Media Literacy Topic #3 - Part B

Subjective or Objective

PART B: Stereotypes & Genres

·        List as many as you can.

Nerd, athlete, goth, prep, Italian mobster, African-American gangsta, flamboyant homosexual, promiscuous woman, hooker with the heart of gold, corny Caucasian, brainy Asian, blonde ditz, hot-tempered Latin American, greedy Jew, punk rocker, Bohemian drug addict, detached doctor, emo Asian, Middle-Eastern terrorist, drunk Russian….

·        Is there any truth to the stereotypes you listed? If yes, how?

Some of these stereotypes do exist in real life. With that said, to an extent, yes, these stereotypes have truth to them. There are almost 7 billion people on this planet. Stereotypes are simply archetypes that have been spotlighted. Every individual is different but some people do fit into certain categories, profiles, or stereotypes

·        Give an example of one of the stereotypes being used in a movie and why you think it was used.

The Godfather is the first film that popped into my mind. It portrays Italian Americans as organized crime figures in the Mafia. I believe this stereotype was used to highlight the dangerous yet lavish lifestyle of being in the mob. I also believe that America has had a fascination with organized crime since Prohibition began. Boardwalk Empire is a great example of this. Al Capone & Lucky Luciano are prominent characters on the HBO series.

·        Was your reaction to the stereotype positive or negative, and why?

My reaction to the stereotype was of mixed emotions. The Mafia is not a fairytale. It has its roots in Sicily, Italy and arrived on American shores in the early 1900s. New York and New Jersey were their ‘stomping grounds.’ In regards to my reaction, it is negative because some Americans will buy into the idea that this is how the Italian-American family/individual is. In regards to a positive reaction, the stereotype made for great performances and an entertaining movie. Stereotypes are not always helpful but it is the context in which you use the stereotype. A great actor finds a way to portray more than just a stereotype- they have to generate depth to their character so that we remain attached and not bored.

·        List as many film genres or types as you can.

Sci-fi, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Horror, Gore, Thriller, Drama, Animation, Mystery, Foreign, Documentary, Comedy, Westerns, Crime, Gangster, War, Musicals…

·        Do any of the genres you listed use specific stereotypes? What are they and how are they used?

Crime and Gangster genres tend to use stereotypes. They can target Italian Americans, greedy Jews, Russian mobsters, or British crime syndicates.

90s Action genres are very stereotypical. They usually involve an innocent man who doesn’t want to get involved, eventually does, has to beat the antagonist, save the girl, and flex his muscles at some point.

Westerns are rather stereotypical. These usually involve visions of the Old West, miners, saloons, clever prostitutes, sheriffs, outlaws, Native-Americans, gunslingers, coach wagons, and horses. True Grit is a great modern example but let us not forget about films starring John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.

Horror movies can be stereotypical as well; especially those involving a single killer knocking off victims one by one. It’s been done countless times. Classic examples are Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Child’s Play, and Friday the 13th. More current examples are Scream, The Ring, The Grudge, and Silence of The Lambs.

Media Literacy Topic #3 - Part A

Subjective or Objective?

PART A 

• List some movies that you really like and some of the things they have in common

The Fighter, The Dark Knight, Clerks, In Bruges, Pirates of the Caribbean, Taken, Kung Fu Panda, Interview with the Vampire, Tropa De Elite, The Departed, My Name Is Khan, The Big Lebowski, Brokeback Mountain, Waiting, Cinderella Man, Gladiator, Diarios de Motocicleta, Jeux d'enfants, A Single Man, Reservoir Dogs

Some of these films have sidesplitting but sometimes raunchy dialogue. I have a knack for fantasy-adventure films. I enjoy a good drama from time to time. I like foreign films quite a bit- especially those that are socially conscious. Health Ledger was my favorite actor and I’m partial to his films. It took all I had not to write Casanova down.

• Now list some movies that you dislike and some of the things they have in common

Transformers, Hostel, Saw, Fantastic Four, Street Fighter, Captain America (1990 version), Any Horror Movie, Sci-Fi Movie

Many of these films are poorly written, rely on effects too much, or belong in a category I like to call 'horror porn.' I have a personal dislike of Sci-Fi. The most recent Star Trek movie was not bad. It is just hard for me to 'get into' them.

• List the qualities that would make you see a movie

I enjoy a good gangster-crime flick. In regards to that genre, Safe House was probably the last gratifying film that I viewed. The director can influence my decision. Kevin Smith does not have the greatest track record but I have seen all of his films (even Jersey Girl). I enjoy Christopher Nolan’s films too. The same thing can be said for some actors. Heath Ledger, Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Liam Neeson, Ian McShane, Leonardo DiCaprio, Colin Farrell,  and few others. As I type I’m noticing a male-dominated list of names.

• List the qualities that would make you avoid a movie

Any movie that is highly reliant on special effects always has the potential to be a disaster….Transformers.. cough, cough. This may also explain my utter hatred for 3D movies. I am not saying all movies that use special effects are bad. After all, I listed Pirates of the Caribbean as a favorite. The key word here is potential. But yes, if I am suspicious that this is the case I will avoid such a movie.

• Pick one medium that you use regularly, such a magazine, television show, or blog. What biases can you find? Are they similar to your biases? If so, how?

Bias is evident on CNN and Fox News

I read CNN news quite a bit. There is no doubt that they are a liberal news provider. And whenever I read something that’s odd I usually go to the Associated Press for clarification- I consider them nuetral. In regards to politics, CNN does cast a more positive light on Democratic politicians. Regardless of the party the majority of legislators are skilled liars in my book. Not to mention, the 2011 Congress was the least active it’s been in 50 years. Now to answer the question: Are CNN’s biases similar to my own. I would answer saying, “Somewhat.” Do I have staunch democratic views? Yes. Do I believe in healthy debate (unlike most liberals and conservatives)? Yes. This “my way or the highway” approach is crazy. One has to respect a difference of opinion.

Film Review #9

Snow White and the Huntsman is a fantasy-adventure film with amazing visuals and a dark undertone. Rupert Sanders directs a cast of notable stars: Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, and Ian McShane. This 2012 adaptation of Snow White is indisputably more serious than the 1937 Disney version. However, it is nowhere close to being as dark as the German tale from the Brothers Grimm. Nevertheless, the film encapsulates a gloomy tone that is ideal for themes like war, murder, jealousy, vanity, betrayal, neglect, and desolation.

The plot of the movie is interesting to say the least. Snow White (Stewart) is born into royalty. Her parents are the king and queen of Tabor. When Snow White’s mother dies, the king is left brokenhearted. That is, until he saves Ravenna (Theron) from the Dark Army. Ravenna was so beautiful that the King married her the next day. Unknowingly, the king married a powerful sorceress. The night they wed she killed him, took over the kingdom, and imprisoned Snow White. When Ravenna took the throne the land and its people became barren. For over a decade everything remained the same. Until Snow White escapes! Ravenna enlists the help of an often inebriated Huntsman named Eric (Hemsworth). When the Huntsman realizes that Snow White is the true heir to the throne he intends to keep her safe. In an effort to capture Snow White, Ravenna allows her venomous brother to run rabid on the land. The stakes are raised and the Huntsman & Snow White have to find the castle of Duke Hammond. Getting there is not easy and the struggle to overthrow Ravenna afterward will be treacherous.

Wait.... Yeah.... She's totally evil guys

As I mentioned before Kristen Stewart plays the lead character Snow White. While I did not find her portrayal bad, I did not find it to be awe-inspiring. It was somewhere in the middle. Her almost melancholy expressions fit the moody tone of the film so I will applaud her for that. Much like when he played Thor, Hemsworth is charming in the film. His monologue after Snow White bites the poison apple is one of the more memorable parts of the film (for me). Charlize Theron is perfect as Ravenna. I bought her portrayal 100%. Honorable mention should go to all of the actors who played the dwarves. Their presence in the film is short but noteworthy. Aside for Stewart’s rather mundane presentation my expectations were more than fulfilled. I thought this movie was going to be terribly cheesy and just plain unpleasant.

In regards to film techniques the film used narration. I thought that made this tale particularly effective and helped to explain the beginning of the film well. The special effects are the most obvious and the most striking thing about the film. Snow White and the Huntsman is as visual appealing as films like Alice in Wonderland and The Fall. Visually this film is a masterpiece but it does have its shortcomings. The song by Florence & the Machine is well placed. I had no issues with the score at all. Each instrumental track used was perfect for themes like battle, sorrow, loss, and eventual victory. The YouTube video below sums up a lot of what I mentioned. Have a peek at Snow White in the Enchanted Forest!

If I had to give you one reason to attend this film I would say go for two reasons [read: I don’t care if that doesn’t make sense]. The cinematography is amazing. The visual effects presented are today’s best. The appearance of the film is an accomplishment itself. Second, I would say go for Theron’s performance. She has amazing presence and her messages of feminism are well conveyed. You fully buy in to her ideas of men.

7 out of 10

Media Literacy Topic #2

Film: In Bruges

Describe what happened in the scene you watched; How does the scene make you feel? What techniques did the filmmakers use to make you feel that way?
A bit of background needs to be provided. In the previous scene Ken and Ray were in an art museum that displayed several works of art that depict religious ideas of heaven, hell, purgatory, torture, and punishment. And so our scene begins. From the artwork a lighthearted conversation about ‘living a good life’ starts. Ray and Ken are sitting on a bench in Jan Van Eyckplein Square. There is no action- just 3 minutes of dialogue that contains personal philosophy, humor, and remorse. With that said, the scene makes me feel a variety of emotions. The debate of a 50-year old lollipop man possibly knowing karate is comical. In regards to the humor Martin McDonagh does a wonderful job of expressing dark humor. He makes a conversation about murder outrageously funny. At the same time I feel sorrow for Ray’s character. During a ‘job’ he accidentally killed a little boy. Ray’s guilt and hint at suicide combined with the piano music creates a great tone of melancholy at the end of the scene. In my opinion, the score is the driving force behind the amplified sadness.

How did the pacing of the scene (fast or slow) or the movement of the camera affect your reactions?
The pacing of the scene is slow. As I said before, there is not a lot of movement. Ray and Ken sit on the bench exchanging words. The camera shots are simplistic. The director started with an establishing shot of Jan Van Eyckplein Square. From there Ken & Ray are shot in several frames- medium and close-up 2-shots as well as individual medium & close-up shots. This allows us to fully understand the emotions that the director wants conveyed.

List all the visual qualities such as framing, camera angles, colors, setting, costumes, décor, and lighting.
Camera angles: establishing shot, individual close-up & medium shots, close-up & medium 2-shots. The actors are dressed in tones of black, white, and gray. Shooting in Bruges was perfect for the colors and setting. Bruges is a well-preserved medieval city that creates a very somber tone. The initial establishing shot makes this quite clear. As do the establishing shots throughout the entire film. You will notice rather quickly that exuberant colors are absent in the movie. Red is only seen when blood or punishment are expressed. In regards to lighting, I would imagine that only a key light was needed. The sky is never sunny nor extremely dark. The sky is cloudy and somewhat gloomy. This merely adds to the tone even more.

What was the mood of the scene? How did the colors used in the scene contribute to the mood?
The mood of the scene is twofold. It starts off innocent and playful. It quickly becomes somber as Ray begins to discuss his guilt for the murder of a little boy. The colors of black, white, and gray are perfect. They enhance the scene well.

What did the costumes tell you about the characters?
Ken and Ray are dressed in tones of black, white, & gray. Neither man sports any hint of color. I imagine this was done with a purpose. In my opinion, the costumes convey the black & white attitude both men have. Not to mention the film is a dark comedy. Extravagant colors are absent in the movie. On a side note- the jackets they sport tell us that it is quite cold in Belgium.

How did the music contribute to the mood and what did the music tell you about the characters?
The piano at the end creates a very melancholy mood. The music conveys sadness and Ray’s guilt.

What did you learn about the characters from the dialogue?
I learned that Ray is guilt-ridden and considering suicide because of his accidental wrongdoing. Ken shows us that his work as a hitman has created personal contradictions. While, yes he does murder people for money, he does believe he is a good person overall. He also believes the majority of his victims deserved it. He only feels guilty about one individual he killed; a middle-aged man who tried to attack him with a bottle.

What were the values and opinions expressed in this scene?
Several values & opinions are expressed in the film In Bruges. The Catholicism is mentioned. Both men have thoroughly rejected most of the ideas they were taught as little boys. They believe in trying to do the right thing but they are not bound by any religion. During this particular segment Ken & Ray note the cynical/suspicious attitude that many people can have when you’re offering random help. Ray shows great remorse and guilt for his transgression of accidentally shooting a little boy. Towards the end of the scene Ray hints at suicide because he believes he will never be able to accept his actions. Matters of self-defense are humorous brought up during the ’50-year old Chinese lollipop man’ conversation. Both men agree that homicide is justifiable if, during a fight, your opponent brings out a deadly weapon.

Film Review #8

           End of Watch is an adrenaline-filled film that examines the rise of two police officers as they protect and serve in South Central Los Angeles. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña star in the ultra-violent flick. From the previews alone you can’t help but notice the intense violence that occurs. Writer-director David Ayer offers more than ferocity however. Between the action-packed scenes we are exposed to glimpses of the human side of the ‘thin blue line’. The film observes issues of popular culture, camaraderie, family, and the consequences of performing such a perilous job.

The plot of the film is modest. End of Watch focuses on hotshot police officers Brian Taylor (Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Peña). Both officers work for the Los Angeles Police Department and patrol some of the roughest neighborhoods in South Central L.A. They see more action before lunchtime than most cops do their entire careers! A routine house check prompts the discovery of human trafficking as well as illegal drugs and firearms. The officers receive high praise for the detecting such serious crime. However, the discovery unknowingly makes both men prime targets for a powerful Mexican cartel. The suspense ensues as Taylor and Zavala scratch and claw to stay alive.

Memorable & Authentic Performances

Gyllenhaal and Peña give superb performances- especially when the two are together onscreen. They do a superb job of displaying the camaraderie that develops between partners serving as police officers. Their portrayals show us that at the end of the day, the police are just like you and I. Like everyone else they encounter professional, personal, and psychological issues. The only difference is that they have to protect themselves with a tough exterior when they put on the badge. Natalie Martinez and Anna Kendrick deserve praise for their roles as the significant others of both officers. They helped add so much depth. A police officer doesn’t make decisions that just affect themselves. Their loved ones are affected profoundly as well. Emotionally, I was expecting very little from this film. Needless to say, my expectations were more than fulfilled… and then some!

The director’s use of lighting is significant in this film. The night scenes prominently display darkness and shadows. This created an aura of danger, confusion, and grittiness. The point of view shot was used in one of two ways. The method was used partly to create a sense of intensity. It is noticeable during car chases, brawls, and shootouts. It was also used when certain characters in the movie were recording themselves on camcorders. The music in the film is a mixture of popular rap & rock songs and intense instrumentals- perfect for adding to an already exhilarating scene. The film techniques and the music enhance the setting and themes of the film tenfold.

I would recommend End of Watch for so many reasons! My decisive factor has to be the script. The dialogue between Gyllenhaal and Peña is priceless. That should come as no surprise. The director penned the script for Training Day! I bought into these characters almost immediately. The depth from each one leaves you unbelievably convinced that these men are real- that someone somewhere has had similar experiences. Without a doubt, the writing is the heart and soul of the film. 

8.5 out of 10

Film Review #7

Y Tu Mamá También

I have a confession. I love foreign films! Jeux d'Enfants, Cidade de Deus, Tropa de Elite, El Laberinto del Fauno, and Das Leben der Anderen are a few of my favorites. Needless to say, I was excited for Y Tu Mamá También. The film was made in 2001 by Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón. I didn’t know what to expect going in but any film with Diego Luna or Gael García Bernal is usually worth a watch. The talented and beautiful Maribel Verdú is a key actor as well.  By the end of this film I was hooked. The actors had range, the story was great, and the ending had a fascinating twist.

The film focuses on the friendship of Julio (García Bernal) and Tenoch (Luna). They are both young men (possibly in their teens) on the verge of adulthood. Their girlfriends have abandoned them to vacation in Italy. Boredom sets in quick. However, a chance encounter with married Luisa (Verdú) changes all of this! Upon meeting Luisa at a wedding the boys drunkenly invite her to a day at the beach – at La Boca del Cielo. Luisa initially turned Julio & Tenoch down but her husband’s recent infidelity has sparked something inside her. She calls them and agrees to go. The boys have but one problem. This beach never existed. Nonetheless, Julio & Tenoch take Luisa on a road trip that leads to fun in the sun, questioning the boundaries of friendship, sexual discovery, heartbreak, betrayal, and so much more.

García Bernal and Luna play their roles convincingly. At first, I thought both actors were typecast as two sex-crazed youths with no depth to their characters. However, the road trip allows the audience to view the opinions and transgressions of Julio & Tenoch.  Maribel Verdú is the star of this film… and for good reason. She is the catalyst for everything. Without a doubt she gives her character Luisa the most depth. She’s everything – heartbroken, angry, experienced, liberal, sexually charged, fun-loving, and a host of other sentiments. I had high expectations coming into this film and the actors definitely fulfilled them.

Narration is the most evident technique used in the film. Throughout the movie an unknown man narrates past and present events in the characters’ lives. I have to admit, all the right words were used when the narrator spoke. It allowed us to add layers to the characters that we would have never been able to. The music for the film is lively and reminiscent of Mexican and American popular culture. This is not uncommon in any movie where a road trip is present. The up close shots were extremely well done and helped to convey the grittiness that sex has sometimes. I have no doubt that this unashamed depiction of sex caused tension within the Motion Picture Association of America.

If I had to give you one decisive factor for viewing Y Tu Mamá También I would say, “Go for the performances of the actors!” I guarantee your initial feelings for the characters will change as the movie progresses. As I mentioned before, much depth is added as we learn about the lives of each character. Maribel Verdú’s role was my personal favorite. This film does not redefine the genre but it does deserve to sit near the top in my opinion. The script is incredibly well written and touches on a variety of topics.

8.5 out of 10

Film Review #6

Tom Ford’s first film A Single Man is a winner. The drama, made in 2009 but set in the 1960s, details a day in the life of a middle-aged gay man lamenting the loss of his lover. Ford couldn’t have asked for a better cast. Clint Firth is the film’s leading man. Simply put, he is an actor’s actor. You may remember him from a little movie called The King’s Speech (read: this earned him an Oscar). Not to be outdone, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, and Nicholas Hoult give outstanding performances when they are on screen.

It’s time to talk plot! George Falconer (Firth) is a British university professor living in 1960s Southern California. When we meet George it is quite evident that he is coping with depression. Jim (Goode), his lover for 16 years recently died in a horrible car accident. Since then he’s been living a solitary existence that appears dark and mundane. Loss and misery has George anticipating suicide. George manages to meets several interesting people along the way. In my opinion, each person represents a little drop of hope.  I don’t want to give too much away but one of them somehow manages to derail his plan of suicide. Even with that tidbit the audience will still receive an ending that is nothing-but-unpredictable.

Colin Firth is utterly convincing as George. You can feel the character’s grief all the way down to his voice. Not to mention his actions. George believes that this will be his last day on Earth. With that said, every experience he has is more detailed, more intense… more real! My expectations were high for Firth because I read that his performance in the film was nominated for an Academy Award. He did not disappoint!  Honorable mentions go to Julianne Moore & Matthew Goode. Moore was wonderful as self-pitying Charley. Goode had tremendous presence in all of George’s flashbacks with Jim.

George & Jim (top) .... George & Charley (bottom)

This film used several film techniques to convey emotion. The main character’s nostalgia is conveyed perfectly with lighting techniques. The score is impeccably placed as well.  Abel Korzeniowski was in charge of the score. “Stillness of the Night” and “Becoming George” are masterpieces. Both elicit such great sadness. His work earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best original score.

I would recommend this film to any of my friends. If I could only name one reason I’d say go for a well told drama. I was not disappointed by this film at all. Tom Ford crafted a wonderfully convincingly portrait of a man struggling with great heartbreak and loss. I love that Tom Ford did not directly focus on George’s sexuality. Being a homosexual was merely another layer to the main character. For anyone that reads this post and goes to watch A Single Man I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

9 out of 10

Film Review #5

                The 2012 romantic comedy Think Like A Man is a juggernaut. I haven’t laughed this much since watching 21 Jump Street and 50/50. Tim Story directs an all-star cast of actors- Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Terrence Jenkins, Taraji P. Henson, Romany Malco, Gabrielle Union, and Gary Owen. The laughs are as big as the ensemble cast! I promise, from start to finish you will be in stitches.

                Think Like A Man centers around 6 close friends. Each man represents an archetype: Dominic the dreamer (Ealy), Zeke the player (Malco), Michael the mama’s boy (Jenkins), Jeremy the non-committer (Ferrara), Bennett the happily married man (Owen), and Cedric the divorcee (Hart). The film offers a glimpse into all of their personal relationships. Dominic, Zeke, Michael, and Jeremy all encounter problems after their girlfriends read Steve Harvey’s new book Act Like Lady, Think Like A Man. The rules of dating change radically. The women strategically require their boyfriends to wholeheartedly commit to them. The game changes when the men find out that they are the casualties of Mr. Harvey’s book. And so the game of one-upmanship begins!

This cast is perfect

                In my opinion, Kevin Hart and Zeke earn the majority of the laughs. Their comedic delivery is spot on. Dominic’s performance is charming. You can see the sadness in the young dreamer’s eyes when his girlfriend dumps him for the successful C.E.O. she previously dated. Meagan Good gives a noteworthy performance too. All of my expectations were filled and then some. I was expecting to watch a film that was going to be ‘just okay’.  In the end, I couldn’t ask for more from any of the actors. I thought they did a tremendous job, especially when you realize that they all have to share the spotlight. After all the film puts major focus on 9 characters! The music definitely enhanced the setting and themes of the film. The songs are very modern and perfectly placed. “Tonight” by John Legend and “Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars are standouts.

                The director chose to use a narrator (voiced by Kevin Heart). I thought this was a wise choice because of Mr. Hart’s exaggerated voice and strong comedic delivery. He told the story well and conveyed the thoughts of the men (as a collective) great. The close-up shot technique was used whenever our characters were heated or blue. The director’s establishing shots were breathtaking. The views of Los Angeles during night and midday were magnificent.

                My decisive factor for going to see this film has to be the humor. Your funny bone is going to get tickled during this movie….. A lot! But please don’t worry. While the actors are comical there are serious moments. It’s not complete nonsense. After all the focal point of the film is love and relationships.

8.5 out of 10

Film Review #4

                Wow! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed My Name Is Khan. Karan Johar directed this very moving tale. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol Devgn are the stars of the film. Khan shines brightest but all of the performances are absolutely superb. This movie encapsulates so much- a love story, lessons about Islam, features of Asperger’s syndrome, life in post 9/11 America, and the importance of humanity. This example of fine Indian cinema has a place in my personal ‘top 20’ of all time.

                My Name Is Khan details the life of Rizwan Khan, an Indian Muslim born with Asperger's syndrome. The beginning is modest- the audience watches Rizwan transition between childhood and adulthood in India. Some moments in his life are truly inspiring while others are heart-wrenching. After the death of his mother Rizwan’s successful but jealous younger brother (Zakir) invites him to live in San Francisco. Rizwan arrives frightened and unable to adjust. With the help of Zakir’s wife (Haseena) Rizwan does his best to assimilate. Life changes dramatically when Rizwan meets a Hindu single-mother named Mandira. The pair has instant chemistry and a romance ensues. They marry and life seems perfect…. Until the events of September 11^th occur. Stigmatization, discrimination, and violence rock them. In order to make amends with his wife Rizwan sets out on a journey to meet the president of the United States. What is his message? My name is Khan and I’m not a terrorist.

                Without a doubt Shah Rukh Khan is the heart and soul of this movie. He has tremendous presence throughout the film and his portrayal of a man living with Asperger’s syndrome is incredible. Hugh Dancy had a similar role in the film Adam. Dancy helped his audience understand what Asperger’s is. Khan’s performance goes beyond defining the autism syndrome. Khan’s performance allows you to empathize without feeling sorrow or pity. Kajol Devgn plays Mandira effortlessly. The supporting cast is astonishing. Jimmy Shergill, Sonya Jeha, and Zarina Wahab deserve high praise for their roles. The whole cast gave performances that were beyond my expectations.

                After learning about shot composition last week I did notice a lot of close-up shots during the more intense moments of the film. This technique helped the director convey so much emotion. This film is definitely a tear-jerker. The director also chose to have Khan narrate throughout the film. The music definitely enhanced the setting and themes of the film. If anything, the music is too dominant in certain scenes. 6 original songs were penned (all in Hindi). From reading translations they have either a spiritual or romantic nature. I thought the entire score was perfectly placed. The song "Tere Naina" is a great example:

                If I could only offer you one reason to go see My Name Is Khan I would say please go because you’re going to watch a beautiful story unfold. At its core the film is a love story. However, this movie has the capacity to arouse multiple emotions- joy, sadness, anger and so many more. The message of this film is so inspiring. On top of that Shah Rukh Khan is convincingly mesmerizing.

9.5 out of 10