Urban Nightmares: Cinema of Suburban Paranoia Steve Macek

Representations of urban life in Hollywood films Nightmarish visions Dark, comic book like Excessive gloom Magical place of self-discovery

What is at stake ideologically in these images? Moral and psychological influence over audiences “Film is a social practice for its makers and its audience; in its narratives and meanings we can locate evidence of the ways in which our culture makes sense of itself.” (Turner) Pg. 203 “film sets the social agenda-moreso, in my view, than television. Attitudes are altered by film, particularly kids attitudes (Puttnam) pg 203 Do films “mirror” or “reflect” the realities of urban life in their cinematic representations?

What organizational structures does this writer use to articulate his premise? Framing Paragraph on Pg. 204

Unpack Macek’s examples Watch film trailer and observe how film structures contribute to representations. What is being portrayed about people (race, gender, class, role)? What is being portrayed about location and impact of location? How do film techniques contribute to such representations?

Analysis according to Macek Write statements that reveal your understanding of Macek’s points as demonstrated by the film you are studying. Include at least 3 direct quotes Outline writing strategies used to develop the analysis. Ie. How does the author use observation and attention to fine detail to develop credibility to his analysis?

City as Police Problem Colors film trailer

The View from the Hood? Boys in the Hood trailer

Contrast between suburb and inner city Judgment Night trailer Judgment Night trailer

Crisis of White Male Authority Falling Down trailer Falling Down trailer

Demonizing the Urban Public Realm Lean on Me Film Trailer Lean on Me Film Trailer

Under Seige: Threat to the Middle Class Family Ransom trailer Ransom trailer

Evil and Urbanity Seven trailer Seven trailer

Representations How do choices in film strategies contribute to representations of urban, suburban life?

How Does the Writer develop his analysis?