Sunday, August 31, 2014
Challenging Behaviors
Module 1 Application.
I am not on the RIT committee at my school. I work with our PBIS team. There is not a lot of communication or working together between these two committees, but I think there should be. On the one hand PBIS works to create school wide behavior management programs, and then the RIT works with creating interventions for students who are not demonstrating success in the classroom. There seems to be a lot of opportunities for these two teams to be working more closely together to not only work on developing positive management systems, but at the same time developing tiered interventions for those instances when students are not working well within the regular classroom environment.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder: FIlm Review of Life is Beautiful
La Vita e Bella (Life is Beautiful), written and directed by as well as staring Roberto Benigni, is a mixed bag of emotion that can’t help but grab the viewer by the wrist and take them along for a journey unlike any other. You hear that old line, “You’ll laugh! You’ll cry!” well, this is one of the few movies I have seen where that line really does ring true. This light hearted romantic comedy will bring a smile to your face, and then touch you on a very disturbing level, brining fresh tears to replace the smiles. Don’t let the subtitles of this foreign film scare you away. Benigni’s La Vita e Bella is a triumph of the human spirit, showing us that amidst the chaos and uncertainties, life is indeed beautiful.
Benigni stars as Guido, an eccentric man who is heading to the city to live and work for his uncle along with his friend. Along the way he meets a woman, Dora, whom he calls Princess, because he thinks she is the most beautiful women he has ever seen. Guido is like an Italian breath of fresh air! He is always happy, always joking and having a good time. As he and his friend adjust to life in the city, he is always looking on the brightest side of life he can find. As the days go by, he has multiple chance encounters with his princess, Dora. In trying to catch her heart, Guido does what he can to continue these brief encounters.
The first half of the film is almost solely devoted to Guido’s attempting to get the attention of Dora. Benigni, while rather eccentric at times, delivers an outstanding performance as the lovable Guido, developing him as a character that loves life, and is a man of deep passions. In the background of sentimental love story is the development of Nazi influences in Italy. Few and subtle instances at first are demonstrated offering a bleak contrast to the sentimentality that is abundant in the growing relationship of Guido and Nora.
The second act of the film fast forwards the story a few years and focuses on Guido, Nora, and their young boy, Giosue. World War 2 is now at this time in full swing, and the Nazi influence in Italy is felt in much more abundance. Guido, who is a Jew, and Giouse are both rounded up and taken to a concentration camp. In an attempt to protect his son from the horrors that are happening around them, Guido explains their whole situation as a big game, with rules that Giouse has to follow in order to win a prize at the end.
One of the most touching things for me in the film was the unwavering of the character of Guido. Even in their awful circumstance, he continued with his same cheery disposition in front of his son, continually telling him stories, and joking around to protect his boy from the harsh realities. Even in the midst of the hell they find themselves in, Guido still displays the beauty of life to his son. This continuation of his light hearted antics in the midst of such horror only deepened the emotional response that the film got out of me! To see this father demonstrate such love and concern for his child hit a chord with me.
Though leaving the film with mixed feelings and emotions, one does feel that life really is beautiful. There is beauty and joy to be seen around us. The central message can definitely be seen as the value of family. During times of trials and heartache, it is the ones we love who sustain us, who see us through to the end. If we allow ourselves to love and be loved, nothing can take that bond away. As I said, La Vita e Bella takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, but it is a ride you will be happy you took. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it is up to you if you want to wallow in the sorrows around you, or if you want to see that life is truly beautiful.
Benigni stars as Guido, an eccentric man who is heading to the city to live and work for his uncle along with his friend. Along the way he meets a woman, Dora, whom he calls Princess, because he thinks she is the most beautiful women he has ever seen. Guido is like an Italian breath of fresh air! He is always happy, always joking and having a good time. As he and his friend adjust to life in the city, he is always looking on the brightest side of life he can find. As the days go by, he has multiple chance encounters with his princess, Dora. In trying to catch her heart, Guido does what he can to continue these brief encounters.
The first half of the film is almost solely devoted to Guido’s attempting to get the attention of Dora. Benigni, while rather eccentric at times, delivers an outstanding performance as the lovable Guido, developing him as a character that loves life, and is a man of deep passions. In the background of sentimental love story is the development of Nazi influences in Italy. Few and subtle instances at first are demonstrated offering a bleak contrast to the sentimentality that is abundant in the growing relationship of Guido and Nora.
The second act of the film fast forwards the story a few years and focuses on Guido, Nora, and their young boy, Giosue. World War 2 is now at this time in full swing, and the Nazi influence in Italy is felt in much more abundance. Guido, who is a Jew, and Giouse are both rounded up and taken to a concentration camp. In an attempt to protect his son from the horrors that are happening around them, Guido explains their whole situation as a big game, with rules that Giouse has to follow in order to win a prize at the end.
One of the most touching things for me in the film was the unwavering of the character of Guido. Even in their awful circumstance, he continued with his same cheery disposition in front of his son, continually telling him stories, and joking around to protect his boy from the harsh realities. Even in the midst of the hell they find themselves in, Guido still displays the beauty of life to his son. This continuation of his light hearted antics in the midst of such horror only deepened the emotional response that the film got out of me! To see this father demonstrate such love and concern for his child hit a chord with me.
Though leaving the film with mixed feelings and emotions, one does feel that life really is beautiful. There is beauty and joy to be seen around us. The central message can definitely be seen as the value of family. During times of trials and heartache, it is the ones we love who sustain us, who see us through to the end. If we allow ourselves to love and be loved, nothing can take that bond away. As I said, La Vita e Bella takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, but it is a ride you will be happy you took. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it is up to you if you want to wallow in the sorrows around you, or if you want to see that life is truly beautiful.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Treasure of Sierra Madre film review
There are quite a few people out there that seem to have a phobia of old movies. Especially (heaven forbid!) a black and white film! My father is one of these people. He is not one of those guys that likes to linger in the past, he prefers to keep up with the typical Hollywood blockbusters. There is certainly something to be gained from not forgetting about the classics, however. While not one of the more well known classics, The Treasure of Sierra Madre directed by John Huston is indeed a classic none the less. A poignant look at the effects of greed on a man’s soul, Treasure of Sierra Madre is a unique and rewarding cinematic experience!
One of the unique things about this film for me, was how gritty and dark it could get for a older film. The main character is played by Humphrey Bogart, one of my favorite actors. When people think of Bogart they usually think of him in Casablanca, clean cut, classy, all around cool guy. In this film the three main characters, who are heading into the Mexican wilderness searching for gold are very human. As the story continues to unfold, each characters individual weaknesses and vises boils to the surface as tensions mount over what to do with the gold they do find. Striping down the veil of gentlemanly notoriety as the true essence of each man unfolds.
The main characters are Frank Dobbs, Curtin, and Howard. All three are down and out bums trying to escape the Great Depression in Mexico. Together they team up in hopes of striking it rich looking for gold. Huston does an excellent job of setting up the characters, Dobbs and Curtin are both honest young guys who we as the audience really connect with. You see them as simply being a couple poor guys who have hit hard times, you feel for them, and hope they find a way to better their situation. Howard offers them that chance. He is an old prospector who has been on many gold digging expeditions, and is always ready for another adventure. The three team up, and make their way into the wild in search for untold treasures.
From train robberies, to cave ins, to selfish greed, the trio is plagued by challenges around every corner. As the stakes rise, so does the tension. It is almost palpable to the audience. We see the changes that come over our down and out heroes as their lust for gold seems to continue without end. The best example is Dobbs, as the film progresses, he just becomes dirty, his clothes ripped and stained, towards the end he is not even recognizable, it is as if he has devolved into a more primitive being, completely consumed by his greed and selfishness.
As I said, this film is a little darker and grittier than you would expect from a black and white Bogart film. The values dealt with are very real. It forces the viewer to ask what true treasure is, and what is the true cost of obsessing over material wealth? Is it better to seek what we want, or find the contempt and happiness that comes from simply enjoying the little we do have? Again, what is true treasure? This question I think is one Dobbs, Curtin, and Howard are all forced to answer, and they all come to slightly different answers, answers that help us gain a look into their true human character.
The Treasure of Sierra Madre is a wonderful, and though provoking film. It can be appreciated for not only it’s highly entertainment merits, but also for it’s significant look into the nature of greed, and what it can do to a person. A brilliant rags to riches story that is filled with top notch action, suspense, and a few good laughs. The whole story is truly brought together by Humphrey Bogart’s superb acting, as well as John Huston’s excellent directing. A highly recommended film for anyone! And don’t let the age or the lack of color scare you off, you will not be disappointed if you take the time to see and enjoy this true classic!
One of the unique things about this film for me, was how gritty and dark it could get for a older film. The main character is played by Humphrey Bogart, one of my favorite actors. When people think of Bogart they usually think of him in Casablanca, clean cut, classy, all around cool guy. In this film the three main characters, who are heading into the Mexican wilderness searching for gold are very human. As the story continues to unfold, each characters individual weaknesses and vises boils to the surface as tensions mount over what to do with the gold they do find. Striping down the veil of gentlemanly notoriety as the true essence of each man unfolds.
The main characters are Frank Dobbs, Curtin, and Howard. All three are down and out bums trying to escape the Great Depression in Mexico. Together they team up in hopes of striking it rich looking for gold. Huston does an excellent job of setting up the characters, Dobbs and Curtin are both honest young guys who we as the audience really connect with. You see them as simply being a couple poor guys who have hit hard times, you feel for them, and hope they find a way to better their situation. Howard offers them that chance. He is an old prospector who has been on many gold digging expeditions, and is always ready for another adventure. The three team up, and make their way into the wild in search for untold treasures.
From train robberies, to cave ins, to selfish greed, the trio is plagued by challenges around every corner. As the stakes rise, so does the tension. It is almost palpable to the audience. We see the changes that come over our down and out heroes as their lust for gold seems to continue without end. The best example is Dobbs, as the film progresses, he just becomes dirty, his clothes ripped and stained, towards the end he is not even recognizable, it is as if he has devolved into a more primitive being, completely consumed by his greed and selfishness.
As I said, this film is a little darker and grittier than you would expect from a black and white Bogart film. The values dealt with are very real. It forces the viewer to ask what true treasure is, and what is the true cost of obsessing over material wealth? Is it better to seek what we want, or find the contempt and happiness that comes from simply enjoying the little we do have? Again, what is true treasure? This question I think is one Dobbs, Curtin, and Howard are all forced to answer, and they all come to slightly different answers, answers that help us gain a look into their true human character.
The Treasure of Sierra Madre is a wonderful, and though provoking film. It can be appreciated for not only it’s highly entertainment merits, but also for it’s significant look into the nature of greed, and what it can do to a person. A brilliant rags to riches story that is filled with top notch action, suspense, and a few good laughs. The whole story is truly brought together by Humphrey Bogart’s superb acting, as well as John Huston’s excellent directing. A highly recommended film for anyone! And don’t let the age or the lack of color scare you off, you will not be disappointed if you take the time to see and enjoy this true classic!
A Dive Into Madness: Film Review of The Shining
Stanley Kubrick has shaped his career around his mastery of the craft of storytelling. His films always convey a riveting, and powerful story at face value. What may be even more impressive, however, is how Kubrick is able to shape his stories below the surface, offering insights into the human psyche through abstract symbolism and metaphors. Kubrick spent his movie making career exploring and defining human nature and interaction. His horror masterpiece, “The Shining” is no exception. Through his use of cinematography, symbolism, and story pacing, Kubrick offers the audience insight on the effects of extreme isolation, and the dangers of alcoholism. While based off of Stephen King’s novel by the same name, Kubrick takes a lot of artistic discretion, and really turns this adaptation into his own stand alone story. Because of the significant changes between the book and the movie, it is best not to look at King’s source material when looking for expanded meanings and explanations to Kubrick’s film.
“The Shining” is the story of a man, Jack Torrance, and his wife and son, Wendy and Danny. They are hired to be the care takers of a mountain retreat hotel during the cold winter months. During this time, they will be completely isolated because of severe winter storms which bury the hotel in snow each season. Danny, who seems to have telepathic powers called “shining” and the rest of his family become subject to unusual events by what appear to be ghosts haunting the hotel. These apparitions haunt the family, making it clear that they are not welcomed in the hotel. The most affected by all this is Jack who, succumbing to the hotel’s influences over his mind goes on a rampage attempting to kill his wife and son.
On the surface, “The Shining” appears to be a basic ghost story that has been told countless times before. Instead, Kubrick uses this classic story of haunting isolation to delve into the psyche of an alcoholic, as illustrated in the character of Jack Torrance. On the surface, Jack is a very sophisticated, polite person. As he meets with the hotel personnel about his duties as grounds keeper, the level of chivalrous etiquette is almost overpowering. Nothing but smiles, pleases, and thank yous. The effect is very superficial, and taken at face value, letting the audience know that there is something else to Jack that they are not being told about.
The hotel is large and spacious, there is lots of room for Jack and his family to move around, hardly an environment to cause a sense of claustrophobia. Yet, that is exactly the feeling that Kubrick establishes to keep his audience uncomfortable and on the edge of their seats throughout the film. This feeling is primarily established through tight camera shots on the characters through the film, as well as the use of a full screen anamorphic ratio being used, as opposed to a traditional 16:9 widescreen format. As the uneasiness continues to rise, it makes the few actual scares in the movie highly effective, focusing instead on a general atmosphere of discomfort and suspense. During one of the scenes in the film, Danny is seen wearing a wool sweater with “Apollo 11” knitted on it. Being the first space shuttle to land on the moon, those astronauts would have been subjected to extreme isolation and confinement, which is a connection that can be made to what the Torrance family is being exposed to as well.
It is mentioned early on in the film that Jack is a recovering alcoholic, and that he has been sober for a few months now. In talking with Danny’s teacher, his mom Wendy discloses that Jack decided to quit drinking after he came home one night and accidentally hurt Danny during a drunken furry. After this traumatic event, Danny began talking to an imaginary friend named Tony. Tony seems to be more than just a figment of Danny’s imagination, as he is able to tell Danny about his dad getting the job at the hotel before he even gets it. When first getting to the Hotel, Danny meets a man named Dick Hallorann. Dick apparently posses the ability to shine just as Danny does. Because it is fairly well show that Danny’s ability to shine is real, it adds legitimacy to all the supernatural events that take place during the Torrance’s stay at the hotel.
Jack, who is an author who is using the time at the hotel to work on his book, very quickly begins to delve into madness while at the hotel. He becomes severely short and angry with his wife and son. His frustration and anger lead him to the empty ballroom. When he gets to the bar, there is a bartender there waiting for him. Jack begins just casually speaking to this apparition, even ordering a glass of bourbon. The bartender, however, pulls out a bottle of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey and pours it for Jack, an obvious mistake for any bartender, thus suggesting that this exchange may all just be in Jack’s head. An interesting thing to note is the situations in which Jack communicates with these ghosts of the hotel. Whenever he is speaking to a ghost, there is always a mirror within the shot, adding even further suggestion that these exchanges may all be happening simply within Jack’s mind. Perhaps the combination of isolation, and struggling with a past addiction to alcohol simply caused him to go insane. Or, could it be that the hotel itself does harness some sort of paranormal powers, and simply plays to Jack’s weaknesses, exploiting them for its own unclear purposes. The strongest piece of evidence to support the idea that the ghosts really do exist, is the fact that Wendy locks Jack in a food cellar in an attempts to protect her and Danny from him. After he gets locked in, one of the ghosts physically unlocks the cellar door, instructed Jack to go on and kill his family.
As Jack continues to dig deeper and deeper into his madness, Dick Hallorann, who is all the way at his home in Florida, gets a bad feeling. It is highly likely that Danny’s shining ability communicated to Dick, calling out for help. And if not him, then probably his imaginary friend Toby who seems to know the future. During most of the film, Dick spares no expense in trying to make his way to the hotel in order to save Danny and his mother. Many scenes are used to show Dick’s journey up to the hotel, continually giving the audience cause to hope that Danny and Wendy will be safe, because help is on the way. When he is finally able to get there, he only takes a few steps into the hotel before Jack jumps out and takes Dick out with an axe. After all that build up of hope, it is immediately crushed and the audience is now hopeless, feeling that Jack has basically just won.
In the final scenes of the movie, Jack continues to chase Danny and Wendy through the hotel. Just as he had hurt Danny during a drunken rage before, he is now setting out to do it again. Eventually, Wendy and Danny are able to get into a snow cat, and escape the hotel, leaving Jack to freeze to death in the snow. The final scene is a shot of a party that took place at the hotel in the 20’s. Front and center in the photo is a picture of Jack smiling, obviously enjoying himself along with all the other guests. The shot pulls out, and the film ends. The hotel can be seen as a symbol of pure evil, or seen as having the ability to shine, just as Danny and Dick. In either case, symbolic or literal, the photo at the end has the same meaning. Jack succumbed to the forces that were pushing on him. Whether allowing the evil of the hotel to essentially posses him, or allowing the influences of the hotel drive him back to an alcoholic madness, Jack still went mad. It can be said that his soul, or his negative energy, has now become a part of the hotel, and the seemingly unexplainable evil that seems to fill its halls.
Stanley Kubrick offers a very deep, layered story that is open to many interpretations as to its true meaning. The story of a family isolated in haunted motel at face value seems like it would just be a typical horror film. Instead, Kubrick offers so much more to those who are open to draw from the techniques he uses to guide the audience through this terrifying story. His use of creative camera work, and well crafted symbolism, tells the story of a man slipping into madness, and the forces that drive him to that madness. Kubrick has created a masterpiece of the horror genre that will be appreciated by film fans for years to come.
“The Shining” is the story of a man, Jack Torrance, and his wife and son, Wendy and Danny. They are hired to be the care takers of a mountain retreat hotel during the cold winter months. During this time, they will be completely isolated because of severe winter storms which bury the hotel in snow each season. Danny, who seems to have telepathic powers called “shining” and the rest of his family become subject to unusual events by what appear to be ghosts haunting the hotel. These apparitions haunt the family, making it clear that they are not welcomed in the hotel. The most affected by all this is Jack who, succumbing to the hotel’s influences over his mind goes on a rampage attempting to kill his wife and son.
On the surface, “The Shining” appears to be a basic ghost story that has been told countless times before. Instead, Kubrick uses this classic story of haunting isolation to delve into the psyche of an alcoholic, as illustrated in the character of Jack Torrance. On the surface, Jack is a very sophisticated, polite person. As he meets with the hotel personnel about his duties as grounds keeper, the level of chivalrous etiquette is almost overpowering. Nothing but smiles, pleases, and thank yous. The effect is very superficial, and taken at face value, letting the audience know that there is something else to Jack that they are not being told about.
The hotel is large and spacious, there is lots of room for Jack and his family to move around, hardly an environment to cause a sense of claustrophobia. Yet, that is exactly the feeling that Kubrick establishes to keep his audience uncomfortable and on the edge of their seats throughout the film. This feeling is primarily established through tight camera shots on the characters through the film, as well as the use of a full screen anamorphic ratio being used, as opposed to a traditional 16:9 widescreen format. As the uneasiness continues to rise, it makes the few actual scares in the movie highly effective, focusing instead on a general atmosphere of discomfort and suspense. During one of the scenes in the film, Danny is seen wearing a wool sweater with “Apollo 11” knitted on it. Being the first space shuttle to land on the moon, those astronauts would have been subjected to extreme isolation and confinement, which is a connection that can be made to what the Torrance family is being exposed to as well.
It is mentioned early on in the film that Jack is a recovering alcoholic, and that he has been sober for a few months now. In talking with Danny’s teacher, his mom Wendy discloses that Jack decided to quit drinking after he came home one night and accidentally hurt Danny during a drunken furry. After this traumatic event, Danny began talking to an imaginary friend named Tony. Tony seems to be more than just a figment of Danny’s imagination, as he is able to tell Danny about his dad getting the job at the hotel before he even gets it. When first getting to the Hotel, Danny meets a man named Dick Hallorann. Dick apparently posses the ability to shine just as Danny does. Because it is fairly well show that Danny’s ability to shine is real, it adds legitimacy to all the supernatural events that take place during the Torrance’s stay at the hotel.
Jack, who is an author who is using the time at the hotel to work on his book, very quickly begins to delve into madness while at the hotel. He becomes severely short and angry with his wife and son. His frustration and anger lead him to the empty ballroom. When he gets to the bar, there is a bartender there waiting for him. Jack begins just casually speaking to this apparition, even ordering a glass of bourbon. The bartender, however, pulls out a bottle of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey and pours it for Jack, an obvious mistake for any bartender, thus suggesting that this exchange may all just be in Jack’s head. An interesting thing to note is the situations in which Jack communicates with these ghosts of the hotel. Whenever he is speaking to a ghost, there is always a mirror within the shot, adding even further suggestion that these exchanges may all be happening simply within Jack’s mind. Perhaps the combination of isolation, and struggling with a past addiction to alcohol simply caused him to go insane. Or, could it be that the hotel itself does harness some sort of paranormal powers, and simply plays to Jack’s weaknesses, exploiting them for its own unclear purposes. The strongest piece of evidence to support the idea that the ghosts really do exist, is the fact that Wendy locks Jack in a food cellar in an attempts to protect her and Danny from him. After he gets locked in, one of the ghosts physically unlocks the cellar door, instructed Jack to go on and kill his family.
As Jack continues to dig deeper and deeper into his madness, Dick Hallorann, who is all the way at his home in Florida, gets a bad feeling. It is highly likely that Danny’s shining ability communicated to Dick, calling out for help. And if not him, then probably his imaginary friend Toby who seems to know the future. During most of the film, Dick spares no expense in trying to make his way to the hotel in order to save Danny and his mother. Many scenes are used to show Dick’s journey up to the hotel, continually giving the audience cause to hope that Danny and Wendy will be safe, because help is on the way. When he is finally able to get there, he only takes a few steps into the hotel before Jack jumps out and takes Dick out with an axe. After all that build up of hope, it is immediately crushed and the audience is now hopeless, feeling that Jack has basically just won.
In the final scenes of the movie, Jack continues to chase Danny and Wendy through the hotel. Just as he had hurt Danny during a drunken rage before, he is now setting out to do it again. Eventually, Wendy and Danny are able to get into a snow cat, and escape the hotel, leaving Jack to freeze to death in the snow. The final scene is a shot of a party that took place at the hotel in the 20’s. Front and center in the photo is a picture of Jack smiling, obviously enjoying himself along with all the other guests. The shot pulls out, and the film ends. The hotel can be seen as a symbol of pure evil, or seen as having the ability to shine, just as Danny and Dick. In either case, symbolic or literal, the photo at the end has the same meaning. Jack succumbed to the forces that were pushing on him. Whether allowing the evil of the hotel to essentially posses him, or allowing the influences of the hotel drive him back to an alcoholic madness, Jack still went mad. It can be said that his soul, or his negative energy, has now become a part of the hotel, and the seemingly unexplainable evil that seems to fill its halls.
Stanley Kubrick offers a very deep, layered story that is open to many interpretations as to its true meaning. The story of a family isolated in haunted motel at face value seems like it would just be a typical horror film. Instead, Kubrick offers so much more to those who are open to draw from the techniques he uses to guide the audience through this terrifying story. His use of creative camera work, and well crafted symbolism, tells the story of a man slipping into madness, and the forces that drive him to that madness. Kubrick has created a masterpiece of the horror genre that will be appreciated by film fans for years to come.
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