Chariots of fire - Timeless

       Chariots of fire is a 1981 film based on a true story. It focuses on two individuals in particular; Eric Liddell (a devout Scottish Christian) & Harold Abrahams (a determined Jew). It depicts humans thrive and motivation towards attaining a goal, in this movie for instance it was winning a gold medal in the Olympics. Both of them had their very own reason for competing in it. Liddell; for God where as Abrahams; to overcome prejudice (as this was after World War 1 and the Jews we seen as a low class)


The themes around this film are about the Olympic spirit, God and class system regarding the races in the United Kingdom.

All in all from Abrahams view its about having a code of honour where as for Liddell it was to show that his religious belief transcend the notion of winning at all costs. Why this film was gripping was because it inspires people to strive for their dreams and never give up.

The underlying Theme therefore is Motivation 

There are 3 components of motivation

1.  Activation - A decision to follow through or initiate a behavior
 In the beginning of the film Liddell and Abrahams win races in their hometown and college, this was the beginning to their road towards success it was then that they were sure of joining they Olympics.

 
2. Persistence- striving towards a goal even though there are obstacles.
Liddell's biggest obstacle was his sister and his religion though he was running for God. He persevered through it, convinced himself he was doing it to proof a point about his religion and even managed to change his schedule in the Olympics just so he won't play on the Sabbath day (day of God).

Abrahams was not the fastest and so he hired a trainer to train him. It was not easy to get that particular trainer to train it but he did it. His strive for excellency was proof to everyone that they should not undermine his kind. 

 3. Intensity- The vigor that goes into pursuing a goal
Liddell delays his missionary work in China just show he could run and joins the Olympic. At one time he even missed the start of mass which made his sister really upset.

Abrahams put aside his girlfriend for awhile in order to make sure he got his head in the game. He also is seen arguing with his college counsel in order to pursue his running. 

Theories

1. Extrinsic and Intrinsic motivation
Extrinsic motivation can be seen mainly in Abrahams, Abrahams looking for social recognition and praise. He wants to show the word that even though he his a Jew, he is better than all of them or that he is capable. This is to overcome the prejudice and discrimination that individuals in England had regarding the Jews at that point of time.

 Intrinsic motivation on the other hand, can be seen in Liddell. Liddell wanted personal gratification,he did it for God to prove something to someone up above. He also wanted people to see that with God by his side he could do anything. He dedicated his win to his God as he ran with exuberance, anyone who saw him ran said he had something in him that they couldn't understand a very unique run like his doing it and giving his all for someone .

2. Drives and needs theory as well as Arousal theory can also be seen in various parts of this film.

3. The expansion of Malsow's Hierarchy of  Needs which included cognitive needs, aesthetic needs and transcendence needs.

Aesthetic need is the search for appreciation, form and balance.- This can be seen in the case of Abrahams mainly and Liddell too. Abrahams wants to be appreciated by the norm whereas Liddell says when he runs he feels God's presence (form & ballance).

Cognitive needs-  Knowledge & meaning- Both Liddell and Abrahams has a reason for competing; Liddell, knowledge of God he can instill in others and meaning of his life that he has dedicated to God. Abrahams, to show his knowledge and determination but after the win you could see he had loss his meaning for awhile, as he wasn't sure what to do next.

Transcendence need- Helping others to achieve self-actualizing tendency
A different character in the film shown this transcendence, Abrahams Coach; Sam Mussabini.
The overwhelm of joy and happiness that coach Mussabini shown was immeasurable he even looked more happier and excited than Abrahams himself. 

This movie was inspiring and different from our generation where our motivations aren't as intense. In this modern era, we start something and then we stop, we stop believing in ourselves as much as individuals from back then, as we have grown up with little or no adversity. This allows us to take life for granted, to many of us perseverance and patience is a trait that is difficult to find in us most of the time. I would say this movie is refreshing compared to other inspirational movies that I have seen. Greek composer Vangelis's deserved the Oscar as he achieved a kind of poetry rare in the world of the cinema.

Actual men: Eric Liddell & Harold Abrahams

 

Schindler's List - Beautifully haunting masterpiece

Schindler's List is a 1993 film based on a true story about the Jews during the Holocaust. This of-course was during Hitlers reign. Hitler was so against the Jews that he tried every way possible to get rid of them and remove them from the social class. This film focused on Polland during the holocaust as this was one of the earliest country where the Jews were discriminated, taunted and persecuted.

What caused these ill-treatment and the death of millions of Jews was because of the prejudice, discrimination, biases, hatred and aggression towards the Jews. It all ofcourse started with Hitler (this is not depicted in the movie). Hitler, was believed to hate the Jews for many reasons, one was that they were high up in the social status (threatening the jobs and position of the main origins of the land) and another was cause because of Germany's defeat in World War 1 (but we'll never know the what's true and not). This happen to lead him to think that all Jews were the same (prejudice) which lead him to discriminate them, viewing them as the out-group.

Hitler being powerful and respected at that time, influenced and had power over many of his followers such as the soldiers who served him. His false thinking was adopted by his followers. In which it caused hatred, aggression and biases  towards the Jews.

What theme surrounds this is the psychology of EVIL: the Lucifer Effect by Zimbardo
-  In the Milgram study,  subjects were either took the role  of Prison Guard or the Prisoner. What was observe that the prison guard took the role seriously after awhile they immerse themselves in it. unconditiona power was given to them and that power was abused. What this experiment depicts is that Power is in the system. Thus the system itself corrupts the individuals (political, cultural background, rules  & regulation etc). This is where the power is misused and is implemented and brought by bad-barrel makers.  To sum it up, evil is the exercise of power.
This especially can be seen when Goeth came to rule that area in Polland, he shot anyone he wanted to, implemented rules for his district and did whatever he deemed appropriate. He even did business on the side. German Soldiers and even most of the people disrespected the Jews, the were basically treated as dirt. These are the sins committed against humanity because responsibility was already taken by Hitler and power with no consequences were given to these soldiers.   

The Lucifer Effect in itself explains conformity, obedience and so on. How someone who could have the purest of heart could do evil acts. Stages that cause these innocent individuals to follow and carry out such action could be seen by seven social processes.
1. Taking the first small step without knowing so
2. Dehumanization of others
3. De-individuation of self
4. DIffusion of personal responsibility
5. Blind obedience to authority
6. Uncritical Conformity to group norms
7. Passive tolerance of evil deeds through inaction or inddifference

Lastly, the victims (Jews) mostly showed perserverence throughtout adversity. This can be seen in many scenes. For example, eventhough the Jews were going thorough alot and was placed in concentration camp, a couple was shown getting married and honoring Jewish custom of marital vows, they even appologize for not having a Rabbi conduct the ceremony. They also preservered by being indenial with the severity of the situation as can be seen when a Jewish lasy talks about the gas chambers and the rest says its imposible. Schindler aswell gave hope to a few of the Jewish community that many more wanted to work for him. The triumph of the human spirit is essential

I would like to end by pointing out a few sybolism of the view such the movie being in black and white, symbol of the girl in red and most importantly Schindler's list.

Film in Black & White: A that time color was already out but the director wanted it to be in black & white. One of ther reason is because it was very difficult to fully depict every detail of that time, so black and white was safer. It also sends a stronger message to the audience, allowing the audience to focus solely on the message it was trying to potray. Color might not have the intensity and depth the director wanted the audience to feel.

Girl in red: Sybolises the innocence of many being slaugthered. It also sybolises death. What I've found out as well is that it had a social significance where the red coat suggests the 'red flag'. This as when the Jews waved a red flage as a cry for help to the Allied powers but sadly that cry was not heard. This ignorance can be seen as the girl walks through it all ignoring her surroundings. This potrays the inaction of the Allies powers.

 Schindler's list: The Nazi's list represented evil and death and how the faith of the Jewish people depended on the list whereas Schindler's list depicted life and hope, that the Jews may live and that there is still faith in humanity.

Stern:   “The list is an absolute good. The list is life. All around its margins lies the gulf.”

Grace is Gone - Realistic

             

Grace is gone is a 2007 movie directed by James C. Strouse. It star John Cusack as the father of two girls Dawn ( 8 years old) and Hiedi (12 years old), who struggles to tell his children that their mom (his wife) has died in the Iraq war while serving.

            At the beginning of the film Stanley Philips (John Cusack) can be seen going to a support group for army spouses in which their other half are in battle. Him going to the support group itself depicts that he has trouble coping with his wife fighting in battle while he his at home. Besides that, he was the only male in the group,  this shows differences in the role male and female take in parenting. Stanley Philips and his wife Grace broke the usual norm of husbands going off for battle and wife staying back at home. This led him to take up the role as a mother as well while his wife was away, which was different and slightly difficult for him.

          When Stanley gets news that the his wife has passed away in battle, a series of episodes take place. Throughout the movie it shows his stages of grief, the five stages of loss and grief experienced by Stanley Philips can be seen through Elisabeth Kubler-Ross theory.

5 Stages of Loss & Grief
  1. Denial & Isolation (First reaction someone goes through when there is death of a love one is to deny it. This is a form of coping mechanism to cope with shock. One example is to block out words and hid from facts)
      -When Stanley Philips opened the door to see to army men on his door step, he refused to let them in at first but after awhile heard what they had to say. Even when he knew what happened he refused to tell his children about it just yet which led him to avoid it by taking them on a trip to enchanted gardens. Later you could also see him in his mothers house lying in bed isolating his self.

  2. Anger (When denial & isolation begins to wear down, reality and the pain which comes with loss of someone re-emerges, but one is still not ready to come with terms with the death. This is where anger emerges, anger may be aimed at friends, family or the person who had died.)
      - On the way to the Enchanted Gardens, Stanley stops by his mother's place in which he sees his slacker brother. Before getting on the road again, his brother gets a call about the death of Grace (his brothers wife) in which he confronts Stanley and asked why he hasn't told the kids. Stanley gets really angry and throws a fit in which his anger is outrages.

3. Bargaining ( Bargaining is done when someone tries to regain control over the situation so that the feeling of helplessness and vulnerability can be diminish, 'what if's' situations.)
   -Stanley can be seen calling home to hear his wife's voice and as well to talk to her. In one conversation with her he tell hers he does not know what to or how to tell the kids. He states as well that it should have been him out there and not her. That he should have gone for battle, in that way she would still be here.

4. Depression ( Associated with mourning)
    - Throughout the movie while Stanley is on the road with his kids, Heidi asks her father is anything is wrong as she can see sadness within him. He also acted differently, and avoided his the underlying issue by giving his kids everything they wanted such as ear piercing and watching tv till the next morning.
5. Acceptance ( finally coming to terms with the death of a loved one)
    - Stanley finally comes to terms with the death of his wife Grace when he stops at the beach and finally tells his children that their mom has passed away. One other reason why he could not tell his children earlier as well could be cause when he does, he must finally accept that he has lost his wife.

Insomnia
Moving on to Heidi, at the age of 13 she has insomnia. Symptoms of Insomnia are not being able to sleep at night, or lack of sleep. It causes day time sleepiness and feeling lethargic. Heidi, can seen falling asleep in class and when they were staying in the hotels, she can't sleep at night, sometimes she wonders off out of the hotel when she's awake in the middle of the night. The cause of this sometimes are psychological factors, one of it could be due to the fact that her mom left for war.

This story is about loss and some say it most accurately depicts how family of an army victim feel. John Cusack played a different role in this movie which was shocking to me, I am or well was only exposed to his rom com movies and this is well, refreshing.

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Sybil (1976) - Riveting

          

  Sybil is a 1976 movie based on a true story which is about the disorder known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Bare in mind, although it is a true story there are controversies about the client Sybil and her diagnosis. I would also like to point that there was a recent remake of the film in 2007 where the story varies a little from the original movie. All in all the outcome of the book published about Sybil (Real name Shirley Mason) made DID (aka Multiple Personality Disorder) an official disorder in the DSM-111. There are still many individuals both scientist and psychologist alike who questions the validity of DID.

                In the movie, Sybil a Kindergarten teacher can be first seen having flashbacks while noticing a old lady pushing a girl on a swing, her flashbacks was of a younger girl being abused violently but when she is back to the present moment she seemed to be in different place altogether not knowing how she got there.

Real Sybil (Shirley Mason)

                One symptom of DID is that clients has amnesic episodes where they can't remember what had just happened or how they got to a different place. This cause anxiety or fear because one is unable to control their own life.

                 This fear and anxiety caused by puzzlement in ones own life cause Sybil to end up in  Dr. Wilbur's office (unknowingly she broke a window and hurt herself in the process). After that incident she herself comes to see Dr. Wilbur seeking help for her moodiness with her father. At one point Sybil's fear and anxiety built up that Sybil was about to commit suicide, that is when Vicky emerges (one of Sybil's split personality). Vicky is aware of Sybil and the other personalities Sybil has (16 personalities one of which is a child) but Sybil isn't. Vicky is the one who tells the past and other things that Sybil would not say to Dr. Wilbur.

              What Dr. Wilbur found out was that Sybil had a traumatic past with her mother who was 'diagnosed' as schizophrenic and her father who was quite neglectful (fathers were not responsible of their daughters development and care at that time because the culture of those time were of such where only the mom is responsible for it and father's to provide for the family). Her traumatic past cause Sybil to repressed her feelings and past through forming different personalities. That was her defense mechanism, what Sybil could not do, her other personalities could. Sybil was shy whereas one of her other personality was not.

              Defense Mechanism, Repressed memories and traumatic past such as childhood abuse (including sexual abuse) can be seen under the psychoanalytic perspective. This was the approach Dr. Wilbur used as later Dr. Wilbur does hypnosis to Sybil to find out her varying personalities as well as to make her a whole again. Only with hypnosis can these repressed memories and feelings emerge from the unconscious mind.

            I would also like to point out that Jung's Persona which is another word for mask is similar to DID. It talks about the different roles individuals play in society. We wear different mask (have different personalities) in different settings such as being in a party compared to being at work. One reason why we do it is so we are accepted by that certain group or we do not want to seem as an open book thus masking our true self. This of cause is normal in our everyday lives, DID disrupts normal human functioning and destroys relationships.

            Other themes found in this movie is stereotype and discrimination towards female psychologist and psychiatrist. Strong religious background (& culture) also caused in-congruence in Sybil's life where she has a personality just for her religious view and another personality just to act out against her religious upbringing

            While Sybil's case may have been misleading as the drugs given to her allowed her to fantasize and dream by Dr. Wilbur and all her personalities only started to emerge more after their sessions (causing some to assume Dr. Wilbur lead her client to believe she has these personalities), there are other cases which were true. Studies has also shown that a part of the brain of DID clients are different than of others. One true and interesting case (Sybil apparently was a scam in which Dr. Wilbur and her real client may have exaggerated it to become rich and famous) on a guy name Billy Milligan who had 24 different personalities one of which is a rapist and murderer. He would go for about 10 years not knowing what he has done (amnesia). He was one of the first cases in which charges were all dropped due to DID. Rumors has it that the life of Billy Milligan will be  adapted into a movie in which Leonardo DiCaprio is starring in and James Cameron may be the director. YESSSSS!
           

Billy Milligan's own painting of a few of his 24 personalities

Whale Rider - Phantasmic

  

           Whale Rider (2002) is a New Zealand film which is based on the Maori Tribe (Whangara tribe in particular). It is a film a bout the chief of the community who is trying to find a male successor to lead the tribe to a better future. Koro the chief, finds it difficult as his first born child rejected this offer, moreover the son of Koro (Porourangi) lost his first born male child and his wife. The only one left was that child's twin Paikea, but according to customs and traditions of this tribe, Paikae a femal cannot take the role of the successor, only a male can. The movie shows the struggle of girl who wants to accepted by her grandfather, to show him that she is capable and the story of a grandfather who is blinded by his culture and traditions.

      Paikea, while loved by her grandfather (Koro), only took up roles of a female in her tribe, she was never allowed to do the things or take up responsibility such as the boys in the tribe. She knew about her past where her twin brother passed away causing her grandfather to hold a slight grudge on her (thinks she caused it), he also affiliates all the other bad luck the tribe has had to her, this is because she had broke the rules and traditions of the tribe.

     From this movie the stereotype of gender can be clearly seen. The female in this indigenous tribe has a submissive role, they never make decisions and can never be a chief of their tribe. Specific roles are given to them and when it is not obeyed, consequences are there.

     Besides that, sexism can be seen as well. Koro gave the boys who were trying out for chief more attention than he gave to Paikea. She could not do the Taihaha (ways to battle) because she was a female, when Koro saw her doing so he said that she had dishonored the ancestors. Koro treated her differently and did not want to see that she was capable because she was a girl.

Erikson's psycho-social development 

Koro's attitude and actions can be seen from Erikson's point of view.
He finally sees that his son Porourangi does not want to take up the role of chief. Koro was unhappy and distress by this, though after contemplating his emotions had change as he came up with an idea. He needed to teach the young generation the ways of the tribe so that in future they can take after him and he can choose a successor whom can take over his role since he is not getting any younger. He groups all the first born boys in his community to teach them and train them the ways of his ancestors.

This can be seen in the 7th stage of Eriksons psycho-social development
Generativity vs Stagnition
- Koro volunteers to teach the younger generation what he knows not letting the knowledge he has go to waste. This is him contributing back to the society through raising they boys in their traditions and being active in his community

Towards the end of the film, when the boys are finally ready for their final test, Koro throws the tooth of the whale (Rei puta) in the sea and they first boy who finds it is heir to the thrown, although no one finds it. Who was very unhappy and fell into depression as he could not find an heir and that his community would probably go their own way leaving the tribe to deteriorate.

This can be seen in the 8th stage of Erikson's psycho-social development
Ego Integrity vs Despair
This is where Koro contemplate his accomplishments and see if he had a successful life. He thinks he has done nothing to save his community hence feel hopeless.

The main theme surrounding this film is old vs new. Koro wants his culture to remain exactly as it is with no change. That is exactly why his tribe is falling apart and is not developing financially and so on. But in a ever-changing world, a few changes has to be made in order to live happily. How can the things surrounding us change but not us. This would lead to stagnation thus only deteriorating the tribe causing the people in it to leave. At the end Koro finally realizes this and is aware that Paikea is the next heir of the throne who can lead his people to a better future.

  
    

Strictly Ballroom - Echanting !

Strictly ballroom surprisingly enough, is a 1992 Australian film directed by Baz Luhrmann.
This movie is absolutely flamboyant from it characters to the dance moves created.
The whole movie is actually based on the perspective of the male lead, Scott Hastings. A boy, who wants to defy the norm and follow his heart. He is willing to giving winning for the sake of doing what he wants, FREEDOM.

    At the beginning of the film, Scott can be seen dancing with his partner, Liz. While in the competition, Scott maybe have broke into a few dance steps that was not part of the usual ballroom dancing. Liz followed him and the crowd was at a uproar although, the judges especially the president did not quite think so. Hence everyone overlooked the fact that the dance steps were great as they did not win.

Now, why did the president of the Dance Federation did not vote for them or in other words chose a different winner instead?
This is because of social influence, there are three main themes following this which are Conformity, Compliance and Obedience. First of a brief definition of these theories.
Social influence is when the beliefs, feelings and behaviors of an individual is influenced by others.

1. Conformity
      This is when a member of a group does not know that they are being influenced. Individuals usually learn this through observing the norm and act accordingly to the behaviors of the people surrounding them. In the beginning of this film, Scott's rival was given the first place by the president of the dance federation in order to make it clear that conventional dance moves are the only moves that are allowed. If Scott were to win, in group mates from his dance studio would have praised him but the opposite happened. Everyone was upset with him for throwing that stunt and shun him out. This was done by the president so that no one else including Scott would repeat this 'mistake'.

2. Compliance
     This means that an individual carries out the request that is made to them. This usually happens when it is someone of authority and is usually accomplished through persuasion. The president (Barry) spoke to Scott about his parents 'past' where his parents did not get to win the competition because of his father's new moves. This then lead the parents to feel sadden and regretful of their past, their only hope was for their son Scott to win it. Barry, persuaded Scott to do it for his parents, to dance the conventional steps.

3. Obedience
    On the other hand, obedience is when an individual is commanded to do something or behave in a certain way by a figure of power or authority. Barry who is seen as a person of power had the obedience of almost everyone except Scott, only until the very end did he loose the obedience of the rest as well. For awhile he even had gotten Scott to be obedient to him by telling him to win the prize of his parents who has always wanted it (a sort of reward for his parents sake- happiness of  his parents). Scott at the beginning obligingly obeyed until he heard the actual truth from his father. 

     The film also revolves around this theme, fear. Individualism and self-expression can be seen in the character of Scott. This allows him to break the rules and strive for what he wants, making him determined to achieve his goals without anything holding him back. Where as his parents has always lived in fear, fear has caused his mother to become anxious and worried for everything and has caused his father to become depressed and sadden because of his wife. Both we never as happy until the end of the film where they gave in to the fear and let live.

    Another theme I thought I'll write is love. Maslow's hierarchy of needs can be applied here as well. There are 5 stages in Maslow's hierarchy where the first two are already provided in this movie ( psychological and safety needs- Stage 1 and 2). Fran can be seen achieving a higher self-esteem(stage 4) as she has started to find a sense of love and belonging (stage 3) with Scott and the dance community. Her transition can be seen through out the movie.

At first you could see her in the background, where no one pays much attention to her, at this time she has pimples and is not dressed that well. Though, through out the movie she starts to change, she does not stutter anymore or wear glasses. She becomes much more confident and even so less clumsy. This is because after finding love and belonging only then was she able to boost her self- esteem.

My thoughts on the movie
   From all the various dance movies I have seen, I must say this genuinely portrays ballroom dancing. This would probably be the first Australian film that I have seen, and the angles, the way the message of the story is portrayed as well as the cheezy lines all come together so well and so brilliantly. ** Winning is not everything**