(In Class Exam #2) Film Analysis - Week 5-9

On Movies: Gravity, The Shining. City of God, The Battleship Potemkin and Bicycle Thieves

What is the main theme of Gravity?

The film explores survival, resilience, and the human will to overcome insurmountable odds. It also delves into grief, isolation, and personal rebirth, as Dr. Ryan Stone evolves from despair to newfound strength after a catastrophic space disaster

How do cinematography and framing emphasize the characters' isolation? (Gravity)

The cinematographer uses long takes, wide shots, and close-ups to create a sense of isolation. Shots like the medium close-up of Ryan detaching from Matt and Matt drifting away symbolize emotional and physical separation, reinforcing the theme of survival​

What drives the plot in Gravity?

The plot centers on Dr. Ryan Stone and Matt Kowalski surviving after their shuttle is destroyed by space debris. Ryan’s journey back to Earth reflects her internal struggle with grief and her eventual triumph over despair through resilience

What themes are explored in The Shining?

Themes include domestic violence, isolation, madness, and supernatural manipulation. It examines how isolation and malevolent forces exacerbate Jack Torrance's descent into violence

How are the characters influenced by their environment? (The Shining)

Jack Torrance is consumed by the Overlook Hotel’s malevolent energy, which amplifies his inner demons. Danny, with his psychic "shining," is tormented by terrifying visions, while Wendy’s maternal instincts drive her to protect Danny against Jack’s violence​

How does the plot use horror elements to reflect family trauma? (The Shining)

The supernatural forces in the Overlook Hotel parallel Jack’s abusive tendencies. Danny and Wendy’s escape symbolizes breaking free from familial and psychological trauma, while Jack’s demise underscores his complete surrender to the hotel’s influence

What is the central theme of City of God?

The film examines the cycle of violence, power, and poverty in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. It contrasts the lure of crime with the possibility of escape through creativity, as seen in Rocket’s pursuit of photography​

Who are the pivotal characters, and what do they represent? (The City of God)

• Rocket: Represents hope and morality, using photography as an escape from violence.

• Li’l Zé: Embodies the destructive power of crime and ambition.

• Benny: Illustrates the potential for peace amidst chaos​

How does the plot depict the cycle of violence? (The City of God)

The story portrays how systemic poverty and violence perpetuate themselves. Characters like Li’l Zé thrive through brutality, while Rocket’s narrative offers a rare glimpse of escape and resistance to the cycle​

What is the main theme of The Battleship Potemkin?

The film is a revolutionary propaganda piece highlighting themes of oppression, rebellion, and solidarity against tyranny, epitomized by the sailors’ mutiny​

How does the "Odessa Steps" sequence reflect the film's themes? (The Battleship Potemkin)

This iconic sequence symbolizes the brutality of Tsarist oppression and the resilience of the people. The massacre of civilians on the steps visually communicates the urgency of revolution​

How does the plot progress through acts of rebellion? (The Battleship Potemkin)

The story unfolds in five acts, starting with the sailors’ protest over spoiled food and culminating in their full rebellion. The narrative uses symbolic imagery to highlight the revolutionary spirit and unity among oppressed groups

What is the central theme of Bicycle Thieves?

The film explores poverty, desperation, and human dignity in post-WWII Italy. It emphasizes the struggle for survival and the moral compromises forced by societal hardships

How do the characters of Antonio and Bruno convey the film’s emotional depth? (Bicycle Thieves)

• Antonio: A desperate father whose determination to recover his stolen bicycle reflects his struggle against poverty.

• Bruno: Antonio’s son, whose innocence contrasts with the harshness of their circumstances, adding emotional weight to their journey​

How does the plot portray societal struggles? (Bicycle Thieves)

The story highlights the cyclical nature of poverty, with Antonio resorting to theft, mirroring the crime he suffered. This moral conflict underscores the inescapable desperation of his situation​

Summarize the movie Gravity (2013)

a gripping sci-fi thriller directed by Alfonso Cuarón, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. The story follows Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock), a brilliant medical engineer on her first space mission, and Matt Kowalski (Clooney), a veteran astronaut on his final expedition. While conducting a routine spacewalk, their shuttle is destroyed by a cascade of space debris, leaving them stranded in orbit with no connection to Earth and limited oxygen.

As they float through the vast emptiness of space, Ryan and Matt must work together to find a way to survive and reach safety. The film explores themes of survival, resilience, and the will to overcome immense challenges. It is renowned for its groundbreaking visual effects, intense suspense, and emotional depth, capturing both the beauty and hostility of outer space. Gravity won seven Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Visual Effects, solidifying its place as a cinematic masterpiece.

Summarize the movie The Shining (1980)

a psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, a writer and recovering alcoholic who accepts a position as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel. Accompanying him are his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and young son Danny (Danny Lloyd), who possesses a psychic ability called "the shining," allowing him to see the hotel's terrifying past.

As the harsh winter traps the family in the hotel, Jack begins to unravel under the influence of the supernatural forces haunting the building. Meanwhile, Danny's psychic visions grow more disturbing. Jack descends into madness, leading to a violent and terrifying confrontation with his family.

Renowned for its eerie atmosphere, chilling performances, and Kubrick's meticulous direction, The Shining has become a classic in the horror genre. Its iconic imagery and haunting score continue to leave a lasting impression on audiences and filmmakers alike.

Summarize the movie City of God (2002)

a critically acclaimed Brazilian crime drama directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, based on the novel by Paulo Lins. Set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, the film tells the harrowing story of the rise of organized crime in the Cidade de Deus (City of God) favela during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

The narrative follows Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues), a young aspiring photographer who seeks to escape the violent environment through his passion for photography. Through Rocket's eyes, the film explores the lives of other characters, including Li'l Zé (Leandro Firmino), a ruthless and ambitious drug lord, and Benny (Phellipe Haagensen), his more charismatic and peaceful partner.

As gang wars escalate and the cycle of poverty and violence tightens its grip on the community, Rocket finds himself caught between documenting the chaos and finding a way out. The film portrays themes of survival, morality, and the harsh realities of life in the slums with an unflinching and visceral style.

City of God is celebrated for its raw storytelling, dynamic cinematography, and powerful performances. It has become an iconic film, offering an unfiltered look into the socio-economic struggles of marginalized communities while garnering international acclaim, including four Academy Award nominations.

Summarize the movie The Battleship Potemkin (1925)

a landmark silent film directed by Sergei Eisenstein, widely regarded as one of the greatest works in cinematic history. The film dramatizes the 1905 mutiny aboard the Russian battleship Potemkin, where the oppressed sailors rebelled against their harsh treatment by the ship's officers.

Divided into five acts, the story begins with the sailors protesting the poor conditions and being served rotten meat. Their uprising turns into a full-blown mutiny after a brutal attempt by the officers to quell dissent. The revolt spreads, and the people of the port city of Odessa show solidarity with the sailors. This leads to the film’s most iconic sequence, the "Odessa Steps," depicting the brutal massacre of civilians by Tsarist troops.

Eisenstein’s groundbreaking use of montage editing intensifies the emotional impact of the film, conveying the collective struggle against tyranny and injustice. The movie serves as a powerful propaganda piece in support of revolution and remains celebrated for its innovative techniques and enduring influence on filmmaking.

The Battleship Potemkin is not only a political and artistic triumph but also a cultural milestone, showcasing cinema's potential as a tool for social and ideological change.

Summarize the movie Bicycle Thieves (1948)

an Italian neorealist masterpiece directed by Vittorio De Sica, based on a novel by Luigi Bartolini. The film is a poignant exploration of poverty, desperation, and human dignity in post-World War II Rome.

The story follows Antonio Ricci (Lamberto Maggiorani), a poor man who secures a desperately needed job putting up posters, a position that requires a bicycle. After pawning family belongings to retrieve his bike, his hopes are shattered when it is stolen on his first day of work. Accompanied by his young son, Bruno (Enzo Staiola), Antonio embarks on a relentless search through the city to recover it.

As their journey unfolds, the bond between father and son is tested, and Antonio’s moral resolve is challenged by the harsh realities of survival. The film paints a vivid and heartbreaking picture of the struggles faced by ordinary people in a society ravaged by economic hardship.

Bicycle Thieves is celebrated for its raw authenticity, emotional depth, and its use of non-professional actors to enhance realism. Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, it continues to resonate as a timeless tale of resilience and humanity.

Gravity summarized in point form

• Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock), a medical engineer, and astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) are stranded in space after their shuttle is destroyed.

• As they struggle to survive, they face terrifying challenges like limited resources, debris storms, and the vast isolation of space.

• Ryan must find the strength to return to Earth while confronting her personal grief and fear.

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller

• Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón

• Themes: Survival, isolation, human resilience

The Shining summarized in point form

• Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel with his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and son Danny (Danny Lloyd).

• As winter progresses, Jack's mental state deteriorates due to supernatural influences within the hotel.

• Danny, who has psychic abilities, begins to sense the malevolent forces at work, while Jack becomes increasingly violent.

• Genre: Horror, Psychological Thriller

• Directed by: Stanley Kubrick

• Themes: Madness, isolation, supernatural horror, family dynamics.

City of God summarized in point form

• Set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, the film follows the lives of several characters, primarily two childhood friends—Rocket and Li'l Zé—who grow up in the violent "City of God."

• The film spans several decades, showcasing the rise of gang violence, drug trafficking, and crime in the neighborhood.

• Rocket tries to escape the life of crime by becoming a photographer, while Li'l Zé becomes a powerful and feared drug lord.

• Genre: Crime, Drama

• Directed by: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund

• Themes: Poverty, crime, survival, friendship, fate.

The Battleship Potemkin summarized in point form

• A dramatized account of the 1905 mutiny aboard the Russian battleship Potemkin.

• The sailors rebel against their officers after being mistreated and served rotten food, leading to a major revolt.

• The film famously depicts the "Odessa Steps" sequence, where civilians are massacred by imperial troops.

• Genre: Silent Film, Drama, History

• Directed by: Sergei Eisenstein

• Themes: Revolution, class struggle, oppression, solidarity.

Bicycle Thieves summarized in point form

• Set in post-WWII Rome, Antonio (Lamberto Maggiorani) is a poor man who finally gets a job putting up posters, but his bicycle—a crucial tool for his work—is stolen.

• Antonio and his young son Bruno (Enzo Staiola) search the city for the stolen bike, encountering hardship and disappointment along the way.

• In the end, Antonio is driven to desperate measures, but the film ends on a poignant note about dignity and father-son relationships.

• Genre: Drama, Neorealism

• Directed by: Vittorio De Sica

• Themes: Poverty, desperation, human dignity, fatherhood.

Who are the two main astronauts stranded in space in Gravity?

Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (George Clooney)

What disaster causes the astronauts to become stranded in space? (Gravity)

The shuttle is destroyed by space debris

What does Dr. Ryan Stone struggle with throughout the movie? (Gravity)

Her fear, grief, and fight for survival

What is the supernatural force that drives Jack mad in the movie? (The Shining)

he malevolent spirits or forces within the Overlook Hotel

What is Danny Torrance’s unique ability? (The Shining)

He has psychic abilities, which he refers to as "shining."

What famous scene from The Shining involves Jack breaking through a door?

Here's Johnny!"—when Jack breaks down the door with an axe.

In City of God, who is the main character who tries to escape a life of crime?

Rocket (played by Alexandre Rodrigues)

What does Rocket aspire to become in the film? (City of God)

A photographer

Who becomes a feared drug lord in the City of God?

Li'l Zé (played by Leandro Firmino)

What does City of God mainly explore?

Life in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, poverty, and crime.

In The Battleship Potemkin, which event is dramatized?

The 1905 mutiny aboard the Russian battleship Potemkin

What causes the sailors to revolt against their officers? (The Battleship Potemkin)

They are mistreated and served rotten food

What famous sequence is featured in The Battleship Potemkin?

The Odessa Steps massacre, where civilians are killed by imperial troops

In Bicycle Thieves, what does Antonio need the bicycle for?

He needs the bicycle to do his job putting up posters

Who steals Antonio’s bicycle? (Bicycle Thieves)

A thief, whose identity Antonio tries to uncover throughout the film.

What is the central relationship explored in Bicycle Thieves?

The relationship between Antonio and his son Bruno