Comparing Classical vs Modern Cinema.

 Comparing Classical vs Modern Cinema.

ANSWER

Through the films “Casablanca” and “LA Confidential,” Section A’s Essay 2 compares and contrasts classical and contemporary cinema.

The two separate film genres of classical and modern cinema each have their own distinctive qualities that have developed over time. I’ll compare and contrast these two genres in this essay by talking about the key components of “Casablanca” (1942) and “LA Confidential” (1997).

Character development, adherence to established narrative conventions, and moral clarity are all hallmarks of classical cinema. Michael Curtiz’s “Casablanca,” a film that epitomizes this style, is a well-known example. The movie, which is set during World War II, centers on Rick Blaine, a cynical nightclub proprietor, and Ilsa Lund, a former flame. The storyline of the movie is straightforward and linear, with clearly defined heroes and villains. Rick eventually decides to follow the road of selflessness and patriotism, in line with the principles of classical cinema, despite his initial resistance.

Contrarily, modern film is distinguished by its openness to question established narrative tropes and explore intricate issues and personalities. Curtis Hanson’s film “LA Confidential,” which he also directed, is a shining example of contemporary cinema. The movie is a neo-noir criminal drama set in 1950s Los Angeles, a time when moral ambiguity and corruption are commonplace. The protagonists in “LA Confidential” are ethically ambiguous, and the boundary between good and evil is hazy, in contrast to the clear-cut heroes of traditional cinema. The movie also uses non-linear storytelling techniques, which makes it harder for viewers to understand and follow.

Comparing how classical and modern films approach cinematography and visual style is another important consideration. With well-lit scenes, distinct framing, and an emphasis on the facial emotions and interactions of the actors, “Casablanca” maintains a traditional visual aesthetic. In contrast, “LA Confidential” adopts a more contemporary and realistic visual approach, utilizing chiaroscuro and subdued lighting to evoke a sense of moral ambiguity and tension.

Finally, “Casablanca” and “LA Confidential” each symbolize a different movie genre: either classical or modern. “LA Confidential” confronts these norms by examining moral ambiguity, complicated characters, and a non-linear narrative, whereas “Casablanca” embodies the traditional values and narrative framework of classical film. These two movies are great instances of how cinema has changed over the years, reflecting shifting society ideals and narrative strategies.

SECTION B: Essay Examining Cinematic Techniques in “Silence of the Lambs”

The psychological thriller “Silence of the Lambs,” which was directed by Jonathan Demme, uses a variety of cinematic devices to build suspense and improve the viewing experience. The usage of diegetic sound, framing, and shot/reverse shot in the movie will all be covered in this essay.

Diegetic sound describes sounds that are present in the movie’s made-up environment. Diegetic sound is extremely important in “Silence of the Lambs” for creating tension and atmosphere. One such instance is when Hannibal Lecter converses with Clarice Starling in his creepy and scary voice. The voice of Lecter gives his persona a spooky dimension and spreads dread throughout the entire movie.

Another successful approach is framing, which is employed in “Silence of the Lambs.” To accentuate the characters’ face expressions and reactions, especially during emotional scenes, the movie frequently uses close-ups and medium views. These framing decisions enable the viewer to deeply examine the characters’ feelings and give their performances more depth. Clarice’s vulnerability and tenacity as she faces the horrors of her inquiry are shown by the close-ups of her face, for example.

Editing methods like shot/reverse shot are frequently utilized to show character interactions. Throughout the conversations between Clarice and Hannibal Lecter in “Silence of the Lambs,” this method is heavily employed. The back-and-forth shots highlight the power struggle and psychological tension between the two characters and create a dynamic visual and psychological interchange.

In conclusion, “Silence of the Lambs” successfully engrosses the audience in its psychological thriller storyline through the use of diegetic sound, framing, and shot/reverse shot methods. These cinematic devices help the movie convey character emotions, build tension, and draw viewers into the unpleasant setting of the narrative.

SECTION C: Essay: Examining Gender and Technology Issues in “Ex Machina” and “Hidden Figures”

Two movies that explore concerns of technology and gender include “Ex Machina” (2014) and “Hidden Figures” (2016), each of which takes these subjects in a different direction.

Alex Garland’s film “Ex Machina,” which he also directed, examines how people and artificial intelligence (AI) interact. The development of a cutting-edge AI named Ava is the movie’s main focus. The movie highlights moral concerns through Ava regarding how AI should be handled, the limits of awareness, and the possible repercussions of building intelligent machines. As Ava was created as a female AI and the movie explores how her creator objectified and changed who she was, it also focuses on gender issues. The movie “Ex Machina” emphasizes the risks associated with technology and the hazy boundaries between people and machines, ultimately raising ethical concerns about the development of AI.

Theodore Melfi’s film “Hidden Figures,” on the other hand, is based on the real-life experiences of three African-American women mathematicians who worked for NASA in the 1960s. The movie discusses race and gender discrimination in the workplace as well as the difficulties these ladies had in a setting that was predominantly male and racially divided. The film “Hidden Figures” highlights these women’s accomplishments while also highlighting the unfair treatment they received. As a result of these women’s contributions to mathematics being crucial to NASA’s success, it also highlights the role of technology in the space race.

But in different ways, gender and technology are discussed in both movies. While “Hidden Figures” focuses on the historical battle for recognition and equality in a technologically driven industry, “Ex Machina” examines the ethical ramifications of advanced AI and the objectification of female AI. These movies emphasize how technology and social concerns are intertwined, emphasizing the importance of moral considerations and equitable opportunity in the field of science and technology.

QUESTION

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