emma502

What has become of the United States? Is there any difference from the United States that was formed by Puritans and tried to escape from persecution under the British flag? Has there always been a different mentality for the American than that of any other nationality of individual? After September 11th Michael Moore the director and writer set out to make a documentary that addressed these and other embedded questions that are addressed everyday in our news media, school systems, homes, stores and street corners. Attempting to address all sides of the issues as a person of the media Moore used not only his own experiences, his connection to the NRA, but also other persons opinions that ranged from Charlton Hesston, the well known president of the NRA and famous actor, to the average American that was confronted with the violent acts that resulted from the accessibility of fire arms. This documentary took a new approach to the display of information. Not only was animation used to explain history, American's imbedded fear of their own neighbors, but it also used rock music ( gave a beat or a pulse to the film that progress from slow to fast as the intensity of the issues progressed), sarcasm, interviews, and casual conversations. Moore traveled the country to talk to all those that make up the spectrum of the American society, he traveled to the scenes of some of the more recent American tragedies, made impromptu stops in corporations such as Kmart (where the boys from Columbine bought the ammunition used in the shooting), and traveled to Canada to get an outside or foreign opinion. The idea was to move away from the documentary style of `talking heads'; he wanted a film that would not only touch a chord with the American people but one that would also be readily watched. This idea also made the documentary, that there was too much influence placed on the `words of the professional' or the ` findings of the expert'; that these findings and misleadings flooded the news at night to increase the amount of fear that the average American has as it looked for a scape-goat to blame. The information that Moor presented in his documentary did not technically follow a pre-described narrative, but followed more of a form where the audience was left areas to think and to breakdown the information. Elements of the circular narrative were the foundation of the film, where similar elements in opinions and the common American we continually addressed. Yet, the only problem that could be addressed is one of the ways in which Moore collected some of his data. Some might see a use of trickery or manipulation was used on his part to get the responses and such passion-filled opinions stated. While others would see the same information in the light that no instigation was needed, that people have these strong beliefs, opinions and are willing to talk about them but they lack the examples or understanding of the topic to take a well informed stand on one side or the other. Such a problem is not new in the world of documentaries when controversial data is presented to the public. Moore did a great job of presenting a delicate subject to the American people and was deserving of the Academy Award for the project.

India is a heavy populated and modern nation that constantly blends history, culture, social concerns and morals with continually advancing technology as it defines itself as a world power. India's film industry implements these ideals as it becomes more world renound and well know. With a combination of old Hollywood techniques and new editing inspirations, a great soundtracks, and a bilingual script has pushed this film into the forefront of the international film industry. As the movie begins the technique of playing an instrumental overture and showing credits is used. Bright colors such as green, red, blue, and yellow as well as a string image connect the names and starts capture the audience's attention. As the film continued to unfold color continues as a main feature; it is almost another main character as it is incorporated in all the main action, scenery and costuming. This character then addresses social and cultural differences while showing incredibly beautiful images. The image of the string shows the tying binds that family and marriages have upon an individual. In this culture, the patriarch or father was the tying factor that held families together and one that made all the major decisions about money, love, education to allow for prosperity. Though out the film the audience is shown the dual sides of the Indian society by seeing the relationship of Dombey and Alice develop while the preparations for the arranged marriage take place. While the audience sees a financially stable family that has all the luxuries that one could have ( mtv, cell phones, new cars, large home) ; they also see the simpler side of the society where they live from paycheck to paycheck, where they do not have cars and where they must find love on their own since there is no aid to be given to the child. The editing shows a parallel of these two different worlds by a dream like passage of time, where the common man Dombey is thinking about the love he has lost. Social issues are brought to light as the family unit must address them as a whole. What affects one in this culture affects all. As the unmarried older cousin finally confronts the mistreatment and molestation she endured as a child, she saves her young cousin from the same man. This realization brings more good than strain on the family for it forces the father not only to reconnect with his wife but to also put family loyalty above money. The family also had to address the idea of infidelity as the oldest daughter is soon to be married but had a married boyfriend on the side. The idea of the monsoon washed away these troubles and allowed the family to begin anew. For each time there was a rain shower a realization had occurred. The first shower brought an end to the affair and the second shower at the wedding brought the family together, brought a man that could fall for the older cousin, and brought a clean start feeling to the arranged marriage.

Through beautiful imagery, family values and ties, and a modern editing style the audience is lead on a narrative that brings international stereo-types and misconceptions to light. It also shows a hope or a determination to bring a resolution to these ideas, where all persons can unite with a common understanding.