This is probably the strangest but coolest films we’ve watched so far in class! The message behind this film is not one that is easily hidden and gives the audience a punch that television has the potential power to easily consume those without them even knowing it. I really enjoyed how David Cronenberg used special effects to highlight the abstract thought of television’s physical effects on the human body in addition to the effects of the mental state of mind. I think if this film just showed hallucinations without incorporating the gory elements, it’s message wouldn’t be as powerful since television is becoming the new flesh of society. Another successful aspect of the creation of Videodrome is the how the director decided to keep the audience in the state of limbo, leaving them confused whether or not Max was experiencing hallucinations or reality.

I found an interview that sheds more light on George Clooney’s motivations and personal connections associated with the film, Good Night and Good Luck. A fun fact about George Clooney is that it took him months and months to gather news information and double source it just to make sure that the film was accurate as possible. Since Clooney’s father was an anchorman, it allowed him to gain experience in the newsroom such as learning how operate a tele-prompter. Edward Murrow was such an inspiration to Clooney’s father that he would often say that Edward Murrow was always the high point for broadcast journalists and set a standard that no one could ever reach again.

http://www.movieweb.com/george-clooney-talks-about-edward-r-murrow-in-good-night-and-good-luck

I found a cool website that had a some fun facts about Woody Allen’s personal influences on Radio Days. For example, Woody Allen’s father was also a cab driver who never told his children what he did which can be seen in the movie where Joe’s dad also keeps his job title from him. Anyways, I really enjoyed this film because of the light-hearted tone it had throughout most of the film, making me believe I was really seeing a real typical 40’s family. In addition, the music in the film also helped deliver a strong nostalgic feeling which in contrast, helped delivered a greater punch to the more serious scenes such as the girl falling into the well. I also enjoyed the scene towards the end, when Diane Keaton was singing, “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To” where the rich were longing for a normal life that they could spend time with someone who really cared for them while Joe’s family was constantly in awe and wonderment of the rich and famous.

http://www.everywoodyallenmovie.com/post/radio-days/

After reading about Sam Fuller’s history working as a newspaper boy, I was able to see more of his personal touches throughout his favorite movie, Park Row. For example, Phineas Mitchell’s character cause revealed a taste of some of the morals and values Sam Fuller held dear to, not to mention his persona. Just like plot in Park Row such as Phineas Mitchell wanting to promote honest news to the public, perhaps Sam Fuller wanted to make a statement about being able to create his own movie without having to abide to the film industry? Before Park Row, Sam fuller was financially successful from directing scripts for free and receiving praise as well as offers from big studios. Unfortunately Park Row left Fuller hurting for money since it was a box office hit and due to the fact that he self funded the film. I also found it interesting how two of his later films, the Shock Corridor and The Naked Kiss were so different from his other films that mainly consisted of war and more political subjects but instead featured an insane asylum and a prostitute. Not to mention directors Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese were also influenced by his intense and “in your face” style.
My questions are: What do you think made Park Row such a box office flop? Do you think adding more romance into the film would of helped engaged women and children to see the movie? Was the topic of yellow journalism too aggressive and controversial at the time that lead to poor revenue in the film?