(The following post is in regards to the semester's Term Paper and this week's Homework Assignment for the Term Paper - for the weekly lecture topic 'The Industrial Revolution' and comments scroll down to the next blog post directly following this post)
As an example of this study I offer up the following example utilizing the first film in Sylvester Stallone's iconic franchise - Rocky.
Firstly, Philadelphia offers us plentiful information in terms of maps, history, culture, and urban spaces. Secondly, the film utilizes these spaces explicitly in many of its sequences. Finally, the combination of these elements allows us to access - or even better - create maps, visit actual sites (physically or through the magic of Google Street View you can go straight to 2313 South Lambert Street, Philadelphia), to facilitate support and back up our thesis that the film and city pairing reflect upon and communicate characteristics of each other (aka the city is not a mere backdrop but a character).
Example Sequence + Analysis:
Rocky is perhaps the quintessential film/city combination. The personality of both the main character and the characteristics of the city are inextricably linked and reflect upon each other.
Rocky, a down on his luck boxer a loved personality in his small neighborhood longs for a chance at a crack at a big shot fighter. In spite of his situation he utilizes his neighbors, their stores (notably his neighborhood butcher's frozen meat for punching bags), and the space and architecture of the city itself to train himself for the climactic moment.
This is epitomized best perhaps in the iconic sequence which follows Rocky on a run through most of the city culminating in a run down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and up the Art Museum Steps. The run starts in Rocky's small south Philadelphia neighborhood and yours through the industrial rust belt areas of the city which, like Rocky, had fallen on hard times ultimately leading to the sunny green parkway with flags flying. This space is one of the largest and most celebratory spaces in the city (a larger sunnier urban parkway than most other east coast cities including NYC).
Throughout the movie Rocky and the movie have been tied to each other; In this moment The city and Rocky are in effect a reflection upon each other. In their history, personality and personal triumph.
This is either made more astounding, or completely unbelievable after some research into the film locations, neighborhoods and scenery depicted in Rocky's Run. Native Philadelphians will quickly realize that Rocky is shown first in South Philly, then in the train yards bordering North Philly and the Northeast, suddenly he is shown across the city at the river before running down the parkway to the finale.
Next Steps:Making these observations we can now ask questions and begin to assemble supporting material for further information analysts and reference.
- Re-watching the sequence note particularly valuable stills to capture for illustration
- Researching the sequence note locations for filming: where are they? What do they display? What meaning is there for showing them specifically and/or in the sequence they are shown in?
- How is the city depicted? How does the camera move? How do the characters interact with it?
- What did these locations look like then? What do they look like today? Find imagery - what can be learned from it?
- Mapping the route or locations what other information can we find? Are the rail yards chosen because of distance? Their look? Their linkage to an industry that has been lost? Some? All of these reasons?
- What history should I know about these places in the city (why they are here or are the way they are) that will enrich my watching of the sequence? (Information on Philadelphia's proud history of manufacturing and self made industry lent it one of its early nicknames "workshop of the world" since at one point a majority of items fabricated utilized tooling or machinery crafted or designed by or in Philadelphia)
- Are there other sequences in the film to support this?
- Should I drive to south Philly and see the neighborhood? When is the market open to see the frozen meat? Should I run the steps of the art museum? (The answer is YES)
- (For those not doing a city that is easily accessible) what other imagery, documentation, views can I access that will give me insight into the particular city? Street view? Another film? Other media? Spaces in the city I am in that are similar?
- Most importantly: what academic resources can I cite when making these observations? (To include in and build my Bibliography)
Term Paper Homework Assignment for Next Week 9Due April 6th @ 9 PM EST):1. Please choose one sequence of your film and dissect it similarly to the example given above - min 500 words.
2. Write your analysis and include at least three images or film stills which exemplify the sequence you are discussing.
3. Provide at least one additional image which is not from the film
4. Provide three resources of any academic type which will help elucidate more information for your analysis that you can utilize either as a direct reference or for background information.
5. Submit this text, imagery, and reference information as an organized single PDF file via email to Prof. Hart no later than next Wednesday April 6th at 9 PM EST
Some links to resources used in this posting:
Map of the run:
http://www.phillymag.com/news/
Stair running sequence:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=
Images of Rocky running
http://www.slate.com/articles/
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