Write a report of between 1,000 and 1,500 words on the preparatory and follow up reading and viewing you have undertaken for the module. The report should include brief critical discussion of at least three articles or books and at least three films

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James Savage        

HADAF 3

Report on Reading and Viewing

Write a report of between 1,000 and 1,500 words on the preparatory and follow up reading and viewing you have undertaken for the module. The report should include brief critical discussion of at least three articles or books and at least three films.

The epic is one of the oldest genres in film. Since the beginning of the 20th century studios and film-makers have taken 'epic' (often historical and biblical) subject matter and spent huge amounts of money, along with the use of famous actors and actresses, to create breathtaking and spectacular movies. Directors such as D.W. Griffith (The Birth of a Nation, 1915, Intolerance, 1916) and Cecil B. DeMille (The Ten Commandments, 1923/1956, The Sign of the Cross, 1932) helped to cement the genre as one of the most popular and important styles of film. There was a 'boom' in the production of the epic between 1958 and 1965, which included the Oscar winning classics Ben-Hur (Wyler, 1959) and Spartacus (Kubrick, 1960). The literature that has been selected for this report contains two pieces written during the 'boom' period of the epic, an article from a few years later and then a contemporary article at a time when the epic was just about to embark on its next adventure (and possible 'boom') with the film Titanic (Cameron, 1997).

In an article from Films and Filming titled Epic, (December, 1963) Raymond Durgnat uses the dictionary definition of the word 'epic' as a starting point for his discussion, which defines it as 'a poem narrating continuously, achievements of one or more heroes' (1963, pg.9). This is an interesting definition when talking about the word 'epic' in relation to film-making. Most epic films would fit in with this dictionary definition but with films such as The Ten Commandments, El Cid (Mann, 1961) , Ben-Hur and Spartacus it is usually the activities and achievements of a certain individual that are the focus of the film. Durgnat states however, that it is necessary to look beyond the dictionary definition of the word in order to understand the complex meanings of the genre. In other words, we must look beyond 'a sense of heroism and a sense of history' (1963, pg.9), which are the two 'epic essentials' (ibid.) and read further into what these films are representing. Durgnat believes that countries often see their own history 'in that of other nations'. (ibid.) Spartacus is an example of this theory in practice as it an American film set in Ancient Rome with the main characters' (Kirk Douglas) struggle and eventual victory used to portray certain aspects of American history. The big budget epic also represents an aspect of America's present as huge, spectacular, expensive films are a tool for the country to underline its wealth and power.

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Another key characteristic of the epic that Durgnat points out is the notion of 'man measuring himself against the greatest forces in the universe.' (ibid.) This notion is prominent in many epics from the 'boom' period especially Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments. In Ben-Hur, the lead character (Charlton Heston) must overcome the powerful Messala (Stephen Boyd) in order to gain revenge for the arrest of his family and his own betrayal. Ben-Hur, a Jew, must challenge the power of Rome and Caesar in order to gain revenge over Messala. Rome is represented as the greatest force in the Universe and ...

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