Film Noir & The Maltese Falcon

We have started our new unit for this term which is the style of film noir and the transition of fairytales into this style. During class, we have been watching The Maltese Falcon which is an exemplary film noir style mystery.

The plot of this film was a bit confusing to me, however, it effectively displayed many components of the film noir style, including cinematography and mise-en-scene, as we discussed in class.

- The lighting and shadows play a significant role

- The duration of shots are a lot longer than in other styles

- The shots are often shot still, with little movement, other than the occasional pan, etc.

- Exaggerated acting

- Dramatic music

- Femme fatale, detective

- Someone is often murdered in the beginning, and the rest of the film is the journey the detective goes along to find out who committed the crime

- Plot revolves around crime, gangs, money, etc.

'Heightism' & Other Ideas

Today in class, we discussed the idea of 'heightism', and how it is an idea that is burnt into our minds without us realising it. It involves the stereotype that men are taller than women, and suggests that when a man and a woman are in a relationship, it is more normal and socially acceptable when the man is the taller person. Heightism is discrimination against the men who are short, and the women who are tall.

Another stereotype similar to this is the expectation of men to be stronger and bigger than women, well-built, and muscular, and for women to be weaker and smaller then men, petite, skinny, and with big boobs and butt. Men who are not very muscular, skinny or overweight, are dismissed as  unattractive and so are women with an athletic or muscular build, or who are overweight.

Additionally, a stereotype that is more sub-conscious is that of hair length. Men are expected to have short hair and women are expected to have long hair. Women who have short hair are assumed to be a  lesbian, and men who have long hair are seen as not masculine.

Note Taking and Planning Done

During class this week and in the afternoons for homework, I finished watching both Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella, as well as taking notes for each of the films. I also finished my planning for each of my body paragraphs and started on my draft which is due on Friday. Here are the notes that I have taken on each of the films:

Assignment Progress

During the last two lessons, I have been watching Beauty and the Beast and taking notes on the different representations of men and women. I have been listing both the good and bad aspects of the different characters' personality and appearance. I have also written down some extra notes and some quotes from the film. Here is the progress I have made so far: