MYTHS & HEROES: THE AMERICAN DREAM

The American Dream

It is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their own version of success in a society where upward mobility is possible for everyone. The American dream is achieved through sacrifice, risk-taking and hard work, not by chance. Both native-born Americans and American immigrants pursue and can achieve the American dream. In contrast to other political and economic systems, such as communist dictatorships, America’s free-enterprise system makes possible the circumstances that allow individuals to go beyond meeting their basic needs to achieve self-actualization and personal fulfillment.

Document 1

According to this document Americans would rather have opportunity and family over any other aspects that are a part of the definition of the American Dream. By looking at this graph, we could've thought that money/wealth would be the key element of the American Dream. Because as we may know, that term rimes with money and fame, but we judged too quick as money defines the American Dream according to just 4% of the American population. We also see that freedom plays an important part too which makes sense because of the origins of the American nation.




Document 2

This document redifines the notion of the American Dream, this graph is very recent (2011) because money has now taken the biggest part as opposed to the first document where it had little influence (4%). Nowadays happiness is having enough money for retirement. Education is less important since it represents only 5%. Which means it's as "useless" as owning  a car and/or starting a business. Which is a sad reality but it's linked to the kind of society we live in, where money is almighty. Nowadays, the American Dream is not about opportunity or family or freedom, but just about having enough money for the rest of your life. 

POST 10: WITNESS AS A THRILLER

DEFINITION: These are types of films known to promote intense excitement,suspense, a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation,uncertainty, anxiety, and nerve-wracking tension. Thriller and suspense films are virtually synonymous and interchangeable categorizations, with similar characteristics and features. 

Primary elements of  the Thriller as a genre	Witness as a thriller Illustration in the film
1.Central protagonist(s) The central protagonist(s) faces death, their own or someone else's.	In the movie Witness the main characters face death indeed. The first one who could've lost his life was Samuel when he witnessed the murder. As McFee gets closer to the bathroom stall where the young boy is hiding, the spectator is convinced that Samuel will die. But the latter manages a narrow escape. The other one who could've died was John during the shoot out in the parking lot with McFee. John will survive but will be heavily wounded since he gets shot in the ribs. The last one to have faced death is Rachel when Schaeffer points a gun at her and is threatning John that he'll shoot her. Eventually, the dirty cop gives up his weapons and Rachel ends up safe and sound.
2.Force(s) of antagonism The force/s of antagonism must initially be clever and/or stronger than the protagonist.	The forces of antagonism in the movie are Schaeffer, McFee and Fergie. The three of them are cops. Brought together they are much stronger than the whole Amish community. Especially Schaeffer who used to be John's both boss and mentor. He was willing to kill one of his collegues (Carter) to get more information about John's hiding spot.
3.Main storyline The main storyline for the protagonist is either a quest or the character who cannot be put down.	In the movie that we've been studying, the main storyline for the protagonist is a quest. John is indeed looking for the people who murdered one of his partners. Once he knows who they are he is also seeking for revenge for his friend and partner Carter who will be killed by one of them.
4.Main plotline The main plot line focuses on a mystery that must be solved.	Witness is the story of a kid who witnesses a murder and his testimony will help John Book find the culprits. So there is a mystery at first when nobody knows who is involved in the crime.
5.Narrative construction The film's narrative construction is dominated by the protagonist's point of view.	The film's narrative construction is dominated by three different points of views. Two of them are stronger than one. Rachel's point of view isn't as present as John's and Samuel's. We follow the movie through Samuel and John's perspective as they play the two major parts in the film.
6.Action and characters All action and characters must be credibly realistic/natural in their representation on screen.	The films portrays the Amish way of life as it is in reality. There were no parodies or exagerations as far as Amish are concerned. The actors and movie staff respected the way the Amish people dresses, talks, lives and most of all their strong ideology of non-violence. The movie directors have been able to reproduce the Amish lifestyle and represent one of their main activities that is barn-raising.
7.Major themes The two major themes that underpin the Thriller are the desire for justice and the morality of individuals.	In the movie, John wants justice for both of his partners. The one who was murdered by McFee , in the beginning, and then Carter who's been murdered by Schaeffer. And John won't stop until they both of his late partners get justice. Also this desire for justice brings out one of John's main qualities that is his morality. He wants to bring the dirty cops to justice when he finds out that they have been involved in drug trafficking. Since that activity goes against everything he and the police stand for, he is also defending his job when he goes after the culprits.
8.Small but significant aspect One small but significant aspect of a great thriller is the presence of innocence in what is seen as an essentially corrupt world.	The character of Samuel is the definition of innocence. Among that danger, violence, the impact between the American culture and the Amish one, Samuel is the only element that “brights up” the story. The fact that he's here reassures the spectator and makes him believe that after all, there can be hope.

WITNESS - A DOCUMENTARY ON THE AMISH WAY OF LIFE

WITNESS as a Documentary on the Amish way of life

(Old Order Amish in Lancaster County, PA)

How far can Witness be described as a documentary on the Amish way of life?

Go to the following Web site, scroll down to the bottom of the page then fill in the table below with information gleaned from this Web site (left column) and illustration taken from the film (right column): http://www.welcome-to-lancaster-county.com/amish-people.html

The Amish way of life		Witness as a documentary: Illustration in the film
ORDNUNG: BASIC PRINCIPLES The Ordnung regulates private, public, and ceremonial behavior.  Men and women are expected to wear distinctive clothing.  Members must speak speak a German or Swiss dialect.  Owning an automobile is forbidden. Instead, members members are required to travel by horse and buggy.  It is forbidden own a television, radio, camera, or computer.  Higher education such as high school and college is generally not allowed. Divorce is forbidden. Joining the military is  forbidden. It is taboo to wear jewelry or any other ornament or garment that emphasizes vanity. Community members are are not allowed to sue anyone to sue anyone. Members must use use self-propelled farm machinery. It is ftorbidden to tap electricity from public utility lines.		- Eli, is very conservative and encourages Rachel to respect the laws of the Ordnung to avoid getting shunned. - Throughout the whole movie we see the distinction between men and women's clothings. Women have to wear a long black dress and cover their head with a bonnet while men must wear black pants, a white (or dark blue) shirt and a top hat. - During the opening scene, for Rachel's husband's funeral the Amish do the funeral rite is in German or at least a German dialect. - In the opening scene we see the Amish going to the ceremony with their horse drawn buggies. - The only ones using a camera in the movie are the tourists who harass the Amish with their devices. Furthermore, John has to go to town to use the payphone when ever he needs to make a call. - We never see Samuel going to school or getting any kind of education. - We can suppose that Rachel wasn't the happiest she could be with her late husband but getting a divorce. - The Amish have a zero tolerance policy towards guns and violence so there is no way for them to join the army. -Rachel has no pieces of jewelry so she can't wear any. -During the scenes where young troublemakers come to annoy the Amish they could be sued for harassment but it goes against the community's principles plus, Eli didn't want John to intervene at first. - During the first bit of the movie, at sundown we see the Amish harvesting what seems to be wheat with garden forks and collecting it in a wain. - During the movie we see that the Amish only use candles to see at night.
SHUNNING Based upon religious scriptures, the Amish believe that members who openly sin again traditional church doctrines must be purged from the church as a warning and safeguard to maintain the purity of the church. Members who are excommunicated and shunned are avoided by active members in all social and business activities. However, the offenders are always welcomed back to the community if they repent.		During Rachel and Eli's confrontation, Eli warns his daughter-in-law that she could be shunned because of the way she acts with John.
AMISH HISTORY Mennonite and Amish history is generally thought to begin on January 21, 1525 in Zurich, Switzerland. Who was Jacob Amman? What did he do? When? Where? In 1693, a young Mennonite leader, from the Alsace region of modern-day France, named Jacob Amman formed his own Christian fellowship because he felt that the Mennonite Church did not exercise enough church discipline or maintain a strong enough spiritual life. Jacob Amman's followers began to be nicknamed - you guessed it - the Amish. When did the Amish first migrate to the USA? It is believed that the first group of Mennonites settled in 1683 in Germantown which, today, is a part of Philadelphia. When land became available in the area which is now known as Lancaster County, Mennonite settlements were started and flourished. The first migrations of the Amish began in the 1720's. AMISH BARN-RAISING An Amish barn raising is an important example of the selfless practice of assisting one's relatives, neighbors and community through life's many hardships that characterizes the Amish people of Lancaster County. It is such close-knit devotion and loyalty that has protected the community over the generations. In fact, the Amish barn raising experience becomes a social occasion bonding the families and neighbors in mutual assistance. Tragedy is turned into hope, and joyful playing can be seen among the children. In the movie there is a long scene where the Amish, along with John work togetjer for a barn-raising for a newly married couple. This scene also features the Amish sharing a great meal, drinking lemeonade and talking.		Ø In the movie there is a long scene where the Amish, along with John work together for a barn-raising for a newly married couple. This scene also features the Amish sharing a great meal, drinking lemeonade and talking.
AMISH RELIGION & BELIEFS Amish religion is based upon the basic tenets of early Christianity and a desire to be faithful to God They believe that  the Bible is the Word of God and that the Church is the body of Christ fulfilling God's purposes on earth. Amish beliefs also emphasize the importance of humility, obedience, and simplicity. They believe that true Christians should never use violence or force. The Amish will follow the Word of God even if it conflicts with the rule of the government. They believe that true Christians should never use violence or force		Rachel asks her son to say his prayers when they are staying at Elaine's house. The Amish are very simple starting with the way they dress and the lifestyle they have : no electricity, no obedience to a force that isn't God... In the movie Witness, Amish people are shown through their simplicity and their untolerance towards guns and violence. We can clearly see that they are all outraged when they known that John has a gun especially Eli and Rachel who were scared to death when Samuel was playing with John's gun even if the bullets were taken out.
AMISH HOMES Although modest and simple the typical Amish house reflects the importance of the family, daily work, and humility. Amish homes are usually large with two stories since many Amish families consist of six or seven children. The homes tend to be plain and are usually painted white, green, blue or brown which are the colors of nature.		We don't see the houses in detail but in the first scene, we see the Amish village in almost its entirety and the houses are white and simple.
AMISH CHURCH SERVICES In Lancaster County, there is a tradition that there is a tradition that Amish church services are held in the homes of the congregation This Amish tradition expresses the_simplicity, purity, and community that is so essential to the Amish faith and way of life The Amish women are required to prepare the communal meal which is served at noon in the home of the member hosting the service.		After the funeral, women are reunited in the kitchen and they are cooking the meal.
AMISH WOMEN Amish women are expected to place the needs of their family, church, and community above their own They are responsible for  managing the household, preparing the food, sewing and ironing the family clothes, and assisting the needs of their neighbors.		'We can see that Rachel's main concern is to protect her son so she puts his safety before her own. She is also always shown cooking or cleaning the house or helping the members of the comunity.
AMISH CHILDREN Amish children are disciplined  to be respectful and obedient to their elders. To prevent their children from  becoming spoiled , the parents teach their children to "surrender" their selfish will as opposed to always trying to get  trying to get their own way.		At first Samuel was a very shy kid. He listens to his elders and his mother. But the murder changed him. He is still quite shy and polite  but more outgoing and tolerant as far as violence is concerned.
AMISH CLOTHING Old Order Amish men and boys generally wear wear dark suits without lapels which fasten with hooks rather than buttons Quote 6 items of clothing that women and girls wear: 1.dresses with full skirts 2.aprons 3.black shoes  4.twisted bun at the back of the heard or the nape of the neck. 5.white or black cap 6black bonnet and shawl What do they never wear? 1._ Jewelry 2.Makeup.______________________	We never see Rachel or any other Amish women with jewels or make-up. They keep it very simple since it's the main Amish rule.

WITNESS WORKSHEET

 Sir, this is my google doc for the worksheet on Witness

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xueNeDaVFG-0at4p_YrGqNfHxREUJuOgfEzMXeTNClI/edit?usp=sharing

BANKSY

BANKSY

Banksy is the pseudonym for an anonymous British artist known for his grafitti, street art and dark humour. We have absolutely no information about him : nobody knows where or when he was born. I really appreciate this artist's work because he doesn't do these caligraphic horrors that I call vandalism. These so called pieces of arts contribute nothing to the scenery or the street that they're painted on. His most famous art piece has to be the Flower Thrower painted in 2003. This piece of art has been reenacted by the band Thirty Seconds To Mars in their music video Kings and Queens released in 2009.                                                                                                                                                  

I think Banksy is one of my favorite artists even if I'm not that much of an expert in the art world. He converys a message in each and everyone of his street art, he isn't afraid to make fun of any form of power or authority and even religion. For example in August 2004 he printed a large amount of £10 bills but he replaced Queen Elizabeth's head with the face of Princess Diana and substituted "Bank of England" with "Banksy of England". I think that even if we don't know who he is, he tries to make a change, in his own way of course. The same year he went to Palestine and painted 8 pieces on the wall that seperates Palestine and Israel. About the third picture, an old man said to Banksy "You paint the wall, you make it look beautiful" he thanked the man who then replied "We don't want it to be beautiful, we hate this wall. Go home". Banksy is truely an international artist. He's left his mark in San Francisco, Paris where he managed to put one of his paintings in the Louvre for an unkown duration of time, Barcelona ,New York City and many other places.
There are so many other things that could be said about the artist like the controversy around him, the fact that everyone wants to find out who he really is. But I don't ever want to know who he is, I want Banksy to stay anonymous so I can be proud to say that I lived in the time of an incredible artist who did his work without ever feeling the need to reveal his identity.

"When you go to an art gallery you are simply a tourist looking at the trophy cabinet of a few millionaires."

Witness

I think this movie can be about a child who just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. He witnessed a murder and the men who just did this action will try to take him out. The Amish kid and his mother will have to leave Philadelphia and go to the village where they're from to be safer. The detective I guess will protect them during this journey. He probably will be some kind of bodyguard. The muderers are following every lead they can to find the kid and the woman and both sides (the "bodyguard" and the three men) will do whatever it takes to fulfill their duty. I guess the other issue that the movie will deal with is the clash between the American culture and the Amish one since they are completely different. There will obviously be a love story between the kid's mother and the detective.

Barton Fink

Barton Fink Trailer

Barton Fink

Barton Fink is a 1991 American period film written, produced, directed and edited by the Coen brothers. Set in 1941, it stars John Turturro in the title role as a young New York City playwright who is hired to write scripts for a film studio in Hollywood, and Joh Goodman as Charlie, the insurance salesman who lives next door at the run-down Hotel Earle.

The Coens wrote the screenplay in three weeks while experiencing difficulty during the writing of Miller'sCrossing. Soon after Miller's Crossing was finished, the Coens began filming Barton Fink, which had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 1991. In a rare sweep, Barton Fink won the Palme d'Or, as well as awards for Best Director and Best Actor (Turturro). Although it was celebrated almost universally by critics and nominated for three Academy Awards, the film grossed only a little over $6 million at the box office, two-thirds of its estimated budget.

The Cohen Brothers

Joel David Coen (born November 29, 1954) and Ethan Jesse Coen^[1] (born September 21, 1957), known informally as theCoen brothers, are American film directors, screenwriters, producers, and editors. Their films include Blood Simple (1984),Barton Fink (1991), Fargo (1996), The Big Lebowski (1998), O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), No Country for Old Men(2007), Burn After Reading (2008), A Serious Man (2009), True Grit (2010), and Inside Llewyn Davis (2013).

The brothers write, direct, and produce their films jointly, although until The Ladykillers (2004), Joel received sole credit for directing and Ethan for producing. They often alternate top billing for their screenplays while sharing film credits for editor under the alias Roderick Jaynes. They have been nominated for twelve Academy Awards together, plus one individual nomination for both, winning Best Original Screenplay for Fargo and Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplayfor No Country for Old Men.

John Turturro

John Michael Turturro (born February 28, 1957) is an American actor, writer and director known for his roles in the films Do the Right Thing (1989), Miller's Crossing (1990), Barton Fink (1991), Quiz Show (1994), The Big Lebowski (1998), O Brother, Where Art Thou?(2000) and the first three films in the Transformers film series (2007–2011). He has appeared in over sixty films, and has worked frequently with the Coen brothers, Adam Sandler and Spike Lee.

John Goodman

John Stephen Goodman born June 20, 1952) is an American actor. Early in his career, he was best known for playing Dan Conneron the television series Roseanne (1988–1997), for which he won a Best Actor Golden Globe Award in 1993. He is also a regular collaborator with the Coen brothers on such films as Raising Arizona (1987), Barton Fink (1991), The Big Lebowski (1998), O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), and Inside Llewyn Davis (2013).

Goodman's voice roles include Pacha in The Emperor's New Groove (2000), and Sulley in Monsters, Inc. (2001) and Monsters University (2013).

His other film performances include the lead role in The Flintstones (1994) and supporting roles in The Artist (2011), Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011), Argo (2012), Flight (2012), and The Hangover Part III (2013). On television, he has had regular roles onAmazon Studios' Alpha House and on the first season of HBO's Treme, and has been one of the most frequent hosts of Saturday Night Live. John Heilpern of Vanity Fair calls him "among our very finest actors."