As soon as I posted my last entry, I got an email back from Wendy Murray who teaches Feature Writing at Gordon and was a journalist for Christianity Today among other magazines. Here are her top favorites! Two of which we've watched!
Capote- portrays what it takes to write a thorough, complicated, journalistic, tragic piece. It also demonstrates the toll writing can take on a journalist.
The stoning of Soroya M.- powerful because it recognizes the importance of journalists being 'on the ground' (not reporting by reading other reporters reports). This story would never have been told if French-Iranian journalist Feidoune Sahebjam hadnt risked his own neck to tell a compelling and otherwise unknown story. His work has elevated the international profile of abuse of women in extreme islamic countries.
The paper- always remembered this movie because when the reporting had gone unverified, contradicted even when the presses were running, the editor literally 'stopped the presses' to re-run the corrected story. He was willing to take the financial hit to do the right thing journalistically.
Great choices i think!
Showing posts with label Kate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kate. Show all posts
Monday, June 13, 2011
"Reporter's Favorites"
After calling my local newspapers The Hartford Courant and The New Haven Register with no response. I called The Gloucester Times, The Boston Globe, Hamilton-Wenham Chronicle, also with no response! I finally got a call back from Dan Mac Alpine at the Ipswich Chronicle. He didn't have much time to talk, but did give me a list of his top three movies. Without hesitation he said that All the Presidents Men was by far his favorite. He also mentioned Blood Diamond with Leonardo Dicaprio- he said the reporter who broke the story was amazing! I never heard of this movie, but it looks good; might be a good addition for next year. Finally, he mentioned Network being his third choice, although he preferred print journalism movies.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Good Night & Good Luck
This wasn't the worst movie we watched, but it wasn't the best. I think this movie had amazing potential: great actors, great writing, great cinematography.. but the ending was quite disappointing and really lacked climax. On the positive side, Edward Murrow's speeches blew me away!!! They just made me want to write well! (Uncle Zinzer would be proud right, Jo?) I'm still so glad to have seen this movie, the cinematography was so amazing. I noticed that there was probably a TV in just about every shot, how appropriate...
still waiting to hear from a reporter! hopefully I can get that up by tomorrow!
still waiting to hear from a reporter! hopefully I can get that up by tomorrow!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Capote & State of Play
In Cold Blood was an intriguing film, but I found Capote much interesting! Philip Seymour Hoffman was amazing- and after watching the Truman Capote interview in class, I can see that he truly embodied his character. I was interested to know what he did to prepare for his role.
This was my second viewing of State of Play and I must say that I enjoyed it much more the second time around. I could more fully appreciate Cal's work to search for truth, I've always loved Russell Crow anyway... and Rachel McAdams so this movie was a win/win for me.
This was my second viewing of State of Play and I must say that I enjoyed it much more the second time around. I could more fully appreciate Cal's work to search for truth, I've always loved Russell Crow anyway... and Rachel McAdams so this movie was a win/win for me.
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Broad in Broadcast News
Broadcast news was a light-hearted change of pace from the other movies we've watched in class. In my opinion, Holly Hunter (as Jane) was the shining star in this movie. She was graceful, spunky, and educated; as well as a dedicated reporter. I loved the scene where she was feeding Tom the news information as he anchored the news desk. The woman was the brains behind the entire operation! Tom's dull, pretty-boy persona left me wanting more for Jane- I didn't want her to fall for him in the slightest!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
All the Presidents Men
All the Presidents Men
I loved this movie! I've always loved Robert Redford, and this movie was no exception as he played Bob Woodward. I was interested to know more about the watergate scandall- and because of this movie hope to read more about it. Journalistically, this movie emphasized the importance of verification; and rightly so, dealing with a scandal of this scale, involving so many people of political importance. I also really appreciated the way the movie ended with the typewriter shots. I was expecting the story to continue to play out with Redford and Hoffman, but the way it ended was fitting and impressionable. Here's one of my other favorite Robert Redford movies.
I loved this movie! I've always loved Robert Redford, and this movie was no exception as he played Bob Woodward. I was interested to know more about the watergate scandall- and because of this movie hope to read more about it. Journalistically, this movie emphasized the importance of verification; and rightly so, dealing with a scandal of this scale, involving so many people of political importance. I also really appreciated the way the movie ended with the typewriter shots. I was expecting the story to continue to play out with Redford and Hoffman, but the way it ended was fitting and impressionable. Here's one of my other favorite Robert Redford movies.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Network & Parallax View
Network
Aside from being lengthy and full of long-winded speeches (some of them quite memorable), I enjoyed this movie. William Holden was a breath of fresh air; a character with more than an ounce of morality. Faye Dunaway, although I couldnt stand her shallow character, embodied Diana Christensen flawlessly. I couldn't stop thinking about if TV was corrupt in the 70s...well what does TV say about our culture today?!
Parallax View
I COULD NOT STAND THIS MOVIE! I felt uncomfortable throughout the entire viewing, and seriously considered walking out. The only positive thing was the extraordinary photography and cinematography! Besides that, I completely lost track of the fact that Joe was a journalist. I think he came off as a wanna-be-detective or investigative agent. The depressing ending only reaffirmed my disgust in this film. Don't just take my word for it, when the film was released it didnt exactly get rave reviews from the NY Times either.
Aside from being lengthy and full of long-winded speeches (some of them quite memorable), I enjoyed this movie. William Holden was a breath of fresh air; a character with more than an ounce of morality. Faye Dunaway, although I couldnt stand her shallow character, embodied Diana Christensen flawlessly. I couldn't stop thinking about if TV was corrupt in the 70s...well what does TV say about our culture today?!
Parallax View
I COULD NOT STAND THIS MOVIE! I felt uncomfortable throughout the entire viewing, and seriously considered walking out. The only positive thing was the extraordinary photography and cinematography! Besides that, I completely lost track of the fact that Joe was a journalist. I think he came off as a wanna-be-detective or investigative agent. The depressing ending only reaffirmed my disgust in this film. Don't just take my word for it, when the film was released it didnt exactly get rave reviews from the NY Times either.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Ace in the Hole
Ace in the Hole
This movie was probably my least favorite so far! The cinematography was amazing, but the storyline was not for me! Douglas' character was dispicable- killing an innocent man and taking advantage of threatening circumstances in order to get a big break in his journalism career. The way an innocent man's misfortunes became a spectacle, ultimately a 'circus', made my stomache turn. Even though I hated the adulterous wife character, I still felt sympathy for her when Douglas slapped her face and almost choked her! Those moments were very jarring and unexpected. This movie exemplified 'below the belt journalism' and characters that completely lack a moral compass. I feel more educated and well-rounded having watched this famous Billy Wilder film, but I hope to never sit through it again.
I was curious about the meaning behind the movie title and this is what I found! I'm guessing that Douglas thought the news of the man in the cave would be his 'ace in the hole' or assurance for journalistic success.
Sweet Smell of Success' Tony Curtis in movie trailer for Some Like it Hot
This movie was probably my least favorite so far! The cinematography was amazing, but the storyline was not for me! Douglas' character was dispicable- killing an innocent man and taking advantage of threatening circumstances in order to get a big break in his journalism career. The way an innocent man's misfortunes became a spectacle, ultimately a 'circus', made my stomache turn. Even though I hated the adulterous wife character, I still felt sympathy for her when Douglas slapped her face and almost choked her! Those moments were very jarring and unexpected. This movie exemplified 'below the belt journalism' and characters that completely lack a moral compass. I feel more educated and well-rounded having watched this famous Billy Wilder film, but I hope to never sit through it again.
I was curious about the meaning behind the movie title and this is what I found! I'm guessing that Douglas thought the news of the man in the cave would be his 'ace in the hole' or assurance for journalistic success.
Sweet Smell of Success' Tony Curtis in movie trailer for Some Like it Hot
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The Sweet Smell & Deadline
The Sweet Smell of Success
I both enjoyed and disliked this movie. I was eager to watch Tony Curtis, as I have enjoyed him in many other movies including Some Like it Hot ( a great comedy if you haven't seen it!). However his portrayal of his slimey character Falco left me wanting more from Curtis. I also was very frustrated with the role of Hunsecker's sister; extremely weak and helpless in the presence of her brother. From a journalistic point of view this movie is all about what not to do! Falco would compromise anything for an 'item' when in reality journalism should be all about presenting the truth to the public. Although I am not usally attuned to artistic shots or musical scores, I couldn't miss either in this movie. The cinematography and jazz scores were the unavoidable elements of success in this movie.
*1st link is for fun-trailer for Curtis' movie Some Like it Hot
Deadline USA
Deadline USA was deffinitely more of a 'feel good' kind of movie- made me proud of journalistic work, but in contrast the cinematography was much less crafted even to the untrained eye. I felt strongly that Deadline had a much better storyline, where the journalist of a dying newspaper were working to bring the truth to the people even until its last moments of publication. Two of my favorite quotes from the movie about journalism: "...the profession for the public good. It's the best profession." "A journalist is the hero of a story. The reporter is just a witness." And Bogart also said at one point that he was looking for "facts that wont bounce." I loved that! great script writing and great advice to tuck away for a journalistic career someday.
*2nd link is of personal/most memorable scene from the movie.
I both enjoyed and disliked this movie. I was eager to watch Tony Curtis, as I have enjoyed him in many other movies including Some Like it Hot ( a great comedy if you haven't seen it!). However his portrayal of his slimey character Falco left me wanting more from Curtis. I also was very frustrated with the role of Hunsecker's sister; extremely weak and helpless in the presence of her brother. From a journalistic point of view this movie is all about what not to do! Falco would compromise anything for an 'item' when in reality journalism should be all about presenting the truth to the public. Although I am not usally attuned to artistic shots or musical scores, I couldn't miss either in this movie. The cinematography and jazz scores were the unavoidable elements of success in this movie.
*1st link is for fun-trailer for Curtis' movie Some Like it Hot
Deadline USA
Deadline USA was deffinitely more of a 'feel good' kind of movie- made me proud of journalistic work, but in contrast the cinematography was much less crafted even to the untrained eye. I felt strongly that Deadline had a much better storyline, where the journalist of a dying newspaper were working to bring the truth to the people even until its last moments of publication. Two of my favorite quotes from the movie about journalism: "...the profession for the public good. It's the best profession." "A journalist is the hero of a story. The reporter is just a witness." And Bogart also said at one point that he was looking for "facts that wont bounce." I loved that! great script writing and great advice to tuck away for a journalistic career someday.
*2nd link is of personal/most memorable scene from the movie.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Response to Citizen and Friday
Citizen Kane
Although Citizen Kane was made so many years ago, it's still applicable to today's culture. Some of the overarching themes dealt with money, success, and happiness; the struggle to find a balance between them. One of the lines that struck me was when Kane says, "If I hadn't been rich, I'd have been a great man." - which I feel perhaps might be the truth. Kane was able to run a successful newspaper, but in the end his success and wealth overtook his life and ruined many important relationships.
His Girl Friday
I found this movie to be the more enjoyable of the two, it was more light-hearted even in the midst of some dark circumstances (murder/divorce). At some points it was difficult for me to follow the plot because of the rapid dialogue between the characters. I found Hildy's character as a newswoman quite interesting. Throughout much of the movie Hildy was 'one of the guys' 'one of the newspaper men'. She had a strong personality and earned her rank as a reporter within the patriarchal world of journalism. However, I was suprised at the end when Hildy completely breaks down for love and cries at the thought of leaving the newspaper and her first husband. I thought her role throughout the movie and then momentarily at the end made for an interesting contrast.
Although Citizen Kane was made so many years ago, it's still applicable to today's culture. Some of the overarching themes dealt with money, success, and happiness; the struggle to find a balance between them. One of the lines that struck me was when Kane says, "If I hadn't been rich, I'd have been a great man." - which I feel perhaps might be the truth. Kane was able to run a successful newspaper, but in the end his success and wealth overtook his life and ruined many important relationships.
His Girl Friday
I found this movie to be the more enjoyable of the two, it was more light-hearted even in the midst of some dark circumstances (murder/divorce). At some points it was difficult for me to follow the plot because of the rapid dialogue between the characters. I found Hildy's character as a newswoman quite interesting. Throughout much of the movie Hildy was 'one of the guys' 'one of the newspaper men'. She had a strong personality and earned her rank as a reporter within the patriarchal world of journalism. However, I was suprised at the end when Hildy completely breaks down for love and cries at the thought of leaving the newspaper and her first husband. I thought her role throughout the movie and then momentarily at the end made for an interesting contrast.
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