different from the 1949 version in many ways.

Compare the two films and explain the differences you noticed.

For example, consider the cultures of the times, the themes being explored, the setting of the story, the look of the film, the way women are portrayed, and the special effects.

Mission Impossible 3

I'm glad that you all enjoyed "Mission Impossible 3".

Tom Cruise is currently filming "Mission Impossible 4", and he has said this will be the last time he plays the part of Ethan Hunt.

Do you think that Ethan Hunt will live or die in "Mission Impossible 4"?  Why?

Why do you think the hero dies in some movies, but not in others?

Do you prefer one or the other? If so, why?

American Culture vs British Culture 1960s

Watching spy movies from the 1960s is a good way to compare American and British cultures of that era.

So who is the best spy?  James Bond or Derek Flint? Why?

Musicals

Musicals are a genre in which the characters express themselves through song. Often it's a way for a character to convey emotions and inner thoughts that they are reluctant to say directly.

What was everyone singing about in the three clips we watched from "Finian's Rainbow",  "Rocky Horror Picture Show", and "Singing in the Rain"?

Nightmare on Elm Street 4

"Welcome to my nightmare."

According to Wikipedia, horror films deal with the viewer's nightmares, hidden fears, and terror of the unknown. The story is often about the intrusion of evil into the everyday world.

The distinction between between horror and terror is the difference between apprehension and realization: Terror is the feeling of scary anticipation leading up to the horrifying experience, while horror is the reaction of revulsion that happens after experiencing the horror.

When you watched Nightmare on Elm Street 4, did you feel terror or horror?  Or both?  Explain.

Did you find Freddy scary? Why?

Was Alice a cool hero?  Why or why not?

Live Free or Die Hard

The hero of a story is a person who possesses courage and nobility, and perhaps special abilities, that enable him to take actions that help others.

Why was John McClane an effective hero?

 

The villain of a story opposes the hero. His or her goal is usually the opposite of the hero's goal. The villain might be evil or malicious, and not care about the effects of his actions on others.

Why was Mai Linh an effective villainess?

Batman

Hi guys--

So... did all of you enjoy "Batman"?

There are many comic book heros in the world today.

What comic book hero is your favorite?  Why?

Phase I - American Culture

Hello Phase I

This is Blog  # 4

We just finshed watching "Defending Your Life"... a story about what might happen after you die. Did you learn anything from watching the movie?

Phase I Students

Hello, everyone.  Welcome to Blog  #3

I am glad that you all enjoyed watching "The Island". One of the issues explored in the movie is culture shock. 

When Lincoln Six Echo and Jordan Two Delta escape from their subterranean world to the surface world, they are suddenly exposed to American culture for the first time, and they experience extreme culture shock.

What are some examples of American culture that were strange to Lincoln and Jordan?

As always, I look forward to reading your comments.

"The Island" - Phase I Students

Happy Friday.  :)  Welcome to Blog  #2

I hope you are all enjoying "The Island." As you know, the movie deals with human cloning and the ethical questions that it raises.

Sometime in the future, scientists will successfully clone a human being. Please write a paragraph discussing the advantages and disadvantages of human cloning. Then tell us what your opinion is. Should a human being be cloned? Why or why not?

I look forward to reading your responses. Have a great weekend!

Hello Phase I Students! :-)

Welcome to The American Culture Blog  #1

Yesterday in class, we talked about many different movie genres. For example, as we discussed, "The Lost Boys" is a horror movie. Please use the comment box to tell us what your favorite movie genre is, and why. Also, what is your least favorite movie genre and why?

I look forward to reading your comments.

Welcome!

Welcome, everyone, to the American Culture Spring 2011 Class Blog!

Alan and I will use this site to post important information, announcements, and fun things related to our classes. You will use this site to post homework assignments, continue class discussions, reflect on the movies we watch, and comment on information your classmates have posted. Together we will make this site a collection of our thoughts, feelings, questions, comments, musings, reflections, and rants about anything and everything related to American culture.

We are especially excited that you will be able to share information and ideas about movies (and American culture) with classmates from both Phase I and Phase II.

Please remember to check this blog regularly (at least once a day), and to stay tuned for important announcements in class about some of your first homework assignments.

Any questions? Please let me know!