Great expectations - review of three film versions Essay Example for Free

Great expectations review of three film versions Essay In my English lessons I have been reading great expectations as part of my pro 1914-prose study, and have chosen to do my media assignment on film adaptations of the book. I will be comparing and contrasting the three film versions, David Leans 1945 film is the eldest version which is in black and white, the BBC serialisation and the latest BBC film version, and the original novel. I will structure my essay by writing about different areas of the adaptations e. g. soundtrack, first with similarities then differences between the versions. Sequencing: The sequencing of the opening scene of great expectations adaptations are all quite similar except the latest BBC adaptation, the David Lean and BBC serialisation have the same sequencing, book so it is unlike the 2 other film versions. The David Lean film and BBC serialisation have the sequencing almost of the book so tell the story in the same way as Charles Dickens did. While the David lean version is more compact due to time limitations and the BBC serialisations has more detail they both tell the same set of events in the same way. And only differ from the book in the very beginning where they show Pip the central character in the book running across the marshes to the church, where the book starts in the churchyard. The latest BBC version is very different form the book and two other adaptations in its sequencing, it starts with Pip running away from the convict across a wheat field, when the convict catches up with Pip in the graveyard, he asks no questions about his parents or where he lives like the book. It then switches straight to Pip running home across the marshes, when he arrives home events from the second chapter take place when the events of the first havent finished being explained. The rest of the sequences of the opening chapter take place as flashbacks while pips sleeping. Soundtrack: As with the sequencing the sound track for the latest BBC adaptation is very different to the other two versions as it has a different set of sequencing. The David lean version and BBC serialisations soundtrack are quite similar but the advances in technology makes the serialisation far more advanced than the older David lean version. The David Lean version soundtrack starts with the opening of the book being narrated by an older version of Pip as the younger version crosses the marshes. The BBC serialisation soundtrack is similar to the David Lean version as it begins with narration by an older version of pip as he crosses the marshes. And the latest BBC version soundtrack is very different to the other two, as it starts with quiet music and Pips heavy breathing and rustling as he is running away from the convict. The arrival of the convict is very similar in the David Lean version and BBC serialisation soundtrack with the same build up, whistling winds and creaking trees make up a tense atmosphere, which is shattered by the arrival of the Convict. This is very different in the Latest BBC version. The arrival of the Convict in the David Lean version soundtrack is marked by him grabbing Pip and Pip screaming, the convict then threatens Pip in the following dialogue. Then the convict turns him upside down a lot of rustling and jingling from the convicts chain on his leg. The convict then demands items from Pip in the following dialogue while eating an apple and breathing heavily. At the end of the scene where Pip is running home across the marshes, the whistling winds from the graveyard are heard again. The arrival of the Convict in BBC serialisation soundtrack is different to the David Lean version you hear Pip trip and as he gets he catches sight of the convict and takes a surprised breath. The convict then moves toward him you can hear the chain on his leg jingle with every step he takes, he then talks to Pip. He shakes Pip lots of jingling and grunting, when he resumes dialogue with Pip he is eating a piece of bread. Just before the end of the scene the convict threats Pip speaking in a whisper, then walks of to bouncy music with his chain jingling. The Convict is introduced in the latest BBC version soundtrack by Pip falling with a thud, trying to hide breathing deeply. The Convict catches up breathing heavily and his chain jingling with his footsteps, as the Convict finds Pip, Pip lets out a scream then the convict says a short amount of dialogue. The David Lean and BBC serialisation soundtracks are quite similar but the Serialisation has the advantage of longer running time and detail and better technology, the only difference is the whistling wind at the end of the scene in the David Lean versions apposed to the bouncy music of the convicts departure in the BBC serialisation. The latest BBC version soundtrack is a far shorter and more condensed in the opening scene than the other two adaptations. Also large amounts of dialogue are missed out, even thought it befits from the best technology and methods out of the three adaptations it has the shortest and in my opinion worst soundtrack. Meise en scene: Meise en scene is French for what you can see such as characters, props and scenery. The main way to see the difference in the interpretation of the book in the adaptations is by what and how they present characters and locations on screen. As with the sequencing and sound tracking the David Lean version and BBC serialisation are very similar with few differences although the David Lean version is in black and white and the latest BBC version is very different to both of them. The David Lean version starts with the 1st page of Great Expectations opening then the rest of the pages blowing over. The BBC serialisation opens with some flowers on the book cover of Great Expectations wilting away, it is different to the David Lean opening but is clearly influenced by it. The latest BBC films different sequencing means different images appearing on screen at different time compared to the other two adaptations. It opens with Pip running through a golden wheat field, looking back over his shoulder, his face is dirty and his clothes are hard worn showing that he is a person of lower class in society. This is very different to the other two versions, which show the name of the film/book before the film begins. While the latest BBC version starts in the thick of the story. The appearance of the Convict is very similar in all three versions, which hold true to the book description A fearful man, all in course grey, with a great iron on his leg. The David Lean version while holding true to the book description but makes the Convict more frightening to the audience than the other two versions, as it is limited to black and white to make an impact. The BBC serialisation shows the convict more as a worn out exhausted figure that is more likely to make audiences fell sorry for him than be frightened. He is truer to the description laid down in the book than the other to versions down the blackened face and rag tied around his head. The Convict in the latest BBC version is a cross between the two other versions he is more frightening in appearance than the BBC serialisation Convict, but less true to the books description and more detailed than the David Lean versions Convict. Conclusion: After watching and reviewing all three-film adaptations, I have decided in my opinion that the BBC serialisation is the best adaptation of the book. Because of the level of detail that tells the story as well and in the same fashion that made the book such a large success, I find it an excellent alternative or compliment to reading the novel.

Mencius :: essays research papers

Mencius believes that it is our nature and mind that determine what we are. It is our fate that governs our fortunes and determines our lease on life. Fate was originally a patent to a fief-holder, given by the Son of Heaven as Heaven's deputy to a feudatory. In extended usage it became our lot in life - the fate ordained by heaven. While people guard their minds and determine their conduct, they cannot determine their fate, which is in Heaven's hands. So, Mencius believed that though all humans are innately good, the realization of that good comes with self-cultivation and self-knowledge. Hsun-tzu could not accept Mencius idealistic view of human nature, nor did he believe that Heaven was the sole arbiter of human behavior. He believed that the importance of humankind in the universe is equal to but different from the importance of Heaven and Earth: "Heaven has its seasons, Earth has its riches and man has his culture. This is what is meant by the Trinity." Humanity's fun ction is to utilize the resources of Heaven and Earth to create its own culture. This can be done through the strength acquired from social organization. However, because the social organization needs to be regulated, lest it break down, and because "desires are many, but things are few", Hsun-tzu taught that people need to be restricted and guided by rules and morality. In my view of these two philosophers, I feel that Mencius' views are much more common in most religious traditions today. Mencius beliefs are a lot like Christianity, which is the religion that I am most familiar with. He believes that Heaven is a moral force whose mandate is to be respected and followed by human beings. We follow Heaven's mandate by knowing and nourishing our human nature.

Plato’s Utopia

PLATO's UTOPIA I. What is the main argument of Plato about society, social relationships, and the individuals relationship with his society? Plato, the Father of Philosophy, was known as a Classical Greek philosopher, mathematician, founder of the Academy in Athens, and lastly, as a writer. In fact, one of his books, The Republic, was one of the best-known work and has proven to be one of the most intellectually and historically influential works of philosophy and political theory. The central principle of this book is Plato’s argument about the ideal society.Likewise, it was said that the main argument of The Republic is about being a good person, the struggle for justice. Plato ideally dreamt of a world grounded by genuine goodness. Moreover, Plato’s account doesn’t only talks about the ideal society and justice, he also focuses on the issues about goodness, censorship, education, etc. With concerns to censorship, in this book, he mentioned that â€Å"censorsh ipâ€Å" (basically referring to videos and music), plays an important role in one society because basically, it could give license to everyone in a republic, and thus can lead people to of course, do whatever they want.Another concept or argument in Plato’s account is his belief of goodness. He emphasizes that being good is actually good, and to add on to that, he also stated that virtue is what makes a person internal and thus gives harmony to one’s soul. Education was also one of the theme of the text. In his writing, this great philosopher pointed out that education was the whole course of the state, of our lives. It is all about our ethics, jobs, life, career, destiny and faith.In relation to this, he mentioned about the concept of â€Å"pragmatism† which talks about how a person deals with the world and not transcend on judging culture. Likewise, Plato’s republic also deal with the solutions to overcome sexual discrimination. According to him, men and women can be completely â€Å"equalized† on the premise that women must never be again mothers. Plato believed that this is what it would take to overcome sexual differentiation in hierarchy. Lastly, he made the â€Å"Theory of Forms† –what is rue in an absolute sense, what is possible to know. To sum it up, basically, Plato’s republic is about life, how you live and leave it. It’s not just about his wishes on having an â€Å"ideal society†, but also, is about REALITY. II. Regardless of your position with regard to Plato's views about society and the citizen, what are the three most important lessons about citizenship and life within a political community or society that you can derive from the discussions in the documentary film?Justice, Education and Equality. These three were the most important and valuable lessons which Plato’s Republic emphasized. First is Justice. In the first part of the documentary film, the scene was alre ady depicting the struggle of the republic for justice. Plato ‘s vision of an ideal society is linked to the idea of justice, the prevalence of truth, for it is a contributing factor on how to obtain a peaceful and orderly kind of community. Second is the importance of education.Plato believed that a well-education person has all the skills needed in order to come up with wise decision especially in the political realm. Thus, can incorporate justice in the society, in the government which also can resist vices like corruption. And third, is the vital sense of equality, especially between the rights of men and women. As we all know, women were treated differently as to men, they were deprived of having the rights which men have like having the right to education. So, sexual discrimination, as we call it, was one of the issues which Plato wishes to resolve.He maintained that prospective male and female, should receive the same education and be assigned to the same vital function s within the society. III. How does social capital fit into the underlying view of citizenship? Social capital refers to connections among individuals –social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness. It is a resource should be used for public good or for the benefit of individuals; thus facilitate co-operation and mutually supportive relations in communities and therefore solve modern issues.With those definitions, it can be seen that social capital fit into the underlying view of citizenship for it entails the duties and responsibilities that a citizen must have. What I mean is that, as a citizen, the idea of social capital can be of big help for it lets the people to be aware of certain issue which actually leads them to be active enough to collaborate in order to find innovative solutions and remedies. The idea of social capital also helps the citizens to utilize and maximize their resources for the betterment of their society. .

Cultural Difference between the UK and Oman, Overview of the Current Situation in Countries Free Essay Example, 2250 words

It is important to state that the main language of the country is Arabic through which the Omanis and Arabs communicate. It is an oil-producing nation and revenues are generated from petroleum products, which have dramatically developed the country in the past few decades (Countries and Culture, 2014). However, natural gas reserves have gained prominence for the past few years and the export of these resources is also encouraged to different countries. The food habits of the Omanis and Arabs are unique too. Rice is the main part of their cuisine and they have a strong preference towards Indian foods. Hence, many Indian restaurants can be found in Oman. Additionally, there are various Western fast food centers in Oman that have attracted the population to a great extent. Hence, it will be easy for the entrepreneur to set up the restaurant in Oman as Western restaurants have already got accepted by the population through the sale of fast food (Countries and Culture, 2014; Expat and Of fshore, 2014). In developing a restaurant in Oman, the entrepreneur needs to understand the business culture of the country, which is unique (Countries and Culture, 2014). We will write a custom essay sample on Cultural Difference between the UK and Oman, Overview of the Current Situation in Countries or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page They prefer direct eye contact, which gives them the confidence to communicate with others. The dress code of the Omanis is a badge, which highlights the ethnic identity of the Omanis (Expat and Offshore, 2014). Hence, the entrepreneur will find it easy to open its restaurant in Oman where the people embrace foreigners cordially.