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Essays

Essay writing, especially for film courses, has helped me improve many skills such as analysising, researching, writing, organising ideas, and sharpening my observational skills. Researching and writing about films and film theory in detail has certainly served as a strong background as I moved forward to film production. The knowledge and understanding gained from my Film Studies degree certainly informs my work in the pre-production, production, and post-production phases of filmmaking.

Conflict and Perception

Exploring the Impact of Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon (1950) as National and Global Cinema

2023

Abstract: 

Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon (1950) revolutionised global cinema, presenting a narrative structure that challenges conventional storytelling. This essay analyzes the film's portrayal of conflicting perspectives, revealing a profound exploration of memory and subjective truth. The film is examined within the context of postwar Japan, where it critiques the nation's struggle with identity amidst rapid modernisation and Westernisation. Despite its deep cultural commentary, the film was initially misunderstood in different ways by both Japanese and Western audiences, highlighting the cultural gap between East and West. 

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(1643 words)

Hubris as the Monster in Jurassic Park

2022

Abstract: 

Steven Spielberg's 1992 film Jurassic Park blends spectacle with a cautionary tale about human arrogance. Through groundbreaking CGI, the film brings dinosaurs to life, highlighting both the marvel of nature and the dangers of its manipulation, as well as the dangers of scientific ambition. Additionally, the film emphasises the importance of family bonds in adversity, using the nuclear family to underscore the need for humility and respect for nature. Jurassic Park remains a timeless classic, captivating audiences with its stunning visuals and thought-provoking themes about the perils of unchecked ambition.

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(2630 words)

Science-Fiction Fairytales

How Spielberg Transformed Blockbuster into Children's Melodrama in E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

2022

Abstract: 

This essay explores how Steven Spielberg's 1982 film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial beautifully merges science fiction with heartfelt melodrama. Spielberg shifts focus from spectacle to emotion, crafting a narrative that centers on themes of family, loneliness, and maturation against the backdrop of suburban American life. Analyzing key scenes, the essay highlights Spielberg's use of genre conventions to create a timeless story that resonates across generations. Drawing from personal experiences, Spielberg infuses authenticity into the narrative, resulting in a story that transcends the boundaries of genre and age.

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(2715 words)

Just Us and the Cameras

On Gloria Swanson's Norma Desmond and an Ode to Silent Cinema

2021

Abstract: 

In Billy Wilder's 1950 film Sunset Boulevard, Gloria Swanson's portrayal of Norma Desmond offers a poignant exploration of Hollywood's transition from silent films to talkies. Drawing from her own experiences as a silent film star, Swanson embodies the struggles of a fading icon desperately clinging to past glory. Through Swanson's nuanced performance, Norma becomes a symbol of the silent era's challenges amidst Hollywood's technological advancements, contrasting her grandeur with the business-minded approach of the talkie era. Ultimately, Swanson's portrayal immortalises the legacy of silent cinema, offering a profound commentary on Hollywood's transformation.

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(2001 words)

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