December 1, 2009
After watching High Noon and Singin in the Rain, please answer the following questions in one paragraph each.
1. What did you think of High Noon? What parts did you like? What parts didn't you like?
2. Why do you think westerns were so popular among men in the 1930s, 40s and 50s? What messages about masculinity does High Noon (and all Westerns) proclaim?
3. What did you think of Singin in the Rain? What parts did you like? What parts didn't you like?
4. Why do some people really love musicals? Besides the fact that people sing and dance, what are some characteristics of musicals that are different than other genres of film?
This is due by Friday Dec. 4.
Molly P.
ReplyDelete1. I thought High Noon was ok. Sometimes it got slow and I just wanted the bad guys to bust in already. The part I did like was the scene when he was running from the bad guys. It was tense not knowing whether he would live or not. But nobody was out in the town. I mean if they were at their windows they could’ve just shot the guys! But that wouldn’t have been very masculine and it would’ve ended anti climactically. But that’s what I would’ve done. The music was very catchy. Although after a couple scenes it got old because that was the only song in the movie.
2. Well, I think it was popular because the main character was the only one brave enough to fight the bad guys. And I guess every guy back then wanted to be the hero, and the only one to stand up. And when they watched it maybe they though, ‘I would have helped him!’ Plus he still got the girl in the end. High Noon shows masculinity as facing fears and not running from them. The main character wasn’t called a coward for running away, but he knew he would have to face the bad guys.
3. I like Singing in the Rain. Except for some odd scenes here and there. I like the ‘singing in the rain’ scene because Gene Kelly is an awesome dancer and I like that song. I also liked when they sang ‘Good Morning’. They are all just great dancers and it’s just a fun musical. I didn’t really like the long ballet sequence when he’s describing the scene in the movie. And then at the end of it they’re like ‘oh that’s great!’ And I just think ‘what just happened?’ I don’t understand that part.
4. I like musicals unless they get cheesy. I like musicals because sometimes I really do want to run down the street singing ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ and have everyone doing the same dance moves. But I doubt that will ever happen. Plus musicals mostly always have a happy ending. There’s something missing in the characters lives and they sing it out to the world. In musicals there’s the extra level that this will never happen. So they can add in other things that will never happen. Plus musicals come out with CD’s that you can listen to over and over and over again after you finish watching the movie.
Olivia B.
ReplyDeleteMr. Dunn,
1. I liked High Noon. I liked the overall plot, and how it ended. It was a good story, and a great western. I think the final fight sequence could have been a bit longer. I also think that there was a bit too much talk to get to the climax. I liked i the ending, how, he throws the sheriffs badge to the ground when they all come out to congratulate him. it was like him going all hi-yah in their faces and I thought it was a well played move.
2. Westerns are all about testosterone. Who is the bigger man of a situation. Who can face all odds and still make it in the end. Since im not a guy, I can only imagine that, to men, this is how they wanted to be. Many men probably saw western stars like John Wayne as the ideal man. Strong, brave, attractive, good with a gun, and able to fight all obstacles.
3. I loved Singing in the Rain. I went home and bought the soundtrack. Its just a good movie. My only criticism i have is that one dance sequence when they are planning the musical sequences for the movie. It was entertaining, but it could have been shortened a bit in my opinion. Overall, I think the movie was well acted, great choice of actors, good story line and fantabulous dance numbers.
4. People like musicals because they make you feel good. It makes you want to join in with the number. I know after every time I've seen a musical, I've just wanted to burst into song and dance. Musicals generally have a happy vibe throughout them. Also the musical numbers can be mesmerizing. The dancing that happens in musicals can be fascinating and intriguing.