Watching a Kevin Smith film is like jumping into a puddle of pop culture. This is because he has packed his movies with real to life factors, such as love and relationships, jobs, friends, and there is always some form of reference to movies themselves (meaning the video store in Clerks, the movie being made in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back). “Smith clearly has his hand on the pulse of his generation (“X” marks the spot). His observations about comic books, video games, and other aspects of life in the ‘90s are as insightful as they often are scathing. But this is nothing new – it was evident in both Clerks and Mallrats. What’s different here is that Smith has crafted a touching nuanced romance which may be the most memorable screen love affair since Before Sunrise.” (Chasing Amy, James Berardinelli) Meaning, Kevin Smith has kept his eye open since making Clerks and has added new touches of pop culture that catch the eye of the moviegoers. This could be because of his “hand on the pulse of his generation”. He incorporates his main passions: Comics and movies together to form a finished product.
When looking at his films, Chasing Amy for example, there is a touch of romance as Holden McNeil longs for Alyssa Jones, in Clerks with the ongoing conflict-driven relationship between Dante and Veronica. “…What’s different here is that Smith has crafted a touching nuanced romance…” Smith bases his movies more on the idea of drug use, course language, video games and movies. The basis of a relationship is touched upon in some Smith films, but in Chasing Amy it becomes the main idea of the movie. It is focused on a guy, Holden who would like to get to know and be with a certain girl, Alyssa. But there is a huge obstacle in the way; Alyssa is a lesbian. Therefore she doesn’t want to hurt Holden but she knows there is no way a relationship between the two of them could ever work out. In comparison to Mallrats, where Brodie and T.S. are dumped by their girlfriends, and in turn decide to “seek refuge” at the mall. As it turns out, their ex’s are there, which causes a calamity of chaos to break out. The up roar in the mall is the main focus but the failing relationships are the side additions to the movie. Smith does hint at movie themes at times, instead of blatantly throwing them out there.
Another example of a not quite hidden theme would be drug use. This is a comp...
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...” Lee. There is always some form of back-up comedy with his comic references. Smith is dedicated to all of his works, proven with his company, View Askew.
I have always loved Smith’s films, but now I have a larger appreciation for the skills that Smith used to make them as fantastic as they are! He does know what’s going on in our generation, how to relate to us and make a movie a hit at the box office, Smith has so much talent it’s unbelievable. I can now sit down and point out the “classic techniques” that stand out every time Smith uses them. In response to my critical frame, I do agree that he does have “his hand on the pulse of his generation (“X” marks the spot). His observations about comic books, video games, and other aspects of life in the ‘90s are as insightful as they often are scathing.” Smith captures the aspects of the ‘90s and they can now be treasured forever. Smith is one of the pivotal, daring director/actor/producer/writer’s of my time, and I will always rewind his movies and watch them over and over again, until the tape completely wears out.
*Quotes are taken from Reviews/Comments from the website: http://www.imdb.com
One of the main themes in That 70’s show is that the show addresses many of the social issues of the 1970’s. These issues include the following prejudice, sexual attitudes, generational issues, the money-making hardships of the 1970’s downturn, suspicion of the American government by blue-collar workers, and the main one that will be focused on in this paper teenage drug use and the use of alcohol. Throughout the series of That 70’s show the main characters are often seen either smoking marijuana or doing other types of drugs. They do not show the characters doing these things directly however, an audience member can tell that they are using these drugs or smoking. Throughout the paper famous examples from the show will be mentioned especially how the characters don’t actually show the audience they are either smoking or taking drugs.
It is impossible to think about the influence of jazz without thinking of Miles Davis. He was a game changer and innovator who altered the direction of jazz and transformed the musical landscape more than once. Miles Davis changed the course of jazz in result of his experience with oppression and prejudice. He represented a model for future musicians, and granted listeners a glance into the world of an oppressed American through his music.
Drugs and Behavior, Rebecca Schilit and Edith Lisansky Gomberg, Page 62, SAGE Publications, Inc.- 1991
The same is true when training any animal, whether they are usually housepets, or not. If animals know that a treat or reward is involved, they will obey, no matter the circumstances. In Nim’s case, it is clear that he was trained extremely well. He was also shown how to sign words such as “drink”, “eat”, “toilet”, “play”, and “Nim” using American Sign Language. In Nim’s mind, if he made a certain shape with his hands, he would be able to receive a reward. It was said that Nim picked up on the signs he was taught very quickly, and that he would even find ways to use the signs to his own advantage. For example, in times that Nim was feeling aroused, he would use the signs he was taught for the words “hug” or “cat”. Also, in situations where Nim felt uncomfortable, he would use the sign for the word “toilet”. This goes to show that Nim never entirely understood what he was signing, but rather understood the reaction he would get to the certain words he
Mindfulness is a concept or practice that was founded nearly 2600 years ago. It is a very integral component of the Buddhist faith and is believed to be associated with many benefits including self-control, tolerance, flexibility, objectivity, concentration, mental clarity, emotional intelligence, kindness, compassion, acceptance, and equanimity.
... ed (BFI, 1990) we read … “contrary to all trendy journalism about the ‘New Hollywood’ and the imagined rise of artistic freedom in American films, the ‘New Hollywood’ remains as crass and commercial as the old…”
One must first understand that due to neuroplasticity, the brain is known to rewire itself after different experiences. A paper in the prestigious Nature Review, acknowledged twenty-one studies that found positive changes in neurological activity after mindfulness. Researchers observed enhanced meta-awareness in the frontal cortex, which controls executive functions; Hippocampus (memory) improvements; and changes in the corpus callosum (communication between hemispheres). (Tang, Hölzel and Posner) One notable study prompted further research into mindfulness. In this study, the participants had never undergone meditation or mindfulness training and after only eight weeks showed an increase in the elusive grey matter density and thickness in brain regions for attention, self-awareness, and memory. (Hölzel, Carmody and Vangel) With such stunning neurological changes visible on MRI images, one researcher said, “[this] is like reversing the assumed cortical thinning associated with ageing.” (Dobkin and Hassed 19) With mounting evidence for mindfulness, professionals began to find applications of mindfulness
‘Lad flicks’ or ‘lad movies’ is a type of film genre that emerged in the late 1990s. They are defined as a “‘hybrid of “buddy movies”, romantic comedies and “chick flicks”, which centre on the trials and tribulations of a young man as he grows up to become a ‘real man’. ‘Lad flicks’ respond in part to the much-debated ‘crisis in masculinity’” (Benjamin A. Brabon 116). This genre of film explored what it meant to be a ‘real man’ in the twentieth century and in order to do so, they would have to grow up and leave their juvenile ways behind to enter the heterosexual world. Gender relations in ‘lad flicks’ portray masculinity as a troubled, anxious cultural category hiding behind a humorous façade and also rely greatly on a knowing gaze and irony. The two ‘lad flicks’ that will be analyzed are The 40-Year-Old Virgin (Judd Apatow 2005) and Role Models (David Wain 2008).
begins to practice these techniques, there is a noticeable change in behavior for the better. Studies have shown that in partaking in mindfulness there are positive cognitive effects on oneself such as, reducing life stress, positive benefits on rehabilitation, and anxiety. These researches all provide consistent and valid evidence supporting the claim that mindfulness does have positive effects on athletes.
In doing so, he has established a signature mark. Both his films mix drama and comedy in a way that does not diminish the other. He exaggerates his characters for comedic effect but makes sure that they never crossover into being too slapstick. His films are short, around ninety minutes, and use montages to move quickly through narrative. His films contain both causal and episodic narratives. All his scenes are relatively short so his characters have lots of opportunities for different interactions. And he uses nature to reveal how a character is feeling. The way he tells a story is unique and constantly fascinating. His style and brand of humor is instantly recognizable, whether you 're watching one of his features, shorts, or advertisements. He still has the opportunity for a long career ahead of him and as he moves into more mainstream Hollywood, it will be important to see how he changes. His films may not have won any Oscars, but they have received acclaim in New Zealand and abroad. His effectiveness as a director and writer is impressive and his talent undeniable. Because he has been able to carve out this auteur identity in such a crowded industry, his films are surely worthy of study in the future. At the very least, they 'll always be highly
#*Mindfulness meditation improves mental awareness of the present moment. If terrible thoughts or feelings occur, the individual can practice mindfulness by orienting his or her attention to slow, deep breathing, sensations in the environment, or by noticing how different parts of his body feels.
been in movies for my generation and I can relate with the stuff going on in his
Charles Dickens is the author of many well-known classics such as A Tale of Two Cities, Bleak House, Great Expectations, and David Copperfield, but he was a man of humble beginnings. Dickens was born on February 7, 1812 in Portsmouth, England as the second of eight children. Though they had high aspirations for success, Dickens’ family remained poor, and his father was even imprisoned for debt. When Dickens’ entire family was sent to work in a downshodden boot-blacking factory, he felt that he had lost “his youthful innocence… betrayed by the adults who were supposed to take care of him. These sentiments would later become a recurring theme in his writing”(biography.com). This life did not last long, as he was soon able to return home, after
Each individual strategy is design to get the customer to be more detailed or more specific toward the product in mind. One of many other strategies is the Open-end questions strategy, also called nondirective questions, are designed to let the customer respond freely. That is, the customer is not limited to one- or two-word answers, this strategy lets the customer give richer and more detailed information to describe a product. For example; ● How do you feel when you put on these shoes? or “Describe the haircut style you want."
Buyer-supplier relationship established since human beings started to trade goods and services. The relationship developed naturally over time after buyer and supplier developed trust and friendship which was supported by quality of product and services (Wilson. D.T, 1995). The relational development is accelerated as firms attempt to improve their relationship to achieve company goals. At the same time, the expectations in the performance have increased, and this has making the satisfactory relationship became more difficult.