Reaction: "Something Wicked This Way Comes"

In class, we've been viewing the movie "Something Wicked This Way Comes".  It was originally a novel written by Ray Bradbury.  He also wrote the film's screen play.  It is a very intriguing.  The main characters, Jim and Will, are true to life and easy to identify with.  It's suspenseful and mystical, I've really enjoyed watching it.

Ray Bradbury Info

Ray Bradbury is a famous author.  He wrote mainly pieces of science, fantasy, horror and mystery fiction.  His most famously acclaimed work is Fahrenheit 451.  Many of his works have been adapted into movies, t.v shows and even comic books.  His short story I sing the Body Electric, became an episode of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone.  In class we are going to view the film adaptation of his work Something Wicked This Way Comes.

Film Studies: Movies We Should View

Our film studies unit has been very interesting.  I really enjoyed the first movie, Edward Scissorhands.  Other films I would like our class to possibly watch are Forrest Gump, Stand By Me and 12 Angry Men.  The first two films listed were enjoyable to watch and had great themes presented among them.  I have watched them both with my mom.  I would like to watch 12 Angry Men because we read the play.  It was full of suspense and I would like to see how it was conveyed on screen.

Edward Scissorhands Critique

The film Edward Scissorhands was written and directed by Tim Burton.  It is the coming of age story of the main character, Edward.  He is immersed in a new community and they view him as 'different'.  The film takes the viewer through  Edward's journey as he struggles trying to conform.  The thoughts and feelings of Edward, as well as the theme overall, was shown on screen through various technical techniques and aspects.

A recognizable technique is a montage.  Using a montage helps connect ideas within a film, shots are strung together purposely for this task.  There are two major montage's I noticed throughout the film.  The first one was in the very opening scene where the camera pans from inside the car to around the entire neighborhood.  This establishes the setting, which is very important.  The other montages are spread throughout the work.  They take place when Edward flashed back to his time with the inventor.  It connects the idea that Edward was loved by the inventor and cared about, to the struggles that he now faced in his new environment.

Edward is quite a vulnerable character.  Often times camera angles and certain shots help portray the feeling on screen.  He is often shot with his back to the camera, this shows the alienation he feels within the community.  The castle where Edward came from, on top of the hill, is shot in the upper part.  This makes it seem top heavy and ominous. 

Costuming played a major part in the film.  The community was clothed in eccentric neons, pastels and prints.  This contrasted heavily with Edward's costume.  He was outfitted in a black bodysuit, with hardware attached.  In comparison, Edward appeared more suitable.  This adds irony and also helps put the film's theme in perspective.

Many technical aspects attributed to the overall film.  They made viewing pleasurable and gave detail.  They were essential in conveying the film's theme of the ridiculous societal views and conformity, as well as uniformity.

Religion Research / My Religious Views

There are five major religions in the world Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.  They have all been established for relatively long periods of time.  How do you know which one of these could be right for you?  First you have to understand the basic concept of what religion is. 

Religion can be defined as organized collections of belief systems, cultural customs and world views.  These can then be determined and then translated into spirituality and moral values.

But what about faith?  Religion has no purpose if you do not put your faith in it.  The basic definition of faith is beliefs not based on proof.  Religion, faith and uncovering what you believe can be confusing.  This piece I have written for my self-discovery class is the story of my faith.

Church, Love and God

 

My earliest memory of being at church is at New Life Fellowship.  I can remember the balcony pews.  The wood was light colored and they were back lit by beautiful stained glass.  I can remember lying on a blue cot in the nursery and scribbling on printed pictures of Jesus.  But, I didn't find God there.  Not between the printer inked pages or in the bright glass tiles.

 

I found him in the little things, in nature.  Within the very things he created.  The warmth of the sun, the tickle of a green blade of grass, the fluttering wings of a butterfly, the buzzing of bees, the delicate petals of a rose, a swift, cool breeze, the lapping waves of the ocean, all the colors of a sunset, the crunch of crisp autumn leaves and the white wisps of blowing snowflakes.  I've always felt closer to God outside, than in Church on Sundays.  I can feel his presence fill me in a deep breath of fresh air.  I feel alive and greater than myself.  Like I am meant to be something great and part of something much bigger than my own day to day life.  Finding God is one thing, but knowing Him is completely different. 

 

I got to know Him through love.  Through the love of my parents and their love for me.  I've messed up many times and they still love me.  Just like He does.  But, I got to know just how much He loves me through my relationship with my grandmother.  She saw me as bright as the moon and stars, and I the same for her.  Even when my parents were angry with me, her arms were open for a hug.  She was there when things were good and when they fell apart.  I called to talk to her everyday, about anything at all.  She shared her wisdom and knowledge and anything else she could, with me.  She was the most kind-hearted and joyful person I have ever known.  She taught me many things.  But, above all, she taught me how to love.  The only way to love is wholeheartedly and unconditionally.  To love is to see the face of God.  And what is God?  God is Love.

Edward Scissorhands Discussion Questions and Themes

1. a) In the film, the use of color was essential. The crazy coloring wasn't just for appeal, it helped convey a message.
1. b) The effect of the color could have been used to show the contrast between Edward and the neighborhood, just how much he doesn't blend with the rest of society.

2.) The background music while the woman was driving up to the house on the hill sounded eerie.  It added drama and suspense to the scene.  The music in the scene where the inventor dies conveys the sadness and desperation that Edward felt.  Also, the music in the scene where Edward and Kim say goodbye, you were able to feel the strong emotions.

3.) The costume designs played a big role, over all in the film.  Edward was a simple character and his style of dress showed.  The neighborhood dressed extravagantly in bright, flashy colors.  It helped show the primary differences between Edward and the rest of the society, before the rest of the story began to unfold.

4.) Tim Burton conveys his views on societal conformity clearly through the film.  The characters looked ridiculous with their colors, while Edward was simply dressed, which protrayed the person he was.  The visual imagery helped make the theme boldly noticable.

5.) Edward could be considered a tragic figure, if you look at the film in a general sense.  But, in a way Edward triumphed, he found love.  To him, it made going back to the castle worthwhile, to know that Kim loved him.  For him, that was enough.  Finding love isn't a tragedy.

6.) My favorite part of the film was when Edward was first adapting to living with the Boggs.  It envelopes how tough growing up can be.  A sometimes difficult and frightening time.

7.) Tim Burton consistenly works with Johnny Depp, Danny Elfman and Helena Bonham Carter.  This would be important for a director creatively because they would have a sense of what the film could turn out to be like.  A sense of the kind of work an actor does and what roles and characters they could best fit into.

Chew on This

We have recently finished reading Chew on This, an investigative journalism piece written by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson.  I enjoyed reading the information that was presented.  It was fact fueled and interesting.  I've watched several documentaries regarding the same topic.  They together have motivated me to consume healthier, natural foods.  Over all the book was a little long, but worth it for everything it covered and the factual information it included.  It was an eye opening read.

Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands is a movie many people have seen.  I have viewed it previously with my father and younger brother.
It is directed by Tim Burton and the lead role was played by Johnny Depp.  Tim Burton's has had a hand in many great, well-known movies.  He has worked on Batman Returns,  the Corpse Bride, The Nightmare Before Christmas and the recent version of Alice in Wonderland.
Johnny Depp is friends with Tim Burton and has roles in many of his movies.
I think our class is really going to enjoy the film.

Body Image

Why is it easy to love somebody, but not YOUR body?  Many have struggled with body image issues and feeling less than, including myself.  I had to learn to love myself, inside and out, the good and bad.  Most of what you don't like is possible to change.  Here is a slam poem I have written about the controversy around how women and girls perceive themselves.

Beauty: Not Defined

I will not be defined by the thickness of my thighs, the length of my hair or the measurements of my bust, waist and hips.
On the day I was born, I did not emerge from a cardboard box.  I did not come packaged with skimpy outfits, an extra pair of heels or a beach front dream house.
I am flesh.  Made up of blood and bones, not composed of polyvinyl compounds.  I can move my arms and run with my legs.  I can stretch my neck upwards towards the sky, open my arms wide and dance in the rain.  I will never have to stay stagnant, sitting on a shelf and if someone out-grows me, I can't just be tossed in the trash.

Hello!

Hello!

I'm Jaymee.  I love to write and hope to make a living out of it someday.  I find inspiration everywhere in life.  I dream of traveling the world.  I love my family, friends and my dog.  I like food, the shows Pretty Little Liars and Vampire Diaries and things that sparkle or glow in the dark.  Hope you enjoy my blog:)