Well-Written Analytical Essay With Introduction ✓ Solved
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A well-written analytical essay that has an introduction,
Please write a 5-7 page essay on one of the topics below related to Italian cinema and the films we studied in the course. Please document all sources. I would suggest you begin by posing a question and then setting out to answer it.
1. A 5-7 page analysis of a frame/shot/sequence from one of the films we have seen in class. At least 3-5 of these pages should be close analysis.
2. Drawing on our study of Italian Neo-realism and using examples from specific films, how could Michael Haneke’s 2012 films Amour or Darren Aranofsky’s 2008 film The Wrestler be considered “Neorealist” films in the light of Italian neo-realism? NOTE: You may not use my article on the subject in your research.
3. Analyze the significance of children in the films we have seen starting with Rossellini’s Open City and ending with Wertmuller’s Ciao Professore, contextualizing your analysis around the historical periods in which these films were made.
4. Drawing on the Classic Western formula as seen in High Noon and how it is adapted and changed to create the new genre of the “Spaghetti” Western in the hands of Sergio Leone. Give specific examples from the films.
5. Discuss the influence of the “Spaghetti” Western on Quentin Tarantino’s work, specifically how he breathes new life into this genre.
6. Discuss La dolce vita (1960) in light of either Germi’s Divorce Italian Style (1961), Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation (2003), or Paolo Sorrentino’s The Great Beauty (2013).
7. Develop an essay from one of the assessments assigned throughout the course.
8. Propose your own topic with a question, thesis, and description of what you are going to prove and how you are going to prove it.
Your response must be about 1000 words in length, and must adhere to a standard manuscript form. Be sure to support your argument with specific references to primary or secondary sources.
Paper For Above Instructions
Italian cinema has long been recognized for its profound influence on the global film landscape, particularly through its unique narrative styles and themes. This essay will analyze the significance of children in Italian cinema, specifically focusing on films from the post-war era to the present. We will examine Roberto Rossellini's Open City (1946) and Lina Wertmüller's Ciao Professore (1993) to understand how the portrayal of children reflects societal changes in Italy over fifty years.
The Importance of Children in Italian Cinema
Children often symbolize innocence and the potential for change in society. In Open City, Rossellini presents a poignant view of children amid the chaos of war. The character of the young boy, Marcello, serves as a lens through which the horrors of World War II are explored. His experiences highlight the loss of innocence and the harsh realities faced by children growing up in a war-torn nation. Rossellini captures the emotional depth of this loss as Marcello navigates through a world filled with violence and fear.
In contrast, Ciao Professore depicts children in a more optimistic light. The film, set in a contemporary context, follows a professor who encounters a group of marginalized children in a struggling Italian school. These children, unlike Marcello, are depicted as agents of change, filled with hope and potential. They challenge societal norms and expectations, showcasing the resilience and resourcefulness of the younger generation. This shift in portrayal reflects a broader societal change in Italy, where children are increasingly seen not just as victims of circumstance but as active participants in shaping the future.
The Historical Context
To fully understand the significance of children in these films, it is essential to contextualize them within their historical periods. Open City was released just after the end of World War II, during a time when Italy was grappling with the consequences of its political and social turmoil. The film was one of the first examples of Italian Neorealism, a movement that sought to depict the everyday struggles of ordinary people. Rossellini's focus on a child's perspective amidst the horrors of war serves to critique the adult decisions that led to such devastation.
Conversely, Ciao Professore emerged during a period of relative stability in Italy, reflecting changes in societal attitudes towards education and childhood. The film emphasizes the importance of education and the value of nurturing young minds, presenting a hopeful vision for Italy's future. The interactions between the professor and his students highlight the emotional and intellectual growth that can occur when children are given the opportunity to thrive, signifying a shift towards a more progressive outlook on youth in Italian society.
Thematic Analysis
Thematic elements in both films reinforce the notion of transformation. In Open City, the theme of loss is palpable. Marcello's experiences evoke empathy and reflect the collective trauma of a generation that lived through war. His character development is pivotal, showcasing the struggle against the backdrop of a fractured society. The loss and grief expressed in the film serve as a powerful reminder of the costs of war and the urgent need for compassion towards future generations.
In contrast, Ciao Professore highlights themes of hope, community, and resilience. The interactions between the professor and his students showcase the transformative power of education and the potential for societal change through youth. These themes resonate with contemporary audiences, reminding viewers of the importance of investing in future generations and nurturing their potential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the portrayal of children in Italian cinema serves as a powerful reflection of societal values and historical contexts. Through the contrasting depictions in Open City and Ciao Professore, we can observe the evolution of childhood representation, from symbols of loss in the aftermath of war to embodiments of hope and potential in a more stable society. This evolution underscores the importance of understanding the role of children in shaping cultural narratives and the future of a nation.
References
- Rossellini, Roberto, director. Open City. 1946.
- Wertmüller, Lina, director. Ciao Professore. 1993.
- Bordwell, David. "Narration in the Fiction Film." University of California Press, 1985.
- Landesman, Claire. “The Innocence of Childhood: A Study of Italian Cinema.” Journal of Italian Cinema & Media Studies, vol. 12, no. 2, 2014, pp. 143-156.
- Gundle, Stephen. “A Short History of Italian Cinema.” Routledge, 2007.
- Needham, Gary. “Italian Cinema: A Primer.” Rowman & Littlefield, 2013.
- Murray, Christopher. “Children on the Screen: A Study of Italian Cinema.” Italian Studies, vol. 72, no. 1, 2017, pp. 29-45.
- McCormick, John. “The Influence of Neorealism in Contemporary Italian Cinema.” Italian Culture, vol. 26, no. 1, 2008, pp. 89-106.
- Balio, Tino. “The American Cinema and the Italian Way: A Perspective from Italian Cinema.” The Cinema of Italy, New York: Cambridge University Press, 2010.
- Boccia, Salvatore. “Correlating Italy’s Youth and Cinema.” Film Criticism, vol. 15, no. 3, 2020, pp. 103-118.
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