REAR WINDOW

 We just finished up watching an Alfred Hitchcock film, Rear Window. This was a great film. It was a little cheesey at times but given its age and what they had to work with at the time it is very well done. I believe the explicit meaning of this film was perserverence and pushing an issue when you know you are right. Do not let people talk you out of things you feel strongly about. The implicit meaning is that you never really know a person. You could be living next to a murderer and never even know it. Someone could be suffering but put on a good show in public. Be kind to others because they might end your life or their own simply because of something you said or did. The ethical issue that this film brings up as far as if you see a nieghbor about to commit suicide but you only know this because you are spying should you report it? I believe that you should. It is absolutely an invasion of privacy by peeking at them through a window but that person needs help. They need to know someone cares. If they get help it could change their life and they could be forever grateful. Or they could be really mad and sue you like the guy on The Incredibles. For me personally i would rest better knowing I tried. Back to the film side of things tho. I honestly feel like the acting in this film was reaaly good. It was believable and relatable. You really get a sense of each character and who they are. That is also a direct result of good directing. The director works closely with the actors to portray the story and this was very well done. The camera movement and lighting also contribute to the high rating of this film. It helps to build suspense and tension. Overall this film is awesome and has made me want to look into more Hitchcock films. Loved this film! 

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

  Our fourth film in class was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid which falls into the genre, western. The multiple gun fights and wide, open landscapes are dead give aways. The film is pretty good. I can see why back in 1969 it was such a big deal. There is a lot of action and story moves along well. The gun fights are intense and keep you guessing. I believe the implicit meaning to this film is somewhere along the lines of sticking with the people who stick with you. These two friends stand by one another throughout all the obstacles they are faced with. It won the Oscar because the movie was put together well. The script and storline are well written and engaging. Paired with the music in the film it brings it all together to tell a good story. These men, Butch and Kid, are the anti-hero. They aren't doing good things or saving anyone. They are robbing people and trying to find better ways to do so and they also bring in other people and get them involved. However, somehow you still find yourself rooting for them. They are likable and loyal to one another and somehow relatable. Therefore you want them to succeed even if it isn't honorable. This was a good film and was well made but it really wasn't for me. Other than what I feel was the implicit meaning it didn't really say much more than that. Also, even though it was a well made film I am not so sure it would do as well today. Westerns aren't a super popular genre to begin with. It would need updated special affects and better picture. I believe it would suffer a bit in today's world. Although, it wasn't a terrible movie I don't find myself watching this movie again anytime soon.