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attendance blockbuster blockbusters britishfilm comicbookmovies economy effects jesus movie narrative religion special superhero superman
Anton Kozlovic, talks about the Superman story from Superman and compares it to the story of Jesus from the Bible. He first begins by stating that the original story for the movie was more based on Greek mythology, but the director insisted that it be changed. He then goes on to elaborate and twenty Jesus-Superman parallels, including the three migrations that eventually led them to do their father’s work, their appearance as that of human beings even though they are both aliens, and the fact that they are both thirty years old when they begin their missions. Then Kozlovic elaborates on specific personal traits that both figures share. For example thought they both had great power, they were always willing to turn the other cheek and they both had dual identities. He then concludes by stating that it is no wonder Superman was so heavily enjoyed by so many movie goers—he is the modern day messiah. He also believes that the true meaning of films rest in the subtext, like it does in Superman.
The modern Hollywood blockbuster is not successfully just because of its extravagant special effects. One other important aspect—probably the most important—is the story. Without a compelling narrative a film has no chance of becoming a Hollywood blockbuster. Throughout history there has never been a story more captivating then that of Jesus Christ because it offers hope in a world of disorder. By emulating the Gospel, Superman again helped set the stage for future Hollywood blockbusters. Now many modern Hollywood blockbusters can be found that like Superman have modelled their plots on the story of Jesus Christ. Truly, there is no story more captivating and Hollywood writers now know what it takes to make a successful screen play, thanks to Superman.
The modern Hollywood blockbuster is not successfully just because of its extravagant special effects. One other important aspect—probably the most important—is the story. Without a compelling narrative a film has no chance of becoming a Hollywood blockbuster. Throughout history there has never been a story more captivating then that of Jesus Christ because it offers hope in a world of disorder. By emulating the Gospel, Superman again helped set the stage for future Hollywood blockbusters. Now many modern Hollywood blockbusters can be found that like Superman have modelled their plots on the story of Jesus Christ. Truly, there is no story more captivating and Hollywood writers now know what it takes to make a successful screen play, thanks to Superman.
belongs to Superman (1978) Annotated Bibliography by Steve Kwizera project
tagged blockbuster jesus narrative superman religion
by skwizera
...on 10-APR-08
This article is mainly about a Canadian economist’s view on the current state of Canada’s economy in 1978 and future expectations. Arthur Donner, the economist, starts by talking about the then current state of the world economy by mentioning that several countries were suffering from stagflation. Then he goes on to talk about how Canada’s economy was not doing very well in several sectors and there were no strong signs of the unemployment rate and inflation decreasing. The Bank of Canada couldn’t do anything about the situation because of fears of worsening the balance of payments. Among other things, Donner is also concerned about lack of business investments and Canada’s declining real gross national product going into 1979.
The U.S. film industry has always been able to do better than other industries during bad economic times. Films offer audiences an escape from the misfortunes of reality, so people turn to theatres when life is not going very well. In the 70’s there was a special situation where the collective world economy was doing quite poorly. This was mainly because of the oil shocks of 1973 and 1979 and stagflation. Hollywood still had the major share in the international film industry and had to come up with a new way to keep audiences in theatres, especially after the decline of the studio system. Hollywood fought these economic troubles with the modern day Hollywood blockbuster. Superman helped to keep attracted multitudes because the storyline and special effects were so powerful they made one forget about real life. Rather, movie goers gained hope and were captivated by the magic that was going on before their eyes. By gaining more than 300 million dollars in international revenues, Superman showed Hollywood that a movie like it was always going to be the most successfully, especially since it did so well during a world economic recession.
The U.S. film industry has always been able to do better than other industries during bad economic times. Films offer audiences an escape from the misfortunes of reality, so people turn to theatres when life is not going very well. In the 70’s there was a special situation where the collective world economy was doing quite poorly. This was mainly because of the oil shocks of 1973 and 1979 and stagflation. Hollywood still had the major share in the international film industry and had to come up with a new way to keep audiences in theatres, especially after the decline of the studio system. Hollywood fought these economic troubles with the modern day Hollywood blockbuster. Superman helped to keep attracted multitudes because the storyline and special effects were so powerful they made one forget about real life. Rather, movie goers gained hope and were captivated by the magic that was going on before their eyes. By gaining more than 300 million dollars in international revenues, Superman showed Hollywood that a movie like it was always going to be the most successfully, especially since it did so well during a world economic recession.
belongs to Superman (1978) Annotated Bibliography by Steve Kwizera project
tagged attendance blockbusters movie economy
by skwizera
...on 10-APR-08
William Honan’s article is mainly about the life of the late esteemed special effects artist John Stears. He was called the dean of special effects artists because he was the man responsible for the special effects of countless award winning movies since the late 60’s. He even won Oscars in 1965 and 1977. He was one of the first special effects artist to show Hollywood what special effects had to offer. Without his work, it is not sure if several movies would have even been blockbusters. Honan then goes on to talk about how special effects management changed because artists like Stears made Hollywood realize the importance of special effects. Productions went on to have specialized special effects teams for different aspects of movies. Also, for the first time there became a competitive spirit between different special effects artists and their directors. Hollywood was being shaped into the industry we know today.
Many movie goers do not realize the special effects of the great 70’s movies had a great impact on the film industry as we know it today. They take the magic that is happening before their eyes for granted. Truly if it weren’t for films like Superman the Hollywood production system could be greatly different from what it is now. Without such movies, special effects artist like John Stears wouldn’t have been recognized for what they could contribute to productions, and therefore special effects wouldn’t have evolved to be as fantastic and pivotal as they are today. Now, movie goers have the opportunity to go see the work of their favorite special effects artist rather than their favorite director. This is what has become of the modern Hollywood blockbuster; special effects are so essential that audience even know who is behind the exploding cars and digital environments. Movies like Superman have definitely helped the Hollywood blockbuster to move to this modern fashion.
Many movie goers do not realize the special effects of the great 70’s movies had a great impact on the film industry as we know it today. They take the magic that is happening before their eyes for granted. Truly if it weren’t for films like Superman the Hollywood production system could be greatly different from what it is now. Without such movies, special effects artist like John Stears wouldn’t have been recognized for what they could contribute to productions, and therefore special effects wouldn’t have evolved to be as fantastic and pivotal as they are today. Now, movie goers have the opportunity to go see the work of their favorite special effects artist rather than their favorite director. This is what has become of the modern Hollywood blockbuster; special effects are so essential that audience even know who is behind the exploding cars and digital environments. Movies like Superman have definitely helped the Hollywood blockbuster to move to this modern fashion.
belongs to Superman (1978) Annotated Bibliography by Steve Kwizera project
tagged blockbusters effects special
by skwizera
...on 10-APR-08
Anthony Brandt wrote this article in response to recent heavy appearance of special effects in the films of the 70’s. He notes how in earlier decades, audiences were attracted and awed by physical effects but soon cinema verite started to dominate and reality was substituted for special effects. Just as easily the influx of visual effects in the films of the 70’s turned audiences back to science fiction films. Also, the production of these films coincided with the fall of the studio system, which brought forth a new industry that would come to be one of the most important to producers. Special effects artist were now in demand and responded by starting their own companies. On the other hand these artists felt that they could not continue to do special effects for space based movies like Star Wars because audiences would get tired of them. They called for more fantasy based productions with compelling plots. They thought that such a genre would be the future of Hollywood special effects productions, and they were right.
During the 70’s special effects artists finally became recognized as essential contributors to successful film productions. This being so, they also gained a voice. Since many movie goers went to theaters because of them, they had to tell producers what kind of movies and visual effects audiences would want to see. They thought that movies like Superman were good because of both having intriguing story lines and fantastic visual effects. Their assumptions were correct because movies like that have continued to be Hollywood blockbusters. Movies like Superman helped to proves that special effects were not limited to space movies. As long as a film has a strong narrative that contains fantasy elements, amazing visual effects can be applied to them turning them into Hollywood blockbusters. This type of production has become the base for the modern Hollywood blockbuster.
During the 70’s special effects artists finally became recognized as essential contributors to successful film productions. This being so, they also gained a voice. Since many movie goers went to theaters because of them, they had to tell producers what kind of movies and visual effects audiences would want to see. They thought that movies like Superman were good because of both having intriguing story lines and fantastic visual effects. Their assumptions were correct because movies like that have continued to be Hollywood blockbusters. Movies like Superman helped to proves that special effects were not limited to space movies. As long as a film has a strong narrative that contains fantasy elements, amazing visual effects can be applied to them turning them into Hollywood blockbusters. This type of production has become the base for the modern Hollywood blockbuster.
belongs to Superman (1978) Annotated Bibliography by Steve Kwizera project
tagged blockbusters effects special
by skwizera
...on 10-APR-08
This article mainly talk about the British film industry and its inability to consistently attract international audiences; especially American audiences. The author maintains that because we share a common language the British should be able to create a good audience base among Americans. He then goes on to give examples of a few extremely successful British productions that have been heavily viewed in America, such as the Harry Potter movies. Finally, he agrees with the claim that the measure of the success of British films should include how well they do in American theatres.
Why are most British productions unsuccessful in America? The answer is simple: because in America the dominant movie in the modern Hollywood blockbuster. The reason for this is because movies like Superman helped to show that a wide variety of audiences found compelling narratives and fantastic special effect extremely appealing. That is why it gained over 300 million dollars in international revenues. So, because the British film industry has not adopted this form of cinema, it does not have prestige among U.S. movie goers. In some cases though, the British have produced films synonymous with the modern Hollywood blockbuster that have been well received by American audiences and other international audiences as well. For example, the Harry Potter films have been very successfully in America because of their gripping narratives and spectacular special effects. Maybe the British industry should learn from films like Superman, just as Hollywood did back in the 70’s.
Why are most British productions unsuccessful in America? The answer is simple: because in America the dominant movie in the modern Hollywood blockbuster. The reason for this is because movies like Superman helped to show that a wide variety of audiences found compelling narratives and fantastic special effect extremely appealing. That is why it gained over 300 million dollars in international revenues. So, because the British film industry has not adopted this form of cinema, it does not have prestige among U.S. movie goers. In some cases though, the British have produced films synonymous with the modern Hollywood blockbuster that have been well received by American audiences and other international audiences as well. For example, the Harry Potter films have been very successfully in America because of their gripping narratives and spectacular special effects. Maybe the British industry should learn from films like Superman, just as Hollywood did back in the 70’s.
belongs to Superman (1978) Annotated Bibliography by Steve Kwizera project
tagged blockbusters britishfilm
by skwizera
...on 10-APR-08
This article by Hardy is mainly a response to the title of the then upcoming Superman movie Superman Returns. His argument is that the Superman craze has never died since he was first conceived in 1938; therefore, he never left. He continues by pointing out that he has had such a strong influence on American culture because he means so much too so many people. To some he is a symbol of the American dream—he immigrates to Earth and starts out as a small town unknown and quickly moves to the city and becomes a national superstar. To others he stands for justice and everything that comes to mind when one thinks of a hero. Finally, to all, he is a savior; almost a god in a world that is losing faith. Hardy even touches on some events that helped to make superman a symbol of hope and strength, such as the Cold War, World War II and 9/11. Obviously, he agrees that the story of Superman is tremendous in that he has always been thought of as a symbol of things that we all strive for.
The movie Superman was also very successfully because of its powerful narrative. The world had known about Superman and his story for four decades before this movie came out and yet the plot was still compelling enough to attract a wide variety of audiences in different parts of the world. Superman once again proved to movie producers that the future Hollywood blockbusters had to be superb narrative with excellent plots. No other movie in the 70’s could have proven this observation better than Superman. Star Wars, Jaws, and even Close Encounters of the Third Kind, all Hollywood blockbuster, were compelling narratives; but, at the same time they were fresh and never before thought of. On the other hand, Superman had had his own industry for decades. Audiences knew of countless storylines, events, and plots; yet, in 1978 Superman was still able to draw in the masses. Had the narrative not been up to par with what people expected and sought for in Superman, the movie wouldn’t have been a blockbuster.
The movie Superman was also very successfully because of its powerful narrative. The world had known about Superman and his story for four decades before this movie came out and yet the plot was still compelling enough to attract a wide variety of audiences in different parts of the world. Superman once again proved to movie producers that the future Hollywood blockbusters had to be superb narrative with excellent plots. No other movie in the 70’s could have proven this observation better than Superman. Star Wars, Jaws, and even Close Encounters of the Third Kind, all Hollywood blockbuster, were compelling narratives; but, at the same time they were fresh and never before thought of. On the other hand, Superman had had his own industry for decades. Audiences knew of countless storylines, events, and plots; yet, in 1978 Superman was still able to draw in the masses. Had the narrative not been up to par with what people expected and sought for in Superman, the movie wouldn’t have been a blockbuster.
belongs to Superman (1978) Annotated Bibliography by Steve Kwizera project
tagged blockbusters effects special superman
by skwizera
...on 10-APR-08
In light of the then upcoming new Superman film, Superman Returns, Andrew Ryan wrote this article to tell about a research project that was being conducted by noted scientists to determine the plausibility of Superman’s powers. He touches on how fans have always been intrigued by the awesome abilities of Superman and though most people know he is a fictitious character, these scientists wanted to know just how possible it would be for him to have his powers on Earth, were he a real being. He then goes on to elaborate of specific abilities and what conclusions the scientists came up about them. For example they found that for a being to be as fast as superman on Earth, it would have to have frictionless knee joints.
Once again Superman proves to be a model for future Hollywood blockbusters. 1978 was the first time movie goers and fans got to truly witness the awesome abilities of superman and ever since then he has truly been immortalized. This is what a typical Hollywood blockbuster must be able to do to receive notoriety. Not only does it have to captivate the audience, it also has to become intertwined in several aspects of society. Superman’s tagline was, “you’ll believe a man can fly,” and now noted scientists are actually actively investigating this claim based on Superman. Star Wars coined the phrase, “may the force be with you,” and now people sometimes repeat the same phase to wish someone luck. To be a true Hollywood blockbuster it is not enough for a film to make a large amount of revenue; it also has to affect society in some facet.
Once again Superman proves to be a model for future Hollywood blockbusters. 1978 was the first time movie goers and fans got to truly witness the awesome abilities of superman and ever since then he has truly been immortalized. This is what a typical Hollywood blockbuster must be able to do to receive notoriety. Not only does it have to captivate the audience, it also has to become intertwined in several aspects of society. Superman’s tagline was, “you’ll believe a man can fly,” and now noted scientists are actually actively investigating this claim based on Superman. Star Wars coined the phrase, “may the force be with you,” and now people sometimes repeat the same phase to wish someone luck. To be a true Hollywood blockbuster it is not enough for a film to make a large amount of revenue; it also has to affect society in some facet.
belongs to Superman (1978) Annotated Bibliography by Steve Kwizera project
tagged blockbusters effects superman special
by skwizera
...on 10-APR-08
Essentially, in this article Stephen Prince glorifies the way Hollywood has come to use digital technology to enhance cinematography and show the audience things that were not possible before. He begins by stating that digital visual effects have come a long way since the 70’s when they first became popular. He then discusses how digital effects have come to be involved in both production and postproduction. This has enabled film makers to almost take audiences back to the early years of cinema when they were attracted by spectacular images. He then goes on to discuss how digital technology has created a new standard for the film industry. Before, films like Spiderman would have been impossible to create so well because it would not have been possible to create completely digital three-dimensional environments. Now, comic book films, which usually relay heavily on digital effects, are among the most successful films because of digital technology. Additionally, many other successfully films have benefited for digital technology because it helps to enhance the aesthetics and imagery of scenes. Finally, he notes how cinematographer used to have little to no part in postproduction, but because of the advancements of digital technology they can now actively contribute to all parts of production, making films better than ever.
If it weren’t for films like Superman, the typical Hollywood blockbuster would not be the same today. Even ordinary motion pictures would not have the dazzling effects and aesthetics that have been intriguing audiences since the time cinema was first developed. One cannot stress how important it was for filmmakers to realize how significant visual effects were going to be if they wanted to have the highest possible attendances. Since then, digital technology has become more advanced and more utilized. It is now even possible to completely produce films that feature completely digital environments. There are no longer limits to the imaginations of directors and because of this audiences continue to have unbelievable movie going experiences like never before. Films like Superman significantly contributed to what has now become the new norm for Hollywood blockbuster production.
If it weren’t for films like Superman, the typical Hollywood blockbuster would not be the same today. Even ordinary motion pictures would not have the dazzling effects and aesthetics that have been intriguing audiences since the time cinema was first developed. One cannot stress how important it was for filmmakers to realize how significant visual effects were going to be if they wanted to have the highest possible attendances. Since then, digital technology has become more advanced and more utilized. It is now even possible to completely produce films that feature completely digital environments. There are no longer limits to the imaginations of directors and because of this audiences continue to have unbelievable movie going experiences like never before. Films like Superman significantly contributed to what has now become the new norm for Hollywood blockbuster production.
belongs to Superman (1978) Annotated Bibliography by Steve Kwizera project
tagged blockbusters effects special
by skwizera
...on 10-APR-08
According to Rickitt in the 70’s, special effects had an important role to play in defining what would come to be known as the modern Hollywood blockbuster. The special effects crazed began with the film 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), which had spectacular never-before-seen visual effects. Hollywood was not ready to adopt this style because the special effects technicians for this movie were unknown foreigners. Therefore, it was time for Hollywood to experiment. Unfortunately, the poor performance of the American film industry in the previous decade had caused some fundamental changes in Hollywood’s business practices. Hollywood was not as willing to make several random productions and also chose to market a few movies per year for long periods of time to numerous theatres. Consequently, it only wanted to produce blockbusters because only they would bring in profits based on this new system. Soon after a few productions, it was obvious that audiences were captivated by these new visual effects. Finally, after studios adopted narratives that appeal to several types of audiences, the time had come to give birth to the modern Hollywood Blockbuster.
The year was 1975 and Jaws was the first $100 million dollar box office hit in history. It is a movie that contains awesome visual effects and features a humongous shark that is essentially an actor. How was this possible before the days of CGI technology? This was part of what captivated the multitudes that adored this movie due to its groundbreaking ability to not only feature but also to control a mechanical shark in water. Finally, Hollywood had proof that visual effects were the keystone to the modern blockbuster. A few years later, in 1978, special effects were still captivating audiences and continuing to prove that the future of Hollywood rested with them. Superman again aided in strengthening this perception by earning worldwide revenues of over $300 million. It was also a template for many special effects that would be used in other blockbusters for years to come.
Rickitt, Richard. Special Effects: the History and Technique. 1st ed. New York: Billboard Books, 2007. 34-35.
belongs to Superman (1978) Annotated Bibliography by Steve Kwizera project
tagged blockbusters effects superman special
by skwizera
...on 10-APR-08
In this chapter (Blockbuster: The Last Crusade) Peter Biskind used the works of two prolific Hollywood blockbuster directors, Spielberg and Lucas, to illustrate what today’s successful blockbuster has come to be. First he remarks on how it must somehow allude to or reconcile with political, social and economic issues of the times. Movies such as Lucas’ Star Wars were made in a time when Americans had sat through years of television broadcasts that depicted the tremendous violence of the Vietnam War. Being so, Biskind believes that is was a good decision for Lucas to find a way to show thrilling combat scenes without the result of blood and gore. Secondly, the movie must adhere to a new kind of genre that offers both a narrative and new visual effects to movie goers. Essentially, the film has to bring something new to the table other than having an awesome plot. A blockbuster had to lure audiences in with amazing spectacles, just as cinema itself had done when it first appeared. If a film didn’t have these aspects then it would not come to be known as a blockbuster.
Biskind’s assertions about what a Hollywood blockbuster had to contain (especially in the 70’s) are absolutely correct and Superman definitely has those qualities. Though Americans knew the story of Superman for decades, the 70’s were socially, politically, and economically perfect for his strong resurgence and immortalization in American culture. It was 1978, the Vietnam War had recently ended, the oil crisis was stronger than ever, people were challenging the government as well as social norms—then all of a sudden America’s favorite superhero arrives on the big screen. Not only is the plot intriguing and appropriate it touch the audience and gives them hope, just as Star Wars had done a year before. Also, it kept audiences entertained with its groundbreaking special effects. It helped pave the way for what we now know to be the modern Hollywood blockbuster. It helped proved that there was a new method in filmmaking that is still the most dominant today.
Biskind’s assertions about what a Hollywood blockbuster had to contain (especially in the 70’s) are absolutely correct and Superman definitely has those qualities. Though Americans knew the story of Superman for decades, the 70’s were socially, politically, and economically perfect for his strong resurgence and immortalization in American culture. It was 1978, the Vietnam War had recently ended, the oil crisis was stronger than ever, people were challenging the government as well as social norms—then all of a sudden America’s favorite superhero arrives on the big screen. Not only is the plot intriguing and appropriate it touch the audience and gives them hope, just as Star Wars had done a year before. Also, it kept audiences entertained with its groundbreaking special effects. It helped pave the way for what we now know to be the modern Hollywood blockbuster. It helped proved that there was a new method in filmmaking that is still the most dominant today.
Miller, Mark C., ed. Seeing Through Movies. 1st ed. New York: Pantheon Books, 1990. 112-121.
belongs to Superman (1978) Annotated Bibliography by Steve Kwizera project
tagged blockbusters effects special
by skwizera
...and 1 other person
...on 10-APR-08
Because of the kind of movie it was in its time, Superman (1978) helped substantiate what film goers now know as the traditional Hollywood blockbuster. Whether it is because of special effects, a great plot or its affect on society, Superman helped to set the definition for todays Hollywood blockbuster.
Conference Board
A searchable database of full-text research reports on the latest issues in business management and US, Canada and global economics. Proprietary, nonbiased research includes studies of 500 companies on business trends, leadership decisions, performance excellence, corporate governance, HR, productivity, CRM and more. Economics material includes US and global economic indicators and analysis and forecasts of regional, national, and international economic conditions. Full-text coverage from 1995 to date.
Holdings: 1995 to date
A searchable database of full-text research reports on the latest issues in business management and US, Canada and global economics. Proprietary, nonbiased research includes studies of 500 companies on business trends, leadership decisions, performance excellence, corporate governance, HR, productivity, CRM and more. Economics material includes US and global economic indicators and analysis and forecasts of regional, national, and international economic conditions. Full-text coverage from 1995 to date.
Holdings: 1995 to date
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by skwizera
...and 3 other people
...on 10-NOV-07