Film Critique

Paige Becker     

Professor Robert Bomboy

Humanities 101

May 1, 2016                   

                                                              Critique of Blended

            I decided to critique the movie Blended, written by Ivan Menchell and Clare Sera, and directed by Frank Coraci. I decided to critique the way that the music is used in this film to evoke a strong emotional response.

            The plot of this movie consists of two single parents that are set up on a blind date. The one parent, a mother to two boys, is played by Drew Barrymore; the other parent is a father to three young girls, and is played by Adam Sandler. This movie is very relatable to many families because there are many families that are blended families in today’s society. Meaning families that consists of children from different marriages coming together when their parents get married. It shows that even though it may be tough in the beginning, blended families really can be great. Both of the families in the movie end up in the same resort in Africa for an amazing family vacation, which is why a large portion of the music has a tribal feel to it.

            The eldest of the three daughters, Hilary (played by Bella Thorne), is in a scene at the beginning of the movie where she is looking at herself in the mirror. Any girl that is a teenager knows what it is like to spend quite a few minutes just look in the mirror, and that was what she was doing. The song, that plays during this emotional seen of her wishing her body was different, is ‘”Miss Movin’ On”, by the girl group Fifth Harmony. The reason that this music relates so well to this scene is that it would be a song that a teenage girl of this time period would be listening to as they are getting ready to go to school. The song discusses that a strong woman can overcome anything and to keep moving on.

            Another scene in the movie that evokes a strong emotional response is when Adam Sandler’s daughter is walking down a huge staircase, after getting a head to toe makeover. In the beginning of the movie, Hilary rocked a boy-like haircut and sports apparel. The songs that played during the huge reveal was “I’m Every Woman” by the artist Chaka Khan, then “I’ll Make Love to You”, by Boyz II Men, and lastly “It’s the End of the World As We Knew It” by R.E.M. The first song is played when Lauren sees what a great job the beauticians did for Hilary, and shows the “girl-power” that is metaphorically being passed from the soon to be step-mom to the soon to be step-daughter. The second song is played when Hilary’s crush sees her walking down the staircase and sees the new Hilary. The third song is a heart-string puller in this scene because Jim is seeing, what he used to view as his young tom-boy daughter, now that she is a woman. This part is personally one of my favorite parts of the whole movie, because Lauren had all of the cosmetics done for Hilary and it was the first step in the family really blending together. It is a tear-jerking moment that is heightened by the music.

            The entire movie is set in Africa which is also proved through the music that is played throughout the entire movie. A great example of a song that evoked a strong emotional response to a particular scene was when the two families went out on a two day safari adventure while in Africa. The song, “Wamkelekile” by the artist Hot Water, is played during this part of the movie several times. The song is a very upbeat and happy song, and also sounds like music that you would here while out on a safari ride in Africa. This song is a perfect example of how the film incorporated music that would heighten the emotional response of the viewers.  

            Overall I never really gave much thought to the role that music played within a film, but after contemplating it, it plays a huge role. The actors were very relatable and were going through situations that happen to many families in the United States. I believe that the movie production and outcome was a huge success and the message about blended families showed through in this film. The music heightens the experience of the scenes of the movie and without it, many movies would not be as enjoyable to watch. At the next movie night, I strongly suggest this movie, it is funny movie, but also ties in great to what many families are going through on an everyday basis. 

Painting Critique

Paige Becker

Professor Robert Bomboy

Humanities 101

April 3, 2016

Painting Critique

          

               When deciding what painting to critique I chose one that stood out to me, The Stone-Breakers. The artist use of distinct elements and principles enhances this amazing work of art. Not only is the piece aesthetically pleasing, it holds a deeper meaning. The artist used relatable scenes in order to attract a broad audience, including the lower socioeconomic class, which was not a common thing to do during that particular time period. These depictions of everyday life were a drastic change from the “exotic, remote, and heroic imagery of the Romantics and the noble and elevated themes of the Neoclassicists”.(Fiero, 302)

            The leader Realist of the nineteenth century was a French artist, Gustave Courbet. Courbet stated, “An artist should paint only what he can see”, which is why many of Courbet’s paintings were landscapes, portraits and other contemporary scenes (Fiero, 302 ). He was the son of a farmer, and self-taught artist. Courbet painted ordinary people in their natural settings. There is a prime example of his work that exemplifies his choice to paint people in these settings, The Stone-Breakers. This painting was created in the year 1849 and was an oil on canvas work of art.  

            This painting, The Stone-Breakers, is a painting depicting two men that are doing very physical work. One of the reasons that this painting is very unique is that the backs of the two men are facing the viewer of the painting, “thus violating, by nineteenth-century standards, the rules of propriety and decorum enshrined in French academic art”(Fiero, 303 ). Not only was this painting different because of the previous circumstance but also the people in the painting are everyday workers. The people that were being painted in this time period were normally upper socioeconomic people, not the lower class laborers. Courbet depicted situations such as these to relate to the lower socioeconomic class. During this time in history “the country population was still two-thirds rural and largely poor”, which made this painting very relatable to the working class citizens (Fiero, 303 ). Courbet “wants to show what is "real," and so he has depicted a man that seems too old and a boy that seems still too young for such back-breaking labor”, this is just another way that he was able to relate to the people of that time period (Harris).

            The way that Gustave Courbet used certain elements dramatized the point that artist was trying to make. When viewing Courbet’s brush stokes it can be viewed that they are rough, which is different from other artists such as Neoclassic and Romantic styles. It is said that he painted this way one purpose because it “was in part a conscious rejection of the highly polished, refined Neoclassicist style that still dominated French art in 1848”(Harris). Also, Courbet spends just as much time working on and putting the same amount of detail on the hands as he does on the rocks, which is done to make the painting “real”.(Harris)

            The element of color takes on a big role in this painting. The colors in The Stone-Breakers, is monotonous and can directly relate with the tone of the painting. The lack of vibrant colors insinuates the strenuous work the men are performing and the feeling of people being trapped in the lower socioeconomic class. You can also see when viewing the painting that the hands of the workers are covered in dirt, once again showing the hard work that is being done by the largely poor population of this era. The majority of the painting is dark, but it can be viewed in the top right corner, there is a light blue sky, which many feel is representing that the laborers are trapped in the darkness and cannot reach the light. The form of the work has depth and depicts the scenery of a mountain in the distance and the man and young boy working in the lower valley. There is a shadow that is cast along the top portion of most of the painting. The contrast that is used in this artwork is used to show the difference between different objects and to make them stand out. The artist used the elements and principles in ordered to enhance the overall meaning behind the painting.

            Gustave Courbet used art in order to convey a certain message. Artists during this time period were painting upper class people, and nostalgic sceneries, but Courbet did not do this. He painted the activities of the ordinary people during this time period. The power which was held by the upper class, was being challenged by his paintings. He painted the everyday people instead of just the rich people, which angered many of the upper class people. The power of the upper class was being questions by the lower class which was two-thirds of the population during this era. Overall, the relatable painting appealed to the people of this time period, and the message that Gustave Courbet was trying to make known was clearly viewed through his amazing work of art.

https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/becoming-modern/avant-garde-france/realism/a/courbet-the-stonebreakers

                                                                 Works Cited

Fiero, Gloria. Humanistic Tradition Prehistory to the Early Modern World. New York:

Mcgraw-Hill Education, 2015. Print.

Harris, Beth, and Steven Zucker. "Courbet, The Stone-Breakers." Khan Academy. Web. 01 Apr.

2016.

Non Western Art Critique

Paige Becker-

Professor Bomboy

Modern Culture and the Arts

February 14, 2016

                                                         Non-Western Art Critique

            Pieces of Non-Western art can be found in many places around the world and have such unique characteristics that make them beautiful works of art. An example of a piece of Non-Western Art, that it not only aesthetically pleasing, but also shows the great detail that went into the pieces of art that were produced during this era, is the Mihrab from the Madrasa Imami. The unique elements of this work of art make it a remarkable sight to view. Not only does the use of the small tiles that form the mosaic look intrinsic, but they also are part of a larger meaning behind what the mosaic is used for.

            The Mihrab from the Madrasa Imami was found in Iran, Isfahan in the year 1354(Kindred Subjects), but is now is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The medium is a "mosaic of cut tiles that were set into mortar"(Kindred Subjects). By the great detail that was put into this piece there is no doubt why it may have taken much time to complete. The mihrab has artistic value but functions at a higher level because it is used for worship by many Islamic people.

            In the Islamic religion a mosque is the center for prayer rituals, a place where people go to worship what they truly believe in. One of the focal points of a mosque is the mihrab, a nook in the mosque that is position in the direction of Mecca. The importance of this is that in the Islamic religion this city is viewed as among the holiest of cities because of it being the birthplace of Muhammad, founder of Islam.(Kindred Subjects)

            At first glance, when viewing the mosaic, it looks like a picture but it is not. It is a nook that is carved out of the wall inside the mosque. It is amazing to look at and would be quite a sight to view in person. The colors that are used in this beautiful work of art are many shades of blue, white, and a burnt orange hue. The pattern has geometric shapes and also floral patterns that can be viewed throughout the entire mosaic. The use of all of the colors and different tiles throughout the mihrab come together to create a strong unity amongst the elements.

            The mosaic is composed of stucco, tiles, and woodwork. The detail that went into creating this work is astonishing. When viewing the piece it can be concluded the time and effort that went in creating this masterpiece truly shows the meaning that this mosaic was something that was created in order to be a focal point for worship. The inscriptions on the art state verses spoken by the prophet Muhammad and were recorded in the Qur’an(Kindred Subjects). The culture flows out of this piece, evoking the sense of religious community amongst those who visit this work of art.

            The Mihrab stands eleven feet tall drawing the attention of those wish to worship toward the direction of the holiest of cities (Mihrab, Prayer Niche). The use of contrast between the shades of blue against the pure white makes the piece pop with color. The orange hue that is perfectly placed within the tiles draws attention to those areas on the Mihrab. The pattern used by the placement of the tiles is mesmerizing and it suggests the movement of the tiles toward the middle of the niche. The tiles height and width in comparison to the entire piece is that of comparing a NBA players end of his shoelace to his overall height and width, in that the tiles are very small and the overall mosaic is very large. The use of these small tiles allowed the artist to add extreme amounts of detail in order to further meaning behind the piece.

            Overall the use of great detail when creating this astonishing piece of, not only Non Western Art, but also non-western history, made the piece a well-known and adored mosaic. The fact that it is not just art, but it also functions in the use of worship is amazing. It would be incredible to be able to worship while viewing such a beautiful mihrab that is pointed to what many believe to be the holiest of cities. This piece of art caught my eye as soon as it was introduced within the lecture and I knew right away that this was a piece of art that I wanted to inquire about, which is why I chose it. It is beautiful and I could spend much time looking at it, and would like to view it in person one day. I am glad that I did inquire about the Mihrab from the Madrasa Imami because I learned not only about the artistic components of the piece but also the religious functions. 

(Mihrab, Prayer Niche)

Works Cited

"Kindred Subjects: Art Stories from New York City: Mihrab (Prayer Niche), A.H. 755/ A.D.

1354–55, Iran, Isfahan; Mosaic of Polychrome-glazed Cut Tiles on Stonepaste Body; Set into Mortar." Kindred Subjects: Art Stories from New York City: Mihrab (Prayer Niche), A.H. 755/ A.D. 1354–55, Iran, Isfahan; Mosaic of Polychrome-glazed Cut Tiles on Stonepaste Body; Set into Mortar. Web. 19 Feb. 2016.

"Mihrab, Prayer Niche | 39.20 | Work of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The

Metropolitan Museum of Art." The Met's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. Web. 20 Feb. 2016.

           

Architecture Critique

Paige Becker

Robert Bomboy

Modern Culture and the Arts

February 5, 2016

Classical Architecture in Hanover Pennsylvania

            Throughout any city that a person may choose to visit there are classical influences within modern architecture. An example of the influence of classical architecture in modern architecture is the Warehime Myers Mansion in Hanover Pennsylvania. The mansion is located at 305 Baltimore Street in the small town of Hanover, PA but still has many attributes that refer back to the Greek classical period. When viewing the exterior of the building it can be determined the influence by the features that make up the exterior such as the columns, entablature, and the symmetry of the building.

            In the Greek classical period there were three prominent architecture types designed by the Greek people: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The program of architecture that relates most to the Myers Mansion is the Ionic architecture style. The Ionic style “originated in Asia Minor and Aegean Islands” and has many of the same features that can be found of the exterior of the Warehime Myers Mansion (Fiero 123). The reason that this connection can be made are the features such as the columns, volutes, and many other attributes.

            The first attribute that can be found on both the Ionic style buildings from the classical Greek period and the Myers Mansion, in Hanover, Pennsylvania, are the volutes that are found at the top of the column, the capital. Out of the three types of architectural style the Ionic is the most ornamental which can be seen by the great detail put into the volutes at the top of the shaft. Though this is an important connection that can be made between the Greek architectural styles, it is not the only connection to be made.

            Within the Ionic architectural style the frieze tends to be plain in comparison to the other two styles (Classical Orders of Architecture). This can be viewed when looking at the Myers Mansion, the frieze has no detail. Another attribute that connects the Ionic style to the Mansion is that the bases are very large. When visiting the Mansion, from a farther distance the bases do not seem very large, but when a person stands next to the bases one can determine that they rise about three to four feet off of the ground.

            There are many parts of the exterior of the building that point to the classical Greek Ionic style of architecture but there are also other influences that can be viewed when visiting the Myers Mansion. When viewing some of Andrea Palladios’ architectural work, the use of columns can be seen, just like when viewing the Myers Mansion. Another architect that may have influenced the Warehime Myers Mansion is Christopher Wren. When viewing some of his architectural masterpieces it can be viewed that he too incorporated the use of columns in his works.

This exterior not only is appealing to the eye, but it also has qualities that make the building look extravagant which helps for what the building is used for: events. Many people do not know that there is a second Mansion that is a replica of the Warehime Mansion, this is located at 117 Fredrick Street Hanover, Pennsylvania. This building is a bed and breakfast, though the use of the buildings are different, the exterior of the buildings are exactly the same. A person can see the Greek influences not only in one historic building in Hanover, but two! It is amazing that the architectural styles from hundreds of years ago are still used in today’s modern world.  

            People may wonder, why choose this style of architecture? I believe that this style was chosen because of the ornate style of the Ionic architecture. This style is appealing to the eye and has a certain regal quality. I say this because it makes the building look expensive and has a high quality appeal to it, attracting many people to admire the look and inquire about the services the building provides. This building hosts parties and other events. I attended a party there about three years ago and the building was, and still is, exquisite. The Greek influences in the architecture is amazing and the interior is quite superb. The attention to detail on both the interior and exterior creates a certain atmosphere of that fit for royalty.

            Through studying the Greek Classical Architecture now when driving through Hanover and other towns, it makes me appreciate the architecture of the buildings. It is amazing that the styles from such a long time ago are still relevant and are used even though the styles are hundreds of years old. The attention to detail when constructing these works of art is astonishing and people should appreciate the detail and history of a building more often instead of just driving by. The Warehime Myers Mansion is great example of the influence that the Greek Classical Architecture had and still has on today’s society.

            

(Main Street Hanover,  http://mainstreethanover.org/explore/details/warehime-myers-mansion)

Works Cited

Fiero, Gloria. Humanistic Tradition Prehistory to the Early Modern World. New York: Mcgraw-  

Hill Education, 2015. Print.

"Doric, Ionic, Corinthian." Classical Orders of Architecture. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic

Landmarks Commission. Web. 05 Feb. 2016.

Myers Mansion. Digital image. Main Street Hanover. Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce.

Web. 05 Feb. 2016.