Wednesday, 7 February 2024

The Tree's Witness: Echoes of Time

 

Title: The Tree's Witness: Echoes of Time

 

1. Opening Image:

The film opens with a sweeping shot of the majestic, ancient tamarind tree, standing tall amidst the bustling Osmania Hospital in Hyderabad. Its gnarled branches and deep-rooted history are evident, portraying an aura of mystique and timelessness.

 

2. Theme Stated:

Amidst the hospital's turmoil, whispers emerge about the tree being a silent spectator to the city's history. The theme of the tree as a silent witness to the passage of time and human events is subtly introduced.

 

3. Set-up:

We are introduced to the hospital staff, heritage activists, and locals who revere the tree. Through flashbacks and narratives, the tree's role in historical events like floods, the city's evolution, and the lives it saved is unveiled.

 

4. Catalyst:

As the government plans to demolish the hospital, threats loom over the tree's existence. The catalyst is the announcement of the impending demolition, sparking an emotional response from the community.

 

5. Debate:

A conflict arises between those advocating for progress and modernization versus the preservationists who believe in honoring the tree's legacy. Arguments and discussions escalate as the fate of the hospital, and consequently, the tree hangs in the balance.

 

6. Break into Two:

Amidst the debates, a young hospital intern discovers an ancient scroll hidden in the hospital's archives. The scroll holds the key to unlocking the tree's mystical connection to the city's past, prompting a shift in perspective.

 

7. B Story:

The intern's personal journey intertwines with the story of the tree, creating an emotional bond and a deeper understanding of its significance.

 

8. Fun and Games:

The protagonist delves into the past, experiencing historical events through vivid dream sequences and encounters with spirits linked to the tree.

 

9. Midpoint – INTERMISSION:

The midpoint reveals a pivotal moment in the tree's history, showcasing its miraculous role during the devastating flood of 1908 and the lives it saved.

 

10. Bad Guys Close In:

Government officials, determined to proceed with demolition, intensify their efforts. The tension escalates as the clock ticks towards the hospital's destruction.

 

11. All Is Lost:

The tree's imminent fate seems sealed, and the protagonist faces a moment of despair as the hospital's demolition day arrives.

 

12. Dark Night of the Soul:

Amidst despair, the protagonist uncovers an ancient ritual connected to the tree, offering a glimmer of hope for its preservation.

 

13. Break into Three:

The protagonist rallies the community, invoking the tree's historical significance, and devises a plan to save the tree before it's too late.

 

14. Finale:

A heart-racing sequence ensues as the community comes together, standing in solidarity to protect the tree. The demolition is halted just in time, and the tree is declared a heritage site.

 

15. Final Image:

The film concludes with a serene shot of the tamarind tree, now surrounded by a beautifully landscaped heritage garden. Locals, school children, and visitors gather around, paying homage to the tree that stood witness to centuries of history, now safeguarded for generations to come. The film ends with a message of preservation, unity, and the enduring power of history.

This fantasy movie, based on real events and the mystical aura of the ancient tamarind tree, weaves together history, heritage, and community in a compelling narrative of preservation and reverence for the past.

Thursday, 28 December 2023

Animal Farm 1945 - George Orwell

 Animal Farm 1945 - George Orwell

Second World War

1 September 1939 

2 September 1945


‘Animal Farm’ (17 August 1945) 

Opening Image:

Manor Farm is introduced, depicting the oppressive rule of Mr. Jones over the animals, setting the stage for the story.

Theme Stated:

Themes of oppression, revolution, and the desire for equality are subtly introduced as Old Major, an elderly pig, delivers a speech about animal rebellion.

Set-Up:

Animals on the farm are discontented with Mr. Jones' cruel treatment. They unite under the leadership of the pigs, Snowball, and Napoleon, planning a rebellion.

Catalyst:

The animals revolt against Mr. Jones, taking control of the farm and renaming it "Animal Farm," symbolizing the beginning of their quest for freedom.

Debate:

The animals discuss the principles of Animalism and their vision for a fair society. Some animals express doubts about the pigs' leadership.

Break into Two:

The animals establish their own rules, the Seven Commandments, and begin working towards building a society where all animals are equal.

B Story:

Snowball and Napoleon's rivalry over leadership emerges, foreshadowing a power struggle that will affect the farm's future.

Fun and Games:

The animals experience a period of productivity and hope, working together to improve the farm and envisioning a Utopian society.

Midpoint:

Snowball presents plans for a windmill, symbolizing progress and modernization. Napoleon opposes the plan, leading to a pivotal debate and division among the animals.

Bad Guys Close In:

Napoleon orchestrates a violent ousting of Snowball, consolidating power and establishing a dictatorship, violating the principles of Animalism.

All Is Lost:

The animals realize that the leadership of the pigs has become similar to the humans they had initially revolted against, undermining the ideals of equality.


Dark Night of the Soul:

The pigs increasingly abuse their power, altering the Seven Commandments to justify their actions, and the other animals feel disillusioned and powerless.

Break into Three:

The pigs fully transform into human-like oppressors, engaging in trade with humans and changing the fundamental principles of Animalism.

Finale:

The animals witness the pigs entertaining humans, and they cannot differentiate between the pigs and the humans, highlighting the loss of the revolution's ideals.

Final Image:

The animals observe the pigs through the farmhouse window, realizing the pigs have become indistinguishable from humans, symbolizing the ultimate betrayal of the revolution's principles.

This re-arrangement showcases how "Animal Farm" follows the beats of Blake Snyder's story structure, tracing the animals' journey from rebellion to the corruption and betrayal of their ideals by those in power.


George Orwell, whose real name was Eric Arthur Blair, was inspired to write "Animal Farm" by a combination of political events, ideologies, and his observations of the socio-political climate of his time.

Orwell was deeply concerned about the rise of totalitarian regimes, particularly Stalinist communism in the Soviet Union. The events of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent establishment of a dictatorial regime under Joseph Stalin greatly influenced Orwell's views. He was initially sympathetic to socialist ideals but became increasingly critical of the Soviet Union's betrayal of those principles, leading him to denounce totalitarianism and authoritarianism.

The idea for "Animal Farm" was sparked by Orwell's disillusionment with the Soviet regime and his observations of how revolutions that aimed to establish equality often resulted in the consolidation of power by a select few. The novella is an allegorical representation of the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Stalinist era. Orwell used animal characters on a farm to symbolize various figures and events from Russian history, such as Joseph Stalin represented by the character of Napoleon the pig, Leon Trotsky embodied by Snowball, and the proletariat depicted through the other animals.

Orwell aimed to highlight the corrupting nature of power, the manipulation of language and propaganda, and the dangers of totalitarianism through the story of "Animal Farm." The novella served as a satirical critique of Stalinism and totalitarian regimes, as well as a broader commentary on the potential for power to corrupt even the noblest of intentions.

Overall, Orwell's motivations to write "Animal Farm" were rooted in his commitment to exposing the dangers of authoritarianism and advocating for democratic socialism, emphasizing the importance of maintaining democratic principles and social justice.

Shadows of Surveillance

Shadows of Surveillance

Opening Image:

In present-day India, the country is under the control of a totalitarian government known for its strict surveillance and control. Citizens live in fear, monitored by pervasive government agencies.

Theme Stated:

In a society marked by fear and discrimination, whispers of dissent are met with harsh repercussions. The government's propaganda fuels Islamophobic sentiments, fostering division and mistrust.

Set-Up:

We meet our protagonist, Maya, a young woman navigating the oppressive society, trying to blend in and survive while witnessing the discrimination faced by marginalized communities, including Muslims.

Catalyst:

Maya encounters a group of activists working to expose the government's injustices. She grapples with the decision to join their cause and challenge the oppressive regime.

Debate:

Maya wrestles with the risks of opposing the government and the potential consequences for herself and her family. She debates whether to stay silent or take a stand.

Break into Two:

Maya decides to join the activists, driven by a desire for justice and equality. She starts working undercover, gathering evidence of the government's discriminatory practices.

B Story:

As Maya delves deeper into the resistance movement, she forms unexpected alliances and relationships, finding solidarity among individuals from diverse backgrounds who share her ideals.

Fun and Games:

Maya and the activists execute covert operations, revealing the government's atrocities and spreading awareness. They use technology and underground networks to amplify their message.

Midpoint:

The government discovers Maya's involvement in the resistance, leading to a chase and a narrow escape. The movement faces a setback as the government intensifies its crackdown.

Bad Guys Close In:

Surveillance on Maya and the activists escalates. Some members are arrested or disappear. Fear and uncertainty grip the resistance, testing their resolve.

All Is Lost:

Maya is captured by government forces. She faces interrogation and solitary confinement, feeling isolated and hopeless as the movement faces its darkest hour.

Dark Night of the Soul:

In captivity, Maya questions her choices and wonders if her actions were futile. She reflects on the sacrifices made by her friends and the ongoing struggle for justice.

Break into Three:

Maya receives unexpected help from an insider sympathetic to the cause, providing her with an opportunity to escape and continue the fight.

Finale:

Maya reunites with the remaining activists, and they plan a final, daring act of defiance. They expose the government's atrocities to the world, igniting public outrage and leading to widespread protests.

Final Image:

Maya stands among a crowd of diverse citizens, united in their demand for justice and equality, symbolizing the hope for a more inclusive and compassionate society.


second version 

Title: "Harmony Amidst Shadows"

Opening Image:

In present-day India, a totalitarian regime reigns, exploiting communal tensions to maintain power. The government propagates Islamophobia, fostering division among communities.

Theme Stated:

The narrative subtly introduces themes of unity, tolerance, and the importance of embracing diversity amid a society plagued by fear and discrimination.

Set-Up:

Meet Arjun, a young journalist disillusioned by the government's divisive tactics. He witnesses the systemic discrimination against minority communities, especially Muslims.

Catalyst:

Arjun discovers a hidden community of diverse individuals committed to promoting communal harmony. He grapples with the decision to join their cause and challenge the oppressive regime.

Debate:

Arjun wrestles with the risks of opposing the government's agenda. He debates the consequences for himself, his loved ones, and the potential impact of taking a stand against injustice.

Break into Two:

Motivated by a sense of justice and the vision of a united India, Arjun decides to infiltrate the regime's propaganda machinery and expose their manipulation tactics.

B Story:

As Arjun delves deeper into the resistance movement, he forms bonds with individuals from different backgrounds, including Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and others. Together, they advocate for tolerance and unity.

Fun and Games:

Arjun and his allies engage in covert operations to reveal the government's divisive strategies. They utilize media, social networks, and grassroots efforts to spread messages of harmony.

Midpoint:

The government identifies Arjun's involvement in the resistance. He narrowly evades capture, but the movement faces a setback, forcing them to reevaluate their strategies.

Bad Guys Close In:

Surveillance on Arjun and his allies intensifies. Some members face threats, arrests, or disappearances. The movement's unity is tested as fear grips the resistance.

All Is Lost:

Arjun feels the weight of responsibility and questions the effectiveness of their efforts. The movement seems on the verge of collapse, and communal tensions rise further.

Dark Night of the Soul:

In a moment of despair, Arjun reflects on the sacrifices made and the necessity of preserving unity amidst adversity. He finds strength in the shared commitment to communal harmony.

Break into Three:

A pivotal breakthrough occurs when unexpected support from influential figures within the regime emerges, offering a chance to expose the government's divisive tactics.

Finale:

Arjun and the coalition of diverse allies orchestrate a daring plan to reveal the truth to the public. They stage peaceful protests, emphasizing unity and rejecting division.

Final Image:

Arjun stands amidst a crowd of diverse citizens, representing India's rich tapestry of cultures and religions, united in their call for communal harmony and embracing diversity.

This story outline aims to promote communal harmony by showcasing the power of unity and tolerance amidst a polarized society. It leverages Blake Snyder's beats to structure a narrative that highlights the importance of embracing diversity and standing against divisive forces to create a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Friday, 6 October 2023

List the best comics of the world literature with human angle

 List the best comics of the world literature with human angle  


Certainly! Comics can be a powerful medium for storytelling, offering unique perspectives on the human condition. Here's a list of some of the best comics from around the world that have a strong human angle:


Maus by Art Spiegelman (USA) - This Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel tells the story of the Holocaust using anthropomorphic animals, exploring the complex relationship between a son and his survivor father.


Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (Iran/France) - A memoir in comic form, it follows the author's life in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution, offering a personal perspective on growing up amidst political upheaval.


Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons (USA/UK) - A deconstruction of the superhero genre, Watchmen delves deep into the psychological struggles and moral dilemmas of its characters in a world on the brink of nuclear war.


Asterix by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo (France) - A humorous take on ancient Gaul, these comics follow the adventures of a small village resisting Roman occupation, emphasizing themes of friendship and resistance.


Tintin by Hergé (Belgium) - The adventures of a young reporter and his dog, Tintin's travels around the world often involve uncovering injustices and solving mysteries.


Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo (Japan) - A cyberpunk classic that explores the consequences of power and technology on individuals and society.


Blacksad by Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido (Spain) - A noir detective series featuring anthropomorphic animals that tackles issues of race, corruption, and morality.


Sandman by Neil Gaiman (UK/USA) - A dark fantasy series that explores the human condition through the lens of dream and mythology.


Fun Home by Alison Bechdel (USA) - A graphic memoir that delves into Bechdel's relationship with her father, exploring themes of identity, family, and sexuality.


V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd (UK) - Set in a dystopian future, this comic explores the consequences of totalitarianism and the power of an individual to resist oppression.


Tardi's World War I by Jacques Tardi (France) - Tardi's comics depict the grim and brutal reality of World War I, offering a stark portrayal of the human toll of war.


Barefoot Gen by Keiji Nakazawa (Japan) - A semi-autobiographical story about a young boy's experiences during and after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, addressing themes of survival and peace.


These comics span various genres and themes but all provide insightful perspectives on the human condition, making them important works in the world of literature.a

Pan's Labyrinth

Pan's Labyrinth


Theatrical release poster

Spanish El laberinto del fauno

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

Written by Guillermo del Toro

Produced by

Guillermo del Toro

Bertha Navarro

Alfonso Cuarón

Frida Torresblanco

Álvaro Augustin

Starring

Sergi López

Maribel Verdú

Ivana Baquero

Doug Jones

Ariadna Gil

Álex Angulo

Narrated by Pablo Adán

Cinematography Guillermo Navarro

Edited by Bernat Vilaplana

Music by Javier Navarrete

Production

companies

Estudios Picasso

Tequila Gang

Esperanto Filmoj

Sententia Entertainment

Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures

Release dates

27 May 2006 (Cannes)

11 October 2006 (Spain)

20 October 2006 (Mexico)

Running time 120 minutes[1]

Countries

Spain

Mexico[2]

Language Spanish

Budget $19 million[3]

Box office $83.9 million[3]


Pan's Labyrinth (Spanish: El Laberinto Del Fauno, lit. 'The Labyrinth Of The Faun') is a 2006 Spanish-Mexican historical dark fantasy horror film written, directed and co-produced by Guillermo del Toro. The film stars Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Doug Jones, and Ariadna Gil.

The story takes place in Spain in the summer of 1944, during the early Francoist period, five years after the Spanish Civil War. The narrative intertwines this real world with a mythical world centered on an overgrown, abandoned labyrinth and a mysterious faun creature, with whom the main character, Ofelia, interacts. Ofelia's stepfather, the Falangist Captain Vidal, hunts the Spanish Maquis who fight against the Francoist regime, while Ofelia's pregnant mother grows increasingly ill. Ofelia meets several strange and magical creatures who become central to her story, leading her through the trials of the old labyrinth garden. The film employs make-up, animatronics, and CGI effects to bring life to its creatures.

Del Toro stated that he considers the story to be a parable, influenced by fairy tales. It addresses and continues themes related to his 2001 film The Devil's Backbone,[4] to which Pan's Labyrinth is a spiritual successor, according to del Toro in his director's DVD commentary. The original Spanish title refers to the fauns of Roman mythology, while the English, German and French titles refer specifically to the faun-like Greek deity Pan. However, del Toro has stated that the faun in the film is not Pan.[4]

Pan's Labyrinth premiered on 27 May 2006 at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a 22 minute–long standing ovation. The film was theatrically released by Warner Bros. Pictures in Spain on 11 October and in Mexico on 20 October. It garnered widespread critical acclaim, with praise towards its visual and makeup effects, direction, screenplay, cinematography, musical score, set design, and cast performances. It grossed $83 million at the worldwide box office and won numerous awards, including three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards including Best Film Not in the English Language, the Ariel Award for Best Picture, and the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form. Pan's Labyrinth has since been considered to be Del Toro's magnum opus, one of the best fantasy films ever made, and as one of the greatest films of the 2000s, the 21st century and of all time.[5][6][7][8]

A sequel, titled 3993, was conceived by del Toro but ultimately cancelled. A novelization by del Toro and Cornelia Funke was published in 2019.

Plot

In a fairy tale, Princess Moanna, whose father is the king of the underworld, visits the human world, where the sunlight blinds her and erases her memory. She becomes mortal and eventually dies. The king believes that eventually, her spirit will return to the underworld, so he builds labyrinths, which act as portals, around the world in preparation for her return.

In 1944 Francoist Spain, ten-year-old Ofelia travels with her pregnant mother Carmen to meet Captain Vidal, her new stepfather. Vidal believes strongly in Falangism and has been assigned to hunt down republican rebels. A large stick insect, which Ofelia believes to be a fairy, leads Ofelia into an ancient stone labyrinth, but she is stopped by Vidal's housekeeper Mercedes, who is secretly supporting her brother Pedro and other rebels. That night, the insect appears in Ofelia's bedroom, where it transforms into a fairy and leads her through the labyrinth. There, she meets a faun, who believes she is the reincarnation of Princess Moanna. He gives her a book and tells her she will find in it three tasks to complete in order for her to acquire immortality and return to her kingdom.

Ofelia completes the first task — retrieving a key from the belly of a giant toad — but becomes worried about her mother, whose condition is worsening. The faun gives Ofelia a mandrake root, instructing her to keep it under Carmen's bed in a bowl of milk and regularly supply it with blood, which seems to ease Carmen's illness. Accompanied by three fairy guides and equipped with a piece of magic chalk, Ofelia then completes the second task — retrieving a dagger from the lair of the Pale Man, a child-eating monster. Although warned not to consume anything there, she eats two grapes, awakening the Pale Man. He devours two of the fairies and chases Ofelia, but she manages to escape. Infuriated at her disobedience, the faun refuses to give Ofelia the third task.

During this time, Ofelia becomes aware of Vidal's ruthlessness in the course of hunting down the rebels. After killing two local farmers detained on false suspicion of aiding the rebels, Vidal interrogates and tortures a captive rebel. He asks Doctor Ferreiro to tend to the captive, whom Ferreiro then euthanises at the rebel's own urging. Realising that Ferreiro is a rebel collaborator, Vidal kills him. Vidal later catches Ofelia tending to the mandrake root, which he considers delusional. Carmen agrees and throws the root into the fire. She immediately develops painful contractions and dies giving birth to Vidal's son.

Mercedes, having been discovered to be a spy, tries to escape with Ofelia, but they are caught. Ofelia is locked in her bedroom, while Mercedes is taken to be interrogated and tortured. Mercedes frees herself, and stabs Vidal non-lethally in her escape to re-join the rebels. The faun, having changed his mind about giving Ofelia a chance to perform the third task, returns and tells her to bring her newborn brother into the labyrinth to complete it. Ofelia successfully retrieves the baby and flees into the labyrinth. Vidal pursues her as the rebels launch an attack on the outpost. Ofelia meets the faun at the centre of the labyrinth.

The faun suggests drawing a small amount of the baby's blood, as completing the third task and opening the portal to the underworld requires the blood of an innocent, but Ofelia refuses to harm her brother. Vidal finds her talking to the faun, whom he cannot see. The faun leaves, and Vidal takes the baby from Ofelia's arms before shooting her. Vidal returns to the labyrinth's entrance, where he is surrounded by rebels, including Mercedes and Pedro. Knowing that he will be killed, he hands the baby to Mercedes, asking that his son be told the time of his father's death. Mercedes replies that his son will not even know his name, before Pedro shoots Vidal dead.

Mercedes enters the labyrinth and comforts a motionless, dying Ofelia. Drops of Ofelia's blood fall down the centre of the spiral stone staircase onto an altar. Ofelia, well dressed and uninjured, then appears in a golden throne room. The King of the underworld tells her that, by choosing to spill her own blood rather than that of another, she passed the final test. The faun praises Ofelia for her choice, addressing her once more as "Your Highness". The Queen of the underworld, her mother, invites Ofelia to sit next to her father and rule at his side. Back in the stone labyrinth, Ofelia smiles as she dies.

The epilogue completes the tale of Princess Moanna, stating that she returned to the Underworld, ruled with kindness and justice for many centuries, and left little traces of her time in the human realm, "visible only to those who know where to look."

Cast

Ivana Baquero as Ofelia / Princess Moanna, a child who comes to believe she is the reincarnation of a princess from the underworld. Del Toro said he was nervous about casting the lead role, and that finding the 10-year-old Spanish actress was purely accidental. (The film was shot from June–October 2005, when she was 11.) "The character I wrote was initially younger, about 8 or 9, and Ivana came in and she was a little older than the character, with this curly hair which I never imagined the girl having. But I loved her first reading, my wife was crying and the camera woman was crying after her reading and I knew hands down Ivana was the best actress that had shown up, yet I knew that I needed to change the screenplay to accommodate her age."[9] Baquero says that Del Toro sent her many comics and fairy tales to help her "get more into the atmosphere of Ofelia and more into what she felt". She says she thought the film was "marvelous", and that "at the same time it can bring you pain, and sadness, and scariness, and happiness".[4]

Sergi López as Captain Vidal, Ofelia's new stepfather and a Falange officer. Del Toro met with López in Barcelona, a year and a half before filming began, to ask him to play Vidal. In parts of Spain, López was considered a melodramatic or comedic actor, and the Madrid-based producers told del Toro, "You should be very careful because you don't know about these things because you're Mexican, but this guy is not going to be able to deliver the performance"; del Toro replied "Well, it's not that I don't know, it's that I don't care".[10] Of his character, López said: "He is the most evil character I've ever played in my career. It is impossible to improve upon it; the character is so solid and so well written. Vidal is deranged, a psychopath who is impossible to defend. Even though his father's personality marked his existence—and is certainly one of the reasons for his mental disorder—that cannot be an excuse. It would seem to be very cynical to use that to justify or explain his cruel and cowardly acts. I think it is great that the film does not consider any justification of fascism."

Maribel Verdú as Mercedes, Vidal's housekeeper. Del Toro selected Verdú to play the compassionate revolutionary because he "saw a sadness in her which he thought would be perfect for the part".[10]

Doug Jones as the Faun and the Pale Man. As the Faun, Jones guides Ofelia to the fantasy world. As the Pale Man, he plays a grotesque monster with an appetite for children. Jones had previously worked with del Toro on Mimic and Hellboy, and said the director sent him an email saying, "You must be in this film. No one else can play this part but you." Jones responded enthusiastically to an English translation of the script, but then found out the film was in Spanish, which he did not speak. Jones says he was "terrified" and del Toro suggested learning the script phonetically, but Jones rejected this, preferring to learn the words himself. He said, "I really, really buckled down and committed myself to learning that word for word and I got the pronunciation semi-right before I even went in," using the five hours a day he spent getting the costume and make-up on to practice the words.[11] Del Toro later decided to dub Jones with the voice of Pablo Adán, "an authoritative theatre actor", but Jones's efforts remained valuable because the voice actor was able to match his delivery with Jones's mouth movements.[12] Jones's dual casting is intended to suggest that the Pale Man (along with the toad) is either a creation of the Faun[13] or the Faun himself in another form.[14]

Ariadna Gil as Carmen / Queen of the Underworld, Ofelia's mother and Vidal's wife.

Álex Angulo as Doctor Ferreiro, a doctor in the service of Vidal, but an anti-Francoist.

Manolo Solo as Garcés, one of Vidal's lieutenants.

César Vea as Serrano, one of Vidal's lieutenants.

Roger Casamajor as Pedro, Mercedes' brother and one of the rebels.

Federico Luppi as King of the Underworld, Ofelia's father.

Pablo Adán as Narrator / Voice of Faun.

Production

Influences

The idea for Pan's Labyrinth came from Guillermo del Toro's notebooks, which he says are filled with "doodles, ideas, drawings and plot bits". He had been keeping these notebooks for twenty years. At one point during production, he left the notebook in a taxi in London and was distraught, but the cabbie

Saturday, 2 April 2022

Gentleman's Agreement 1947 Movie

 

Gentleman's Agreement 1947 Movie

1.     Philip Schuyler Green (Gregory Peck) is a widowed journalist who has just moved to New York City with his son Tommy (Dean Stockwell) and mother (Anne Revere).

 

2.     Green meets with magazine publisher John Minify (Albert Dekker), who asks Green, a Gentile (a person who is not Jewish), to write an article on anti-Semitism ("Some people don't like other people just because they're Jews").

 

3.      He is not very enthusiastic at first, but after initially struggling with how to approach the topic in a fresh way, Green is inspired to adopt a Jewish identity ("Phil Greenberg") and writes about his first-hand experiences.

 

4.     At a lunch party, Phil meets Minify's divorced niece Kathy Lacey (Dorothy McGuire), a pre-school teacher, who turns out to be the person who originally suggested the story idea.

 

5.     The next day, Phil tries to explain anti-Jewish prejudice to his young, precocious son – directly after displaying some anti-female prejudice of his own.

 

6.     Green tells his mother that he's struck by the odd notion that the idea for the article came from "a girl" at the magazine.

 

7.     His mother replies, "Why, women will be thinking next".

 

8.     Phil and Kathy begin dating. They agree to keep it secret that Phil is not Jewish.

 

9.     Phil has difficulty getting started on his assignment.

 

10. He realizes he can never feel what another person feels unless he experiences it himself.

 

11. He recalls having "lived as an Okie on Route 66" or as a coal miner for previous writing jobs, instead of tapping a man on the shoulder and making him talk.

 

12. He then decides to write, "I Was Jewish for Six Months".

 

13. Though Kathy seems to have liberal views, when he reveals what he intends to do, she is taken aback and asks if he actually is Jewish.

 

14.  The strain on their relationship due to Kathy's subtle acquiescence to bigotry becomes a key theme in the film.

 

15. At the magazine, Phil is assigned a secretary, Elaine Wales (June Havoc), who reveals that she, too, is Jewish.

 

16. She changed her name to get the job (her application under her real, Jewish-sounding name, Estelle Wilovsky, was rejected).

 

17. After Phil informs Minify about Wales' experience, Minify orders the magazine to adopt hiring policies that are open to Jews.

 

18. Wales has reservations about the new policy, fearing that the "wrong Jews" will be hired and ruin things for the few Jews working there now.

 

19. Phil meets fashion editor Anne Dettrey (Celeste Holm), who becomes a good friend and potentially more, particularly as strains develop between Phil and Kathy.

 

20. Phil's childhood friend, Dave Goldman (John Garfield), who is Jewish, moves to New York for a job and lives with the Greens while he looks for a home for his family.

 

21. Dave also experiences anti-Semitism, when someone in the armed forces tells him that he hates Jews, and they get into a brief fight before the prejudiced soldier is taken away.

 

22. Housing is scarce in the city, but it is particularly difficult for Goldman, since not all landlords will rent to a Jewish family. When Phil tells Dave about his project, Dave is supportive, but concerned.

 

23. As Phil researches his story, he experiences several incidents of bigotry.

 

24. When his mother becomes ill with a heart condition, the doctor discourages him from consulting a specialist with an obviously Jewish name, suggesting he might be cheated.

 

25. When Phil reveals that he is himself Jewish, the doctor becomes uncomfortable and leaves.

 

26. In addition, the janitor is shocked to see that a Jewish name is listed on the mail box, instead of his Christian name.

 

27. Furthermore, when Phil wants to celebrate his honeymoon at a swanky hotel for rich people in the country, the hotel manager refuses to register Phil, because Phil is Jewish, and tells him to register at a different hotel instead.

 

28. Tommy becomes the target of bullies when his schoolmates discover he is Jewish.

 

29. Phil is troubled by the way Kathy consoles Tommy, telling him their taunts of "dirty Jew" are wrong because he isn't Jewish, not that the epithet is wrong in and of itself.

 

30. Kathy's attitudes are revealed further when she and Phil announce their engagement.

 

31. Her sister Jane (Jane Wyatt) invites them to a celebration in her home in Darien, Connecticut, which is known to be a "restricted" community where Jews are not welcome.

 

32. Fearing an awkward scene, Kathy wants to tell her family and friends that Phil is only pretending to be a Jew, but Phil prevails on Kathy to tell only Jane.

 

33. At the party, everyone is very friendly to Phil, though many people are "unable" to attend at the last minute.

 

34. Dave announces that he will have to quit his job because he cannot find a residence for his family.

 

35. Kathy owns a vacant cottage in Darien, but though Phil sees it as the obvious solution to Dave's problem, Kathy is unwilling to offend her neighbours by renting it to a Jewish family.

 

36. She and Phil break their engagement.

 

37. Phil announces that he will be moving away from New York when his article is published.

 

38. When it comes out, it is very well received by the magazine staff.

 

39. Kathy meets with Dave and tells him how sick she felt when a party guest told a bigoted joke.

 

40. However, she has no answer when Dave repeatedly asks her what she did about it.

 

41. She comes to realize that remaining silent condones the prejudice.

 

42. The next day, Dave tells Phil that he and his family will be moving into the cottage in Darien, and Kathy will be moving in with her sister next door to make sure they are treated well by their neighbors.

 

43. When Phil hears this, he reconciles with Kathy.

 

 



 

 

 

జెంటిల్‌మన్ అగ్రిమెంట్ (1947)

క్లుప్తంగా కథ

 

1.     ఫిలిప్ షుయ్లర్ గ్రీన్ (గ్రెగొరీ పెక్) ఒక వితంతువు పాత్రికేయుడు, అతను తన కొడుకు టామీ (డీన్ స్టాక్‌వెల్) మరియు తల్లి (అన్నే రెవెరే)తో కలిసి న్యూయార్క్ నగరానికి మారాడు.

 

2.     గ్రీన్ మ్యాగజైన్ పబ్లిషర్ జాన్ మినిఫై (ఆల్బర్ట్ డెక్కర్)తో సమావేశమయ్యాడు, అతను యూదు వ్యతిరేకతపై ఒక కథనాన్ని రాయమని గ్రీన్, ఒక జెంటిల్ (యూదు కాని వ్యక్తి)ని అడిగాడు ("కొంతమంది వ్యక్తులు ఇతరులను ఇష్టపడరు. వారు యూదులు ").

 

3.     అతను మొదట్లో చాలా ఉత్సాహంగా లేడు, అయితే టాపిక్‌ను తాజా మార్గంలో ఎలా చేరుకోవాలనే దానితో మొదట్లో పోరాడిన తర్వాత, గ్రీన్ యూదు గుర్తింపు ("ఫిల్ గ్రీన్‌బర్గ్")ని స్వీకరించడానికి ప్రేరణ పొందాడు మరియు అతని మొదటి అనుభవాల గురించి వ్రాసాడు.

 

4.     ఒక లంచ్ పార్టీలో, ఫిల్ మినిఫై యొక్క విడాకులు తీసుకున్న మేనకోడలు కాథీ లేసీ (డోరతీ మెక్‌గ్యురే), ఒక ప్రీ-స్కూల్ టీచర్‌ను కలుస్తాడు, ఆమె కథ ఆలోచనను మొదట సూచించిన వ్యక్తి అని తేలింది.

 

5.     మరుసటి రోజు, ఫిల్ తన చిన్న వయస్సులో ఉన్న తన కుమారుడికి యూదు వ్యతిరేక పక్షపాతాన్ని వివరించడానికి ప్రయత్నిస్తాడు - నేరుగా తన స్వంత స్త్రీ-వ్యతిరేక పక్షపాతాన్ని ప్రదర్శించిన తర్వాత.

 

6.     కథనం యొక్క ఆలోచన పత్రికలోని "ఒక అమ్మాయి" నుండి వచ్చిందనే విచిత్రమైన భావనతో తాను తల్లడిల్లిపోయానని గ్రీన్ తన తల్లికి చెప్పాడు.

 

7.     అతని తల్లి, "ఎందుకు, స్త్రీలు తదుపరి ఆలోచిస్తారు" అని సమాధానమిస్తుంది.

 

8.     ఫిల్ మరియు కాథీ డేటింగ్ ప్రారంభిస్తారు. ఫిల్ యూదు కాదని రహస్యంగా ఉంచడానికి వారు అంగీకరిస్తున్నారు.

 

9.     ఫిల్ తన అసైన్‌మెంట్‌ను ప్రారంభించడం కష్టం.

 

10. మరొక వ్యక్తి తన అనుభూతిని అనుభవించనంత వరకు తాను ఎప్పుడూ అనుభూతి చెందలేనని అతను గ్రహించాడు.

 

11. అతను "రూట్ 66లో ఓకీగా జీవించాడు" లేదా ఒక వ్యక్తిని భుజం మీద తట్టి అతనిని మాట్లాడేలా చేయడానికి బదులుగా, మునుపటి వ్రాత పనుల కోసం బొగ్గు గని కార్మికుడిగా జీవించినట్లు గుర్తుచేసుకున్నాడు.

 

12. అతను "నేను ఆరు నెలలు యూదుని" అని వ్రాయాలని నిర్ణయించుకున్నాడు.

 

13. కాథీకి ఉదారవాద దృక్పథాలు ఉన్నట్లు కనిపిస్తున్నప్పటికీ, అతను ఏమి చేయాలనుకుంటున్నాడో వెల్లడించినప్పుడు, ఆమె ఆశ్చర్యానికి గురైంది మరియు అతను నిజంగా యూదుడా అని అడుగుతుంది.

 

14. కాథీ మతోన్మాదానికి సూక్ష్మంగా అంగీకరించడం వల్ల వారి సంబంధంపై ఒత్తిడి సినిమాలో కీలక అంశంగా మారుతుంది.

 

15. మ్యాగజైన్‌లో, ఫిల్‌కి ఎలైన్ వేల్స్ (జూన్ హవోక్) అనే సెక్రటరీని నియమించారు, ఆమె కూడా యూదు అని వెల్లడిస్తుంది.

 

16. ఉద్యోగం పొందడానికి ఆమె తన పేరును మార్చుకుంది (ఆమె నిజమైన, యూదు-ధ్వని పేరు, ఎస్టేల్ విలోవ్స్కీ కింద ఆమె దరఖాస్తు తిరస్కరించబడింది).

 

17. వేల్స్ అనుభవం గురించి ఫిల్ మినిఫైకి తెలియజేసిన తర్వాత, యూదులకు అందుబాటులో ఉండే నియామక విధానాలను అనుసరించమని మినిఫై మ్యాగజైన్‌ని ఆదేశించింది.

 

18. "తప్పు యూదులు" నియమించబడతారని మరియు ఇప్పుడు అక్కడ పనిచేస్తున్న కొద్దిమంది యూదుల కోసం వాటిని నాశనం చేస్తారనే భయంతో వేల్స్ కొత్త విధానం గురించి రిజర్వేషన్లను కలిగి ఉంది.

 

19. ఫిల్ ఫ్యాషన్ ఎడిటర్ అన్నే డెట్రీ (సెలెస్టే హోల్మ్)ని కలుస్తాడు, అతను మంచి స్నేహితురాలు అవుతాడు మరియు ముఖ్యంగా ఫిల్ మరియు కాథీ మధ్య జాతులు అభివృద్ధి చెందుతాయి.

 

20. ఫిల్ యొక్క చిన్ననాటి స్నేహితుడు, యూదు అయిన డేవ్ గోల్డ్‌మన్ (జాన్ గార్ఫీల్డ్), ఉద్యోగం కోసం న్యూయార్క్‌కు వెళ్లి తన కుటుంబానికి ఇంటి కోసం వెతుకుతున్నప్పుడు గ్రీన్స్‌తో కలిసి నివసిస్తున్నాడు.

 

21. డేవ్ కూడా యూదుల వ్యతిరేకతను అనుభవిస్తాడు, సాయుధ దళాలలో ఎవరైనా అతను యూదులను ద్వేషిస్తున్నాడని చెప్పినప్పుడు మరియు పక్షపాతంతో ఉన్న సైనికుడిని తీసుకెళ్లడానికి ముందు వారు క్లుప్త పోరాటానికి దిగారు.

 

22. నగరంలో గృహాలు చాలా తక్కువగా ఉన్నాయి, కానీ గోల్డ్‌మన్‌కి ఇది చాలా కష్టం, ఎందుకంటే అందరు భూస్వాములు యూదు కుటుంబానికి అద్దెకు ఇవ్వరు. ఫిల్ డేవ్‌కి తన ప్రాజెక్ట్ గురించి చెప్పినప్పుడు, డేవ్ మద్దతుగా ఉన్నాడు, కానీ ఆందోళన చెందుతాడు.

 

23. ఫిల్ తన కథనాన్ని పరిశోధిస్తున్నప్పుడు, అతను మతోన్మాదానికి సంబంధించిన అనేక సంఘటనలను అనుభవిస్తాడు.

 

24. అతని తల్లి గుండె జబ్బుతో బాధపడుతున్నప్పుడు, అతను మోసం చేయబడవచ్చని సూచిస్తూ, స్పష్టంగా యూదు పేరు ఉన్న నిపుణుడిని సంప్రదించకుండా వైద్యుడు అతన్ని నిరుత్సాహపరుస్తాడు.

 

25. తాను యూదుడినని ఫిల్ వెల్లడించినప్పుడు, వైద్యుడు అసౌకర్యానికి గురై వెళ్ళిపోతాడు.

 

26. అదనంగా, కాపలాదారు మెయిల్ పెట్టెలో తన క్రైస్తవ పేరుకు బదులుగా ఒక యూదు పేరు నమోదు చేయడాన్ని చూసి ఆశ్చర్యపోతాడు.

 

27. ఇంకా, ఫిల్ తన హనీమూన్‌ను దేశంలోని ధనవంతుల కోసం హనీమూన్ జరుపుకోవాలని కోరుకున్నప్పుడు, హోటల్ మేనేజర్ ఫిల్‌ని రిజిస్టర్ చేసుకోవడానికి నిరాకరించాడు, ఎందుకంటే ఫిల్ యూదుడు, మరియు బదులుగా వేరే హోటల్‌లో రిజిస్టర్ చేసుకోమని చెప్పాడు.

 

28. అతను యూదుడని అతని స్కూల్‌మేట్‌లు గుర్తించినప్పుడు టామీ బెదిరింపులకు గురి అవుతాడు.

 

29. కాథీ టామీని ఓదార్చడం ద్వారా ఫిల్ కలవరపడ్డాడు, "మురికిగా ఉన్న యూదు" అనే వారి నిందలు తప్పని, ఎందుకంటే అతను యూదుడు కాదనీ, ఆ పేరు స్వతహాగా తప్పు అని కాదు.

 

30. ఆమె మరియు ఫిల్ తమ నిశ్చితార్థాన్ని ప్రకటించినప్పుడు కాథీ యొక్క వైఖరులు మరింతగా బహిర్గతమవుతాయి.

 

31. ఆమె సోదరి జేన్ (జేన్ వ్యాట్) కనెక్టికట్‌లోని డేరియన్‌లోని తన ఇంటిలో ఒక వేడుకకు వారిని ఆహ్వానిస్తుంది, ఇది యూదులను స్వాగతించని "నిరోధిత" సంఘంగా పేరుగాంచింది.

 

32. ఒక ఇబ్బందికరమైన సన్నివేశానికి భయపడి, కాథీ తన కుటుంబం మరియు స్నేహితులకు ఫిల్ యూదుడిలా మాత్రమే నటిస్తున్నాడని చెప్పాలనుకుంటోంది, అయితే జేన్‌కి మాత్రమే చెప్పడానికి కాథీపై ఫిల్ విజయం సాధించాడు.

 

33. పార్టీలో, ఫిల్‌తో అందరూ చాలా స్నేహపూర్వకంగా ఉంటారు, అయినప్పటికీ చాలా మంది వ్యక్తులు చివరి నిమిషంలో హాజరు కాలేకపోయారు.

 

34. తన కుటుంబానికి నివాసం దొరకనందున తన ఉద్యోగాన్ని విడిచిపెట్టవలసి ఉంటుందని డేవ్ ప్రకటించాడు.

 

35. కాథీ డేరియన్‌లో ఖాళీగా ఉన్న కాటేజీని కలిగి ఉంది, అయితే డేవ్ సమస్యకు ఫిల్ దానిని స్పష్టమైన పరిష్కారంగా భావించినప్పటికీ, కాథీ దానిని యూదు కుటుంబానికి అద్దెకు ఇవ్వడం ద్వారా తన పొరుగువారిని కించపరచడానికి ఇష్టపడదు.

 

36. ఆమె మరియు ఫిల్ వారి నిశ్చితార్థాన్ని విచ్ఛిన్నం చేశారు.

 

37. తన కథనం ప్రచురించబడినప్పుడు తాను న్యూయార్క్ నుండి దూరంగా వెళ్తున్నట్లు ఫిల్ ప్రకటించాడు.

 

38. ఇది బయటకు వచ్చినప్పుడు, పత్రిక సిబ్బంది నుండి చాలా బాగా ఆదరించబడుతుంది.

 

39. కాథీ డేవ్‌ని కలుసుకుని, ఒక పార్టీ అతిథి ఒక మూర్ఖపు జోక్‌ని చెప్పినప్పుడు ఆమె ఎంత అస్వస్థతకు గురైందో అతనికి చెప్పింది.

 

40. అయితే, దాని గురించి ఆమె ఏమి చేసిందని డేవ్ ఆమెను పదే పదే అడిగినప్పుడు ఆమెకు సమాధానం లేదు.

 

41. మౌనంగా ఉండటం పక్షపాతాన్ని మన్నిస్తుంది అని ఆమె గ్రహించింది.

 

42. మరుసటి రోజు, డేవ్ అతను మరియు అతని కుటుంబం డేరియన్‌లోని కాటేజ్‌లోకి మారుతున్నట్లు ఫిల్‌తో చెప్పాడు, మరియు కాథీ తమ పొరుగువారు తమను బాగా చూసుకుంటున్నారని నిర్ధారించుకోవడానికి పక్కనే ఉన్న తన సోదరితో కలిసి వెళుతుందని చెప్పాడు.

 

43. ఫిల్ ఇది విన్నప్పుడు, అతను కాథీతో రాజీపడతాడు.