This is a discussion of feminism in film, specifically in the two version of the horror movie "The Cat People."
Most horror films work out metaphorically the adolescent years and then play them out to end either safely or to end in a way that is cathartic for its fear-weary audience. Most of these films, however, maintain certain gender-specific roles within the framework of the film—the monster is generally male, and a good, would-be father must save another good would-be mother from the male “other” monster. This set-up puts all the power in the hands of the men--either the monster or the heroic boyfriend--and places the women, almost always, in the role of victim (Hollinger, 297). This makes Jacques Tourneur’s “The Cat People” (1942) particularly interesting for the time period in which it was made. It is one of the few horror films where the figure to be feared is female.
Some films with female monsters, such as James Whale’s “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935), create a female monster and then suppress any fear she might have evoked by reanimating the male monster, and making him the center of attention (Hollinger, 299). In other words, she becomes merely a gimmick for justifying the sequel. Such is not the case for the original “The Cat People,” where female sexuality run amuck is the central idea for horror in the film. By contrast, the 1982 version by Paul Schrader lessens the power of the female figure who made the original frightening; instead, a Svengali-like brother is introduced who usurps the power role.
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Karla homolka: murderess
Karla Homolka seemed like a normal teenager. Who could have guessed that she would become one of Canada's most infamous murderers?
Karla Homolka was born on May 4, 1970 to Dorothy and Karel Homolka of Port Credit, Ontario. She was a pretty girl with blonde hair who did well in school. She had loving parents and the family grew to include two sisters and several pets. She was brought up in a nice home in a middle class neighborhood.
Karla was very popular. Her friends flocked to her house where they sat around the pool, listened to music and talked “girl talk.” Karla seemed to be a normal teenager. There were never any outward signs to indicate to those that knew and loved her that she had a psychopathic personality.
In October 1987, Karla met Paul Bernardo at a pet convention in Toronto. The couple engaged in sexual intercourse the same day. From that moment on, Karla was obsessed with the handsome, young accountant. Paul quickly took control of her life, telling her what to wear, what music to listen to and what she could and could not do. What Paul said was law. Karla seemed to be happy with this arrangement and once stated that she would do ANYTHING to make Paul happy.
Karla Homolka was born on May 4, 1970 to Dorothy and Karel Homolka of Port Credit, Ontario. She was a pretty girl with blonde hair who did well in school. She had loving parents and the family grew to include two sisters and several pets. She was brought up in a nice home in a middle class neighborhood.
Karla was very popular. Her friends flocked to her house where they sat around the pool, listened to music and talked “girl talk.” Karla seemed to be a normal teenager. There were never any outward signs to indicate to those that knew and loved her that she had a psychopathic personality.
In October 1987, Karla met Paul Bernardo at a pet convention in Toronto. The couple engaged in sexual intercourse the same day. From that moment on, Karla was obsessed with the handsome, young accountant. Paul quickly took control of her life, telling her what to wear, what music to listen to and what she could and could not do. What Paul said was law. Karla seemed to be happy with this arrangement and once stated that she would do ANYTHING to make Paul happy.
National film preservation board
The National Film Preservation Board works to save American films, half of which produced before 1950 have been lost forever.
Half of all the movies produced before 1950 and 90 percent of all motion pictures made before 1920 have disappeared forever. To preserve what has come to be regarded as the definitive American art form, the United States Congress established by the National Film Preservation Act of 1988. Under its provisions, the librarian of Congress, with direction from the National Film Preservation Board, is empowered to select up to 25 "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant films" each year for the National Film Registry. To be eligible, films must be at least 10 years old, though they need not be feature-length or have had a theatrical release in order to be considered. The legislation's intent is that the broadest possible range of films be eligible for consideration.
Half of all the movies produced before 1950 and 90 percent of all motion pictures made before 1920 have disappeared forever. To preserve what has come to be regarded as the definitive American art form, the United States Congress established by the National Film Preservation Act of 1988. Under its provisions, the librarian of Congress, with direction from the National Film Preservation Board, is empowered to select up to 25 "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant films" each year for the National Film Registry. To be eligible, films must be at least 10 years old, though they need not be feature-length or have had a theatrical release in order to be considered. The legislation's intent is that the broadest possible range of films be eligible for consideration.
Texas etiquette guide for newcomers
Southern hospitality reigns in all her glory in the state of Texas.
Although perhaps ‘etiquette’ isn’t the first word to enter your consciousness when the state of Texas is mentioned, it certainly plays a large role in Texan culture. Much of the social atmosphere of Texas revolves around the preservation of ‘southern hospitality,’ which entails effusive, friendly interaction with all the people you encounter during the course of a day, including perhaps those with whom you have little in common. This pervasive acceptance and accommodation is essentially the root of Texas etiquette, and all mannerisms and social customs stem directly from it.
Although Texas’s history is relatively brief in comparison to, among others, the Mexican culture thriving just south of its border, much of Texan etiquette remains relatively historically based. For example, the tipping of the hat to a lady whenever she is met echoes similar treatment of women back in the era of the cowboy, presumably when such a hat was more prevalently worn. Though only a minority of men still acknowledges the presence of women in this way, the standard gesture involves the pointer and the middle finger, pressed to the front brim of the hat until it lifts slightly off the head of its wearer.
Although perhaps ‘etiquette’ isn’t the first word to enter your consciousness when the state of Texas is mentioned, it certainly plays a large role in Texan culture. Much of the social atmosphere of Texas revolves around the preservation of ‘southern hospitality,’ which entails effusive, friendly interaction with all the people you encounter during the course of a day, including perhaps those with whom you have little in common. This pervasive acceptance and accommodation is essentially the root of Texas etiquette, and all mannerisms and social customs stem directly from it.
Although Texas’s history is relatively brief in comparison to, among others, the Mexican culture thriving just south of its border, much of Texan etiquette remains relatively historically based. For example, the tipping of the hat to a lady whenever she is met echoes similar treatment of women back in the era of the cowboy, presumably when such a hat was more prevalently worn. Though only a minority of men still acknowledges the presence of women in this way, the standard gesture involves the pointer and the middle finger, pressed to the front brim of the hat until it lifts slightly off the head of its wearer.
A Texas culture guide for Californians
A short guide to Texas culture for the Californian from someone who has been there.
There is a big cultural difference between California and Texas. Texas tourism commercials have advertised Texas as "Its a whole nother country", and they mean it.
Many parts of the state are refined, modern, culture rich, and you can find every cosmopolitan convenience you could think of, but there is another side to Texas-the older side, the side that abides despite the advances of technology and the push of the general world. Cowboy boots, Stetsons and Wranglers are still the attire de rigure, and more huge pickups, with actual work dirt on them are seen on the roadways. Right alongside the lawyers and doctors are the ranchers, and they mix quite well. The attitude is more casual, slower paced, with an emphasis on enjoyment of the moment than keeping up with the Joneses.
There is a big cultural difference between California and Texas. Texas tourism commercials have advertised Texas as "Its a whole nother country", and they mean it.
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Battles in texas history
Important battles in Texas History, from the Wars of Independence from Spain and Mexico, to the American Civil War.
Texas is the second largest state in the United States in both size and population. It gained its independence from Mexico in 1836 and achieved formal statehood in 1848, becoming the 28th state of the young nation. Much of the battles in Texas history derive from its efforts to achieve independence, first from the Spaniards, and then from Mexico, and finally as an economic battleground between the North and the South in the American Civil War.
The first important battles in Texas came from her attempts to achieve independence from Spain. From 1716 till 1821, Texas was a territory under the crown of Spain. The Mexican quest for independence began with Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810 after Louisiana was sold to the United States by France in 1803, when the boundary between Texas and Louisiana was contested by both Spain and the United States. Anglo Americans began to push against the established boundaries, and the poor Tejano population grew restless under Spanish rule. Periodic fights broke out between the Spanish loyalists and the Mexicans and Anglo supporters. In 1813, the Mexicans led an insurrection against Spanish troops in San Antonio at the Battle of Medina. This rebellion was unsuccessful and led to the execution of 300 Mexican men. Continued strife and fighting finally led to Mexico’s independence in 1821 during the Mexican War of Independence.
Texas is the second largest state in the United States in both size and population. It gained its independence from Mexico in 1836 and achieved formal statehood in 1848, becoming the 28th state of the young nation. Much of the battles in Texas history derive from its efforts to achieve independence, first from the Spaniards, and then from Mexico, and finally as an economic battleground between the North and the South in the American Civil War.
The first important battles in Texas came from her attempts to achieve independence from Spain. From 1716 till 1821, Texas was a territory under the crown of Spain. The Mexican quest for independence began with Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810 after Louisiana was sold to the United States by France in 1803, when the boundary between Texas and Louisiana was contested by both Spain and the United States. Anglo Americans began to push against the established boundaries, and the poor Tejano population grew restless under Spanish rule. Periodic fights broke out between the Spanish loyalists and the Mexicans and Anglo supporters. In 1813, the Mexicans led an insurrection against Spanish troops in San Antonio at the Battle of Medina. This rebellion was unsuccessful and led to the execution of 300 Mexican men. Continued strife and fighting finally led to Mexico’s independence in 1821 during the Mexican War of Independence.
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