paper - 3 literary criticism and theory
TRANSCRIPT
Name : Vora Kiran Shamaldas.Class: M.A SEM:1
Roll No. – 20Paper no. 3 Literary Criticism
and Theory Unit – 1
Topic – Aristotle’s Theory in Movies
Email id- [email protected]
Submitted to - Smt. S. B. Gardi department of English M. K.
Bhavnagar university
ARISTOTLE’S THEORY IN MOVIES
Six parts of Drama – introduction with example of
Hollywood movies.
Presentation on ~
Introduction Philosophy and Film – two subjects that do not go
together in anyone’s mind. Philosophy is a serious and confidential field of
study that is deep and really hard to follow While, movies are popular for entertainments
that we enjoyed to watch as well as a kind of escape from the reality and problems of life.
The world has developed so mush in the field of films. Since 20s and 30s French, Italian, German, British, Indian and American films have been the main stays of international culture, artistic expression as well as entertainment
ARISTOTLE’S SIX ELEMENTS OF DRAMA
The Spectacles (opsis) ►
Melody/songs (melos) ►
Diction (lexis) ►
Character (ethos) ►
Thought (dianoia) ►
The plot (fable) ►
These elements remain essential to modern films
THE SPECTACLES (OPSIS) It is the overall visual effects, impact or
appearance of the characters(actors) or stage. Feeling of participating in large / grand events. Lord of the rings, Narnia, Ben Hur, Harry potter,
the Avengers, Spartacus etc. movies are examples of this element.
Spartacus movie is an excellent example of film in all six elements are of high value.
◄
MELODY / SONGS (MELOS) Melody can be unnoticed in most of the films or
to the central to the impact of the film, example the title theme of Star Wars.
In Hollywood movies there is music to make an impact in background some also has songs too, while in Bollywood movies songs are necessary in movie, if there is no song then there’s no movie.
To make a great play or movie sound effects are very important, we often see in every movie.
◄
DICTION (LEXIS) Diction means some specific words writer chooses to
use/signify things. Author usually uses some words to convey ideas to readers.
Aristotle in his Nichomachean Ethics, calls for finding “mean” or “middle” between extremes of character. But in Poetics Aristotle suggests that extreme can be avoided.
“May the force be with you.” (Star Wars) "The force" is a magical power that gives people strength. This phrase is kind of a way of saying "good luck".
“My mama always said, life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you gonna get.” (Forrest Gump)
here everything that happens in life has different lessons to teach us and new experiences, the speaker's talking about life giving example of a certain type of chocolates that come in a box with different varieties to try.
◄
CHARACTER (ETHOS) According to Aristotle character is actually second
most important element. “……character is what makes us ascribe certain moral qualities to the agents” (poetics) Character interplays with other elements, especially in film or drama it introduces morality.For example 1976’s Sylvester
Stallone’s Rocky movie. Rocky is a man who has lost his self-respect. But when Apollo Creed selects him
as a opponent fate gives him a chance to regain self-respect by
working hard and taking this impossible task. It is only through actions that Rocky can rebuild his
character. He cannot simply wish to have fame or self-respect
As well as Never Break Down (2008)’s Jake and The Karate Kid (2010)’s Dre are also demonstrates Aristotelian character building through actions.
◄
THOUGHT (DIANOIA) Thought isn’t about what character says, but
what a character says regarding important intellectual themes as Aristotle says “all they say when proving or disproving some particular point or enunciating some universal prepositions”.
Thought seems to mark out the intellectual qualities of an agent. And what the audience learn the moral of the play.
Nowadays there mostly movies are made to show the people reality and moral of the world.
◄Examples, Pk, Pink, F.A.L.T.U., 3 idiots, Bruce Almighty, The peaceful warrior, The Family man etc.
THE PLOT (FABLE) “Character gives us qualities but it is in our
actions what we do……..that we are happy or reverse.” (poetics)
According to Aristotle Plot or “the form of action” is the most important element. Because in Aristotle view purpose of life is a certain kind of activity.
The searchers movie for example, the plot is man chooses revenge against Indians. Horrible events befalls man but finally chooses redemption and forgiveness.
Following Aristotle, there are only few basic plots, if we state the plot of this movie we get more specific understanding of plot.
A basic plot introduces themes, in this plot horrible event of befall of a man introduces the theme of possibility of forgiveness. It doesn’t introduce forgiveness as a narrative thing until the character makes a moral choice. It has remain as true today as Aristotle’s time.
Anakin Skywalker Played by Hayden Christensen, Anakin Skywalker is one of the most well know villains of the past 40 years, but in this renowned "Star Wars saga” we are taken on a journey of heroes rise and fall. A Jedi master destined for greatness, Skywalker cannot accept a tragic fate is already sealed. Sacrificing everything he has learned that he will lose, Skywalker must in the end become the epitome of the downfall he did everything to avoid, making "Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith" a remarkable display of modern tragedy in the movies.
Thank youSource- http://www.mindtools.net/MindFilms/aristot.shtml