Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism is based on the knowledge of individualism which was a trend in religion in the early 1800s. The transcendentalists believed that the other religions were taking away from the power of the individual. Transcendentalism is also under my definition of being self-reliant. Each person has the ability to be self-reliant and depend on themselves. This does not take away from the aspect of teamwork and effort but rather enhances the image of one person. The strengths of this particular religion are great speeches, empowering oneself, and motivational wisdom. The power one can express when speaking of transcendentalism is monumental for the confidence and will to be self-reliant. Much like Johnathan Edwards, the preachers of this time period were unlike any other. They got them fired up and actively ready to spread the religion. Associated with transcendentalism also are a few weaknesses. The ideas of transcendentalism were very strong and often scary. Some folks were scared of the transcendentalists during this time because they were loud, unpredictable, and boasting with confidence. Teamwork among transcendentalists was nonexistent which was resulted in many perplexed by their views of society.

My views on transcendentalism are mixed but clear. I am a fan of being self-reliant when I need to be but I am also very set on being able to work exceptionally well as a team in today’s society. I think that it is important to cover both because one will come across many circumstances where he/she will need both skills and mindsets. The transcendentalists would just give up and run away from teamwork and say that it is against their religion. For these views I am considered somewhere in between of being a Transcendentalist. I am not sure if the true transcendentalists would have liked me to be “both” religions. I believe that in today’s society we should all be well-rounded individuals and teams.

The Great Gatsby -- Luhrmann and Fitzgerald

One of the greatest reproductions of the famous Great Gatsby to date is directed by Baz Luhrmann. Many stylistic choices were incorporated into the making of this film that depicted several takes on Fitzgerald's mystery book. The use of stylistic elements, sound, and meanings added with the exceptional acting, help make this film the most successful remake yet.

Fitzgerald was wildly creative when writing The Great Gatsby. Colors, clothing, money, etc. Each symbolized something more than what was envisioned in the minds of the audience. Green symbolized the future and hope, Gatsby's silk clothes symbolized riches and a mislead path, money represented status and therefore tragedy. It was difficult to depict what Fitzgerald was conveying to the audience at times because he was at a much higher level of depth than any other writer at that time. Fitzgerald used several stylistic elements like foreshadowing, irony, symbolism, and use of metaphors. Luhrmann did a great job of keeping the Gatsby feel to the film by leaving much of the dialogue the same. This helped preserve the roaring twenties era and the stylistic views from the characters. 

The soundtrack displayed by Luhrmann was one of the best qualities of the film. I thought that the use of new songs added great effect to the film. The songs by Kanye West and Jay-Z were tweaked a little bit to fit the timeline of the movie which inspired tremendous innovation and surprise. These base pumping songs added excitement to scenes and was able to related the audience to the era more so. 

One of the main ideas in Luhrmann's version was the green dock light. It represented the life between Gatsby and Daisy and as long as the light was on and blinking, he knew in his head that he could repeat the past (according to Gatsby). The green light was a representation of color and emotion within Gatsby and Daisy. Luhrmann makes this connection easier to understand because he was able to provide a visual to the audience where Fitzgerald did it through words. Appearing several times, it is clear that Luhrmann believes this is one of the biggest symbols in the book. Though Luhrmann and Fitzgerald portrayed their ideas through different mediums, they effectively translated their views to the audience using stylistic elements, sound, and meaning.

Bowling for Columbine

Michael Moore, a well acclaimed director and producer, threw himself at the American public in search for a possible answer to why the United States has a higher violence with guns. Growing up in Flint, Michigan, Moore was slightly more attached to this documentary than perhaps other film producers. His emotional connection to this topic is from Flint, Michigan where a little girl was killed at an elementary school by a boy her ago who found a gun and used it as a weapon. Moore's emotional tie and perseverance is a great strategy to persuade the audience. Emotionally tying the tragic events to the use of gun control was displayed when Moore went to Charlton Heston's home to question him about his view on gun control in relation to recent shootings. Heston was passive and non committal in the questions asked and was protecting his right to bear arms at all times. Displaying this rhetorical strategy of pathos generates an argument of persuasion throughout the documentary.

Another strategy used by Michael Moore is the use of sarcasm. The film is quite funny and filled with laughable moments. Moore interviews real people to get their reactions and it connects with the audience at a perspective most relevant. Moore phrases his questions in a dramatic way so that when they interviewer answers truthfully, it seems unrealistic yet honest. He uses fallacies and stereotypes to ask questions referring to his aim at argument.

Moore was unsuccessful at arguing the right to bear arms in this documentary. He didn't convince people that it was wrong or that it needed to be changed. I do agree that he raised awareness to the 2nd amendment and got the audience thinking about the future. Going to a neighboring country, Canada, Moore was able to provide proof of our problem related to nearby governments. Raising this issue and being aware of this flaw in our American culture is much needed. I applaud Michael Moore in his success to do just that. His use of strategies relating to his expertise in filming allowed for the audience to engage in this documentary to turn around our nation's culture regarding gun control.