Movie Script Preview 2: Aldo's Journey To Hell A Love Story

Aldo's Journey To Hell A Love Story, Preview 2 Continued. Movie Script by Crystal Day (c) 2014

INT. FAMILY HOME - DAY

          Compasion is talking with Juanita.

                              COMPASION

                    Yes Juanita. Alonso came home

                    yesterday and Aldo, I guess got

                    into a fight with some kid.

                              JUANITA

                    What did Alonso do?

          NOTE: Compasion only, pronounces crazy as "crasy".

                              COMPASION

                    He yelled at Aldo then went out and

                    threatened the kid. He is so old

                    and crasy (pronounced crasy). I

                    don't know why I stay with him.

                              JUANITA

                    I am sure Alonso just wants to

                    protect his son.

                              COMPASION

                    Why did he take it out on us? I

                    mean, I would leave him if I could.

                    He is 20 years older than me you

                    know...

                              JUANITA

                    Really? I didn't know that. He

                    looks younger.

                              COMPASION

                    No. He is definitely old. Old and

                    crasy. Why am I so lucky?

          She smiles at Juanita.

                              JUANITA

                    Well, I have to go. You take care

                    of yourself and don't let Alonso's

                    temper get the best of you.

                              COMPASION

                    All I can do is pray. Santa Maria,

                    help me with my children and let me

                    get along with my husband.

                              JUANITA

                    Well, goodbye. I'll see you later.

                              COMPASION

                    Will you help me keep an eye on

                    Aldo when he's playing outside?

                              JUANITA

                    Sure, anytime. No problem.

          EXT. FAMILY HOUSE - DAY

          Compasion, walks outside to water the plants.

          JORGE is very handsome (Mexican Indian). He is younger than

          Alonso, about the same age as Compasion. He is dressed

          casually but clean. He has known Compasion since childhood

          and loves her. He is standing there as if waiting for her to

          come out.

                              JORGE

                    Hola mammasita! You are looking so

                    good this morning.

          Compasion briefly looks up and keeps watering as if she

          didn't hear him.

                              JORGE

                    I just want to buy you a cup of

                    tea. Please come with me to town.

                              COMPASION

                    You better get away from here. My

                    husband will be home soon.

                              JORGE

                    No he won't. He is busy working. He

                    doesn't get home until late.

                              COMPASION

                    What's the difference. If he knew

                    you were talking to me, he would go

                    crasy.

                              JORGE

                    So what. I am not afraid of him.

                              COMPASION

                    We will see. I don't want to make

                    him mad.

                              JORGE

                    You afraid of him?

                              COMPASION

                    Well, yes. It's not that. . .

                              JORGE

                    Oh. You think he's going to hurt

                    me?

                              COMPASION

                    I just don't want any trouble.

                              JORGE

                    Ok then. I'm going. Just know that

                    you can always talk to me if you

                    need to. I really care about you. I

                    always have.

                              COMPASION

                    Ok then. Go, go.

          She motions to him as if shooing away a pesky fly.

        

Movie Script: Aldo's Journey To Hell A Love Story Preview 1

          Aldo's Journey To Hell, A Love Story-v14 (c) 2014

          Crystal Day, Contact: cday91909@gmail.com

          Genre: Drama
          Self Imposed Rating: Restricted for Adults only
       

                                                          FADE IN

          EXT. FAMILY HOME - (SAN LUIS POTOSI MEXICO) - DAY

          Upper middle class home. A very clean neighborhood. At a
          vacant lot, there are bushes full of flowers and natural
          fruit trees. At the end of the street is a path leading to
          the beach, cool and wide. In the other direction, there is a
          forest just below the mountains.

          ALDO, 10, has dark brown skin like his father. His
          nationality is Black/Mexican/Indian. He has a slightly wide
          nose and very dark (loose) curly hair which he wears fairly
          short. He is draped in clean but simple clothes. He has been
          working awhile but occasionally gets to play in the street
          with the other neighborhood children. He dreams of a better
          life and a perfect family, like his father has.

          ALONSO is Aldo's father, 40. He has very dark skin (mixed
          Black and Indian). He usually wears a white business shirt,
          short sleeved, with clean brown or black plain pants. No
          tie. His hair is a bit on the frizzy tight curly side, with
          some gray in it, worn very short. He is the (elder) man of
          the house. A bit macho and likes his woman barefoot and
          pregnant so to speak. He worships his wife Compasion, 20.

          NOTE: (LANGUAGE) At this point while they are in Mexico they
          should be speaking mostly Spanish with English Subtitles.
          (Handle as you wish).

          [Actually, by the time they get to USA they all can speak
          some English. Aldo's English was okay. He had an accent with
          only a few words. Compasion's English was broken as she
          refused to speak it unless she had to. Alonso rarely spoke,
          possibly autistic. Riguro's English was good. Amante's
          English was good. Mexico borders California so most Mexicans
          learn English as children (also because of the tourist
          trade)].

          It was my idea to have them speak English with spattered
          Spanish words since the audience will possibly be
          predominantly English speaking. That's why stilted English
          since they think in Spanish but have to talk in English.

          NOTE: (RATINGS) This will probably be 'R Rated' so the sex
          scenes can be expanded as allowable.

          NOTE: (AGES) Okay to be flexible with ages of actors and
          characters as long as story flows.

          NOTE: (LOCATIONS) Okay to be flexible with locations while
          trying to stay within, what things would have looked like
          during the scenes time period.

          SUPER: MEXICO 1940

          ALDO kneels down and pets a Gila Monster.

          A few children are playing stick ball in the street.

          ALONSO sticks his head out of the door.

                              ALONSO
                    Time to come in.

          INT. FAMILY HOME - DAY - CONTINUOUS

          COMPASION, 20, is very pale (complexion) in comparison to
          Alonso and Aldo. She is Spanish from Spain with some mixed
          Indian. But she looks Caucasian (blue eyes, light color
          hair). She has a natural beauty not needing much makeup. She
          is (a flat character), always nice, polite, a bit religious,
          and worries about the inevitable revolution.

          Compasion is in the kitchen putting breakfast on the table.

          RIGURO is 14. She has dark skin, a bit on the exotic side,
          with high cheekbones. She wears makeup but it's not heavy
          and tasteful jewelry. She is petite, beautiful and has a
          short person complex. She is jealous of everyone. She walks
          out of her bedroom to see what's happening.

          Thick (Butcher's cut) bacon is sizzling in the pan. A
          serving bowl of scrambled eggs, tortillas and salsa are on
          the table, along with a large plate of cooked thick sliced
          bacon.

                              ALONSO
                    You need to eat up. We have a long
                    workday ahead of us. Lots of
                    sweeping to do.

                              ALDO
                    Again? Okay. Why can't I play
                    outside?

                              ALONSO
                    You know the family depends on us.
                    We are the men of the house.

                              ALDO
                    Then can I play with my friends?
                    Can I have some dulce de cacahuate?

                              ALONSO
                    We'll see. If you work hard, we'll
                    see.

          Riguro reaches past Aldo to take some bacon from the plate.

                              ALDO
                    Riguro, why are you taking three
                    pieces of bacon?

                              ALONSO
                    Riguro, give Aldo your extra piece
                    of bacon. You don't need to put on
                    any more weight.

                              RIGURO
                         (Angry)
                    Dad...I'm not fat. Why do you say
                    that?

          Riguro reluctantly takes a piece of bacon off her plate and
          puts it on Aldo's.

          Alonso and Aldo look at each other and laugh.

          INT. GROCERY STORE - DAY

          Aldo puts away some cans on a shelf. In walks JUAN.

          Juan is dressed clean in fancy cowboy clothes. Juan is a
          dark skinned Mexican with his hair slicked back. He looks
          around critically, like he owns the place.

                              JUAN
                    Hi.

                              ALONSO
                    Oh Juan, I want you to meet my son
                    Aldo.

          Aldo walks up to Alonso and Juan.

                              JUAN
                    Nice to meet you.

                              ALDO
                    You too.

          Aldo smiles liking the recognition, and goes back to work
          stocking the shelves.

          Alonso and Juan mumble briefly and Juan shops, makes his
          purchase and leaves.

          Alonso, a strict (abusive) father, goes over to Aldo and
          inspects the job he is doing at the shelves.

                              ALONSO
                    Pendejo! Why are you putting the
                    new cans on top? I told you to put
                    them on the bottom.

                              ALDO
                    I forgot, that was two weeks ago.

          Alonso smacks Aldo on the back of the head and walks into
          the back room.

                              ALDO
                    Ow!

          Aldo goes back to work. He looks angry.

                              ALDO
                         (Mumbling.)
                    I'm going to leave this crazy
                    family and never come back. What's
                    the big deal?

          EXT. STREET - LATER

          Alonso and Aldo are on their way home. Aldo has some candies
          in a bag. As they get close, the children in the street
          quickly gather around Aldo waiting to get candy. Alonso
          walks into the house.

          BULLY is as his name says. Larger than the rest of the boys
          and on the stocky side.

                              ALDO
                    Here sure, go ahead. Take some
                    candy. (Bragging) My dad gives it
                    to me all the time.

          Aldo goes off to play stick-ball with his friends.

          Down the road, we see BULLY get loud with Aldo. As we get
          closer we hear...

                              BULLY
                    Your dad is stupid.

                              ALDO
                    He is not. He owns a store and
                    works hard.

                              BULLY
                    He never finished school. He can't
                    even talk right.

                              ALDO
                    You take that back.

          Bully takes the first swing. They fight. Aldo is smaller
          than him and he gets beat up. Aldo runs for home.

          INT. FAMILY HOME - LATER

                              ALONSO
                    What's the matter? Someone beat you
                    up boy?

                              ALDO
                    Yes. I don't even know what it was
                    about. He just started yelling at
                    me.

          Alonso laughs.

                              ALONSO
                    You need to learn to take care of
                    yourself son.

                              ALDO
                         (Whining.)
                    He was much older than me.

                              ALONSO
                    I thought I told you, men don't
                    cry! Stop whining. Let me talk to
                    him.

                              ALDO
                    What, what ... are you going to do?

          EXT. FAMILY HOME - DAY

          Alonso steps outside and yells at the group of children.

          Aldo can hear him from inside the house.

                              ALONSO
                    If any of you so much as touch a
                    hair on my son's head, I'll kill
                    you, you hear?

          The children run away.

                              ALONSO
                    Get outta here! I don't want to see
                    you around here anymore. I don't
                    want to hear what happened.

          INT. FAMILY HOME - DAY - CONTINUOUS

          Alonso walks back in the house.

                              ALDO
                    Does that mean I can't play with
                    any of them, ever?

                              ALONSO
                         (Grunts.)
                 

          Meanwhile, COMPASION quietly comes into the livingroom and
          sees only the last part of what just happened. She gets a
          rag, wets it, then wipes Aldo's face to get the dirt and
          blood off.

                              COMPASION
                    What happened my son?

                              ALDO
                    I don't want to talk about it.

                              COMPASION
                    Maybe you will feel better if you
                    eat something. Are you hungry?

          Compasion gives Alonso a dirty look as if to say, what did
          you do?

                              ALDO
                    No. I just want to go to bed.

                              COMPASION
                    Okay son. I love you so much. I am
                    going to pray that Santa Maria
                    takes care of you.

                              ALDO
                    Thank you momma. I love you too.

                              ALONSO
                    Stop babying that boy and get me
                    something to eat.

          Aldo slinks off to his bedroom.

                              COMPASION
                    Ok. Just a minute.

                              ALONSO
                    Now.

                              COMPASION
                    Ok, Ok. What's your rush?

                              ALONSO
                    Look woman, I don't want to hear
                    any of your talk. Just do what I
                    say.

                              COMPASION
                    Yes husband. Right away. Anything
                    special you feel like having?

                              ALONSO
                    You know what I want. The usual.
                    Rice, beans, tortillas and some
                    meat. And bring me a beer.

                              COMPASION
                    Don't you want some fresh fruit?
                    Aldo picked peaches the other day.

          Alonso grunts and watches boxing on TV.

          INT. GROCERY STORE - DAY

          Aldo and Alonso are working. Aldo is sweeping.

          JUANITA comes in. She is light-skin Black. She is beautiful
          with a perfect rounded in all the right spots figure,
          wearing a very low cut top showing the shape of her breasts
          without a bra. She has a very dark tan with black hair. Her
          beauty is natural with little to no makeup.

          There is a pot of pinto beans cooking on a makeshift fire
          near the back of the store. We see steam coming from the
          pot.

                              JUANITA
                    Alonso, hi. I wonder if I could
                    have a word with you?

                              ALONSO
                    Sure. What is it? Is everything Ok?

                              JUANITA
                    Well...not really. We are having
                    money trouble and need some food.
                    Could we get some on credit?

                              ALONSO
                    Listen, maybe we could work
                    something out. Follow me.

          Aldo continues sweeping listening to the conversation
          between Juanita and Alonso. Things get really quiet and
          about twenty minutes later Juanita comes out with a small
          empty box.

                              ALONSO
                    Just go ahead and take what you
                    need. I know I will see you again
                    soon.

                              JUANITA
                    Thank you so much. Jesus will bless
                    you for this.

                              ALONSO
                    No problem. Just don't tell my
                    wife.

                              JUANITA
                    Don't worry, I wouldn't say a word.
                    I am so grateful. You are such a
                    kind man.

          Juanita leaves the store. Alonso walks toward the back room.

                              ALONSO
                    She barely has a pot to piss in.
                    It's a wonder she looks as good as
                    she does. When you grow up, you'll
                    have plenty of women. -- You can
                    take care of things for a while.
                    I'm going to take a siesta.

                              ALDO
                    Ok dad.

          MARIA is a neighbor who looks like a new mother. She is
          young, naturally beautiful and very tan. Her hair is a bit
          messed up. She is short, only a little taller than Aldo. She
          is wearing simple clothes. She walks in carrying her newborn
          in a blanket. Pretty but not beautiful.

                              ALDO
                    Hi, what can I do for you?

                              MARIA
                    I see you are the man of the store
                    today.

                              ALDO
                    Yes. I'm in charge.

                              MARIA
                    Well...times have been really hard
                    and I was wondering, I just need a
                    bottle of milk for my baby. I don't
                    have any money right now. I promise
                    to pay you later.

                              ALDO
                    Well...sure. Go ahead.

                              MARIA
                    Thanks so much. You are such an
                    angel. God will bless you son.

          Maria leaves the store with her bottle of milk.

                              ALDO
                    I'll see you later.

          Alonso comes back in to the main part of the store.

                              ALONSO
                    I thought I heard someone. Did we
                    get a customer?

                              ALDO
                    Yes. It was Maria, but she didn't
                    have any money and needed milk for
                    her baby. So, I gave it to her.

                              ALONSO
                    What? (Alonso yells) Who told you
                    to do that? You stupid child! How
                    am I supposed to pay for that? You
                    just gonna give away the whole
                    store?

                              ALDO
                    No but, but...

          Alonso reaches over and hits him on the back of the head,
          hard this time. Aldo falls forward landing with hands on the
          floor.

                              ALONSO
                    Maybe you won't forget this time.
                    Don't give away anything! Nothing
                    is free son.

          Aldo starts to cry but tries to hold it in.

                              ALDO
                    But you let Juanita have groceries
                    without paying...

                              ALONSO
                    Shut up. That's none of your
                    business. I am the only one who can
                    do that. If I even hear you talking
                    about that to anyone, you'll be in
                    trouble.

                              ALDO
                    Sorry dad. I won't do it again.

          Aldo gets up and goes back to sweeping the floors.

                              ALONSO
                    After you sweep, I want you to dust
                    the shelves.

                              ALDO
                    Okay.

          Aldo wipes his tears on his sleeve. He gives Alonso an angry
          look. Alonso doesn't notice.

       

Movie Review: Gigli 2003

“Gigli”

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Romance

Writer: Martin Brest

Year: 08/01/03

Casting done by: Jennifer Euston, Rich King, Alysson Marcus

Run Time: 2 hr 1 min

INFORMAL ANALYSIS:

OMG. This gives me a renewed appreciation for the writer of this script who it might seem was a bit ahead of his time. The cast was culturally depicted by some then wannabes who made it because it seemed like the script was written specifically for each one of them.  Their actor personas were able to shine which gave the audience a glimpse.

Again, the short/sweet title almost threw me off. Since it conjured up no specific thoughts, I had to rely on the pitch which was a bit complicated to follow when quickly scanning for entertainment. 

What was remarkable was the treatment of genders, often telling both sides of the love story triangle. What disappointments me with other writers is the obvious point of view, either male or female cultural stereotypes that they think the audience expects. This is a new day and the lines are blurred with the Millennial Generation. Don’t fool yourself into thinking otherwise.

At first glance this would appear to be a typical thug/gangster movie. Surprise, there are twists and turns around the corner. Almost elevating the characters to the sophistication of organized. There is no lack of excitement in the story even though there is a relevant lack of blood and gore and shoot-em-up scenes.

As far as the “funny” that is injected intentionally for comic relief in what otherwise might be tense or sad scenes…expertly done at just the right plot points. I was able to clearly see the purpose of use of this method of writing - said, “to keep it interesting but apparently desperately needed” and when injected with just the right timing, well, there you have it.

Cast included Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez to name a few.

REFERENCES: Netflix, IMDb, Rotten Tomaties, .com and Wikipedia (08/08/14)

Movie Review: August: Osage County 2013

“August: Osage County”

Genre: Drama, Rated R

Writer: Tracy Letts (screenplay and original play) 

Year: 01/10/14

Casting done by: IMDbPro (?)

Set Decoration by: Nancy Haigh

INFORMAL ANALYSIS:

Although the characters were exaggerated, the plot points are very clear. It’s believable in a way that I could imagine some of those things happened over and over within that family. 

The writer picked significant personality traits then attempted to depict them with one exaggerated event. Great for story clarity and production cost effectiveness. 

What I can appreciate about this movie is the writers didn’t feel it necessary to throw in a hot steamy sex scene, rather using lots of innuendo instead. This is the difference between male and female writers, in my opinion. For those who like to look deep into meanings, this still comes from a single gender point of view but handles society issues delicately, while telling the story from the point of view of a family member. This is what draws audience into the story, it’s believability.

Again I was disappointed with the lack of cultural diversity. It did stay on point however, without bringing in politics of the deep south.  The story unfolded from a narrowed point of view, like someone who was not well traveled or well rounded. Still it’s lovable and compelling.

Cast includes Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts to name a few. I was unable to locate who picked the cast. On further research; Wikipedia says it was a play first in Chicago, London and Broadway. It seems obvious, word-of-mouth also played a role in the success of this movie. When audience can see the actors up close and personal, it’s more of a bonding experience.

The success of the movie was most likely, the large budget and a credible storyline. To say it’s Oscar worthy, well - not in my opinion. Also, Meryl Streep does have a bit of a cult following.

REFERENCES: IMDb, Rotten Tomaties, .com  (08/08/14)

Movie Review: 13 Sins 2014

“13 SINS”

Genre: Horror/Thriller

Run Time: 93 min

Writer:David Birke, Daniel Stamm, Chookiat Sakveerakul (Source Material 13: Game of Death)

Year: 04/11/14

Special Effects Coordinator:Ken Speed/Foreman; Greg PugaIt

Casting done by: Lisa Marie Dupree, Venus Kanani, Mary Vernieu

INFORMAL ANALYSIS:

WTF. Sort of a mind-blowing movie. If  you want different, this is it. Social commentary metaphors throughout is what makes this a page-turner. 

What is relevant; it made a profit even though in a specific niche of audience taste. It’s equally surprising that “Rotten Tomatoes” gives it a bad rating…critics and audience. However, I wouldn’t pay much stock in that. Some folks just don’t want their likes out there.

I almost passed on this one because of the Title. Like that it’s short and sweet but don’t like the reference in the pitch that made it sound like I was getting ready to watch one of those much beloved, boring game shows on t.v.

Suffice it to say, there were many actors who could have handled the character parts well, but it lacks cultural diversity. The dialogue alone would have sold the movie.

REFERENCES: IMDb, Rotten Tomaties, .com  (08/08/14)

Movie Review: Think Like A Man Too 2014

Crystal Day

Summer 2014

Title:  Think Like A Man Too (2014)

Genre: Comedy

Written By: Keith Merryman, David A. Newman, Steve Harvey

Director: Tim Story

Synopsis:

I haven’t always liked Kevin Hart comedy or movies that he’s been in. But this one had an all-star cast.

DIALOGUE: The dialogue was sparse. Although, it did seem to go along with the story theme.

MUSIC AND CINEMATOGRAPHY: What makes this movie so interesting was the music. I guess you have to understand a little bit about the culture to even get half the jokes. Between dialogue, visual imagery, and music, everything was interwoven into a great feel-good movie.

I laughed through almost half the movie. The rest of it, I smiled. I got chills when I heard a song that brought back good memories of excellent times in Las Vegas. And there were a few spots where I cried, a little.

I only hope that I can become as good a writer or producer, as the one who put this together.

I’ve vowed before I left to get the names of all the songs so that I could look for them to add to my personal collection, which is something I’ve never felt compelled to do before.

I’m not sure why it got bad reviews on IMDb but I can see by the proof of it, profits were doubled between the making of it and it’s gross and it hasn’t been out that long so, perhaps the critics are wrong.

Reference: IMDb

"Aldo's Journey To Hell A Love Story."

Update: I've finished an original movie script called,
 "Aldo's Journey To Hell A Love Story."  
I am trying to decide the best way to publish it.
Looking at all options. Will give you another update soon. . . July 2014

Movie Review: Jerusalem Countdown 2011

TITLE: Jerusalem Countdown

GENRE: Thriller, Christian Film

DIRECTOR: Harold Cronk

WRITER: Harold Cronk @ 7 writers total

SPECIAL EFFECTS: Darren Bondy, 

Aaron Helferich, Don White

VISUAL EFFECTS:  Emily Amadhia Albee, 

CGI modeler and @ 3 digital composers

ORIGINAL MUSIC:  Jeehun Hwang  

EDITOR: Vance Null

PROTAGONIST: Shane and Eve who are FBI and CIA agents, 

Angela & Daniel the couple who lives next door to terrorists.

ANTAGONIST: Javan and the terrorists

YEAR: 2011 (Runtime 1 hr 25 min)

References:

Barsam, Richard. "https://www.wwnorton.com/movies.

"https://www.wwnorton.com/college/film/movies4/ch/06/studyplan.aspx. 

W.W.Norton, n.d. Web. 20 Jul 2013. Chapters 1 through 10. Plus

DVDs that come with ebook with video explanations of concepts.

www.Imdb.com Search "Jerusalem Countdown" “The Encounter”

Wikipedia: Search David A.R. White on 20 Jul 2013.

www.Imdb.com 

Movie Review by:  Crystal Day Summer 2013

~~~

CINEMATOGRAPHY:

Camera angles and camera movement consists mostly of 2 frame shots and chest up while sitting. The rest were action shots of running or walking. They seem to use a Middle focal-length lens so the audience can get that day-to-day experience and a normal sense of focus. There are occasions when the background is a bit blurred like with colorful nightlights and possibly a Long-focal-length Lens is used. During the action shots I believe a crane and possibly a dolly were used. There was a steadicam for the 2 and 3 shots. 

Visually, the movie appeared clear. There may have been both digital and color film used. The overall lighting is dim because the narrative takes place at night. The wardrobe is mostly dark colors or all black attire.

INTRODUCTION:

The Title Jerusalem Countdown is meant to catch the attention of a certain audience. In my church there is a lot of discussion about Jerusalem, Israel, Muslims, Christians and politics of repressed regimes. There also is discussion about China and how in some countries they are afraid to admit they believe in Christianity. 

SETTING AND LIGHTS:

The opening setting takes place in the evening still not much light or shadows. The Protagonist looks up as he sees people’s clothes falling to the ground as if coming from heaven. This scene is symbolic of the Apocalypse. There is a little extra light on the falling clothes, possibly lights on stands or with cranes. 

GENRE: 

Thriller Per Imdb but there are also elements of Action, Religiosity aka a Christian film rated PG13 ( I think this is the reason why it got bad IMDb audience reviews because they omitted the word Christian film, which probably caught people off guard).

I was able to figure the description of drama by the rarity of music and sound, titles, and action by the speed of the camera during action scenes.

SOUND AND VERISIMILITUDE:

Sound is the first thing you hear, like rifle shots blasting and fire engine sirens blaring. There is chaos in the setting. The camera is bouncing as if this were an ammature video by a casual observer (this could be critical flicker shots giving illusion of movement). Most audiences are aware that sirens mean ambulance or fire trucks. In some these sounds evoke sadness, fear or caution.

EDITING AND CONTINUITY:

The mood is quickly changed by cutting to a large ship at harbor and through Nondiegetic Movie Titles we are transported to “six days earlier, Chicago, Illinois.” The setting is at night. There is a lot of dark space in the frame. Most of the scenes are shot in a closed spatial relationship with very little depth. The continuity of the narrative is a sort of an eclectic montague. 

Then the credits: Pure Flix Productions. Again NonDiegetic Third Person Narration through Titles transports us to Washington, D.C. We see camera angle upward looking at the Capitol building (audience feels inferior to its power) then an “Israeli peace talk” news cast comes on the TV talking about nuclear weapons Foreshadowing what is to come.  

INTRODUCTION TO THE CHARACTERS:

There is a waist up shot of the Protagonist talking on Facetime to his co-worker. This is our first real introduction to his character. He works for the F.B.I. There does not seem to be good use of facial or body shadows. Perhaps this was due to low budget?

The protagonist is Shane.

COMPOSITION AND SETTING: A lot of the 2 shot camera conversations take place in either a car or an office. There are a couple of 2 shots inside a couples’ house. The director favors a closed-frame composition.

There was a choice to do filming in a variety of locations. The locations selected are relevant to the narrative plot of politics, government and foreign policy as it relates to the threat of nuclear arms and high crime. The reason he talks about Jerusalem and nuclear arms is because that was going on at the time this was written in our world news. With a Google search: (Jerusalem and nuclear arms) a lot of newspapers pop up talking about what is going on and that Israel finally admits in 2012 to having nuclear arms.

NARRATIVE:

An Inciting moment is presented with a phone call. Someone has some information. . .now there is snow on the ground and we are cut through the wonderful world of editing to Edgewood, Virginia. Snow is symbolic of people trying to survive harsh conditions.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND RISING ACTION:

Here we are introduced to the Antagonists. We know they are Antagonists because one person is talking in an obviously disguised voice-over (on the phone prop) that sounds like a computer and the other one talks in what sounds like some type of code language (“The 7 Wonders”). No goals are obvious yet.

(Runtime 8:02). This Scene is a Medium 2 shot. Shadows and dim lighting are used to imply seriousness and foreboding. There is little Camera Movement until a man breaks into the house shooting at the informant. 

It’s hard to tell if a Steadicam is used or a dolly following the two actors as they run and shoot. Protagonist going after the Antagonist.  Then there is a Special Effect of an explosion as one of the shooters hits what looks like a barrel of oil. Then came the Freeze Frame for emphasis of this event (the fire burning high).

We are transported to a house with a couple talking about an article that the man is going to write, about “the Israeli peace talks.” His wife Angela, is trying to give him some Bible readings, which he ignores.  

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:

Another cut to a Medium 2 shot of CIA agents (Eve and her co-worker)talking about some Suspects (Antagonists).

Inciting Moment two is when another one of Eve’s co-workers talks to her about a “Biblical moment.” Implicitly referring to the Apocalypse. Eve is a Round character because agents and Christ don’t usually go together on screen.

The Protagonist finds out the captured Antagonist is praying from rote memory, of the Book of Revelation. This scene takes place in an interrogation room. They are trying to find out why the informant was killed and what was meant by “The 7 Wonders.” Audience Point Of View (POV) is Restricted to Protagonist’s and shares curiosity.

We are back at the couple’s house where Daniel is looking at the Bible his wife Angela brought him. The Music gets louder a sort of pinging-alarm sound as audience Expectations wait for something to happen. He is still thinking about his article on “Israel and the peace talks.” 

INCITING INCIDENT:

The audience still hears the TV news talk about peace talks while the Antagonist works with what looks like an explosive and a knife. The Camera Angle is looking slightly up (lower angle) at his face while he does this. When the audience sees the prop of explosives there is some fear and the seriousness of the Antagonist face is Foreboding. 

(Runtime 21:43 min)The goal is made more clear. The FBI (Josh) and CIA (Eve)agent are trying to figure out what “The 7 Wonders” are. As part of the audience I am saying to myself, finally!

The character dialogue is still Restrictive. Using dialogue, the actors say that Israel is our ally, clearly indicating a political Plot Point. The audience still is not sure about what is going on. 

IMPLICIT MEANINGS:

The Prophecy/theory of Apocalypse is coming true. Iran, Russia have formed alliances and Angela refers to the Book of Ezekiel (from the Bible).

MUSIC:

(Runtime 31:46) Russ (Jamie Nieto) the agent, gets killed while they are investigating the informant sister’s house.) There are some cut shots and jump shots as Eve runs out of the house to catch the Antagonist. Music and camera movement speed up.

PLOT POINT:

(Runtime 41:01) In this scene, they are talking about “the Rapture.” It’s a closed room with limited space and the focus of the camera sees only those who are talking, at times panning back to the reactions of those listening. Here the agent says what is at Stake is his “daughter and Israel’s lives”. An example of Rack Focus.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:

(Runtime 45:48) We find out after this talk that it was Eve’s father who is also a “high-level agent.” These two unrelated actors are wearing all black at night while they sit inside a room and talk about their next move. I had seen this movie a couple of times and never noticed the wardrobe before. 

MISE-EN-SCENE AND ACTING:

The choice of wardrobe here helps bring out the facial features and hands of the actors visually. I believe that was deliberate because there were some scenes where the acting was very subtle. I feel it also helped to simplify the dialogue to let us focus on dialogue and plot points.

There is very little actual Music. It’s mostly all dialogue with some appropriate sounds for Verisimilitude.

CHARACTER RELATIONSHIPS:

Josh and Eve. We are given the implicit impression through dialogue that they have met before and don’t like each other. Josh and Eve are Flat characters although towards the end of the movie, they say they are friends again.  Basically they are the stereotypical government agents that we have grown to expect as an audience. Although, a subtle change with Eve does evolve later on.

The supporting actors, Daniel and Angela are shown in their house arguing over religion and politics in the comfortable setting of their living-room. There is a lot of wood and browns, the colors of coziness and comfort.  

[SPOILER ALERT]

Daniel and Angela also start out as the Flat characters we have grown to expect. Especially Angela, who keeps trying to get her husband to read the Bible, because she has been born again. Daniel shuns her suggestions. He appears a bit cynical about things, and it causes the argument. However, in the end, his character is Rounded into a more caring individual who now is open to the idea of believing in god. Basically in the Resolve; he is the hero who saved the world from nuclear destruction by terrorists.

NARRATIVE PLOT POINT:

The Problem is some terrorists smuggled in some nuclear weapons in order to set off bombs on American soil. Their purpose appears to be the crumbling of the government structure and financial systems. This is explained through explicit character dialogue.

RISING ACTION:

What is at Stake is the lives of all the people in the USA. And, the stability of our government and financial institutions. This invests the audience in the narrative as implicitly they are now included.

CRISIS AND PLOT POINT:

(Runtime 25:46) The friend of the dead informant says “there are 7 nuclear weapons smuggled into” the USA in suitcases. He talks about the New World Order is what is happening now. There was an internet rumor about the “New World Order” around the time this movie was written.

OBSTACLES:

There were several Obstacles in the movie. At first, they did not know what “The 7 Wonders” meant. Their first informant was killed before he could tell them. They were not able to get any information out of the first Antagonist who shot the informant. When they got to the informant’s sister’s house, she was dead and an agent got shot. Still about halfway through the movie Josh (Josh and FBI agent talking) says, “we don’t know anything.” The audience waits in anticipation.

Occasionally there are a few inciting moments when we keep flashing back to the house with the couple in it who have noticed something suspicious next door.

CINEMATIC INVISIBILITY:

When talking about Christian views, the camera gives a Close Up shot of them in the car, panning from Josh to Eve, her talking then the look on his face. It’s a simple view highlighting their faces and their emotions. It more closely resembles Western Christianity and symbolically represents the fears around nuclear weapons and power in the hands of unstable governments. These are prominent themes in USA and world news. By unstable I mean where there might be laws that are either archaic or not enforced allowing crime (harms to society) to thrive unchecked.

IMPLICIT CULTURAL IMPLICATIONS:

Among several inciting incidents, the “peacekeeping diplomats” plane blows up. Then we cut back to Daniel, who finds guns and bombs next door. The terrorists appeared to be Middle Eastern which plays into the rumors and stereotypes of the year. It also incites and possibly confirms the fears some Americans were feeling during the year this movie was made.

CLIMAX:

We are finally brought to the climax of the movie when the police get called by Daniel who has taken it upon himself to investigate his neighbor and is now caught in their house basement. The Antagonists just get home. Daniel had seen the bombs. However, the police are there and they start shooting back at the Antagonists. One of the Antagonists sees Daniel and he is almost shot.

FALL OF ACTION:

There is a Fall of Action after the bombs were found and we are transported back to the couple who talks about god. 

RESOLUTION:

The man now believes in god and he and wife are the happy ending. The world is saved.  

SUMMARY:

On the personal side of things, I met David A.R. White who also teaches acting, through my son, who was in one of his Acting Classes and a movie called “The Encounter”. 

David White tends to do mostly Christian films. We all went together as a group to Boston when “The Encounter” came out. Jamie Nieto was a co-star in “The Encounter” one and in this one “Jerusalem Countdown”, he had a small bit part. 

I picked this movie to do my formal analysis on because of the symbolism of the Rapture and the politics of it seemed interesting. 

David White wrote 8 movies and Directed 4 per IMdb. He was also an actor. My favorite one of his is a comedy called “Holyman Undercover (2010).” [IMdb.com]

MORAL OF STORY:

I feel there is a moral to this story.  If you see something suspicious happening in your neighborhood, report it to the proper authorities, you could be saving lives.

And, we are fortunate that we can continue to have open dialogue (Democracy in action) about world politics without getting shot for our beliefs.

WRITER AND DIRECTOR’S POINT OF VIEW:

I saw this as an artsy film describing the point of view of the writer about how he feels about religion and the political issues of the day. When I approach the movie this way, it feels like the writer’s thoughts played out well.

STAR POWER:

I believe the Star Power of David White, Randy Travis [IMdb.com] and Jamie Nieto were utilized to attract viewers to the message.

~~~

RESEARCH:  

This is the Summary provided by IMdb.com:

By Anonymous;

When nuclear weapons are smuggled into America, FBI Agent Shane Daughtry (David A.R White) is faced with an impossible task -- find them before they are detonated. The clock is ticking and the only people who can help are a washed up arms dealer (Lee Majors), a converted Israeli Mossad Agent (Stacy Keach) and a by-the-book CIA Deputy Director (Randy Travis).

END Jerusalem Countdown Formal Analysis

~~~

Movie Review: As Good As It Gets 1997

TITLE As Good As It Gets

YEAR 1997

MAIN CHARACTERS Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr.

WRITER Marc Andrus, James L. Brooks

DIRECTOR James L. Brooks

PRODUCER James L. Brooks; Total @ 9

GENRE  Comedy, Drama, Romance

RUN TIME 2 h 19 min

RATING PG 13

SUMMARY per IMbd.com

A mother/waitress, a misanthropic author, and a gay artist form an unlikely friendship after the artist is in an accident.

The trend seems to be that Writers are becoming Directors and Producers. A lot of Crowd-sourcing is going on.

I believe this film will be a classic. Even after looking at the continuity bloopers, I realize I never even noticed them. I like the way the writer has kept the concept simple yet has extremely well-developed and possibly slightly exaggerated characters. It’s like they move themselves into the story.

Review by Crystal Day, Fall 2013