It takes a level of talent to really bring actual moments from the past to life. Especially when one wasn't actually there to see the events take place themselves. Simply using just photos, films stills and diary accounts; the film "My Week with Marilyn" gives you a glimpse of what life was like for the Iconic Marilyn Monroe. The three elements of theatre that really stood out to me from this film were acting, cotume design, and writing.
For the first element; the acting really stood out to me. Michelle Williams was the actress that played and starred as Marilyn Monroe. Williams did a very convincing job portraying Monroe. It was intriguing to witness the acting within the acting. Apparently in the film Monroe was working on a film "The Prince And The Showgirl"; there were times she used method acting for the character she was playing. At first it was a bit confusing only because I wasn't entirely paying attention. Eventually it started making more sense. Eddie Redmayne played Colin; the level of chemistry between him and Williams was impeccable. Williams' accents were spot on. It does come across that Williams may have used "Method Acting" herself for the film in general. She was her (Monroe).
The writing was the second element that stood out to me. This film was written by Adrian Hodges. It was pretty impressive on Hodges' end to translate a diary account(s) into a film. The writer was able to let the viewer get a pretty clear idea who Marilyn Monroe was; without the film having to be an autobiography. Although I haven't read the original diary (ies) of that particular week; It was pretty creative for Hodges' to tell the story of that week how it acually happened. It was as if you were there The details was there to see without having to be narrated. I mentioned narration because I presumed that's how the original story of that week was told.
The costume design was the third element that really stood out to me. Jill Taylor was the costume designer. She was able to tackle the challenge of replicating some of the original outfits that Monroe wore; for Williams. Although due to budget and size differences (between Monroe and Williams), the outfits weren't an exact replica. The appearance was there and Williams' sold the outfits onscreen. Taylor used photos from the actual events as references. From men’s shirts, pencil skirts, chiffon scarves, dark glasses, etc Taylor really pulled it off.
Therefore this film was an A+. Actual awards and nominations proved it to be as well. The actors, designers and writer really pulled it off. I would recommend to anyone who haven't seen it to take a gander.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Friday, May 9, 2014
Response #10 Marisol
1. Lights, sounds and graffiti are examples of what the playwright used to tell his story.
2. I think the crown represents a Halo, thats watching and protecting over everyone, sort of like God or an Angel.
3. I believe Jose Rivera was trying to raise more awareness on the real struggles of living in NYC.
4. Its themes and issues are still relevant today; dangerous NYC neighborhoods still exist, as well as homelessness.
2. I think the crown represents a Halo, thats watching and protecting over everyone, sort of like God or an Angel.
3. I believe Jose Rivera was trying to raise more awareness on the real struggles of living in NYC.
4. Its themes and issues are still relevant today; dangerous NYC neighborhoods still exist, as well as homelessness.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Response #9 Gypsy Act 2
1. This question was really tough for me to answer. Had this question had been asked 10 years ago, I would have said "The Lion King" musical. I remember seeing the musical in High School when I was at my prime in dancing. I was memorized by the choreography and inspired. I remember wanting to become the next Simba. It didn't quite work out that way but that's a long story. I do in fact still enjoy dancing though. In the present I would say that any music video or song that has Hayley Williams of the band Paramore featured. Partly because I am sort of obsessed with this songstress but all in actually she's really talented and when I hear her voice, something inside of me lights up and makes me want to get things done and knock out goals in life. So when ever I'm down, I usually listen to Paramore or Hayley Williams.
2. I prefer to be the Entertainer. I've dibbed and dabbed in many things to avoid boredom. I like to be the one putting on a show. I've danced with several jr. companies with styles ranging from Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, African, Modern, etc. Currently now my passion is to sing, I have my own youtube channel where I upload covers of songs that I'm liking at the moment. I also like making people laugh so I do a lot of Vines and Instagram videos; doing random things and even doing little shorts (acting skits). I'm also into a bit of modeling; I've done photo-shoots ranging from showcasing a brand, body paint, promos, etc. I still hope to do everything aforementioned but my main goal is to one day to put out my own music.
2. I prefer to be the Entertainer. I've dibbed and dabbed in many things to avoid boredom. I like to be the one putting on a show. I've danced with several jr. companies with styles ranging from Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, African, Modern, etc. Currently now my passion is to sing, I have my own youtube channel where I upload covers of songs that I'm liking at the moment. I also like making people laugh so I do a lot of Vines and Instagram videos; doing random things and even doing little shorts (acting skits). I'm also into a bit of modeling; I've done photo-shoots ranging from showcasing a brand, body paint, promos, etc. I still hope to do everything aforementioned but my main goal is to one day to put out my own music.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Resonse #8 GYPSY ACT 1
1. I don't think Gypsy would have been as successful as a straight play. Without the music it would probably be a bit dry. Something about the storyline wasn't too intringuing that mayb e the music portion is what interested people in seeing it.
2. Mama Rose is obssesed with fame. She does it for her children or so it seems. She wants better for her kids than the way she grew up. Even if it kills them, she will be sure that they get it.
3. June leaves the group because Mr. Grantziger has guaranteed her that he can make her a star.
4. Herbie stays with Rose because he really likes her. Rose is reluctant to reciprocate the feelings because she has been abandoned by men more than once before.
2. Mama Rose is obssesed with fame. She does it for her children or so it seems. She wants better for her kids than the way she grew up. Even if it kills them, she will be sure that they get it.
3. June leaves the group because Mr. Grantziger has guaranteed her that he can make her a star.
4. Herbie stays with Rose because he really likes her. Rose is reluctant to reciprocate the feelings because she has been abandoned by men more than once before.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Response #7 Waiting For Godot
Waiting For Godot to me is waiting for something to happen that never will unless you go out and make it happen yourself.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Response #6 A Doll's House
1. Mrs. Lind encourages Kromer to let Tom read the letter revealing Nora's deception. She strongly believes that in order for Tom and Nora to have a complete understanding of each other that there can't be any dishonesty between them.
2. The significance of the door slamming is Nora solidifying her decision to leave her husband and chlidren. It was a bold move considering that women around that time had limited rights. This shocked everyone and also caused a shift in society. This also produced a wave of emerging feminists which later led to their unity in fighting for equality between men and women.
3.
A male from 1879ish. He's dressed typically like a lawyer of that time.
2. The significance of the door slamming is Nora solidifying her decision to leave her husband and chlidren. It was a bold move considering that women around that time had limited rights. This shocked everyone and also caused a shift in society. This also produced a wave of emerging feminists which later led to their unity in fighting for equality between men and women.
3.
A male from 1879ish. He's dressed typically like a lawyer of that time.
A female from 1879ish. There weren't that many roles for women at that time. She would be your typical stay at home wife.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Crtique #1
When it comes to interaction between two people or a conversation, you can at times get a feel or an idea what are the two people conversing about just solely based either only on one of two parties reactions and/or responses. This particularly occurs in the play "Alone in Triptych". The three elements of theatre that really stood out to me from this play are the acting, writing and sound.
For the first element; the acting really stood out to me. Leeann played Vera Beren, Lori played by Catherine Porter, and Remi played Michael Tomlinson all were quite believable. What is quite interesting about this play is although there are three characters, they never interact with one another. All three have a story to tell and they all do it alone. What worked about it was that even though each actor worked in a scene in solitude you still caught a glimpse of the story. What didn't worked was there were certain points in the play when more than one character was on the stage all while still focusing on only one of the characters story. The other character would be moving around in silence and getting involved in a certain action. This came off a bit confusing as well as it was distracting. The minor character at the time should have simply stayed put in order for the audience to solely focus on the main character and the storyline that is being told in the moment.
The writing was the second element that stood out to me. Renee Phillippi (writer) put something together that seemed quite realistic. The story deals with people coming to terms with the people in their lives and/ or their own personal demons. Rape, physical abuse, kidnapping and death all plays a part in which a way it allows you to sympathize for the characters whether good or bad. What worked is that it was written in a way where anyone or everyone in the audience could possibly relate to the situation. It shows us that we aren't alone in our struggles. What slightly didn't work was how non-convincing the character Remi's motives were. Remi kidnaps his friends daughter to protect her from the danger of the outside world. There was no evidence given to the story or backstory that the little girls parent (Remi's friend) wasn't doing enough to protect his/her daughter. It came off a bit odd that he felt that he was the one to do the job, only resulting in her accidental death which in reality has made him unsuccessful in his plan to protect her. The writer should have provided backup reasons why Remi felt he was the only one that could have save his friend daughter in order to solidify his motive.
The sound design was the third element that stood out to me. Vera Beren (Sound Designer) who also plays the character Leann really gave the viewers what was happening just based solely on the sound. Whether it was a knock, gun shot, scream, you name it, there wasn't a lost moment in the plot. The sounds were well synchronized with the actors movements. What worked about it is that it gave a glimpse of the expression f how people can be suffering in their own isolation; hence the one person scenes. There wasn't a moment where it came across that something didn't worked when it came to the sound. Aside from Vera from actually being the most convincing actress, she didn't lack any skills in the sound department.
In conclusion, the production served the community in a way to tell us that at the beginning signs of drama it is best to clear of the situation. In most cases signs of what's to come were already presented when it comes maybe with the character Leann and her husband who had happened to rape an underage girl and Lori who marries an abusive cop but they just ignored it. Now they later have found themselves in the turmoil they are in. As far as Remi, maybe the friend whom he kidnap his daughter from could have had no idea that this would have happened. For instance guys like Remi are better at hiding that particular flaw about themselves but then again like the aforementioned there was something lacking to support his motives anyway. Moral of the story is get out while you can.
For the first element; the acting really stood out to me. Leeann played Vera Beren, Lori played by Catherine Porter, and Remi played Michael Tomlinson all were quite believable. What is quite interesting about this play is although there are three characters, they never interact with one another. All three have a story to tell and they all do it alone. What worked about it was that even though each actor worked in a scene in solitude you still caught a glimpse of the story. What didn't worked was there were certain points in the play when more than one character was on the stage all while still focusing on only one of the characters story. The other character would be moving around in silence and getting involved in a certain action. This came off a bit confusing as well as it was distracting. The minor character at the time should have simply stayed put in order for the audience to solely focus on the main character and the storyline that is being told in the moment.
The writing was the second element that stood out to me. Renee Phillippi (writer) put something together that seemed quite realistic. The story deals with people coming to terms with the people in their lives and/ or their own personal demons. Rape, physical abuse, kidnapping and death all plays a part in which a way it allows you to sympathize for the characters whether good or bad. What worked is that it was written in a way where anyone or everyone in the audience could possibly relate to the situation. It shows us that we aren't alone in our struggles. What slightly didn't work was how non-convincing the character Remi's motives were. Remi kidnaps his friends daughter to protect her from the danger of the outside world. There was no evidence given to the story or backstory that the little girls parent (Remi's friend) wasn't doing enough to protect his/her daughter. It came off a bit odd that he felt that he was the one to do the job, only resulting in her accidental death which in reality has made him unsuccessful in his plan to protect her. The writer should have provided backup reasons why Remi felt he was the only one that could have save his friend daughter in order to solidify his motive.
The sound design was the third element that stood out to me. Vera Beren (Sound Designer) who also plays the character Leann really gave the viewers what was happening just based solely on the sound. Whether it was a knock, gun shot, scream, you name it, there wasn't a lost moment in the plot. The sounds were well synchronized with the actors movements. What worked about it is that it gave a glimpse of the expression f how people can be suffering in their own isolation; hence the one person scenes. There wasn't a moment where it came across that something didn't worked when it came to the sound. Aside from Vera from actually being the most convincing actress, she didn't lack any skills in the sound department.
In conclusion, the production served the community in a way to tell us that at the beginning signs of drama it is best to clear of the situation. In most cases signs of what's to come were already presented when it comes maybe with the character Leann and her husband who had happened to rape an underage girl and Lori who marries an abusive cop but they just ignored it. Now they later have found themselves in the turmoil they are in. As far as Remi, maybe the friend whom he kidnap his daughter from could have had no idea that this would have happened. For instance guys like Remi are better at hiding that particular flaw about themselves but then again like the aforementioned there was something lacking to support his motives anyway. Moral of the story is get out while you can.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Response # 5 Stage Beauty
1. Actress : Rooney Mara
Movie: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (U.S.)
a) Rooney Mara had her hair butchered, eyebrows bleached. She had her nipple, nose and eye brow pierced for the role. She also learned how to smoke and became comfortable having to do nude scenes.
b) She used the style of Method Acting for the role.
c) The transformation was extremely effective. Rooney Mara went on to received a combination of awards and nominations such as
d)
BEFORE
AFTER
Movie: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (U.S.)
a) Rooney Mara had her hair butchered, eyebrows bleached. She had her nipple, nose and eye brow pierced for the role. She also learned how to smoke and became comfortable having to do nude scenes.
b) She used the style of Method Acting for the role.
c) The transformation was extremely effective. Rooney Mara went on to received a combination of awards and nominations such as
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Alliance of Women Film Journalists – Kick Ass Award For Best Female Action Star (tied with Saoirse Ronan) | Won |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Internet Film Critics Society Award for Best Actress | Won |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | National Board of Review Award for Breakthrough Performance (shared with Felicity Jones) | Won |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Nevada Film Critics Society Award for Best Breakthrough Performance (tied with Elizabeth Olsen) | Won |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress | Won |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2012 Virtuoso Award | Won |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Utah Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress | Nominated |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Academy Award for Best Actress | Nominated |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Alliance of Women Film Journalists Award for Best Breakthrough Performance | Nominated |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Denver Film Critics Society Award for Best Actress | Nominated |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Denver Film Critics Society Award for Best Breakout Star | Nominated |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Empire Award for Best Actress | Nominated |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Georgia Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress | Nominated |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama | Nominated |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance | Nominated |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | MTV Movie Award for Best Performance | Nominated |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Transformation | Nominated |
| 2011 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Saturn Award for Best Actress | Nominated |
d)
BEFORE AFTER
2. Sir Charles was an English wit, dramatist and politician. He sat in all the parliaments of William III as member for New Romney, and his speeches were considered to be thoughtful and sensible. He chose to help Maria because she caught his interest.
3. The difference between the acting style in the beginning of the film and towards the end is that it later becomes more realistic. Women were now able to play female roles. This caused a shift in how those roles were acted out as oppose to a man playing a women.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Response #4 The Misanthrope
1. Comedic Monologue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4c5UIGNTQw
I think it works because it is a one person act. There's only one character giving a speech about themselves. It is also in my opinion very hilarious.
Dramatic Monologue
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksalYjZeLjQ
I think it works because it is one person conversation about themselves. This person is reflecting back on the not so great life she has had.
2. "Two Person Scene" (No Title)
The Characters
ALEX: Elena's boyfriend
ELENA: Alex's girlfriend
Time
Present Day
Place
New York, NY
(Alex's apartment. He and Elena are relaxing in the living room.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4c5UIGNTQw
I think it works because it is a one person act. There's only one character giving a speech about themselves. It is also in my opinion very hilarious.
Dramatic Monologue
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksalYjZeLjQ
I think it works because it is one person conversation about themselves. This person is reflecting back on the not so great life she has had.
2. "Two Person Scene" (No Title)
The Characters
ALEX: Elena's boyfriend
ELENA: Alex's girlfriend
Time
Present Day
Place
New York, NY
(Alex's apartment. He and Elena are relaxing in the living room.)
ELENA
Hey babe, I want to talk to you about something?
ALEX
Something really? I just ordered dinner, it's your favorite; dumplings.
ELENA
I'm going to give it a go anyway.
Something has been on my mind since yesterday.
Where do you see our future heading?
As in an us and no I'm not referring to a wedding.
ALEX
I don't know to be honest. I have not put much thought into it.
I'm just going with the flow. I know that I love you, that I can admit.
Hold on babe, I think the delivery has arrived.
We should eat. I hate being food deprived.
(Alex sits down the food on the coffee table. Neither attempts to open the bag.)
ELENA
I know we've only been together for four months but I do have just one concern.
It's just that you aren't involved in my life as you should. Isn't there more about me you want to learn?
ALEX
What is there to learn? I know that I want to stay with you.. Isn't that enough?
ELENA
No actually, it isn't. I feel like you don't really know me and that's getting tough.
ALEX
So what are you suggesting? Help me a bit out here.
I promise I'll pay attention, so that I don't mishear.
ELENA
Well for starters, you should meet my family and friends you know?
I've met yours. I know about you then you about me. Don't you think so?
ALEX
Honey, (sigh) I suppose you're right. I've been quite neglectful in that department.
It's just that, sometimes I rather stay here. I like the inside and the comfort of this apartment.
But I promise you from this day forward, I'm going to make a change.
Maybe we can start to contemplate on times and places to arrange.
ELENA
I'd appreciate this so much. You know I love you.
ALEX
Good, now let's really eat. I love you too.
END
3. Celeste is a bit of a care free woman. She seeks attention and is very flirtatious. She is also phone and enjoys playing sides. She is a woman who follows her own rule, even if it means having multiple men fighting over her. I sort of disagree with it. I feel like everyone has feeling whether they are good or bad. One person should really take into consideration how their actions would affect others. If the situation was reversed I'm pretty sure Celeste wouldn't approved.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Response #3 Othello III-V
-ACT III; Scene 3 -The Handkerchief scene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asV0447SywY
This music gradually builds and then gets really intense, then towards the ends it calms a bit. It works with the scene because it takes a while before everyone gets frazzled over this hankerchief, once it occurs a lot emotions are evoke. The end result is to plot revenge so them calms down for a bit.
-ACT III; Scene 4 - Cassio & Bianca
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEG4L094olo
The lyrics says it all. Cassio takes Bianca for fool and no matter happens she will still cater to him even after her speculations of foul play.
-ACT V; Scene 2- Desdemona's death
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l04epdSEvtQ
This music sets the mood that something bad and everlasting is going to happen. It has a sad tone. This goes well with the fact that Othello kills Desdemona and then takes his own life. Truly not a happy ending for anyone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asV0447SywY
This music gradually builds and then gets really intense, then towards the ends it calms a bit. It works with the scene because it takes a while before everyone gets frazzled over this hankerchief, once it occurs a lot emotions are evoke. The end result is to plot revenge so them calms down for a bit.
-ACT III; Scene 4 - Cassio & Bianca
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEG4L094olo
The lyrics says it all. Cassio takes Bianca for fool and no matter happens she will still cater to him even after her speculations of foul play.
-ACT V; Scene 2- Desdemona's death
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l04epdSEvtQ
This music sets the mood that something bad and everlasting is going to happen. It has a sad tone. This goes well with the fact that Othello kills Desdemona and then takes his own life. Truly not a happy ending for anyone.
Response #2 Othello I-II
1. Othello is an extraordinary character. He is the protagonist of the play and also a hero. Othello is also a general of an army in Venice. He's pretty powerful and respected by many. Unfortunately due to him being a Moor, he does have his insecurities. He's also has been victimized subtly due to his race throughout the play.
2. Iago is a stock character. He is your stereotypical villain and antagonist. He is in all the drama. Well actually he is manipulatively is stirring and starting the drama. It is only speculated what are his motives but he himself never really confirms any of it. This sort lead us to believe maybe he just Evil for the hell of it.
Brabantion is your typical overprotective borderline racist of a father. Tension arises between him and Othello when he is in utter disbelief that Desdemona would willingly indulge in a marital union with Othello. He's pretty much so closed-minded and blind by the idea that even though Othello is a Moor , he's well in a position to be loved by anyone even if it someone's outside of his race.
Bianca is our typical prostitute. She is used for merely sex and to get things going in motion. Though she is involved with Cassio sexually , their "relationship" will never escalate. She is even used in the plot to make it seem like the handkerchief she found belong to another woman. This obviously got the ball rolling for the remaining of the play.
3.
OTHELLO
IAGO
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DESDEMONA
EMILIA
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Cassio
2. Iago is a stock character. He is your stereotypical villain and antagonist. He is in all the drama. Well actually he is manipulatively is stirring and starting the drama. It is only speculated what are his motives but he himself never really confirms any of it. This sort lead us to believe maybe he just Evil for the hell of it.
Brabantion is your typical overprotective borderline racist of a father. Tension arises between him and Othello when he is in utter disbelief that Desdemona would willingly indulge in a marital union with Othello. He's pretty much so closed-minded and blind by the idea that even though Othello is a Moor , he's well in a position to be loved by anyone even if it someone's outside of his race.
Bianca is our typical prostitute. She is used for merely sex and to get things going in motion. Though she is involved with Cassio sexually , their "relationship" will never escalate. She is even used in the plot to make it seem like the handkerchief she found belong to another woman. This obviously got the ball rolling for the remaining of the play.
3.
OTHELLO
Morris Chestnut has the ability to be the strong hero with his bits of insecurities when it comes to women. The film Best Man can attest to this.
IAGO
Cillian Murphy can definitely play the manipulative, handsome, and seemingly non harmful guy. The film Red Eye proves this.
DESDEMONA
Maggie Gyllenhaal has the look of being submissive and a bit weak. This go right into the role of Desdemona.
EMILIA
AnnaLynne McCord is best known for playing a self interest woman on the most recent 90210 reloaded TV Show. Emilia falls right into that.
Cassio
Michael Socha has been known to play the youthful gullible guy. Cassio does any and everything blindy with out questions. This to me is a perfect match.
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