MCM 440: Cinema Studies Flashcards
PLOT SUMMARY: The Island on Bird Street
During WW2, Alex, an 11-year-old, Jewish boy was separated from his family and uncle when the Nazis began killing people in the Warsaw ghetto. He managed to survive alone, scavenge & outsmart Nazis and eventually reunited his father towards the end.
THEMES: The Island on Bird Street
- Survival
- Childhood & War
- Isolation
- Psychological Trauma
OVERVIEW/UNIQUE: The Island on Bird Street (1997)
Director: Søren Kragh-Jacobsen
Genre: Historical Drama / War Film
Language: English & Danish
Based on: The semi-autobiographical novel, The Island on Bird Street, (1981) by Uri Orlev
Setting: Warsaw Ghetto during WW2
It is unique because it focuses on psychological aspect of the war and it is evident on Alex’s survival story and POV.
SURVIVAL FILM.
HISTORICAL ACCURACY: The Island on Bird Street
The film is based on real events during the Holocaust. The Nazi’s oppression and brutality are portrayed through the perspective of Alex, a child.
CINEMA STYLE: The Island on Bird Street
- Uses muted color palettes to enhance the tragic war setting.
- Alex’s POV are used to show tension & emotional depth.
- Focuses on child’s journey in the holocaust war.
Who is Søren Kragh-Jacobsen?
A Danish film director who has its notable film style for blending realism (historical/social events) and emotions.
War Films/War Cinema
It pertains to battles and human impact of war. War films often have themes like heroism, survival, politics, and morality.
PLOT SUMMARY: The Battle of Algiers (1966)
Urban conflict between the French Military against the National Liberation Front (an Algerian resistance org) in the city of Algiers that fought to free themselves from the French colonization.
THEMES: The Battle of Algiers (1966)
Freedom, War, Justice, Colonialism
OVERVIEW/UNIQUE: The Battle of Algiers (1966)
It shows the effect of violence on people & society, not glorifying violence. It uses real actors on real settings which brings authenticity, allowing the movie to connect with the audience.
RESISTANCE FILM.
CINEMA STYLE: The Battle of Algiers (1966)
Uses B&W documentary-style filmmaking and neo-realist aesthetic (Italian Neorealism) with non-professional actors on narrow urban landscapes to show the fear of colonial war.
What narrative was used in the film, The Battle of Algiers (1966)?
Non-linear narrative was used as a structure to allow the viewers reflect on the cause and effect in political struggles between FLN & French military.
How did the role of women play a crucial role in The Battle of Algiers (1966)?
Algerian women disguised themselves as Europeans to place bombs in the French areas. It challenges the traditional gender roles where only men are expected to participate in rebellious movements, to liberate themselves from the French.
What Urban Warfare & Guerrilla Tactics were used in The Battle of Algiers (1966)?
FLN - bombs, assassinations & hit-and-run attacks
French - torture, mass arrests & psychological warfare.
What is the ethical dilemma in The Battle of Algiers (1966)?
It questions whether using violence is justified in the fight for freedom.
What was the impact of the film, The Battle of Algiers (1966)?
- Used as educational material by revolutionary groups, military strategists and political leaders to develop better strategies & understand urban warfares.
- It was also banned in France because of how French war crime was presented & controversial content.
- It is known as one of the most unfiltered films about colonialism.
Who is Gillo Pontecorvo?
Italian filmmaker & documentarian who used cinema as a tool for activism with themes of anti-colonialism, resistance & revolution.
He uses documentary-like approach (handheld cameras & national lighting), social commentary and realism.
