Sunday, December 2, 2007
Bloggin'
Initially, I used this blog to write down ideas that I eventually used in choosing my primary source. These posts were not "required posts", so the language was probably less formal. Instead of writing long sentences in paragraph form, I preferred using bullet points/numbering/dashes to outline my ideas. After I chose Edward Scissorhands as my cultural text, I used this blog as a "notebook" for jotting down notes and patterns everytime I watched the film. This was convenient because as a somewhat disorganized person, I tend to lose papers, and this blog allowed me to keep track of my work. The comments I received from Ms. Bates and my peers were very helpful. I could refer to them in formulating and improving my arguments. The comments also helped me to recognize new patterns in the film that I may have missed. Even though this blog helped me to organize my ideas, I feel like I probably should have spent more time reading my peers' blogs. After posting in my own blog, I usually didn't think to click on someone else's link due to a lack of time. Also, my peers rarely left comments on my blog, so I'm probably not the only one who feels this way. Overall, I think that the blogs are nice additions to our class but a lot of time is needed to maintain them.
Monday, November 26, 2007
postscript
I’ve decided to keep my focus on analyzing the characteristics of suburbanites, but I want to further develop this analysis by linking their character to their interactions with Edward. In particular, I plan on arguing that the exploitation (and commodification) of Edward’s haircutting/tree-trimming/etc. abilities suggest the uniformly egotistical and materialistic nature of suburban dwellers. As I was watching the movie over break, I recognized a pattern in regards to the use of Edward’s talents for practical means. Some key scenes that I will use for my argument are:
A. Joyce opening a salon for Edward; essentially she helps him to sell his art
B. Kim and boyfriend manipulate Edward to break into a house to get money to buy a new car
C. The general replacement of machinery and tools with Edward’s hands in everyday house chores and such – devalues his artistry
From my synthesis essay, I also want to expand upon the polarizing effect suburbia has on an individual. While one feels the obligation to conform and become indistinguishable from everyone else, he also gains a sense of belonging by sacrificing his individuality. In a way, it can be argued that Edward may actually be better off living among the suburbanites because he will at least have companionship.
I realize that the aforementioned points are contradicting, but I hope that I can somehow incorporate the latter to complement my central argument. Until I decide what to do, all suggestions are welcomed.
A. Joyce opening a salon for Edward; essentially she helps him to sell his art
B. Kim and boyfriend manipulate Edward to break into a house to get money to buy a new car
C. The general replacement of machinery and tools with Edward’s hands in everyday house chores and such – devalues his artistry
From my synthesis essay, I also want to expand upon the polarizing effect suburbia has on an individual. While one feels the obligation to conform and become indistinguishable from everyone else, he also gains a sense of belonging by sacrificing his individuality. In a way, it can be argued that Edward may actually be better off living among the suburbanites because he will at least have companionship.
I realize that the aforementioned points are contradicting, but I hope that I can somehow incorporate the latter to complement my central argument. Until I decide what to do, all suggestions are welcomed.
outline
Step 1
Argument: In the film Edward Scissorhands, director Tim Burton satirizes American suburbia and its inhabitants. By portraying suburbanites as being uniform in both appearance and behavior living in an aesthetically flawless environment, Burton communicates the lack of individuality in an externally perfect society. After Edward, an artificial man, arrives, the corrupt nature of these inhabitants becomes apparent when they attempt to exploit and commodify his unique abilities. This film challenges the notion of humanity and those who possess it.
Topic 1: Suburban lifestyles and people
Topic 2: Edward and humanized qualities
Topic 3: Exploitation of Edward’s talents/Attempt to integrate him
Step 2
Topic 1:
1. Construction of neighborhood (men leaving for work scene)
2. Stereotypical gender roles: women – loquacious nature - housewives
3. Men – leading role in finances and families (dinner scene)
Topic 2:
1. Physical and emotional contrast between humans and Edward
2. Individualizes suburbanites – haircuts and topiaries
3. Ice sculpture scene – radiates nonconformance and imagination
Topic 3:
1. Peg tries to cover Edward’s scars with concealer
2. Edward’s hands used as kitchen/haircutting tools– devalues artistry
3. Edward is manipulated to break into a house
Step 3
Topic 1:
1. Construction of neighborhood (men leaving for work scene)
Secondary source:
Dreaming Suburbia by Amy Maria Kenyon
Kenyon suggests that suburbia “provides the necessary geography” to foster uniform lifestyles. To achieve a sense of self and belonging, suburbanites make their homes and themselves indistinguishable from their neighbors. I plan to use Kenyon’s assertion in addressing suburbanites’ desire to collectively maintain the spirit of suburbia/America.
2 and 3.
Secondary source:
Dreaming Suburbia by Amy Maria Kenyon
Kenyon addresses social homogeneity in American suburbia using anecdotes and outside sources. By attributing the homogeneous nature of suburbanites to a unified desire to achieve national prosperity in a time following war, Kenyon argues that though they conform outwardly, suburbanites are highly capable of evolving emotionally and recognizing their roles in society. I will use Kenyon’s claims which will complicate my previous examination of suburban men and women.
Topic 2:
1. Physical and emotional contrast between humans and Edward
Secondary source:
“American Beasts: The Cinematic…Scissorhands” by Viola Rondeboom
Edward’s physical difference from the suburbanites is conspicuous, as his gothic appearance and scissorhands mark his physical abnormality. Furthermore, his physical appearance suggests spiritual purity. Unlike the gaudy suburbanites, Edward is clad in black and white, indicating that he is untainted by elements of society.
2. Individualizes suburbanites – haircuts and topiaries
Secondary source:
“American Beasts: The Cinematic…Scissorhands” by Viola Rondeboom
Prior to Edward’s arrival, everything in the neighborhood looked identical and rather dull. Using his talent, Edward transforms the town by embellishing yards with topiaries and giving women different hairstyles. I plan on using Rondeboom’s analysis to support my claim that Edward culturally enriches the neighborhood.
3. Ice sculpture scene – radiates nonconformance and imagination
Secondary source:
“Edward Schizohands: The Postmodern Gothic Body” by Russell A. Potter
Potter asserts that in creating the ice sculptures, Edward becomes the “fabricator” as opposed to being the “fabricated”. Much like the sculptures which freeze in time, Edward “remains untransformed and unassimilated” (16). I will use Potter’s analysis to support my claim that Edward’s ice sculptures resonate the humanly qualities absent in suburbia.
Topic 3:
1. Peg tries to cover Edward’s scars with concealer
Secondary source:
Belonging in America by Perin
Perin suggests when “normal” people interact with the abnormal, often disabled people, the normal people are doubtful that they can deal with the abnormal with “mortal” means. I will argue that Peg’s maternal instinct and role as the “Avon Lady” contribute to her desire to nurture and “fix” Edward.
2. Edward’s hands used as kitchen/haircutting tools – devalues artistry
Secondary source:
“American Beasts” by Viola Rondeboom
While the neighbors initially celebrate Edward’s uniqueness and treat him as a local celebrity, they do so only because they can utilize his abilities for practical means. In a way, “they are merely incorporating and instrumentalizing” his talents.
3. Edward is manipulated to break into a house
Secondary source:
“Pleasantville? The Suburb…Movies” by Douglas Muzzio and Thomas Halper
According to the authors, a Fin de Siecle film negatively portrays suburbia as a distorted society containing individuals who are materialistic, self-serving, and mentally inhibited.
Step 4
Topic 1 Intro: The suburban life is clearly a monotonous one, as the suburbanites’ obsession with conformity and adherence to social norms dictate their lifestyles.
1. The uniform behavior of suburbanites is evident in an early scene which captures the town’s landscape and the men’s daily routine as they leave for work.
2. While women are characterized as shallow individuals fixated with meaningless chitchat, their behavior may be justified by aspects of economy and culture.
3. Men’s active role in financially contributing to their families and the national economy is illustrated in the Boggs’ family dinner scene.
Topic 2 Intro: Edward as an individual and artist suggests that though he is physically artificial, his extraordinary qualities render him more humanly than the humans themselves.
1. Not only does his physical appearance digress from the unified image of the suburbanites, Edward possesses a spirit that is untarnished amidst a body of corrupt individuals.
2. Edward’s arrival culturally enriches the town, as he is able to use his art to bring uniqueness to the people and their homes.
3. Edward’s nonconformance and his ability to inspire those around him are apparent in a final scene in which he creates an ice sculpture resembling Kim.
Topic 3 Intro: The exploitation of Edward’s talents and attempts to assimilate Edward reflect on suburbanites’ inability to fully embrace diversity.
1. In an early scene, Peg tries to conceal Edward’s facial scars with Avon cosmetics; this act insinuates her attempt to integrate Edward into society by covering the unique scars that make him human.
2. Edward’s talents are depreciated when the suburbanites attempt to commodify them for practical means.
3. Edward is exploited again to a greater extent when he is used to rob a house. Jim exploits Edward’s affection for Kim, which in essence, is more harmful to Edward as his emotions become jeopardized.
Argument: In the film Edward Scissorhands, director Tim Burton satirizes American suburbia and its inhabitants. By portraying suburbanites as being uniform in both appearance and behavior living in an aesthetically flawless environment, Burton communicates the lack of individuality in an externally perfect society. After Edward, an artificial man, arrives, the corrupt nature of these inhabitants becomes apparent when they attempt to exploit and commodify his unique abilities. This film challenges the notion of humanity and those who possess it.
Topic 1: Suburban lifestyles and people
Topic 2: Edward and humanized qualities
Topic 3: Exploitation of Edward’s talents/Attempt to integrate him
Step 2
Topic 1:
1. Construction of neighborhood (men leaving for work scene)
2. Stereotypical gender roles: women – loquacious nature - housewives
3. Men – leading role in finances and families (dinner scene)
Topic 2:
1. Physical and emotional contrast between humans and Edward
2. Individualizes suburbanites – haircuts and topiaries
3. Ice sculpture scene – radiates nonconformance and imagination
Topic 3:
1. Peg tries to cover Edward’s scars with concealer
2. Edward’s hands used as kitchen/haircutting tools– devalues artistry
3. Edward is manipulated to break into a house
Step 3
Topic 1:
1. Construction of neighborhood (men leaving for work scene)
Secondary source:
Dreaming Suburbia by Amy Maria Kenyon
Kenyon suggests that suburbia “provides the necessary geography” to foster uniform lifestyles. To achieve a sense of self and belonging, suburbanites make their homes and themselves indistinguishable from their neighbors. I plan to use Kenyon’s assertion in addressing suburbanites’ desire to collectively maintain the spirit of suburbia/America.
2 and 3.
Secondary source:
Dreaming Suburbia by Amy Maria Kenyon
Kenyon addresses social homogeneity in American suburbia using anecdotes and outside sources. By attributing the homogeneous nature of suburbanites to a unified desire to achieve national prosperity in a time following war, Kenyon argues that though they conform outwardly, suburbanites are highly capable of evolving emotionally and recognizing their roles in society. I will use Kenyon’s claims which will complicate my previous examination of suburban men and women.
Topic 2:
1. Physical and emotional contrast between humans and Edward
Secondary source:
“American Beasts: The Cinematic…Scissorhands” by Viola Rondeboom
Edward’s physical difference from the suburbanites is conspicuous, as his gothic appearance and scissorhands mark his physical abnormality. Furthermore, his physical appearance suggests spiritual purity. Unlike the gaudy suburbanites, Edward is clad in black and white, indicating that he is untainted by elements of society.
2. Individualizes suburbanites – haircuts and topiaries
Secondary source:
“American Beasts: The Cinematic…Scissorhands” by Viola Rondeboom
Prior to Edward’s arrival, everything in the neighborhood looked identical and rather dull. Using his talent, Edward transforms the town by embellishing yards with topiaries and giving women different hairstyles. I plan on using Rondeboom’s analysis to support my claim that Edward culturally enriches the neighborhood.
3. Ice sculpture scene – radiates nonconformance and imagination
Secondary source:
“Edward Schizohands: The Postmodern Gothic Body” by Russell A. Potter
Potter asserts that in creating the ice sculptures, Edward becomes the “fabricator” as opposed to being the “fabricated”. Much like the sculptures which freeze in time, Edward “remains untransformed and unassimilated” (16). I will use Potter’s analysis to support my claim that Edward’s ice sculptures resonate the humanly qualities absent in suburbia.
Topic 3:
1. Peg tries to cover Edward’s scars with concealer
Secondary source:
Belonging in America by Perin
Perin suggests when “normal” people interact with the abnormal, often disabled people, the normal people are doubtful that they can deal with the abnormal with “mortal” means. I will argue that Peg’s maternal instinct and role as the “Avon Lady” contribute to her desire to nurture and “fix” Edward.
2. Edward’s hands used as kitchen/haircutting tools – devalues artistry
Secondary source:
“American Beasts” by Viola Rondeboom
While the neighbors initially celebrate Edward’s uniqueness and treat him as a local celebrity, they do so only because they can utilize his abilities for practical means. In a way, “they are merely incorporating and instrumentalizing” his talents.
3. Edward is manipulated to break into a house
Secondary source:
“Pleasantville? The Suburb…Movies” by Douglas Muzzio and Thomas Halper
According to the authors, a Fin de Siecle film negatively portrays suburbia as a distorted society containing individuals who are materialistic, self-serving, and mentally inhibited.
Step 4
Topic 1 Intro: The suburban life is clearly a monotonous one, as the suburbanites’ obsession with conformity and adherence to social norms dictate their lifestyles.
1. The uniform behavior of suburbanites is evident in an early scene which captures the town’s landscape and the men’s daily routine as they leave for work.
2. While women are characterized as shallow individuals fixated with meaningless chitchat, their behavior may be justified by aspects of economy and culture.
3. Men’s active role in financially contributing to their families and the national economy is illustrated in the Boggs’ family dinner scene.
Topic 2 Intro: Edward as an individual and artist suggests that though he is physically artificial, his extraordinary qualities render him more humanly than the humans themselves.
1. Not only does his physical appearance digress from the unified image of the suburbanites, Edward possesses a spirit that is untarnished amidst a body of corrupt individuals.
2. Edward’s arrival culturally enriches the town, as he is able to use his art to bring uniqueness to the people and their homes.
3. Edward’s nonconformance and his ability to inspire those around him are apparent in a final scene in which he creates an ice sculpture resembling Kim.
Topic 3 Intro: The exploitation of Edward’s talents and attempts to assimilate Edward reflect on suburbanites’ inability to fully embrace diversity.
1. In an early scene, Peg tries to conceal Edward’s facial scars with Avon cosmetics; this act insinuates her attempt to integrate Edward into society by covering the unique scars that make him human.
2. Edward’s talents are depreciated when the suburbanites attempt to commodify them for practical means.
3. Edward is exploited again to a greater extent when he is used to rob a house. Jim exploits Edward’s affection for Kim, which in essence, is more harmful to Edward as his emotions become jeopardized.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
My plate - or lack thereof
1. In the film, Burton satirizes modern day suburbia with exaggerated characterizations of families in a seemingly pristine society. He uses various film techniques to accentuate the stark contrast between the suburbanites’ uniform nature and Edward’s extraordinary qualities, suggesting that an artificial man is more human than the humans themselves.
2. A. Women are portrayed as superficial characters that rely on neighborhood gossip to stimulate their otherwise lackluster lives. Burton portrays them as being unable to engage in meaningful activities to suggest their socially and economically inconsequential role in society.
B. Construction of neighborhood is overly symmetric and uniform. The identical houses suggest that suburbanites are merely entities in a unified body, unable to express individuality without becoming a distraction to the established equilibrium.
C. Edward’s eccentric appearance and ability to create sculptures allude to his nonconformance. His imagination and reluctance to conform also show that he is more of a unique, humanized individual than the uninspired humans.
3. My secondary source has made me view suburbanites in a different light. It seems that suburbanites are the way they are, mechanical and uncreative, because of the communal desire to promote national prosperity after postwar establishment of American capitalism. Suburbanization became equated with a movement towards achieving the American dream; thus, people felt the obligation to maintain the same values that became associated with reviving the American image. While what the author claims seems valid, the fact that she does not directly refer to the film requires me to use other sources to determine the exact message Burton wanted to convey in terms of how he feels about those living in suburbia.
*My working thesis is still in progress. Right now, it's actually exactly the same as my argument in my part II. The things on my to do list are definitely needing to be done. As I finish reading more secondary sources, I will make sure that my thesis becomes much more thoughtful.
2. A. Women are portrayed as superficial characters that rely on neighborhood gossip to stimulate their otherwise lackluster lives. Burton portrays them as being unable to engage in meaningful activities to suggest their socially and economically inconsequential role in society.
B. Construction of neighborhood is overly symmetric and uniform. The identical houses suggest that suburbanites are merely entities in a unified body, unable to express individuality without becoming a distraction to the established equilibrium.
C. Edward’s eccentric appearance and ability to create sculptures allude to his nonconformance. His imagination and reluctance to conform also show that he is more of a unique, humanized individual than the uninspired humans.
3. My secondary source has made me view suburbanites in a different light. It seems that suburbanites are the way they are, mechanical and uncreative, because of the communal desire to promote national prosperity after postwar establishment of American capitalism. Suburbanization became equated with a movement towards achieving the American dream; thus, people felt the obligation to maintain the same values that became associated with reviving the American image. While what the author claims seems valid, the fact that she does not directly refer to the film requires me to use other sources to determine the exact message Burton wanted to convey in terms of how he feels about those living in suburbia.
*My working thesis is still in progress. Right now, it's actually exactly the same as my argument in my part II. The things on my to do list are definitely needing to be done. As I finish reading more secondary sources, I will make sure that my thesis becomes much more thoughtful.
To Do List
1. I need to talk to Ms. Bates about creating a solid thesis statement and possibly finding a new direction for my argument. I may need more than one meeting, but I would definitely like to have a discussion before break starts.
2. I need to finish reading the secondary sources and evaluate their applicability. I'm finding that some of my sources directly pertaining to either the film or Burton are quite useless and one-dimentional in content, so I will narrow down my sources by...hopefully...sometime before early next week?
3. I will rewatch the film and take new notes in light of what I have learned from the synthesis essay.
2. I need to finish reading the secondary sources and evaluate their applicability. I'm finding that some of my sources directly pertaining to either the film or Burton are quite useless and one-dimentional in content, so I will narrow down my sources by...hopefully...sometime before early next week?
3. I will rewatch the film and take new notes in light of what I have learned from the synthesis essay.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Analysis of Secondary Sources
I used strategies 1 and 4 for the following sources.
Perin, Constance. Belonging in America. Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press, 1988.
The section Imperfect People in Belonging in America raises the topic of an institutionalized definition of a “normal” person and implies that those who do not meet the qualifications will view themselves as being “unworthy, incomplete and inferior” (146). Perin claims that imperfect people are a “culture shock” to the normal population and that ‘“normal people’ become unsure that mortal systems of meaning and conduct will suffice in dealing with [the abnormal]'”(157). Perin’s assertion contradicts the dynamic in Edward; in fact, the suburbanites in the film, Peg in particular, were quite certain that “mortal systems” would be effective in integrating Edward into society. From the beginning, they failed to recognize his biological difference from the rest of society. Noting only Edward’s strange hands and endearing innocence, the “normal people” merely saw Edward as an outsider, alluding to their ignorance. Edward briefly shocked the community but shortly became some sort of a celebrity. This fascination with an artificial man who would generally be feared made me think that though they are normal, those living in suburbia are often so bored with uniformity that an anomaly can be seen as entertainment rather than something to be feared.
Halper, Thomas and Douglas Muzzio. "Pleasantville? The Suburb and Its Representation in American Movies." Urban Affairs Review 37 (2002): 543-74.
Muzzio and Halper explore the accuracy with which film makers capture elements of suburbia in movies and how such movies shape our view of society. The authors assert that while people have historically defined suburbia as an environment that fosters fulfilling lifestyles, moviemakers have long been exposing the falsehood of this association of suburbia with utopia by either satirizing or blatantly attacking the suburban life. While many suburban films are not entirely realistic, they “achieve the appearance of reality to the extent that they conform to our preexisting conceptions of the suburb” (547-48). The authors argue that as long as the moviemaker incorporates some elements that are obviously symbolic of the suburbia that we are most familiar with, the film need not flawlessly present suburban life as it truly is. Thus, film makers construct images of the American suburb consistent with the audience’s preconceived notions, and it is up to the audience to decide whether or not something is plausible.
The authors also discuss the audience’s role in the life of a movie using human psychology to validate the discussion. They suggest that there exists a connection between the film and the audience in that one can reveal something about the other. For example, a film’s commercial success is often a direct correlation of the audience’s reaction to the film. If a film is negatively received, it is implied that the audience disagrees with a presented idea. The authors also address the audience’s role in the actual viewing of a movie. During a film, viewers naturally participate in criticizing the content of the film by either accepting or rejecting its message. They also participate in the sense that they subconsciously alter the meaning of a scene or image for themselves according to personal experience and beliefs. What the authors claim in this passage made me reevaluate Burton’s intention for creating Edward Scissorhands. Initially, I felt that Burton created it for the sole purpose of mocking suburbia. Having read this article, I feel that maybe Burton was offering the audience a chance to change themselves by displaying their lifestyles on the screen in an exaggerated, yet somewhat realistic way.
Perin, Constance. Belonging in America. Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press, 1988.
The section Imperfect People in Belonging in America raises the topic of an institutionalized definition of a “normal” person and implies that those who do not meet the qualifications will view themselves as being “unworthy, incomplete and inferior” (146). Perin claims that imperfect people are a “culture shock” to the normal population and that ‘“normal people’ become unsure that mortal systems of meaning and conduct will suffice in dealing with [the abnormal]'”(157). Perin’s assertion contradicts the dynamic in Edward; in fact, the suburbanites in the film, Peg in particular, were quite certain that “mortal systems” would be effective in integrating Edward into society. From the beginning, they failed to recognize his biological difference from the rest of society. Noting only Edward’s strange hands and endearing innocence, the “normal people” merely saw Edward as an outsider, alluding to their ignorance. Edward briefly shocked the community but shortly became some sort of a celebrity. This fascination with an artificial man who would generally be feared made me think that though they are normal, those living in suburbia are often so bored with uniformity that an anomaly can be seen as entertainment rather than something to be feared.
Halper, Thomas and Douglas Muzzio. "Pleasantville? The Suburb and Its Representation in American Movies." Urban Affairs Review 37 (2002): 543-74.
Muzzio and Halper explore the accuracy with which film makers capture elements of suburbia in movies and how such movies shape our view of society. The authors assert that while people have historically defined suburbia as an environment that fosters fulfilling lifestyles, moviemakers have long been exposing the falsehood of this association of suburbia with utopia by either satirizing or blatantly attacking the suburban life. While many suburban films are not entirely realistic, they “achieve the appearance of reality to the extent that they conform to our preexisting conceptions of the suburb” (547-48). The authors argue that as long as the moviemaker incorporates some elements that are obviously symbolic of the suburbia that we are most familiar with, the film need not flawlessly present suburban life as it truly is. Thus, film makers construct images of the American suburb consistent with the audience’s preconceived notions, and it is up to the audience to decide whether or not something is plausible.
The authors also discuss the audience’s role in the life of a movie using human psychology to validate the discussion. They suggest that there exists a connection between the film and the audience in that one can reveal something about the other. For example, a film’s commercial success is often a direct correlation of the audience’s reaction to the film. If a film is negatively received, it is implied that the audience disagrees with a presented idea. The authors also address the audience’s role in the actual viewing of a movie. During a film, viewers naturally participate in criticizing the content of the film by either accepting or rejecting its message. They also participate in the sense that they subconsciously alter the meaning of a scene or image for themselves according to personal experience and beliefs. What the authors claim in this passage made me reevaluate Burton’s intention for creating Edward Scissorhands. Initially, I felt that Burton created it for the sole purpose of mocking suburbia. Having read this article, I feel that maybe Burton was offering the audience a chance to change themselves by displaying their lifestyles on the screen in an exaggerated, yet somewhat realistic way.
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