Movie Soundtrack

Action/Romance Film 

Intro
Main character shown
Villain shown
Chase scene
Fight scene
Sneaking scene
Characters meet
Departure of a character 
Death of a character 
Romance scene
Car ride scene
Fun scene
Final confrontation scene
Defeat of the enemy
Triumphant ending
Credits

Character Analysis - The Bourne Identity

Protagonist
The protagonist in Bourne is introduced in a  way that immediately makes him an extremely interesting character; he doesn't know who he is or anything that has happened to him prior to the beginning of the movie. This type of character introduction is effective, as it gets the audience invested right off the start. There are so many questions about this intriguing character, and thus the audience is able to gather information about the protagonist at the same time as the protagonist himself. It is a search for identity, which is a common theme associated with main characters because it allows for character development and change throughout the course of the movie. This brings us to one of the big "problems" of the movie; the protagonist does not know anything about himself and needs to find out in order to get his life together and overcome the people who are inexplicably tracking him.
It is discovered he goes by the name Jason Bourne, and in my opinion he turns out to be a very likeable character. He is smart, tough, and resourceful, but at the same time he seems endearingly sensitive and confused. He is very determined and acts mainly on his instincts. This is a protagonist that people can admire, be awed by, and cheer for. Although he is almost supernaturally powerful, his search for identity and his desire to make good choices to right his wrongs and protect the one he loves is relatable. Many people feel as though they don't know exactly who they are, and along their journey to find themselves they may find that they in fact don't like who they are, and they must then strive to change it. This is essentially what Bourne's journey is about.
Bourne is a special character because he is a quiet, nice guy that is also an extremely skilled and powerful fighter. These two somewhat contradicting sides of him make him more interested and well-rounded, in a sense. His impressive skills make for cool and exciting fight and chase scenes,  and in my opinion it is this, combined with the protectiveness he shows towards Marie, that wins over the audience and make him a good hero. He makes sacrifices in order to help others, i.e. telling Marie to go far away from him so that she will be safe, even though it hurts him to do that.
Bourne goes from having no information/identity to having a lot of information and multiple identities, and this leads to the change that he must make. He learns that before he lost his memory he had been a part of some terrible things, and he has to find out who he is in order to decide who he wants to be.

Antagonist
The antagonist in Bourne is essentially an entire organization; it is the CIA or something of the sort of the American government. This organization plays a crucial part in developing the plot, especially at the beginning of the movie. During Bourne's quest to find out information about himself, it often cuts back to the leader of the group to comment on his character, what is happening, and to drive what is going to happen next. This gives the audience some information as well as some questions, and it adds to the suspense through dramatic irony. In my opinion, this is an excellent antagonist for the movie; Bourne is so powerful that a single villain would not have cut it - at least not in a way that is interesting and somewhat believable. This group is clever, powerful, and harsh. They are scary because they have seemingly infinite knowledge and resources. They have people and cameras everywhere, and it seems as though the everyone is against the protagonist and he doesn't have a chance of beating this group which is shown to be so superior to him. This heightens the tension and presents near impossible odds, which only makes the audience cheer for the hero more.
Because Bourne was one of the CIA's hired assassins, it is as though many of the people in the organizations are versions of him. He must overcome the evil of the CIA and when he does, it is as though he is overcoming the evil in himself. That part of him is no longer there and he can move on with his life. The antagonist is vital here because it allows that parallel to be drawn and that change to happen.

Secondary Character
The most important secondary character is Marie. When she is introduced in the US Embassy, it is clear that she has some problems, which allows the protagonist to relate to her and feel for her. The problems that she is having there also set up for what happens next without it being too convenient; Bourne needs a ride, and she is there with her car for a reason that is explained and makes sense. Marie therefore helps drive the action because she assists Bourne in escaping, which allows for a lull of sorts before introducing a new confrontation later on.
It is through Marie that we learn more about Bourne himself, because he finally has someone to share things with. As she learns about him, the audience learns about him, and he becomes less internally focused. Because they begin to share things with each other, they become attached to one another. This heightens the stakes because it gives our protagonist something to fight and life for, as well as a reason to overcome his issues with the CIA and his issues with himself. She essentially gives him a reason to become the good person he wants to be.

Marie also provides a romantic aspect to the film that, in my opinion, makes it more appealing and adds another dimension that keeps the audience interested. Without her, the movie would just be a lot of action. Bourne's love for her shows a different side of himself and in turn makes him more appealing as a character.
She is an interesting character because she is not the average super hot female love interest, but she is brave and charismatic and chooses to be with Bourne rather than to be safe.
The secondary characters of Eamon and his children allow the stakes to be raised even more, and give Bourne a way to be sacrificial and let go of Marie.
The secondary character of the sniper following Bourne shows him what he was/could be, and enables him to choose against it.

Story Structure 
This movie is an excellent example of the screenplay paradigm structure. There is a set up, confrontation, and resolution, with two essential plot points in between.  In Bourne, the set up begins with the inciting incident that is Bourne being discovered in the ocean and dragged onto the boat. After that incident, it is established that he doesn't know who he is and needs to find out and reclaim his memory. Bourne going to the bank and finding all the passports and money in his vault is an essential point in the set up because it gives the audience a lot of questions and starts to establish the story. The first main plot point then happens in the US Embassy. Bourne pulls out a gun which results in an epic chase scene, and this is a crucial point in the plot because it is the point of no return - once it becomes clear who he is there is no going back, and he is on the run. The confrontation of the story occurs through all of Bourne and Maria's running away from and fighting the men who are chasing Bourne. It is basically minor confrontation after minor confrontation until the second main plot point is reached. This is when Bourne tells Maria to leave with Eamon in order to keep her safe, and he goes off by himself to try and get to the leader of the people who are trying to attack him. This is another turning point because, with Marie gone, he has nothing to lose and nothing to hinder him. Finally, the resolution of the film occurs through Bourne's confrontation with the leader of the CIA and his defeat, and the action descends to the point of Bourne being safe and finding Maria so that they can be together.

Originality
I feel that this movie is relatively original, and I enjoyed it well enough for an action movie. The character of Bourne is very interesting, and the way that the story starts gets you invested in the plot right away because of the numerous questions you have about him. Although the action of the movie is not very unique and in my opinion becomes a bit tedious, it is made more interesting because of the way the story switches back and forth between Bourne's journey and the CIA. More is revealed, little by little, until the audience can understand how the two stories go together, and I think this was a very effective way to tell the story. In addition, the audience gets that information mainly through action and events, not just boring dialogue. This made the movie much more enjoyable, especially because a love story was incorporated to allow for high stakes. Overall, I think most parts of this film worked quite well and allowed for an intriguing viewing experience.  

Movie Set-Up Assignment

-> First 15 minutes of: Redemption 

Things that are set up in this time frame:

• setting defined by text and helicopter shot
• setting is desolate, isolated, dirty 
• soundtrack & muffled voices on radio transmitters initiate tension
• situation established: war
• quick, chaotic shots mimic disarray of situation
• suddenly it cuts to new setting; the city of London - there is a lot of contrast here - instead of the barren, dusty desert in the sun there is a populated, bright city at night
• even though the setting changes the war soundtrack continues; might already be establishing something about the character even though they haven't been introducted - character is no longer in the war, but it sticks with them?
• time is defined by text as well 
• first characters introduced are obviously poor, gritty, mean; you can't tell right away who the main character(s) is/are
• you know the movie is going to be action-packed (there is already a fight and chase in the first 5 minutes) 
• when character breaks into someone's home, there is no soundtrack except the guy's breathing; thinking something is going to happen and waiting for it, but it doesn't
• long shot of the character looking at himself in the mirror - identity struggle? then he puts on the clothes he finds in the house and cuts his hair - establishing a new identity
• begins to have flashbacks that are the same as the first shots in the war - finally you know this is the main character & what the significance of the beginning was (14 min in)
• at 15 minutes it becomes clear that he is looking for his girlfriend and he needs to save her; this is likely going to be his "goal" and define the plot of the movie  

Musicians by Decade

50s Musicians

- Johnny Cash

• "Ring of Fire"
• "Hurt"

- Frank Sinatra

• "Fly Me To The Moon"
• "My Way"

60s Musicians

- Neil Diamond

• "Sweet Caroline"
• "Play Me"

- The Who

• "Baba O'Riley"
• "I Can't Explain"

70s Musicians

- Aerosmith

• "Dream On"
• "Don't Wanna Miss a Thing"

- Pink Floyd

• "Wish You Were Here"
• "Another Brick in the Wall"

Fly Me To The Moon
This song sounds exactly like a song white people in the 50s would like. The vocals are very clear and enunciated, and the lyrics are cheesy and romantic. The rhythm and the horns give the song a jazzy kind of feel, and the instruments build as the song progresses. There is obviously an attempt to incorporate some swing into it. Other than that, there really isn't a lot going on in the song and it's not that interesting to listen to.

Baba O'Riley

It is clear when listening to the onset of the song that it is going to build in some way; when it does, it is with a memorable three notes that become sort of a motif throughout. The combination of those strong notes with the rhythm and the quick triplets is powerful and interesting. The song alternates between that power and something more gentle. It is quite repetitive as the background beat and instruments are generally unchanging throughout the song, but it is catchy. The end of the song kind of loses the listener, and the overall ending is disappointing ineffective, especially in comparison with the strong beginning.

Wish You Were Here
This song is soft and ballad-style, and it sounds similar to some more modern stuff. The vocals are not very good, and the way they are overlapped is strange at times. Near the end, the vocals are used as a kind of instrument though, which is interesting. The guitar plays what are essentially the same chords throughout the entire song, which is a bit repetitive. It lacks any sort of build up, which can be a negative factor for some people. However, there is feeling in the way it is sung and the gentleness could be appealing as it adds to the overall mood of the song, which is wistful.

Jazz/Blues Musicians

Jazz Musicians

-Miles Davis

• "Autumn Leaves" 
• "So What" 
• "Blue in Green" 

-Thelonius Monk

• "Brilliant Corners"
• "Round About Midnight" 
• "April in Paris"

Blues Musicians 

-Ray Charles

• "Mess Around"
• "What I'd Say"
• "Hit The Road, Jack" 

-Roosevelt Sykes

• "44 Blues"
• "Night Time Is the Right Time"
• "Sweet Old Chicago"

So What
This Miles Davis song has a nice blend of soft, background rhythm and louder melody. The repetitiveness of the background stuff gives the music a relaxing, chill sort of feel. In contrast, the trumpet and then saxophone are very crisp and clear and stands on its own. Then, halfway through the song, the piano becomes the focal point and carries the melody. This is a really nice transition and provides the song with a less harsh feeling. The trumpet then picks up the first theme again, but this time carries it through the background while the piano establishes a new theme, which creates an appealing contrast. The song essentially comes in a full cycle, which is very interesting; it follows a pattern similar to that of classical music, but the sound is so different. However, parts of it are a bit repetitive, especially that background beat.

Brilliant Corners
This is a very interesting song. Monk makes use of some strange note combinations that generally wouldn't be thought to go together very well. The timing is choppy is alters a lot, which makes the song interesting to listen to, but it also makes it hard to follow. It is difficult to concentrate on the song itself when you are immersed in the complexity of the alternating rhythms. The draw likely resides in its originality, and it is very clear that the musicians have to be very talented to play this type of stuff. Therefore, the song itself is impressive. The drum solo seems a bit random, however, and kind of loses the listener a bit. It is not jazz as one would generally imagine it.

What I'd Say
This Ray Charles song utilizes what is generally THE chord pattern commonly associated with blues music. Therefore, it is appealing in the sense that it is familiar. However, it becomes a bit tedious as the song progresses, and that is probably one of the reasons people might not really like the song. The complexity of the piano is intriguing, and the vocals are powerful but extremely difficult to decipher, which can be irritating for someone used to more modern music. There is clearly lots of feeling being channelled in the music, though, which is always an asset.

44 Blues 
Roosevelt Sykes also has a very classic blues style. The repeating notes in the tone patterns are what give it that bluesy feel, and it's kind of cool and "swingy". The music is very simple, which can be considered either a good or bad thing. Again, it is kind of repetitive, and can get a bit tedious. In terms of vocals, he uses something of a country twang, and utilizes melismata to add to the style a bit. The vocal melody is also very simple, and contributes to the song's overall tediousness.

10 News Sites & Their Top News Stories (Sept. 9/2013)  

1. Huffington Post- Tom Mulcair's Theory of Negativity
2. CTV- Travis Baumgartner pleads guilty in Edmonton armoured car shooting trial
3. CBC- Travis Baumgartner pleads guilty in Edmonton armoured car shooting trial
4. ABC- Syria suggests it's willing to destroy chemical arsenal
5. NBC- Russia to Syria: Hand over chemical arsenal   
6. CNN- A way out for Syria?
7. New York Times- Russia and Syria seize on opening by Kerry for deal
8. Fox- On eve of Obama's appeal to nation to back his Syria plan comes: The push for plan B
9. Washington Post- Syria 'welcomes' Russia proposal on chemical arms
10. Drudge Report- Hand em over: Russia to push Syria to surrender chemical weapon


Comparisons

Drudge Report (Story from Breitbart.com) - Hand em over: Russia to push Syria to surrender chemical weapon 
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2013/09/09/Russia-to-push-Syria-to-surrender-chemical-weapons
- American, conservative/right wing, accused of racist slants and being "anti-Obama", exclusive ad sales firm = Intermarkets Inc. 
-Advertisements: RBC, Rogers, American Express 

• In a surprise move, Russia promised Monday to push its ally Syria to place its chemical weapons under international control and then dismantle them quickly to avert U.S. strikes.

NBC- Russia to Syria: Hand over chemical arsenal
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/09/20399319-russia-proposes-syria-put-weapons-
under-international-control-in-attempt-to-avert-attack?lite
- American, parent company = General Electric, 

• Russia proposed on Monday that Syria hand over its chemical weapons to international control in an attempt to avert a U.S. military attack.

Washington Post- Syria 'welcomes' Russia proposal on chemical arms
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/john-kerry-in-london-campaigns-for-world-to-
support-military-strike-against-syria/2013/09/09/e8ad7a72-193d-11e3-80ac-96205cacb45a_story_3.html
- American, accused of bias from both conservative and liberal perspectives but is overall mainly conservative economically, owned by Washington Post Company
-Advertisements: Grey Power Insurance, Audi, 

• The government of Syrian President Bashar on Monday said it welcomed a Russian proposal to avert U.S. military strikes by turning over control of its chemical weapons to international monitors
• United States “would welcome a decision and action by Syria to give up its chemical weapons.” 

CNN- A way out for Syria?
http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/09/politics/syria-kerry/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
-American, liberal/left wing, accused of supporting the business interests of its parent company (Time Warner Inc.) and sponsors (i.e. Toyota, Verizon, Geico, etc.)

• A new possibility for a diplomatic solution in Syria surfaced unexpectedly Monday as the war-torn country said it supported a proposal to hand over control of its chemical weapons.

"Liking" and the Media

                                                                               
                                                                                
                                                                                   Movies

• Harry Potter Collection
• The Proposal
• Something Borrowed
• Easy A
• What's Your Number

There seem to be a couple types of movies that I generally prefer. The Harry Potter movies are an example of the fantasy genre, and incorporate the magical, the impossible, and the wonderful. I love these movies because they allow you to be transported completely to another world, where all the dreams of magic come to life in a way that is actually quite realistic. Almost every child who has experienced these movies yearn to go to Hogwarts. The idea that a normal person could become an extraordinary child who has his life changed forever is unfailingly appealing to adults and children alike, and although we know it can't possibly be true, it is awesome to be able to experience it through the film world of Harry Potter. The second type of movie I like is the romantic comedy. This type of movie genre endures consistent ridicule from males especially, but in a way that is similar to that of a fantasy movie, it provides the viewer with something that they want or dream about. Everyone wants that perfect relationship with a happy ending, and this is exactly what happens in a "rom-com". They leave the viewer with a good, satisfied feeling almost every single time. It doesn't matter that you know exactly what's going to happen in the end, even once the storyline hits the inevitable climatic conflict. I think that this adds to the enjoyment of romantic comedies rather than taking away from it. People want that ending and they know they are going to get it. It also helps that these types of movies almost always play on your pre-existing likes; the main characters are often famous, popular celebrities who are extremely good looking. This is part of what makes these movies pop out to me; the male lead is extremely attractive and their characters are made to be charming and funny as well.

Music

• Imagine Dragons
• U2
• Neon Trees
• Lana Del Ray
• Daughtry

These bands are extremely likeable to me for a few reasons. Imagine Dragons and Neon Trees are extremely catchy. Their music relies on powerful choruses with memorable beats and melodies that stick in your head. Although the two singers are very different, I like the tone of each of their voices. Similarly, Daughtry also has those strong, catchy choruses. Although most of their songs are similar, they use a structure that I always like (softer verses that build up to big choruses and an even bigger ending). I like the content of their songs as well; almost all of them are ballads, and the lyrics are written as though they are being sung to another person, which allows me as a listener to create emotions and thoughts around them. However, I like U2 for a different reason. Their songs remind me strongly of my childhood and they are familiar and comforting. Certain ones bring back different memories and moments from my past and allow me to relive them. The lyrics are also extremely powerful and are sung with so much emotion. I like Lana Del Ray because she is so utterly unlike any other female singers I listen to. Her voice is unique, and changes based on the song that she is singing. This makes her interesting to listen to, and there is something about her voice that makes her sound powerful and careless. Finally, the Neon Trees is an all guys band with a female drummer... How could I not like that kind of female power?

TV Shows

• Modern Family
• Parks and Recreation
• Pretty Little Liars
• The Big Bang Theory
• Income Property

I like Modern Family, Parks & Rec., and The Big Bang Theory all for similar reasons. They are clever and funny, with likeable characters who are also extremely relatable. We know people who are like the characters, and their over-exaggerated characteristics are hilarious. The lines they give are witty and evoke pleasure in the viewer. I also enjoy Pretty Little Liars. This show has an aspect of mystery; you have to keep watching it to know what happens, even though many of the events are predicable and entirely unrealistic. The characters are also all attractive and it is set up so that you either root for them or hate them, therefore developing strong feelings around the show itself. It makes you want to always come back for more so you can see what happens next, and follow your favourite characters (especially the couples). Lastly, I like Income Property. Although it is an entirely different type of show, I like it for reasons that are surprisingly similar. The host of the show is attractive and charming, and once you start watching it you always want to know if they get past the problems and see how everything turns out in the end. I personally also enjoy it because of the design aspect. It appeals to my interests when it shows the reveal at the end and how beautifully the rooms were constructed and staged.

Books

• Harry Potter Series
• Mortal Instruments/Infernal Devices
• Divergent
• Graceling
• Tiger's Curse

All of my favourite books are a part of the fantasy genre. Each of the ones listed here that I like combine a world completely unlike our own with a love story that you can't help but enjoy (with the exception of Harry Potter). They all have that main character who finds out that they are "different" in some way and embark on some kind of new adventure or quest. The characters are both relatable and heroic, and their love interests are depicted as mysterious and alluring at the onset of the relationships. I think this is so appealing in a novel because it creates a world and characters that you want so badly to be real. When reading, I feel like I am part of that fantastical world where everything is magical and interesting and action-packed, and I become so immersed in it that it allows me to forget about everything else for a while. I also like the pattern that these books follow; the main character is trying to achieve a goal, the climax results when there is a "battle" between the protagonist and whatever stands in their way, and in the end the good guys win (with an intertwining love story along the way). This provides the reader with a need to know what is going to happen next, even though they can assume that in the end everything will be fine. You never really know, so you have to find out. The books that I love the most are the ones where the fantasy world created is one that I actively want to be a part of and learn more about, because that is so much more exciting than real life. 

Celebrities

• Chris Evans
• Jennifer Lawrence
• Anna Kendrick
• Chris Pratt
• Emma Watson

Liking celebrities is kind of a funny thing, as the majority of people never actually personally know them; they just feel like they do because of everything that they have heard/read/seen about them. However, the celebrities that appeal to me are ones who are attractive and/or funny onscreen, and who seem be able to maintain a "normal person" mentality despite being famous. For example, I like Chris Evans because is extremely good looking, and stars in one of my favourite movies as a witty and likeable character (What's Your Number). I like Chris Pratt because he is absolutely hilarious, is Anna Kendrick. Emma Watson and Jennifer Lawrence are both extremely good actresses, and I feel as though I like them as people as well because of certain things I have heard them to have said; for example, they try to defy the female actress stereotype of super sexy and super thin, and make it clear to the public that they are just normal people.

Quote from Emma Watson:
“I find the whole concept of being ‘sexy’ embarrassing and confusing. If I do an interview with photographs people desperately want to change me - dye my hair blonder, pluck my eyebrows, give me a fringe. Then there’s the choice of clothes. I know everyone wants a picture of me in a mini-skirt. But that’s not me. I feel uncomfortable. I’d never go out in a mini-skirt. It’s nothing to do with protecting the Hermione image. I wouldn’t do that. Personally, I don’t actually think it’s even that sexy. What’s sexy about saying, ‘I’m here with my boobs out and a short skirt, have a look at everything I’ve got?’ My idea of sexy is that less is more. The less you reveal the more people can wonder.