Saving Private Ryan Movie Review

1) Provide a description of the film. Discuss the plot and characters and how they influenced the film. Was the plot line or character development more important? Why?
2) Think critically about how the film was shot, directed, use of lighting, etc. What do you think was effective in the making of the film? What took away or could have been done differently to enhance the film?
3) What is you overall opinion of the film? Would you recommend it? Why/why not?


1. This film was about a group of soldiers in WWII who are sent to go retrieve Private Ryan because the mother of Ryan has already lost her other sons in the war and she wants at least one son. The plot was more important to the film because the development of the plot was what the entire film was emphasized around.
2. The film was shot in several scenes that were destroyed or falling apart and it gave the movie an overall since of despair. Most of the movie is dark except for one scene where they go to bury a lost soldier and the sun is setting in the background. The film didn't necessarily have as many visually unattractive scenes, but it added to the sadness of the film.
3. The movie was very well made and it clearly created the feeling of sadness. The way the movie ended with one of the main characters dying also contributed to a mixed emotion at the end of both joy for private Ryan and sadness for Captain John H. Miller. I recommend this film if you are looking for a movie that gives a realistic take on World War II or just a good war movie in general.

Silent Film Questions

1) Describe one of Chaplin's films.
2) What do you notice about the style or directing of the film?
3) How do you think these traits relate to the silent film era?
4) What similar characteristics are you seeing in the silent films we have seen so far (Lumiere Brothers, Melies, Chaplin, Keaton)?


1. In the film called "Making a Living", it shows "The Tramp" trying to get money in numerous ways such as begging and getting into the newspaper. He continues to run into this man who he does not get along with and is constantly fighting with him.
2. The film has some funny elements in it and the character is a very likable person. The camera is always still because they had to crank it in order for it to actually record and film. There is also light-hearted music for the sound.
3. I think that these traits give a film the feeling of a silent film and should be used in my silent film.
4. They all have music in the background and they are all in black and white. They are all sped up and are made to seem that the people are moving fast and choppy.

Meiles Film Questions

1) What did you notice/learn about Melies' style?
2) Were there consistent elements in his films? What were they?
3) Did you enjoy his films? Which ones? Why?
4) What will you take away with you from watching these films?

1. Melies uses many magical concepts and uses many start and stop scenes.

2. He consistently used magic to make the films very impressive for the time.

3. The films were interesting, and for the time it was amazing that he was able to these effects with the limited technology he had at his disposal.

4. These films gave me the idea of using more magic effects or other kinds of tricks in my movie-making.