Most people are so ungrateful to be alive. But not you. Not anymore.

Chapter 10 of Media, Gender and Identity talks about role models and the effect media has on creating and influencing us to believe that these people are role models. The chapter also talks about self-help literature and what the over arching meanings behind it are.
The chapter starts off giving a some what definition of role models and gives at least two pages of examples in the media. Then, it goes on to talk about the "girl power" role models of the Spice Girls and Destiny's Child. It mentions how each of these groups brought forth a feeling of self independence and self worth in a male dominated culture. However, it also mentioned how these groups used their sexual side to sell records, which could be negative for the young ones understanding. The chapter also talks about the male aspect of role models (yet also only focuses on the music role models again). Gauntlett goes on about the wide variety of male music orientate role models and how they can go from tough and thuggish (like Eminem, Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes), to squeaky clean boy bands (N'Sync, Backstreet Boys, etc), and can also be pretty unmanly as well (David Bowie, Boy George, Robert Smith of The Cure, etc).
The chapter also talks about the different kinds of role models that Gauntlett describes. I am a little disappointed that Gauntlett only talked about role models in music, since there are many more role models that don't even really exist. This brings me to my case-in-point.
Ever seen this guy before?










If not maybe your more familiar with his puppet.









Yes, this is Tobin Bell as the serial killer known as Jigsaw from the series of horror films called Saw. The rest of my blog will most likely be a spoiler so if you want to watch it, watch and get back to me.

Anyway, the whole idea of Jigsaw is that he put each person in a rather gruesome trap or "game" as he calls it. Each one basically causes the person to do some horrible deed to themselves or others so they may survive. It is pretty messed up but it is Jigsaw's idea that people take life for granted and cannot appreciate it at all. Therefore, by putting them through these games he teaches them to live. "Live or die, make your choice."
So, how can he be a role model? Surprisingly throughout the series, he actually gets two followers who try to do his work. While he may be a bad role model, it does point out how not all role models are good. We can get the idea that life is something that should be cherished from Jigsaw, yet at the same time we should not emulate him as well (really, that would be seriously messed up). This is what I think was something that was left out by Gauntlett. That while music stars are where we focus some of our role models, there are still outside examples like Jigsaw. Also, that there should be lessons learned or taught by the role models, not to live like them. Brings new meaning to "do what I say, not what I do."
first image from http://www.moviesonline.ca/movie-gallery/albums/Saw_III/saw3-6.jpg
second image from http://valuesatplay.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/saw-iv.jpg

Raging Bull analysis

It is pretty evident that the first thing to note about Raging Bull is the choice of making it black and white. I feel like it was Scorsese's idea so the audience gets the nostalgic feeling. Then again, it also could be so something like the editing would be so seem less. Think about it, if there is less varying degrees of color than the transitions should be pretty smooth.

As previously said, the editing in Raging Bull was very smooth. Personally, I could not pick it up at all. The boxing scenes were by far the most intense editing. I can only imagine how long it took to put all of that together. The very slow shots, to the very fast shots gave the feel of how it must be to be in a boxing match like those. These transitions from slow to fast (especially in the last fight) could make someone (me) forget about watching for editing, no matter how many times I watch it. It also gave the feel of the rhythm of the boxers punches (rhythmic editing!!!) On top of this, the match almost had the feel of a conversation. They had an establishing shot when they went into the center to fight, they went back and forth (or forth with the punches to LaMotta), and they had a few reestablishing shots with added two-shots. I also noticed how the over the shoulder shots gave you the feel that you were actually punching LaMotta, or getting punched by Sugar Ray with the medium shots.

"Useless talent number 66. I'm very pliable."

Rachel Fudge's article The Buffy Effect or, A Tale of Cleavage and Marketing goes through the image in the television box of the 90's that was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I did not know this but Buffy actually started out as a failed movie that really was nothing special. Cue the television series. Buffy was created as a way to erase or oppose the typical ideal of women in nearly all of monster horror. As Fudge said, "Instead of shouting, 'Don't do in there!' to the naive girl traipsing through the darkened vacant house, we shout, 'Go, girl!' as Buffy enters the dark alleys to dispatch the monster of the moment with her quick thinking and martial-arts prowess." While Buffy may seem to be a ditsy version of Van Hellsing decked out in the latest fashions, Fudge comments that it is her womanhood that makes her different than the other vampire slayers before her. Also, it is her exemplification of her "girl power" that makes her strong. Instead of just wearing a girl power t-shirt, she is actually out there fighting vampires, and doing the dirty work while still remaining womanly.
Fudge also mentions how Buffy was a television show that did more than just energize people by killing vampires. Buffy actually could be used as a big metaphor for the struggles that all high schoolers, girls and guys alike, face on a day to day basis. Fudge calls it the "high-school-as-hell" metaphor.
I have not personally watched much Buffy at all, but I do remember one clip. All that happens is while Buffy is lying on her bed, presumably deep in thought, she nonchalantly reaches to the side of her bed and grabs a battle ax. Ridiculously awesome.
So, this is my case-in-point, Rose McGowan as Cherry in Planet Terror. I know, I know, who watches this but guys, I know, but I feel like this actually shows a lot of Buffyesque action like Fudge talked about. She kicks butt while still remaining womanly. Also, one little plot point is that she has at least 100 useless talents. At the end of the film she uses these talents....and an M16 to take out all the bad guys who just so happen to be mutants.
image from http://www.moviesonline.ca/

"That's me. Six years and 600 pounds ago... before I knew how much I hated myself."

Jean Kilbourne's article "The More you Subtract, the More you Add" Cutting Girls Down to Size talks about the hegemonic and blatant coding of girls through advertising. Kilbourne's discussion goes right out by saying that advertising tells girls how they should look. "The culture, both reflected and reinforced by advertising, urges girls to adopt a false self, to bury their real selves, to become 'feminine,' which means to be nice and kind and sweet, to compete with other girls for the attention of boys, and to value romantic relationships with boys above all else" (pg. 259). This leads to "self-objectification" that can lead to other problems such as eating disorders. Kilbourne mentions how this connection between eating and advertising was showed in Fiji when television was introduced. At least 74 percent of teenage girls were weight conscious within three years. Coincidence? I think not. Kilbourne also says that it really isn't always the advertising companies fault, yet it is this "problem" that keeps selling their products. "Certainly the cumulative effect of these images and words urging girls to express themselves only through their bodies and through products is serious and harmful" (pg.264).

Case in point Dodgeball Globogym

This mock commercial meant to be satirical says a lot about gym advertisements in general. They all never really say stuff like Ben Stiller does but most of the time it is implied. It is unfortunate that this is the only way to get people to subscribe to a gym. It seems like these commercials speak to everyone.
clip taken from youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6ce2-fZn84

Raging Bull Review

Ok, like pretty much every movie I watch for Art of Film, Raging Bull was another one of those timeless classics that I have not watched until now. Honestly, I thought it was only about boxing. After watching it, I feel like it was really just a film about some messed up guy who just-so-happens to box. A story about a guy who just couldn't let things go, or he was just stupid.

Besides the plot, this film really does show the genius that is Martin Scorcese. The editing in the film felt very naturalistic and calming/invisible. The editing was simply something that I just didn't notice very much, even during the times when I thought to.

I also found it funny how time went by. Besides the text on the screen indicating the year, there was no other indication of how long went by. One minute Jake is puting the moves on Vickie, boxing scene, then Vickie is "with" Jake (if you know what I mean).

Overall, I was indifferent about the film. It just didn't really catch me. (By the way, I like watching boxing, so when I found out it was more of a person film with boxing, instead of a boxing film I was turned off). I found it funny though, how someone like LaMotta couldn't control his anger. Kinda sounded like another famous boxer....

Do the Right Thing Analysis

After watching Do the Right Thing in pieces there were a few things I wanted to mention. First off, the group of four kids that are always together seem to be the characters who display the theme of the time with their costumes the most. At the same time, their stylized acting gave you the feel of comic relief, yet quick changing moods (especially at the end, happy-to ticked pretty fast).
Another particular scene that I wanted to talk about was the talk with Sal and Pino. The mise-en-scene's setting and shot stays the same, yet there are a few people who arrive and leave within the shot. The lighting in the scene seems to be like the lighting through the rest of the movie except slightly different, to give you a feel of "end of the day." The talk is mainly about Pino's anger to which Sal is finally confronting. Ironically, the one person who is (for the most part) innocent and has done no harm shows up. Smiley shows the stylistic acting as well to show how people really just don't listen to some people. If the riot at the end of the movie only heard his say, "one of the cops was black," would Sal's pizzeria been burned down? analysis

Cosmo Girl and today

Inventing the Cosmo Girl by Laurie Ouellette tells the hegemonic tale of Helen Gurley Brown and her building up of the contemporary woman through the women's magazine, Cosmopolitan. It goes through the thought process that Brown went through with the standpoints that Cosmo wanted to play to. From her teachings came the idea of the Pink-Collared work place, which ends up basically being a secretary. This was one of the best jobs for a woman according to Brown, since you could meet a variety of men ranging in power, wealth, and looks. At the same time there was also an emphasis on the idea that can be the "Beautiful Phony" as Oullette calls it. They can be beautiful if they use these little tips on how to make themselves more desirable (Vaseline?). It is also said about how Brown emphasized how women should make themselves to be looking the part of the elite, rich, ritzy, or however you want to say it. The main point behind this was the ideal of seemingly trying to break the boundaries of class by looking like "them" and getting a rich male to like the woman.

Ok, so there is one film that is soooo hard not to think of when reading this article (if you have seen the movie that is). That movie is Down with Love. Starring Ewan McGregor and Renee Zellweger is about Renee's character Barbara Novak and the effect she has on the women of the world with her book "Down with Love". Skip a few chapters and she is the head of a women's magazine called "Now" as opposed to McGregor's character Catcher Block's magazine "Know".

This movie generally feels like it was a direct allusion to Brown and her life. If you would like a better understanding of the movie you can go here
clip taken from youtube.com

"I know kung-fu"

Advertising and the Construction of Violent White Masculinity by Jackson Katz does exactly what the title says; talk about advertising and the construction of violent masculinity (do they ever come up with clever titles?). Anyway, the article goes in depth with the hegemonic ideals that are being filtered into our societies ideal of violence=masculinity. There are two areas of advertising that Katz talks about a little more in depth and they are the 21st-Century Rebel (Eminem, Kid Rock,.....Limp Biskit? lame) and the Military/Sports symbolism of masculinity. Besides those, the main idea of the article is that muscles equal masculinity, and muscles are mainly used for beating people up. He also mentions how guns are actually a intergration of male violent masculinity. "In fact, the presence of guns in magazine and newspaper ads is crucial in communicating the extent of a movie's violent content" (pg.357). I feel like this could easily be attributed to other weapons as well, but I have noticed how the gun's presence (not firing) alone speaks more than a knife would.

This brings me to my case in point.


Ok, I hate to say this but if you haven't at least seen this clip of the Matrix....well I think you may be living under a rock (totally, for sure). The scene drips masculinity. Guns? Check. Dark lighting? Check. Hot actress? Check. All decked out in black? Check. Am I missing anything? Oh, right. Lots of butt kicking? Triple Check. The scene before this one actually shows the materialization of literally millions of guns being created in the white void before the matrix. It is really hard for any guy to not get pumped up while watching this. I have to say that the Matrix as a whole pretty much was all I thought of while reading this article. Self explanitory I believe.

clip from youtube found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF-WeswkqXc

Let me tell you the story of "Right Hand, Left Hand."

O, Spike Lee. I have to admit that I have only seen one of Lee's films (Inside Man) and that was hardly race related at all. So, I wasn't sure what to expect from his films. Anywho, Do the Right Thing was one of those films that left me thinking if I was racist at all. Sal seemed like the biggest example of this conviction. At one time he is a nice guy, and at other time he is completely different throwing racial slurs about. The ending really left me convicted. Why did Mookie throw the can through the window? Why didn't he explain himself? I looked around online and found that it was part of Lee's ideals that asking a question like that put the life of Radio Raheem lower than a building. Instant shame. Wow, that hits like a ton of bricks.
Another thing that the film left with me is the conviction of peaceful protest to violence. As Smiley and the picture of MLK and Malcolm X showed this constant battle within the movie. You almost get the feeling that it just happens. That's life.
Do the Right Thing also manged to grab my attention just by the simple task of costume. While most of the people in the film were dressed in bright, over the top clothes I noticed that Da Mayor was dressed in a simple suit with a simple hat. I think that this task was merely showing how the times have changed, and the time for revolution wasn't going to be humble (just a thought). Each costume just felt right for each character. (I found it ironic that Buggin Out was so upset about his Air Jordans while he was stuck in his political plight)

All in all, Do the Right Thing is one of those movies that I am really going to have to ponder over for a while. I think it would also help to watch it a few times as well.

The Godfather analysis

You really cannot go wrong with watching The Godfather. Copolla really knew what he was doing with everything. The mise-en-scene is particularly amazing for this film. One particular scene that I find amazing is the baptism scene. This is when Michael Corleone is attending his nephew's baptism, while he is also having hits put on each of the Family heads. In many ways this is an instance of historical mise-en-scene since the Priest is speaking in Latin while performing the baptism, which is similar and very different to the mainly Italian tone of the film. Where the hits take place also seem to be describing the mise-en-scene as a measure of character. Each of the hit victims are in places that they would consider comfortable and safe. Most notably Barzini was shot in front of what seemed to be a big business, and Tattaglia was gunned down with a prostitute both of which show the personal traits of the character (Barzini being professional, and Tattaglia being sleazy).

Another scene I wanted to talk about was Sonny's death. This scene does a good job of making sure the historical context is in play with everything (the tommy guns were what really made this interesting to me since when you think of mobsters, you think of tommy guns). The blocking for the scene could be described as also a mix between social and graphic blocking. When the hit men surround Sonny, you know that this is a sure-fire way to kill someone. At the same time you get the feeling of being "blocked" in (puns are hilarious). I also found it ironic because all Sonny had to do to get away was back up, which could also have described his character too (Sonny Corleone does NOT back down!).

"Its like I've married my best friend, but in a totally manly kind of way!"

Chapter 8's title Men's Magazines and Modern Male Identities pretty much spells out exactly what Gauntlett is going to talk about. The first chapter is spent mapping out the content and validity of modern men's "lifestyle" magazines. The chosen few include FHM, Loaded, Maxim, Men's Health, Front, GQ, and others. I am going to come out in the open and admit that I have personally read at least half (Mens Health is quality man magazine) or more of these magazines (Loaded is a UK magazine, and Front is new to me.), and, for men, these magazines are something that everyone has to have at least taken a look at once (if they say otherwise, I believe they are lying).
One specific thing that I noticed about most of these magazines is that the articles are written like it is two guys talking to each other. "The irony is used as a kind of defensive shield: the writers anticipate that many men may reject serious articles on relationships, or advice about sex, health or cooking and so douse their pieces with humour, silliness, and irony to 'sweeten the pill'" (pg.167). I have to admit that this is a very attractive and clever way of writing. Honestly, I have gotten this type of feeling whilst reading an article from these magazines. Gauntlett continues on by mentioning that men actually have a laden innate nature to need advice about what it is to be a man, but are made to think that they do not want serious articles. There needs to be a level of informality, so it could be considered as "man talk." It seems like men, in general, can only talk about unmanly things like "feelings" or "emotions" if it is considered funny or laughable.

Case in Point
Scrubs ~Guy Love~


This a clip from the show Scrubs which includes JD and Turk who are know throughout the series for being best friends for life. This clip comes during the sixth season, and at this point JD and Turk have been given the joke that they are like a married couple multiple times. Though comical this clip shows something that is pretty much accepted by our culture. That guys can be really good friends without being considered gay because....its just two guys enjoying each others company but it is joked about. Guy love. If this was a formula it would be like this

too much guy time+emotions=gay
too much guy time+emotions+jokes=Manly and awesome

cause hugging a guy is alright now....cause its funny

.....it was bound to happen

ok, so I saw this today on youtube.
figured I should at least put it on my blog




taken from collegehumor's youtube page

o sarah palin

"Do you like Huey Lewis and the news?"

John Beynon's article The Commercialization of Masculinities; From the "New Man" to the "New Lad" talks about the changing tides of masculinity from the 50's to the 90's. Beynon goes talks about a wide variety of men in this article. The "New Man-as-Nurturer", The "New Man-as-Narcissist", the "Yuppie", the "Old Industrial Man", and the "New Lad" are all the examples Beynon talks of. My biggest problem about this article is that there is really no amalgamation of these men. They are only talked of in these groups. I feel like my personal "favorite" (emphasis on sarcasim people!) man is the "Yuppie" (I have grown up to despise Yuppies so there may be some bias here). The Yuppie is most likely Beynon saying that there is a middle ground for the "New Men". A Yuppie can be a narcissist while caring for his looks, but seems like he can also be a nurturer while being in touch with his emotions.......in yoga class. However, there is a high empahsis on the fact that the Yuppie has wealth and makes sure to show it off at any time. "Sitcking his hair and using every excuse to get into and out of his suit, his tie, his stripped shirt and, of course, his Porshe" (pg.205).

I cannot utter the word Yuppie without talking about Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) in American Psycho. Throughout the movie we see Bateman's obbsession of his looks and overall appearance. Yet, at the same time, we see his obsession of simple things, like comparing buisness cards, that undermine his power and prestige (tying into to his emotions and such)
Overall, Patrick Bateman is the ultimate Yuppie.
image from http://clashofthetitans.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/americanpsycho2.jpg
clip taken from youtube

The Godfather initial thought

Ah, The Godfather

Another one of those movies that I had only heard of, but never seen. I have heard a multitude of thoughts on it, and I must say, anyone who thinks that The Godfather is overrated, is crazy. It was a superb film. The characters, the images, the soundtrack, everything! This motion picture managed to take a giant cast of a-listers and make it monumental. I think when The Film Experience was talking about naturalistic acting, it was talking about nearly EVERYONE in The Godfather. I have to mention that Marlon Brando truly deserves the praise he gets for his roles. Yet again in The Film Experience, there is mention on how certain actors tend to feel like other characters they have played. Brando is an exception. I could not believe that was him. His acting and the make-up (cotton balls in his mouth) made him look and feel completely different than he did in Apocalypse Now. He really is an amazing actor (my Dad told me that Brando actually did the film reading cue cards!).

Al Pacino also brought a wonderful performance. He seems so young at the beginning, and towards the end feels ages older. The slow turn from innocent war hero to the cold mob boss he is was just phenomenal, and also left me thinking how easy it could be to turn like that. I found it ironic that Michael Corleone went to war, and still was unprepared for the life of a mobster. I noticed that the snub nose revolver that he uses to kill Sollazzo and the McCluskey is like the diverging point of his life (how props can be more).

By the way, I happened to play the video game for The Godfather before this and I must say that if you are a fan on the movie, it would be a wise decision to play this game. All of the dirty work that we don't see as the viewer (planting the gun in the toilet, killing Paulie, and the killing of Tattaglia to name a few) is done as we follow the main character of the game. Not as monumental as the film, but still really good (one of my personal favorites).

Even sad in pixelation; The Death of Sonny