The motif of the film is the sound volume that Harvey Milk created in his mission of being a pioneer to become the first openly gay politician in San Francisco. The object in mind is the megaphone, as a friend sitting close to me says "milkaphone" as he speaks to crowd and the media. The device is the personification of him.
He was determined to be heard by everyone. His leadership regardless of hate and repulsion by others stood as a pivotal moment in gay rights. It was a turning point for others to have equality in terms of gay marriages and the allocation of medical benefits in today's society.
I enjoyed viewing the documentary as I watched the adapted film as well. I believe that the footage and coverage were well-studied by the filmmakers and its actors and actresses.
In terms of content, I immensely enjoyed the historical and documentation of his life as well as the acted parts. I felt the combination of the two solidified the fact and fictional (in terms in enhancement) portrayal. Milk fully fits the role of a bull in a Spanish or Argentinan area where he charges at any rug or signs containing a bulls eye or target on and also teases him. I think that creativity and success of a film and its characters is to emphasize and amplify their volumes to be heard and understood. It can be simple yet speaks to a whole sleuth of all audiences. I would like to give an example of an amphitheater.
One can stand in any section and hear fully the performance on stage. A film should carry the same effect. A small, diminutive part can completely surround everything and everyone in its gigantic Doppler effect of the live and/or recorded event. Think about how the characters in a film are the integral yet fraction, sliced part of the story yet on screen or stage; audiences are drawn in by words, expressions, emotions, and changing character arcs. The settings are larger then the people yet the characters carry the film. This film successfully pinpoints Milk and his supporting group from his young friend companion, his surrounding friends, the citizens of San Francisco, the government including his murderer as the story along with the city landscape.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
He Makes Me Feel Like Dancin with Jacques d'Amboise
The great energy of the documentary strikes a chord of enthusiasm and motivation for the audience. The glimpse of choreographed dance routines through the direction of an American ballet star Jacques d'Amboise captivates the viewer to be one of his dancers in the studio. The smiles, the happy music, jumping, body movements, and positivity draw me to dance. At this moment, I feel like dancing myself. I define with the film due to my upbringing of ballet and adult life of Jazzercise, step aerobics, Modern dance experiences in college, and current NIA dance classes and videos.
The subject in the film is a lively one which gives its own certain beat for audiences. The contents inspire me to take a lovely walk down to the beach and have my own dance with the iPhone camera, body movements, and the surrounding environments.
The subject in the film is a lively one which gives its own certain beat for audiences. The contents inspire me to take a lovely walk down to the beach and have my own dance with the iPhone camera, body movements, and the surrounding environments.
Just Another Missing Kid
The storyline weaved professional journalism and filmmaking together to create a mysterious yet edge on your seat path of a missing teenager. Eric Wilson left Canada and was headed to Boulder, Colorado. Along the way, he disappeared along his journey in Nebraska. The film showed news casts of his family's search for him. The realism and timing of editing from the filmmaker direct the audience to feel a real-time account of a missing kid.
The beauty of a film is when the subject matter can make a viewer feel as if the incident is happening now or a similar situation can be occurring tomorrow. I compare a quality of a film in mere of a great song which can transcend throughout a lifetime. A song produced fifty years ago can be relatable and pull the strings of someone's emotions from time when it was released to current times.
I enjoyed being bombarded by the evidence leading to his death by clues and interviews of investigators. Unfortunately, he was found murdered. Although there is a sad ending for the film, I learned how one can edit and put together a film to make the audience drawn in for a hour and an half as we witnessed the news first hand as we stay glued to a major news event.
Sometimes, I watch on youTube the September 11th, 2001 incident with the twin towers and relive the terrifying and horrifying event from people jumping out of the buildings after the planes. Imagine stitching that contents together with today's interviews of the families affected by the tragedy. The content is a challenging art form within itself. The brilliance of this film caused me to rethink and refine the frames and thoughts of the whole concept of filmmaking.
The beauty of a film is when the subject matter can make a viewer feel as if the incident is happening now or a similar situation can be occurring tomorrow. I compare a quality of a film in mere of a great song which can transcend throughout a lifetime. A song produced fifty years ago can be relatable and pull the strings of someone's emotions from time when it was released to current times.
I enjoyed being bombarded by the evidence leading to his death by clues and interviews of investigators. Unfortunately, he was found murdered. Although there is a sad ending for the film, I learned how one can edit and put together a film to make the audience drawn in for a hour and an half as we witnessed the news first hand as we stay glued to a major news event.
Sometimes, I watch on youTube the September 11th, 2001 incident with the twin towers and relive the terrifying and horrifying event from people jumping out of the buildings after the planes. Imagine stitching that contents together with today's interviews of the families affected by the tragedy. The content is a challenging art form within itself. The brilliance of this film caused me to rethink and refine the frames and thoughts of the whole concept of filmmaking.
Genocide
Genocide
The horrifying contents of this film are narrated by the voices of two well-known artists. Elizabeth Taylor and Orson Welles guide the audience to witness throughout the scenes of the Holocaust event. Stories are retold throughout detailed accounts from letters, journals, and remembrances of survivors.
As a viewer of the documentary, I was captured by the terrible ordeals and sufferings of the victims and survivors. The subject placed myself in a mode of profound thought on how a controlled situation of genocide could exist and be sustained by mere words and actions of one man. The power that overcame Europe existed not too long ago.
We all know the source and cause of the Holocaust existed in Adolf Hitler. Yet, history often tries to find the root of the reasoning behind the murders of innocent people due to their heritage and background. My question is how men can psychologically exist in a certain mindset and in course of his lifetime, he changed for evil? Does man relive a past dire situation then become fixated on the occurrence until insanity sets in? Did Hitler have a hidden obsession of destroying a certain race due to childhood embarrassment of ridicule? Historians sourced the reason to his felt outwardly rejection from the insides of the art world. At a young age, he was not accepted into an art school which in return he took control of Parisian, Italian, German, and other genius types of masterpieces. He practically destroyed the artists who did not escape from his wrath.
I ponder whether this could be changed. Can we prevent major incidents in the history by accepting all and nourishing their strengths instead of weaknesses? Do we have no control on how a man accepts his behavior and projected his evils onto the world?
What we have control is seeing these murders in a documentary. We can learn from lessons from before. Our actions are our choices to remain the same or change. I completely sympathize the past especially seeing the awful scenes of women, children, and men being starved, beaten, and killed. It is almost unbearable to view that mankind could be dehumanized.
The film was edited and narrated in a great historical recount of the Holocaust. The contents conjured up the curiosity on exploring and finding stories on the event and visiting more museums based on anti-Semitism. Simon Wiesenthal Center funded the film projects. I hope to one day to visit the center in Manhattan after viewing films based on the Holocaust due to this documentary blog journey.
The horrifying contents of this film are narrated by the voices of two well-known artists. Elizabeth Taylor and Orson Welles guide the audience to witness throughout the scenes of the Holocaust event. Stories are retold throughout detailed accounts from letters, journals, and remembrances of survivors.
As a viewer of the documentary, I was captured by the terrible ordeals and sufferings of the victims and survivors. The subject placed myself in a mode of profound thought on how a controlled situation of genocide could exist and be sustained by mere words and actions of one man. The power that overcame Europe existed not too long ago.
We all know the source and cause of the Holocaust existed in Adolf Hitler. Yet, history often tries to find the root of the reasoning behind the murders of innocent people due to their heritage and background. My question is how men can psychologically exist in a certain mindset and in course of his lifetime, he changed for evil? Does man relive a past dire situation then become fixated on the occurrence until insanity sets in? Did Hitler have a hidden obsession of destroying a certain race due to childhood embarrassment of ridicule? Historians sourced the reason to his felt outwardly rejection from the insides of the art world. At a young age, he was not accepted into an art school which in return he took control of Parisian, Italian, German, and other genius types of masterpieces. He practically destroyed the artists who did not escape from his wrath.
I ponder whether this could be changed. Can we prevent major incidents in the history by accepting all and nourishing their strengths instead of weaknesses? Do we have no control on how a man accepts his behavior and projected his evils onto the world?
What we have control is seeing these murders in a documentary. We can learn from lessons from before. Our actions are our choices to remain the same or change. I completely sympathize the past especially seeing the awful scenes of women, children, and men being starved, beaten, and killed. It is almost unbearable to view that mankind could be dehumanized.
The film was edited and narrated in a great historical recount of the Holocaust. The contents conjured up the curiosity on exploring and finding stories on the event and visiting more museums based on anti-Semitism. Simon Wiesenthal Center funded the film projects. I hope to one day to visit the center in Manhattan after viewing films based on the Holocaust due to this documentary blog journey.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China
If you are a classical music enthusiast, the name Isaac Stern should already exist in your musical vocabulary. His name rings recognition and great stature. I first came across the documentary when I was looking through the shelf at my local library in Washington state. I read his name and smiled. Eventually, I purchased the DVD due to my liking.
As I watched the documentary, I came across another familiar name - the famous Yo Yo Ma. I was able to learn about a favorite cellist - Jian Wang. The focus of the film was to follow Stern's trip in China as he taught a new modern way of playing to Chinese orchestra players. China opened their doors for new thinking.
The players were on a rigid regime of precise and perfection on their note playing. Yo Yo Ma and Jian Wang were young students during the filming.
Stern came in and showed how to play with the emotions and creativity. There was a struggle for the players since they are based on a certain techniques and musical methods. The Western thinking meeting the Eastern methods made the film remarkable and pivotal on changing cultural thoughts and education.
I had the pleasure of seeing both Yo Yo Ma and Wang in their performances. My heart always stops and enjoys their movements and breath through the cello.
As I watched the documentary, I came across another familiar name - the famous Yo Yo Ma. I was able to learn about a favorite cellist - Jian Wang. The focus of the film was to follow Stern's trip in China as he taught a new modern way of playing to Chinese orchestra players. China opened their doors for new thinking.
The players were on a rigid regime of precise and perfection on their note playing. Yo Yo Ma and Jian Wang were young students during the filming.
Stern came in and showed how to play with the emotions and creativity. There was a struggle for the players since they are based on a certain techniques and musical methods. The Western thinking meeting the Eastern methods made the film remarkable and pivotal on changing cultural thoughts and education.
I had the pleasure of seeing both Yo Yo Ma and Wang in their performances. My heart always stops and enjoys their movements and breath through the cello.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Best Boy
The subject of the documentary is a handicapped 52 years old man who lives his life under the care of his parents. They have been his caregivers and raised him without teaching viable life skills. After being warned, the film displays the progression of a dependent man on becoming independent once his elderly parents die.
At the time, I didn't have a magnetic attraction to the contents. I am far removed from any disabled or handicapped people. I do have a caring heart for ones who I do meet. Now, I believe that I somehow have a connection. The past week, I have been bedridden with limited restrictions of movement and unable to walk more than 1000 feet. I cannot even walk up and down the stairs without stopping. I become very dizzy and weak.
I, myself, became physically disabled. Unfortunately, I lost an overwhelming, dangerous, and severe level of blood which in return could have caused a heart attack or stroke. There were three times that I thought that I was going to blank out and die. Adding to the dire situation, I asked for someone to watch over me in case I needed emergency help. Unfortunately, there is no one near me to do the good act. At the same time, I am terribly stubborn and independent when it comes the time when others must take care of me and going to the emergency room. This incident gave me the realization of developing stronger relationships with nurturing, caring people around me. I value what I have in my life now. I hold on to dear life. I look forward to recovering and healing 100% in the next week. I am lucky that I didn't become permanently disabled.
Perhaps, I need to do more charity work and have good friends who are nurses, volunteers, and doctors. I have those types of friends in the northwest, Hawaii, Oregon, and Boston. All who wanted to help are from areas outside of California. I find the latest documentaries on the Academy list on helping the less unfortunate is an amazing, unselfish and altruistic act that someone chooses to do in his or her life. I admire the parents who will do anything for their children to provide them a good life.
Being bedridden and thinking about life, I really value the love and care of my parents and the friends who always have been there. I could say that the film displays the affection and responsibilities of one has for their child. In return, they were able to care for the man to live independently. I feel the same about my parents. I would like to view the contents again to truly feel the love of a child even at an adult age and limited conditions.
At the time, I didn't have a magnetic attraction to the contents. I am far removed from any disabled or handicapped people. I do have a caring heart for ones who I do meet. Now, I believe that I somehow have a connection. The past week, I have been bedridden with limited restrictions of movement and unable to walk more than 1000 feet. I cannot even walk up and down the stairs without stopping. I become very dizzy and weak.
I, myself, became physically disabled. Unfortunately, I lost an overwhelming, dangerous, and severe level of blood which in return could have caused a heart attack or stroke. There were three times that I thought that I was going to blank out and die. Adding to the dire situation, I asked for someone to watch over me in case I needed emergency help. Unfortunately, there is no one near me to do the good act. At the same time, I am terribly stubborn and independent when it comes the time when others must take care of me and going to the emergency room. This incident gave me the realization of developing stronger relationships with nurturing, caring people around me. I value what I have in my life now. I hold on to dear life. I look forward to recovering and healing 100% in the next week. I am lucky that I didn't become permanently disabled.
Perhaps, I need to do more charity work and have good friends who are nurses, volunteers, and doctors. I have those types of friends in the northwest, Hawaii, Oregon, and Boston. All who wanted to help are from areas outside of California. I find the latest documentaries on the Academy list on helping the less unfortunate is an amazing, unselfish and altruistic act that someone chooses to do in his or her life. I admire the parents who will do anything for their children to provide them a good life.
Being bedridden and thinking about life, I really value the love and care of my parents and the friends who always have been there. I could say that the film displays the affection and responsibilities of one has for their child. In return, they were able to care for the man to live independently. I feel the same about my parents. I would like to view the contents again to truly feel the love of a child even at an adult age and limited conditions.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Scared Straight!
The film follows a group of troubled teenagers as they visit a local prison. The focus of the program is to literally scared the teenagers from leading down a criminal path. They are shown where prisoners live in dire conditions. The prisoners even use scared tactics and threats so the children do not end up in the same place.
The documentary should be a requirement in the classroom for students whether they possess good or bad behavior. I know a few parents who are battling with teenaged children who are addicted to drugs and alcohol; then run away from home. They live a criminal life on the streets. It is heartbreaking to hear these stories. The parents are completely helpless and live steady lives from being a nurse to owning companies. After viewing the film, sometimes, I wonder if I should recommend the film. Majority of the time, they have to spend money on a rehabilitation center for the child. But unfortunately, the teenager ends up back on the streets.
Although I hear heartbreaking, struggling stories, I believe that the documentary really demonstrates a successful intervention program. At the end, they interview the teenagers before and after. Many of them steer away from crime. They do not want to live rest of their lives in prison. Some wasn't so lucky. Overall, the program does help many teenagers as they interview them as successful adults.
The documentary should be a requirement in the classroom for students whether they possess good or bad behavior. I know a few parents who are battling with teenaged children who are addicted to drugs and alcohol; then run away from home. They live a criminal life on the streets. It is heartbreaking to hear these stories. The parents are completely helpless and live steady lives from being a nurse to owning companies. After viewing the film, sometimes, I wonder if I should recommend the film. Majority of the time, they have to spend money on a rehabilitation center for the child. But unfortunately, the teenager ends up back on the streets.
Although I hear heartbreaking, struggling stories, I believe that the documentary really demonstrates a successful intervention program. At the end, they interview the teenagers before and after. Many of them steer away from crime. They do not want to live rest of their lives in prison. Some wasn't so lucky. Overall, the program does help many teenagers as they interview them as successful adults.
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