The Coen Brothers- O Brother, Where Art Thou?

"Who are the Coen Brothers? Arguably, they're the most controlled and technically proficient filmmakers of their time—peerless writers of stylized dialogue, efficient in pacing, ingenious in plotting, and brilliant in harmonizing every aspect of the craft (music, cinematography, editing, performances, et al.) to best service the whole. But here's the funny thing about the Coens: Their detractors are likely to agree with nearly every scrap of hyperbole in that last sentence and still hate them anyway."

The Coen Brothers have there unique style that their audience loves, yet critics hate. In O Brother, Where Art Thou? (Joel Coen, 2000), Everett, Pete, and Delmar escape from their chain gang in pursuit of treasure that doesn't even exist. In reality, Everett has to go find his ex-wife and stop her from marrying Vernon T. Waldrip, the suitor. O Brother, Where Art Thou? is just another typical Coen Brothers' film.

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It contains a twisted, noir like plot and many allusions. You don't find out what Everett is really after until the movie is halfway over. This is similar to the twisted plot in No Country for Old Men (Coen Brothers, 2007). The protagonist dies halfway through the movie and the Sheriff, Ed Tom Bell, becomes the new protagonist. The movie then focuses on the Bell's fear of Anton Chigurh, the psychotic killer and his career winding down. Allusions are common in the Coen's movies. O Brother, Where Art Thou is filled with allusions from Homer's Odyssey. You see in this clip from O Brother, Where Art Thou?, there's a huge allusion of the Sirens. It differs from The Odyssey though because Everett, Pete, and Delmar listen to the Sirens' call.

This is similar to The Man Who Wasn't There (Joel Coen, 2001). This movie is another twisted, noir like plot that has allusions of The Postman Always Rings Twice (Tay Garnett, 1946).

The Coen Brothers have a unique use of sound. They use around two motifs throughout all their films. In O Brother, Where Art Thou?, the Coens use three motifs. They are "Keep on the Sunny Side", "Big Rock Candy Mountains", and "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow". In Raising Arizona (Coen Brothers, 1987), the opening scenes has that folk type song that plays when H.I. is talking about Ed. There's also another motif that occurs when H.I is being chased by cops, every time, after robbing the convenience store. It's a similar folk song. The last motif occurs throughout the movie when H.I. sees or thinks about Leonard Smalls, "the rider of the Apocalypse.

To sum up the Coen Brothers' films, they have twisted, noir like plots. They use immense amounts of violence. In about everyone of the Coens' films, they use around two musical motifs. The Coen Brothers are ingenious directors that will go down in history as some of the greatest auteurs ever.

Blog #7

I thought Looking For Alaska was a great book. At first I didn't like the tradgic twist in the story and plot. I never thought Pudge was going to seek the Great Perhaps through the death of Alaska. I'm glad he found out what Alaska was doing on the night of her death. I thought it was very shocking, but believable that Alaska went crazy because she forgot to visit her mothers grave on the anniversary of her death. That was a typical Alaska freak out. It was like she was bipolar. She had many violent mood swings where she would break out crying and screaming. As usual Alaska wasn't smart about how she responded to her memory. I think she should have realized it wasn't the end of the world when she fogot to goto her mother's grave. I also thought she should have realized she shouldn't drink and drive no matter the situation. Overall, I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed seeing the dramatic change in personality Pudge went through throughout the book. He really proved me wrong when it came to popularity and standing up. He seeked his Great Perhaps and is a whole new person because of it.

Blog #6

Dear Pudge,
I really think that you should talk to Jake. You could learn what really happened if you talk to him. You have to face the fact that Alaska didn't actually love you. She was just attracted to you when she was drunk. It's not like you would have had some long, everlasting relationship. Plus she had a boyfriend that she really liked. Eventually, you two would have broken up. I don't think anyone could have handled Alaska as a girlfriend or spouse. Another thing I believe is that she's dead and you have to move on. You can't dwell on the past forever. It's terrible that she died, but forget about it. You're going to be miserable if you don't. Also I'm glad you talked to Lara. She was completely right about everything she said. You were really mean for not talking to her. You should have told her the whole truth. You kept the real truth a secret without even telling her what really happened. You aren't going to solve what happened to Alaska unless someone knew something you didn't. I really just think if you ask everybody you'll have a significantly better chance of finding out what happened. Good luck with your struggle for the truth.

Blog #5

Dear Pudge,
WHY DID ALASKA DIE? I never saw this coming and I don't get why it happened. My best guess is it has something to do with the great perhaps. I don't know how you are going to deal with this. She was hammered and you distracted the Eagle so she could drive. I'm just going to lay this out there. The first thing that I would have said is you can't drive or I would have told her I'd drive her. REAL FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS DRIVE DRUNK. I feel really bad though. Having a good friend die is one of the hardest things to get over. I feel for the Colonel and you and I hope you can figure out if it actually was suicide or if she was really just to drunk to drive. You guys have to do some investigating. I think you should talk to Jake even though you don't want to. To better things congratulations on the thing you did with Lara that I can't explicitly say because this is a school assignment. I knew your relationship with Lara would never last. I believe you should tell her the truth. You can't just do what you did with her and never talk to her again. It will be hard and awkward to talk to her, but you can't be a dick about it. Good luck with your struggle for the truth.
Sincerely,
Jake

Blog #4

Dear Pudge,
I can't believe Alaska was the rat who told on Marya. I'd never rat on a friend especially

when it's a friend. At least Alaska didn't get kicked out of school. Congrats on finishing your religion paper. That must have sucked. Don't worry about the Colonel and Alaska leaving you out of the planning of the prank. The Colonel has known Alaska longer than you have and can come up with a better plan anyways. It's not like they don't like you. The plan for the prank was set up well so that makes up for the time you spent alone. When the swan attacked you, you should have beat it with a metal bar. That would have been pretty funny. I thought the fact you guys were free styling while drinking wine was ironic, yet hilarious. It was nothing like my boy Mike. He has the rawest raps, it's insane. "Best Day/Worst Day" is a cool game, although it is illegal for you to play. I don't think you should date Lara unless you're really serious, which I know you're not because of the fact you barely talk to her and you really like Alaska. But anyways, great job with the prank. Takumi has to learn to hold his alcohol better, but it all turned out great.

Sincerely,

Jake

The Coen Brothers

The Coen Brothers in my mind are film masterminds. Their stories in their movies are similar, and the characters have similar fates. The thing I like about the Coen brothers is how they show how the protagonist deals with the evil antagonist. It creates huge tension between the two and allows for a build in suspense. One reason why I'm so interested in the Coen brothers is because I like movies about crime. In almost every mopvie of theirs the protagonist is envolved in crime or a scandal that leads them down the wrong path.

The setting in the Coen's films are so random that it adds to the suspense. You're on edge because you never know what's going to happen in the "shady" setting. It adds realisticness to the film also because crime huge criminal acts occur in disolate places.

No Country for old men is my favorite movie out of the three. I like the story line, but most of all I liked how the Coen's leave it up to you to interperate what is happening in some parts. For example I liked how it's not clear where the psychoatic killer is when the sheriff searches the motel room. I also like a lot blood and violence in movies so the Coen's especially appeal to me.

Fargo I thought was a movie that the Coen's tried to send many messages and important themes to their audience. It was commenting on people's desire for money and how crime never pays. In Raising Arizona they sent similar messages, but it had a happy ending, which is unusual for a typical Coen Brother's film.

This was by far my favorite unit and it opened me up to the Coen's who I have never paid any attention to.

Blog #3

Dear Pudge,
That's pretty tight you got to be with Alaska alone for the whole Thanksgiving break. You really got to spend time with Alaska. You got become closer to her. You did things with her no one else has ever done. You got to room raid, By doing so yo got to learn what everyone in the school drinks. You also drank wine with Alaska, while reading and listening to poetry. I hope oneday you and Alaska start dating because it's obvious that you are deeply in love with her. You do have some crazy competition. Jake sounds pretty cool. His band seems like they'd be very good. A cross between the Flaming Lips and Radiohead is a band I've always wanted to hear. Their songs are probably amazing. But anyways just be yourself and I'm sure Alaska will come around.
Sincerely,
Jake

Blog Post #2

Dear Pudge,
I can't believe you let those people drag you out of bed and tape your arms and feet together. I wouldn't have let Kevin and those kids do that without a fight. It's great that you are doing well in school. Keep doing the best you can do without completely ruining your social life. Going to a boarding school looks good enough on a college application. I also think the colonel has the best streak. He's been kicked out of 34 basketball games...That's tight. He knows the true meaning of school spirit. It's pretty cool that you memorize last words. I wish I knew significant people's last words. You could always bring up someone's last words in many situations. You could use it as a means of a stupid sense of humor. I think Dr. Hyde is pretty interesting also. Religion and culture are very important topics. Many wars have been fought because of religious differences. I think Dr. Hyde is very smart but he overreacts. He kicked you out of class for no reason. You should have messed him up. You're changing a lot, especially in good ways. You are making new friends and becoming more chill. Keep up these positive changes and you'll be a legend just like your father.
Sincerely,
Jake

Rob Altman

I was really looking forward to this unit. I never saw an Altman film before the Long Goodbye, but i heard good things. I liked every movie we watched. I liked the huge cast he has in Nashville and The Player. "Controlled chaos" is exactly what Altman does in his film. People may think it's gutsy, but I think he's a genius. All the different things going on at once is what keeps the viewer interested in his film. He keeps you guessing to the end, especially in Nashville. I also liked the restless camera. He really uses a little of everything when it comes to cinematography. I don't really like when one single transition, camera shot, or movement is used. I think he is one of the only directors who takes a risk in his story lines. He can create a great movie even when the story isn't that interesting. In The Long Goodbye i like the comedy he uses with the Marilowe character. I likedhis laid back attitude. Overall, I like Altman's way of making a serious movie, while having a little comic relief.

Looking for Alaska #1

Dear Pudge,
You have many things to work on to become the legend your dad was. I think you're a little shy infront of everyone you talk to. You get pushed around to much. I think you should become a little more care free. You concentrate too much on what other people think of you. If you relax and stop thinking of your image people will think you're more chill. You're pretty lucky that colonel has been friendly and inclusive to you. You also need to get huge in the gym. You are a skinny wimp right now. Eat a bunch of food and work out with the colonel. I'd be embarassed if I was as skinny as you.
I think you could impress Alaska in a couple ways. First you need to come up with some tight pranks. You should light someone's head on fire or something crazy. You also should impress her by smoking a harsher cigarette. The colonel and Alaska would be amazed since they only smoke lights. You also have to fight someone and come out on top. That would be baller.
Sincerely,
Jake

Looking for Alaska

I chose to read Looking For Alaska by John Green because it was recommended by a couple friends. I hear the story relates to my friends and my lifestyles very much. I think the development of the main character Miles reaches out and leaves his boring protected life. I've always liked novels about an abnormal character who does things he wants to do without listening to others who don't know the real world. Miles grows up in a similar community to Edina and gets to get out of the town and strive for the "Great Perhaps".

I may or may not have the book tomorrow in class depending on if my friend brings it to school.

Week Seven- Post B

Dear Matt,
I hate rain...and the Pacific Ocean. Why do you call it the Pacificus? Now I bet you don't like pirates either. What are the chances of that storm front coming and sending the pirates' ship's propellors through the wall of your ship. I wonder if this happens a lot to pirates? I bet stuff like this happens in the mysterious area (If pirates live in that area). I hope you save the day and become a legend throughout the (aviation) world. I think a boy like you could do great things. I hope you show that new kid up in the patching. I think you should accidentally push him into the ocean. That would be pretty funny.
Sincerely,
Jake

Week Seven- Post A

Airborn
Vocabulary
1) Trifled- To deal lightly or without due seriousness or respect.
2) Swaths- The width of a scythe stroke or a mowing-machine blade.
Figurative Language
1)"Below, all around us, the sea was dark as mercury, and closer than I liked" (110). This is an example of a simile because it uses as to compare the darkness of the sea to mercury.
2)"The whole ship was exhaling, like the last long sigh of a dying man" (109). This quote has two examples of figuative language. The first being an example of personification. It says the ship was exhaling. Ships can't breathe, so therefore it's personification. The other example is a simile because it uses like to compare the ship exhaling to the last breathe of a dying man.
Quote
"The Aurora. The propellers caught in our skin and kept cutting, through the taut fabric, through the gas cells inside. Te propellers slashed through our port side, from stern to amidships. I felt the horrible chainsaw vibration rattle the entire ship" (108). I like this quote because it shows the crews' and passengers' doom is right ahead of them.
Theme
Expect the unexpected.

Week Six- Post B

Dear Matt,
That sucks your ship was taken over by pirates. I can't believe the person who tried to send a stress call out. What an idiot. None of his stuff was going to be taken. Why did he care so much? I would have been pissed off if I were the captain. He put many people in danger by doing that. Szpirglas is actually pretty nice. He's just a killer and robber. If he wasn't a pirate he could have made a strong political leader. I wonder how he became a pirate. He's very good at it. That's amazing that he's never been caught. I wonder if they live in the area where ships disappear. I would have asked him. Criminals are pretty interesting people.
Sincerely,
Jake

Week Six- Post A

Airborn
Vocabulary
1) Grimace- A facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.
2) Axial- Of, pertaining to, characterized by, or forming an axis.
Figurative Language
1)"From below came the slow whoop of the alarm claxon" (99). This is an example of an onomonapeia because it describes the sound the alarm made.
2)"Right now it was closed around a pistol, his meaty fingers making it look like a toy" (102). This is an example of a simile because it uses like to compare the pistol to a toy.
3)"'Come Along,' I said and led them to the lounge, where most of the other passengers were now assembled, sitting stiffly in the wicker chairs, looking like wax dummies under the electrec lights" (104). This is an example of a simile because it uses like to compare the passengers sitting to wax dummies.
Quote
"'Listen to me!' Szpirglas shouted. 'I will not be trifled with. I do not telish killing, but I will do it if I must. If you do not show me the proper respect, you force me to earn it! I bid you all farewell'" (105). I like this quote because it establishes the type of pirate Szpirglas is. He doesn't want to kill, but he is willing to if someone underjudges him.
Theme
Do whatever you can to stay out of harm's way.

Kurosawa Unit

I was surprised how good this unit was. I used to not like movies with subtitles at all, but I finally don't mind them. I think Akira Kurosawa was an interesting person. It seems to me that the imperial Japanese government held Kurosawa back from making the movies he really wanted to make. I saw in his post war period his movies strongly contrasted the views and themes of his wartime period. It seemed like two different directors. I thought Stray Dog was an example of a Kurosawa movie that didn't represent the movie maker he was. The storyline was pretty weak. A detective trying to find his gun isn't that interesting to me. I can say that one reason why Kurosawa is a great director is the way he can make a boring movie interesting. If you gave that storyline to any ordinary director it would've turned out bad. I believe Kurosawa has a way with his audience to keep them interested just like Hitchcock does.
Yojimbo was a great movie. I never knew For a Few Dollars More was a remake of Yojimbo. The first time someone brought up Sergio Leonne in class while we were watching Yojimbo it clicked in my head how similar the two movies are. In every sentence there's only a couple words different because of the difference in genre's, setting, and character's. I think Sergio Leonne and Kurosawa are similar in the type of genres they're interested in. Kurosawa made a lot of, what I like to call revisionist samuri movies and Sergio Leonne made a lot of revisonist westerns. I think they both liked making statements on humanity and wanted to make their movies realistic. Not some picture perfect movie with a happy ending.

Ran was one of Kurosawa's best movies he directed. He got many themes and messages out with this film. Personally, I believe Kurosawa was a defender of peace. He knew there will always be war, but the wars will never be justified. Thus, he believes humanity is screwed. I don't neccesarily believe in this, but I do believe soldiers will have to die because politicians don't know how to deal with international issues. All in all, I discovered many things about Akira Kurosawa in this unit, and have come to realize why he's one of the greatest directors ever.

Black Hawk Down

Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down was a great action movie that portrayed many themes. I liked how Scott didn't go to over the top with the hand held camera. He used a hand held camera for intense action scenes, but he didn't use it so much that it was annoying. Scott's placement of the camera amongst the characters made you feel you were right behind them fighting with them. Not only was there many different typical cinematic techniques, there were many themes. Some general themes were help others and never give up. Not only was Scott trying to create an exhilarating action movie he wanted to send an important message about what really happens in combat. Scott is trying to show people how some military operations are pointless due to the waste of money and lives. Black Hawk Down was a successful movie that is filled with action and makes a statement.

Hitchcock Unit

The one thing i can say about Alfred Hitchcock is he knows how to entertain every movie watcher. He uses suspense over surprise to keep his audience on the edge of their seat. Because Alfred Hitchcock was the first person that had his own style of directing, he became the first great auteur. In every Hitchcock movie you can tell it's directed by Hitchcock becauses of the Hitchcockian elements. A blonde haired lead female role, a wrong man, and use of suspense over surprise are elements that have Hitchcock's name all over them. In all three films we watched the main female character had blonde hair, the main male character was falsly accussed/hurt, and suspense occurred more than surprise.

Week Five- Post A

Vocabulary
1)Facsimile- An exact copy, as of a book, painting, or manuscript.
2)Haughty- Disdainfully proud; snobbish; scornfully arrogant; supercilious.
Figurative Language
1)"She seemed to realize she was being a pest, and her haughty gaze fell to the carpet" (87). This is an example of personification because looks on people's faces don't literally fall.
2)"He didn't say anything, just gave me a look, like a cat that had taken an entire budgie in its mouth and was sitting very still, hoping no one would notice" (91). This is an example of a simile because it uses like to compare Baz's look to a cat's face after taking a budgie to its mouth.
3)"I liked talking to her, but sometimes I'd feel her eyes on me and I'd be painfully aware of the way my words sounded or of my body hanging around me like a big floppy suit of clothing," (91). This is an eyample of a simile because it uses like to compare his body to a floppy suit of clothing.
Quote
"I looked for the coordinates Kate's grandfather had written in his journal. There was no island marked on Grantham's charts, not even a little dot" (90). I like this quote because it is a major turning point in the story. We learn Kate's grandfather was in a mysterious area like the Bermuda Triangle. This leads readers to believe Kate's grandfather probably wasn't crazy. He was just in a mysterious part of the world.
Theme
Always have hope, even if it's unlikely.

Week Five- Post B

Dear Matt,
That's crazy that the island Kate's grandpa was flying over was unmarked. I wonder if those winged creatures are predators or carnivors? I wondered what happened to all the ships that disapeared in the territory Kate's grandfather traveled? I also don't get how huge airships go missing, yet a hot air balloon made it through this territory? This could possibly be one of the craziest discoveries ever. Like you said, I hope the creatures are real. I really do.
Sincerely,
Jake

Week Four- Post A

Airborn
Vocabulary
1)Oaf- A clumsy, stupid person.
2)Palatial- Of, pertaining to, or resembling a palace.
Figurative Language
1)"I woke feeling as if I hadn't slept at all, head thrumming like a symphony" (82). This is an example of a simile because it uses like to compare his pain in his head to a symphony.
2)"Soon the volcano ws spitting out orange and red sparks, and then a glutinous tongue of black and orange lava oozed over the crater's rim and started a leisurely slide down the slope, incinerating everything in its path" (83). This has two examples of personification. The first is saying the volcano was spitting because only people/animals, not objects can spit. The second example was describing the lava as a tongue because volcanos don't have tongues.
Quote
"I glanced over, and Kate was beside me. She was looking out the window, but I knew she wasn't talking about the volcano. There was no sign of miss Simpkins, and no one else around;" (83). I like this quote because it shows the only way Kate and Matt can talk to eachother, in private.
Theme
I think the theme so far is don't let the ordinary blind the truth.

Week Four- Post B

Dear Matt,
That's tight Kate bought you a hot chocolate. You're a true balla. You should believe what Kate's Grandfather said he saw. If he saw them over an uncharted island in a mysterious area of the world I'd believe him. If I were you I'd only be looking for those creatures. You could become very famous and rich if you captured one. You were pretty rude to Kate while discussing her grandfather's observations. If you really like her you probably should suck up to her especially when you are working/serving for her. You aren't really even supposed to be socializing with her, so everything you say should make her feel important. Good Luck.
Sincerely,
Jake

Gladiator

Gladiator was a great movie for any fan of intense action and fighting movies. I thought Gladiator was an interesting, dramatic come back story. Scott used similar cinematic techniques as he did in Kingdom of Heaven. Scott uses slow motion in battle scenes again throughout the film, but this time I noticed during these shots he used a hand held camera. I think Scott's trying to give the viewer a feeling of confusion, so you feel more like Maximus does.

In Roger Ebert's review of Gladiator http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20000505/REVIEWS/5050301/1023, he claims:

"A foolish choice in art direction casts a pall over Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" that no swordplay can cut through. The film looks muddy, fuzzy and indistinct."

This shocked me because I thought Ebert would say something good about a five time winner at the Oscars. I thought the film was dark and fuzzy because Scott was emphasizing how bad Maximus' situation was. The film became sherry at the end, while still haviong a tragic ending. One thing I agreed with Ebert on was how bad the special effects were, specifically the Colosseum. It bothered me how fake the long/extreme long shots of the Colosseum looked so fake. Ebert quoted:

"This darkness and a lack of detail in the long shots helps obscure shabby special effects (the Colosseum in Rome looks like a model from a computer game), and the characters bring no cheer:"

I noticed the bad special effects right away when Maximus arrives in Rome. In my mind the acting in this film was top notch. In a movie like Gladiator the characters are going to be very serious and not funny and happy. A happy Russell Crowe is not what this movie needed. I thought he took this role of Maximus whole heartedly and had a great performance. Throughout the movie Maximus has no fear of death and looks like he's on the edge of insanity. This led to the intense action scenes that I enjoy in movies.

There was a lot of violence in the movie and I thought Scott did a good job maintaining the amount of blood splattering from a cut of a sword. I thought when the messenger got his head cut off by the German barbarians it was as unrealistic as possible. The neck didn't look believable along with the face.

The flash back helps foreshadow that maximus is going to die because each time maximus is getting closer to death you see more from that flash back in Maximus' head. Another thing that recurs throughout the movie is when maximus picks up sand and rubs it in his hands before every battle/fight. I haven't figured out if this action has any significance or if it's just a prefight ritual of Maximus'.

Overall, I thought Gladiator was a great movie. I liked the story line and action. I thought the special effects and long shots needed improvement, but it was nothing too distracting from the movie.

Week Three- Post B

Dear Matt,
It's so ironic Kate is the grand-daughter of the guy who was on the hot air balloon. I hope she gives you his log. I wonder what he saw and I wonder if you'll ever see them. It's funny how much Kate is interested in you. It's too bad Miss Simpkins is always with Kate. You rarely get to talk to Kate. I wonder if Kate ordered those hot chocolates for you and her or her and Miss Simpkins. I still think you should show Kate more of the ship.
Sincerely,
Jake

Week Three- Post A

Airborn

Vocabulary
1) Emblazoned- To adorn (a surface) richly with prominent markings.
2)Insignia- A badge or distinguishing mark of office or honor.
Figurative Language
1)"Miss Simpkins made a humph sound and gazed haughtily around the loading bay" (35). This is an example of an onomonapeia because Matt describes the noise Miss Simpkins makes by the way it sounds.
2)"He was seventeen or eighteen and, I noticed dejectedly, as handsome as a matinee idol" (65). This is an example of a simile because it uses as to compare his handsomeness to a matinee idol.
3)"In fact, he looked like the hero in the last swashbuckler I'd seen" (65). This is an example of a simile because it uses like to compare his appearence to the hero.
Quote
"'I'll be sure to put in a good word for you,' Lunardi said. 'But he's a stingy old goat, I can tell you'" (66). I like this quote because it shows how nice and innocent Bruce is and how Matt won't be able to start anything with him.
Theme
I believe the general theme so far is expect the unexpected.

Week Two- Post B

Dear Matt,
If I were you I would of slapped Miss Simpkins in the face. She shouldn't be giving you that sass. You have been nothing but nice and polite and she is just so rude to you. I think you and Kate are going to have some sort of relationship that'll last. I think she actually wanted to go on that tour and not to just be with you. She seems like she is interested in the same things as you are. If I were you I'd bring Kate up to the crow's nest to show her the view. I hope your relationship lasts!
Sincerely,
Jake

Week Two- Post A

Airborn
Vocabulary
1) Sinew- A tendon.
2) Vexed- Irritated; annoyed.
Figurative Language
1) "That's right, ma'am. She's like riding a cloud" (27). This is an example of a simile because it uses like to compare the flight of the Aurora to riding a cloud.
2) "The ornithopter buzzed round again, and this time I spotted two passengers behind the pilot, all kitted out with their goggles and leather caps" (30). This is an example of an onomonapia because it describes the ornithopter by the sound it makes.
3) "Mr. Riddihoff pulled a lever, and, with a clanking whir, the docking trapeze began to lower from an overhead track in the bay's ceiling" (33). This is another example of an onomonapia because it describes the docking trapeze by the way it sounds shile being lowered.
Quote
"'Outrageous!' she said saying. 'Dangerous and foolhardy like I've never seen!" (35). I like this quote because it shows the selfishness of Miss Simpkins right when we are first introduced to her.
Theme
Hard work will pay off in the end.

Kingdom of Heaven

Kingdom of Heaven, staring Orlando Bloom as Bailan de Ibelin, had a very unique cinematic style. In the beginning of the film, Bailan's dad, Godfrey de Ibelan, goes to Bailan to ask him for forgiveness and to see if Bailan will go to Jerusalem with him to fight for the king. After Bailian rejects the offer, you see a medium shot of Bailan's back and an extreme longshot of Godfrey. Ridley Scott from here on uses a crane or stedicam shot to follow Bailan. It gives you the feel that you're with Bailan watching his every move. When Bailan is resting in the middle of the desert after his boat sank and washed ashore, you see this again when the servant fights him. You have a couple subjective shots (from Bailan's point of view) and then when the servant charges it goes back to a stedicam shot behind Bailan. Throughout the movie you have that type of shot of Bailan during the fight scenes, which personally I like. I like seeing Bailan defend himself and then seeing him attack and kill someone very quickly.

When Bailan is brought to his father when he is dying, Scott uses another unique cinematic technique. When there's close ups on Bailan and Godfrey Scott has short cuts between the two and even films the priests and guards while you hear Godfrey giving Bailan's oath and while he's dying. This technique made this slow and dramatic scene more intense ad interesting. It caught my attention and I was on the edge of my seat, whereas if he just filmed Bailan and Godfrey with long takes and close ups the scene would of been pretty boring.

The most notable technique in the film is the slow motion. The first time you see the movie in slow motion is when Godfrey and his men, along with Bailan, get attacked by the army from Bailan's village/city. Not only does the slow motion make for a dramatic effect, but it also is accurate to what Bailan is seeing. He never has been in a serious fight like that and I think time would really slow down at first because he would be so shocked. Then with the rush of adrenaline he springs into combat with his sword killing the crossbowmen who are attacking them. Each time there's slow motion I feel like Bailan grows as a soldier and becomes braver. Whenever there's slow motion it is usually of him charging into battle or trying to connect with Jesus Christ.

After I was done viewing the movie I thought he broke his word when the King of England asked him if he was Bailan de Ibeman. He said he is a blacksmith. I thought after he said that it was going against his oath. "Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Speak the truth, always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong". I thought he was lying when he didn't tell him he was Bailan, but now I realized he simply avoided telling the king his name by saying he was a blacksmith. I assume Bailan didn't want to go because he decided Jerusalem isn't worth fighting over and he was happy with Sibylla.

Week One- Post B

Dear Matt,
I think it's so cool that you were born in a blimp. That's so baller. I thought it was amazing when you volunteered to go save the man in the hot air balloon. It was the bomb when you said you'll go when your superiors wouldn't go and then they changed their minds because they felt like wimps. It must be great having a job that you love and never getting board of it. I wonder how many shooting stars you'll see and if you'll beat Sam in your contest.
Sincerely,
Jake