Editing in Science Fiction Film

Editing in Science Fiction Film Free Online Research Papers Before discussing editing in the genre, it is necessary to first identify it, in order to be able to compare atmospheres, themes, visual elements or characters†¦ and see how the editing could meet and match these characteristics. To start, it would be interesting to mention the difficulty of defining science-fiction, which (unlike the western, for example) is not a very well defined film genre. If we tried to clarify it in one sentence, it would be a novelistic genre using the themes of time-travel and extraterrestrial space in which the author imagines the evolution of humanity, in particular, the consequences of its scientific advances (Larousse dictionary). Science-fiction develops, upon many diverse subjects, different narrative patterns, going from speculative fiction to the marvellous; from space opera to heroic fantasy. To simplify things, we could talk about the mise-en-scene of unimaginable realities made tangible by the technical and scientific power of modern civilization. One of the major points of this study is that one of the purposes of the image in science fiction is to make us believe in what we see, e.g. recreate elements that are familiar to us in an environment or context that is not, or vice versa. Anyway, imagery of most films refers to humanity and to our behaviour towards those around us. Although they strive to extend the limits of human experience, they remain restricted by the understanding and identification of the public; and thus contain prosaic aspects, to say the least, rather than being completely supernatural or abstract. We will try to put all this information together with the editing in science- fiction film; through several examples of movies that have marked this genre, especially three of them: Metropolis (Fritz Lang, 1926), 2001: A Space Odyssey (Stanley Kubrick, 1968), and Star Wars, Episode III (George Lucas, 2005). RESEARCH AND COMPARISONS Thus, a major feature of the genre is to operate an absolute change of scene, a total eradication; that projects us far from our familiar space and time landmarks, by the miraculous effect of scientific and technical power. When modern cinema tends to avoid traditional establishing shot which is said to uselessly extend a scene; science fiction must restore it. Indeed, it is necessary to present to the public the unknown, unfamiliar environment in which the action is set. Technologically, the use of collage effects (chroma key, matte keying, etc.†¦) surely exists in science fiction but would more suit to a study of special effects, not editing. However, what would be interesting to discuss here is the use of internal editing. Indeed, one may talk about visual collage from the moment one knows that the shot was recomposed after shooting. Two cases apply: either the collage â€Å"hides itself†, â€Å"the shot is presented as a hybrid to be dissolved† (incrustations, trick pictures, compositing); or it shows up: The shot gives itself as a hybrid to leave as it is  ¹. The codes of SF and fantasy genre require using the first case, where we are supposed to melt the characters in their set, when we know they’re not a result of single shot. In the Star Wars trilogies, we suppose the actors didn’t actually stand in front of a galactic empire in which wander vessels and flying saucers. This use of effects is due to the desperate attempts of SF to permanently escape the narrow limits of body and the laws of brass of reality. Those achievements in space can also apply to time. That is why the crosscutting, flash-backs or flash-forwards can also be recurring elements of the genre. We can mention Anakin’s visions in Star Wars; or George’s flash-backs in The Time Machine (Georges Pal, 1960). The SF is also the encounter between the unrealistic core of the marvellous and the realistic form of science. One of the major aims is to make us believe, and here the only use of effects is not enough. Despite this ocean of improbable images, it is important that the characters and their environment, even though sometimes seeming nowhere near our familiar universe  ², appear close to us at the same time, close to our fears and desires. That is why the traditional editing techniques are not forsaken, but are still used at the proper time. An intimate dialogue between two characters, despite a fabulous decor, can still be done in a traditional over the shoulder technique. Nevertheless, and still more specific to the genre, the over the shoulder can be done with human and machines (Dave Bowman and computer HAL in 2001: A Space Odyssey), robots (C3PO and R2D2 in Star Wars, Rotwang in Metropolis), or even monsters (Frankenstein, James Whale, 1931) that may, on screen, be treated as humans. Indeed, let us base upon the example of the Star Wars saga. Its success is, among other things, due to the detailed, contradictory and fanciful exploration offered by the trilogies of the distinction between human and non-human. Thus, the hero Luke embodies, over the episodes, different states of relationship with the machines†  ²: fully human at the beginning of the saga, he slowly becomes master of the machines before he mechanizes as well. This fact contrasts with the two faithful robots of the saga, more human than humans†¦ Translating this to editing, we’d say they simply gain their rights to close-ups. On the contrary, editing can emphasize dehumanization or lack of feelings among ‘robotized’ heroes through a very small variation of camera angles, and absence of close up shots. One can think of Floyd’s dialogue with his daughter he hasn’t seen for a long time, in the beginning of 2001: A Space Odyssey: shots only alternates between the character (whose value is reduced to a mid-close shot) and the image of his daughter on the screen, whom you see a lot more even though the father is the one monopolizing the conversation. Plus, we see him in the boundaries of a regular 16/9 shot; reminding us he is part of a film: he is fiction; conversely, his daughter is inscribed in more â€Å"vertical† borders, which resemble more our real view angles. All this makes us feel he has already lost all humanity. Moreover, we can think of the opening scene of Metropolis where workers are shown only in two different shots, and always large, so as not to clearly see and identify any face. This contrasts with the large number of various shots that will be used to describe people on earth, in a much faster editing that establishes dynamism and vitality. On the other hand, science fiction films can often be spread over large time periods. Such is the case with Bicentennial Man (Chris Columbus, 1999), and of course, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Big time ellipses are therefore required, which often leads them to make transitions more elaborated than simple cuts. We can cite the famous match cut comparing bone / starship at the start of 2001: Space Odyssey: the juxtaposition of two shots, the second breaking the narrative logic installed by the first. This implies the figurative sense of the connection, creating a relationship between the two objects: two tools, respectively primitive and advanced, but still weapons. A similar match cut is at the end of AI : Artificial Intelligence (Steven Spielberg, 2001), when David brush his mother’s hair, or at the beginning of Aliens (James Cameron, 1986), where a pod of glass becomes a planet. This transition effect can darken the editing, making it invisible as says Spielberg; for in the end, the desired effect is to merge two images, to link them. This effect is quite present in science fiction as it provides a dimension that doesn’t come from a realistic aspect, but more a fantasy or unknown one. In the same thematic of transitions, it is appropriate to cite the rare use of wipes that we practically only find in George Lucas’ work (Star Wars) or Kurosawa’s Dreams, which also confers an epic tone to the film. It is also worth mentioning the fades that often replaces cuts in Elephant Man (David Lynch, 1982), which are used to restore the atmosphere of old classic films that unfolds throughout the entire movie (in black and white). Regarding the rhythms of editing, they are highly variable and differ depending on movies and sequences within movies. For example, the rate in Star Wars or Metropolis remains fitted to the register and tone of the scene (fast in action scenes, saber combats, etc.†¦ and slowest in the lyrical scenes, for example). This technique brings the dynamism and speed to the action that it is necessary to find in the SF works where the action itself is an important aspect of the film. Lucas actually believes that we need to know â€Å"how to measure out the scenes, interrupt them for a maximum emotional impact†. Contrastingly, in 2001, or Solaris (Andrei Tarkovsky, 1972), the pace is slow throughout the film, the scenes take place as in real time, and the music often plays the role of bridge between a scene and another. Here, anxiety and tension rise more slowly and naturally. Furthermore, we should mention the very jerky editing corresponding to the movement of workers at the beginning of Metropolis, where the cuts are synchronized with the continuous and mechanical movement of workers- mechanized humans too. Finally, the genre has certainly evolved over the years, not only through the development of cinematographic techniques. Admittedly, â€Å"the use of pyrotechnic special effects and computer graphics transforms the diegetic universe of science fiction into games spaces where the succession of sequences often obeys a parataxic logic. [†¦] It is therefore not the use of a new semantic equipment, such as biotechnology, which has largely modified the format of the genre, but syntactic changes: the linearity of a narrative where episodes follow one another (Metropolis) was abandoned in favour of a juxtaposition principle, which is manifested by both coexistence of creatures or objects of all kinds in the field and by the succession of action scenes (Star Wars)  ³. In conclusion, it is necessary to recall that the features mentioned are not exclusive characteristics of science-fiction film, but rather gender-recurring items which often contribute to retransmit the themes and issues that are dealt with. In addition, each film has its own style, each director has his own idea of fantastic†¦ otherwise, the film wouldn’t have much interest. References:  ¹ â€Å"L’analyse de sequences† by Laurent Jullier, Armand Colin  ² â€Å"Panorama des genres de films† by Claude Brillard, 1995  ³ â€Å"Les genres de films au cinà ©ma† by Raphaà «lle Moine, Armand Colin. Research Papers on Editing in Science Fiction FilmWhere Wild and West MeetRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andHonest Iagos Truth through DeceptionHip-Hop is ArtAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementGenetic EngineeringPETSTEL analysis of IndiaThree Concepts of PsychodynamicBringing Democracy to AfricaEffects of Television Violence on Children

Nahil computers company internship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Nahil computers company internship - Essay Example Currently, the company focuses on the sale and support of its diverse range of products in the Saudi Arabia kingdom. It has established a network of branches throughout the Saudi Arabia kingdom. An outstanding factor about the Nahil Computer Company is the fact that the company has been a leader in the market indulging in the distribution, reselling, as well as system integration of both computers and other computer related products. The Nahil Computer Company’s focus is to promote customer satisfaction of a remarkably high level. The company ensures the quality of products and service reliability, as well as the establishment of reputable brands. Recently, the company has indulged in downsizing its operations by adjusting its structure. The structural adjustments and the downsizing of the structure have served to propel the company to higher success. When the company started, it had less than ten employees and a single office located in Riyadh. However, the company has exhibited growth over the years and has numerous branches across Saudi Arabia. The company’s vision is to become the most preferred and trusted supplier that provides personalized, modular and turnkey IT solutions. In addition, the company seeks to ensure that it provides the best available services to all the customers (SÃ £vulescu 76). The company’s mission is to ensure that it achieves a 100% customer satisfaction through the launching of high-quality products and providing customers with remarkable support. Therefore, the company has technicians with outstanding skills who ensure that clients make the right decisions and provide them with cost-effective solutions. Since the company focuses on creating a positive customer relationships, it seeks to improve its quality in order to provide customers with their products. One of the outstanding core values of the company is the organization that seeks to ensure that customer choices and opinions have the priority (Mohammed 1). The

Correctional Theory in General & Nontraditional Onces Research Paper

Correctional Theory in General & Nontraditional Onces - Research Paper Example Nontraditional strategies like Electronic Home Monitoring and Day reporting have garnered prevalence in the judicial system. They are aimed at reducing the judicial expenditure and enhancing rehabilitation into the community. Analysis of recidivism and educational and vocational results illustrates the effectiveness of these strategies compared to traditional correction strategies. Introduction Criminal offenders are members of the societal system who needs protection and care from the very society that they threaten. For this reason, correction facilities such prisons and juvenile correction centers have been established to help in changing the offenders from their criminal ways into responsible and productive members of the society. Correction of offenders is essential to ensure that they refrain from their criminal endeavors and also to enhance a safer community where no one is threatened by their presence. Sociologists and criminology scholars have advanced various theories, both traditional and non-traditional to explain the evolution and importance of correction systems. Each of these theories has been advanced to support various goals and objectives of the correction process. The goals include advancing the principle of cost effectiveness and reducing rates of recidivism. Prevalent Competing Theories of Correction Rehabilitative strategy is one of the prevalent theories of correction. Rehabilitation is aimed at making the community a better place to live by changing the mindset of the offender and eliminating the factors that make an offender engage in crime. It is also aimed at reintegrating the offenders back into the community rather than eliminating them and excluding them due to their acts. Rehabilitative strategy is all round as it not only changes the individual, but also changes the society from which the individual lives. It is a strategy aimed at completely eradicating the proponents of criminal behavior (Cullen and Gendreau, 2000). Boot camp ( Shock incarceration) strategy as the name suggests is a correction strategy that resembles martial indispensable training. This correction program entails manual labor, emphasizes on forceful physical bustle, and any activity that was aimed at reducng free time that the inmates might have. This strategy also implies strict rules as pertains to the appearance and the conduct of the inmates. Intense verbal techniques are also utilized by the correctional officers, aimed at constructive changes by shuttering the in mates resistance (Parent, 2003). Difference in the Goals of these Correction Strategies Goals of rehabilitative strategy Firstly, it attributed breaking of the law to social and psychological factors that led the individual to breaking the law and these factors needed to be dealt with in a personalized approach. Secondly, it aimed at changing the factors that led each offender to committing crime. In addition, the rehabilitative program was aimed at individualizing the corre ction of each offender on a case after case basis. Consequently, this correctional approach aimed at incorporating discretion in the imposition of sanctions to offenders (Cullen and Gendreau, 2000). Goals of boot camps (shock incarceration) strategy Boot camps as strategies of correction had three main goals. To begin with, they were aimed at reducing operational cost. Consequently, they were aimed at reducing prison populations. They were also aimed at reducing recidivism (Parent,

The Inerconnection Between Reading and Writing Essay Example for Free

The Inerconnection Between Reading and Writing Essay Did reading or writing come first? This question is not as important as the well proven fact that without one the other cannot survive. Reading and writing are important to each other and mutually beneficial. There is an intimate relationship between reading and writing well (Pearson learning solutions). If there is a deficiency in reading there will also be a deficiency in writing. There is an obvious connection between what we read and what we write. I will be going over what makes the relationship between them so crucial to first time students and later in school and life. Reading and writing were and still are sometimes taught separately. Research and tests have shown that these two subjects are more interconnected than was thought at first. For example research has shown that reading instruction is much more effective when intertwined with writing instruction (www. k12reader. com 2012). While we are in school most of what we know comes from what we read. Since writing is the act of transmitting knowledge to print we must have knowledge to share before we can write it (www.k12reader. com 2012). Most of what children read is then put to use when writing their own stories. Younger children who are attempting to develop awareness that words are developed from sounds of letters need practice writing to improve their reading skills. Most writing students only see writing about what they read as pointless homework. The truth is reading and writing are symbiotic that is they mutually reinforce and enhance each other (Loney, M Nov, dec. 1996 Kotz and Roskelley 1991. 189). Teachers have been taught exercises such as autobiographical writing, reading response journals and class discussion. Autobiographical writing is done before the reading. It helps the student identify with the characters in the story. This is done by assigning them a task to write about a time or event that happened in their life that corresponds with the main idea of the story. Reading response journals are done while reading the assigned novel or story. The students are asked to write a response about certain chapters. They answer questions asked by the teacher about the story. The teacher then positively responds to the answers written by the students. Class discussion also helps the student empathize with the characters in the book and understand the plot better. In other countries students are required to take English classes to develop their English. They are also required to take an English writing course with it to round out their reading and writing skills. These classes in turn improve their English speaking. The classes are usually taught separately, but research has shown that they should go hand in hand to improve comprehension and reading skills. Decades of research into the relationship between reading and writing have proved that the best way to improve any students reading comprehension is to get them to write meaningfully and purposefully about a text. Since many studies show that the only way to improve reading is to study writing and vice versa proves the interconnection between the two. Teachers and students have realized this and have taken steps to alter teaching and study practices.

A Notion of Zero in the Philosophy of Aristotle :: Philosophical Math Essays

A Notion of Zero in the Philosophy of Aristotle ABSTRACT: This article shows that Aristotle created the first notion of a zero in the history of human thought. Since this notion stood in evident contradiction to the basic principles of his metaphysics and logic, he rejected it. The origin and development of mathematical symbols was closely connected with the development of mathematics itself and development of philosophy. It resulted from the fact that philosophy provided the motivation for investigations and creation of adequate and good mathematical symbols. Moreover, being one of the cultural factors, (1) it played a significant role in the process of accepting or rejecting certain notions. This article aims at producing evidence that particular ideas of Hellenic philosophy made it impossible for Hellenic thinkers to accept notion of a zero. The following considerations will be preceded by brief information on the ancient notations. The ancient numeric systems aimed at ascribing to a singular whole number or written symbol (up to a point determined by practical needs). This symbol was a combination of a limited number of signs, produced on the basis of more or less regular laws. (2) Three ancient groups of people: the Babylonians, the Chinese and the Mayas discovered a position principle, that is one of the prerequisites leading to discovering a zero and considering it a number. (3) The first appeared in the Babylonian numeration in the 3rd century BC as a result of overcoming ambiguity in the notation of numbers. The sign for a zero that is the so-called diagonally drafted double nail ( ) indicated, first of all, a lack of units of some "sixty" order. It was also treated as kind of an arithmetic operator, since adding it at the end meant multiplication by "sixty". But neither the Babilonian mathematicians nor astronomers treated zero as a number. A diagonally drafted double nail was conceived of as an empty pla ce, that is a lack of unites of a respective order. Hellenes people used two systems of denoting numbers. The Athenian system was mathematically equal to the Roman system, whereas the Ionic system, just like the Hebrew system, was a system of an alphabetic type. In both systems, just like in the Egyptian hieroglyphic system or the Hebrew numeration, numbers had their established values regardless of the place they were put in. (4) None of the Hellenic system was based on a position principle, none of them used a symbol of zero, either.

Developmental Psychology Essay

Cognitive development involves developing concepts of thought, problem solving and memory (Green. 2002). Jean Piaget (1896-1980) and Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) were both psychologists, which focused on cognitive development and the way in which children’s thought and reasoning developed as they matured. This assignment shall begin by describing and evaluating the theories put forward by Piaget and Vygotsky referring to research evidence and providing a conclusion. Piaget (1896-1980) was one of the most influential researchers in the area of developmental psychology during the 20th century and a as biologist was interested in the way in which organisms adapt to their environment this was described by Piaget as intelligence. He viewed behaviour or the adaptation to the environment as being controlled through mental organisations known as schemes that the individual uses in order to represent the world. Piaget suggested that adaptation is driven by a biological drive to obtain balance between schemes and the environment, which is known as equilibrium (Huitt. 2003). Within Piaget’s research and writing’s on cognitive development he suggested that children’s thoughts are not only less sophisticated than adults but they are also qualitatively different and this is due to less knowledge (Jarvis. 2000).   It was considered by Piaget that the interaction between the child and their environment was the main factor of influence on their cognitive development. Piaget’s view of children is that they are scientists and that they should be left to explore their surroundings giving them the opportunity to interpret the world in their own way. The active involvement in their own learning is described as a series of schemas and that these schemas would change and develop through each stage through the process of assimilation or accommodation (Green. 2002). Piaget’s theory is based on stages of development in which he believed that all children develop at the same age. There are four stages to his development theory, which are sensorimotor (0-2 years) and the view that infants are developing their first schemas (Meggitt. 2000). Object permanence is the main focus within this stage and the assumption by Piaget that children aged five or six months old could not understand that an object, which was covered, still exists.  An experiment showed that a child of five or six months showed no interest once the toy was covered whereas a ten month old would reach out for the toy and seem to become agitated. Piaget’s interpretation of this was that the child of ten months had reached object permanence and now has a schema for the object. In contrast to this Tom Bower and Jennifer Wishart (1972) argued that objects do still exist in baby’s minds although they have been covered. To support their theory an experiment was undertaken using an infrared camera. An object was offered to the baby and as they reached out to grab it the lights were switched off. The results showed that the baby was still attempting to reach for the toy although they were unable to see it and so an explanation for Piaget’s theory was that by covering the object the baby was distracted and not necessarily that they had forgotten about it. The second stage is pre-operational stage (2-7 years). Egocentric thinking predominates the child (Huitt. 2003) within this stage and they do not have the ability to understand things from another person’s viewpoint according to Piaget. In order for this to be confirmed he set up an experiment. Three mountains were set in front of the child and a doll was placed in different seats around the table. Photographs, which had been taken, were then shown to the child and they were asked to point to the picture that the doll would see. As Piaget’s findings showed that most four or five year olds pointed to photographs which represented their view of the mountains he concluded that they were egocentric. Most children aged seven that was asked to do the same task correctly identified the photograph strengthening Piaget’s theory. Although it was then argued by Martin Hughes (1975) that the task was much too complicated for the child and therefore devised his own experiment, which would contradict Piaget’s findings. His experiment involved a model with two intersecting walls, two policeman figures and a figure of a boy. After having a trial using one police figure and the boy to ensure the child understood the task Hughes began his experiment. It was found that most children could successfully take account of two different viewpoints. Therefore it could be said that Piaget’s experiment may have been too difficult for the child to understand rather than the child being egocentric.

The University Writing Center And The Academic Success Center

Summary The University Writing Center (UWC) and the Academic Success Center (ASC) are two of the university initiatives that help students enrich their academic experience. While UWC assists students in improving their written and oral communication skills through one to one consulting sessions, online resources, and workshops, ASC works to enhance students’ intellectual performance through academic coaching, supplemental instruction, drop-in tutoring sessions, and peer mentoring. Both of the organizations take a collaborative learning approach to encourage students to develop necessary study skills for academic success and increase student retention. ASC offers various student development programs; however, our focus for this proposal†¦show more content†¦After researching through the potential solutions, I will put forth a budget outlining the costs required to increase the reach of these programs to a larger student population. The objective of this proposal is to ensure t hat students are able to enhance their academic experience at Texas AM University by helping them boost their academic performance, and fulfill their educational needs. Introduction Muriel Hall (1995), Founder and Director of the Purdue is Writing Lab, argues that writing center are not only integral to student success, but are also important to maintain retention (27). Texas AM is one of the largest universities with high student population, and there are many students, especially freshmen’s and sophomores who struggle with their classes and seek for resources that help them with their academic struggles. UWC and ASC are two of the university initiatives that address the students’ need to help them with their classes and enhance their academic performance. Currently, UWC offers its services in two different locations: Evans and West Campus Library. UWC serves both graduate and undergraduate students with course assignments, writing their drafts and thesis dissertation through consultations and workshops. According to (one consultant), they serve an average of 63 students each day, and 1988 students have used their services only between September and October. The students desiring to have a writing consultation have to book an