Untouchables Essay, Research Paper
During the film The Untouchables, it is easy to see the violence of the gangs that were around in the time of Prohibition. The theme of gang violence is evident in the reading of Prohibition: The Lie of the Land , but not so much in Ardent Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition.
Prohibition was put in to practice in the passing of the 18th Amendment in 1919. The Volstead act, which it was named, made it illegal to drink and make alcohol. It was thought that in making alcohol illegal it would make the country of America a better and safer place to live in. But the reaction was not what was expected. People found ways to get alcohol weather it be by smuggling it in form other countries or making their own. There was rise violence as especially within gangs that were at war with each other over bootlegging.
The reading that have been set are Prohibition: The Lie of the Land , by Sean Dennis Cashman, and Ardent Spirits: the Rise and Fall of Prohibition , by John Kobler. These two readings inform the reader about what happen during the years of Prohibition from the 1920 to the early 1930 s. The first, Law of the Land , is centred on prohibition in the city of Chicago. It concentrated mostly on the gangsters that made millions out of prohibition, like Al Capone and Johnny Torrio. The other, Ardent Spirits focus more on various cities in America and how everyday people were still able to get the hands on alcohol weather buying it from speakeasies or making their own. The readings give a more in depth look at the under world of crime and the gangsters that were also seen in the movie The Untouchables.
In Cashman s reading he focuses mainly on the city of Chicago and the gangsters that were involved in the bootlegging business, such as Al Capone and Jim Colosimo. Cashman gives background information on Capone and the beer wars. The beer wars of the 1920 s eliminated some gangs, attenuated others and strengthen the grip and power of Al Capone. Lie of the Land backs up what is seen in the film The Untouchables . In the film we see how gangs, especially Al Capone s would use any means to get what they wanted. The reading successfully brings out the theme of gang violence that is seen in the movie. As we see in the scene when Al Capone has sent his men to kill the character of Jim Malone in cold blood, because he has seized their liquor. Here we see how gangster got revenge on people that have wronged them.
During this time many gangsters were killed and most often were killed by other gangster, especially in Chicago. Cashman talks about this, and explains just how many were killed during the years of Prohibition in Chicago. Between 1922 and 1926, 215 gangsters were killed in Chicago in the course of their internecine feuds…In 1926 between January and October 42 gangsters were killed in city limits. Arguably the most viscous example of gang warfare was the St Valentine Day Massacre on February 14, 1929.
It was the climax of the feud instigated in 1924. Seven members of the North Side gang, now led by Bugs Moran, were mowed down by machine gun
fire in a warehouse of the S-M-C Cartage Company at 2122 North Clack street, Chicago.
In the reading of Ardent Spirits, the author, John Kobler, does not focus on one city like Cashman does. He talks about the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Pittsburg and mostly New York. Unlike Cashman, Kobler does not give many examples of gang violence and warfare. He writes more about the everyday people and recounts stories of the people who were living through this time. He tells how they were able to obtain alcohol as does Cashman, saying they either go to one of the many speakeasy or make their own at home. Although the Volstead act stoped people from openly buying and consuming liquor it did not stop people from being able to buy the equipment that was needed to make their own.
In a store on lower Fifth Avenue,…a sales girl was demonstrating to a fascinated audience a new product. On the counter before her stood a brick of grape concentrate, a gallon glass jug and various accessories. You dissolve the brick in a gallon of water… and it is ready to be used immediately. She than hastened to add some cautionary instruction. Do not place the liquid
in this jug and put it away in the cupboard for twenty one days because then it would turn into wine.
This example goes on to explain how she conventionally warns the audience not to do any of the things that would make alcohol.
The Untouchables shows Al Capone as a very violent and but also cool headed man. We see how violent he can be in the scene when he bashes and man over the head with a baseball bat. This view of him can also be found in the reading by Cashman. He talks about Capone alot and describes him as bloody, bold and resolute. But on the surface Scarface passed off everything with a shrug. Kobler does not talk about Al Capone as much as Cashman, but does refers to him to be in the public mind the depredation of Chicago gangsterism. Kobler fails to talk about gang violence and focuses more on the ways in which alcohol was made and how Prohibition did not seem to be working. Most of the gang violence was to do with the smuggling in of alcohol. Often the killings were for revenge. If one gang did something to another they would get pay back . In one instance, gangster Dion O Banion was killed because it was believed that he set up Torrio and Capone s gang to get caught in a raid by the police. Hymie Weiss, who assumed the leadership of the North Side gang, surmised that Torrio and Capone, and the Gennas had planned the assassination… Although know can say for sure if this is true as many crimes that accused Capone did not have enough evidence to know for certain.
The Violence of the gangs is evident in the film The Untouchables , and is reaffirmed in the reading of Prohibition: Lie of the Land. This reading gives a very indepth look at how the gangs worked and the important players of this time. It reaffirms the knowledge that is gain from the movie about this theme. It suggest that
the movie is portraying the period of prohibition in a realistic manner, in terms of how the gangs dominated in this time. The other reading however does not show many signs of the gang violence that was evident in this time. Kobler looks at a different angle of the 1920 to early 30 s, and does not tell of how the gangs affected the lives of the people living in this time period. He does show how ordinary people were able to gain access to alcohol and gives many accounts from different people and their views on Prohibition.
After watching The Untouchables and then reading the documents my understanding of the theme of gang violence was confirmed, although it is quite clear through the other reading that not all cities in America were ran by notorious gang members. Kobler in presenting a different view shows how not everything revolved around the gangs in this period, however it was a big part and the most well known aspect of the prohibition period.
320
Другие работы по теме:
Shakespeare In Love Essay Research Paper Modern
Shakespeare In Love Essay, Research Paper Modern theatre still falls more or less in the category of popular culture, it is the cinema that equates more to the Elizabethan drama than the theatre. Thus it is a film Shakespeare in love, that we see exploring a fictional depiction of the life of William Shakespeare.
Why Essay Research Paper After seeing the
Why? Essay, Research Paper After seeing the film The Virgin Suicides, I found myself asking the question why. While talking to other students about the film again came the question, why? Why would these girls, with so much to look forward to, commit suicide? This question, “why” is the central theme of the whole film.
Stand By Me Essay Research Paper Stand
Stand By Me Essay, Research Paper Stand By Me Stand By Me, is a film written in 1986, that focuses on the two day journey of four best friends. The music in the film is one that is mostly song scoring. The music in this film was chosen very well. It was even pop song scoring. This movie has two main examples of music that I would like to point out, starting with moodsetting, it then moves to song scoring.
Simon Birch Essay Research Paper The overall
Simon Birch Essay, Research Paper The overall effectiveness of the film Simon Birch is enhanced by technical details such as, sound, lighting, colour and symbolic representation. Sound is an effective means of creating atmosphere and hence creating audience appeal. Similarly, lighting also brings emotion and mood to a film.
Loft Comparrison Essay Essay Research Paper Comparison
Loft Comparrison Essay Essay, Research Paper Comparison Between Lord Of The Flies Film And Novel Many novels have tried to adopt the idea of their story on to a film, such as the novel Lord Of The Flies. It is apparent that in most cases the novel is more successful than the film, since it has a greater capability to attract the readers attention by using literally devices such as symbolism, and meaningful events through out the story.
Camila Essay Research Paper Camila is an
Camila Essay, Research Paper Camila is an Argentinean film set in the mid 19th century, during the Rosas regime. The film focuses on the lives of a young girl, Camila, and her Jesuit priest Ladislao Gutierrez. Camila and Ladisalo fall in love and the film follows their troubles. Through following the events that happen with Camila and Ladisalo, the director shows how restrictive and devout followers of Rosas were and of the resentment against him.
Le Huitieme Jour Essay Research Paper Date
Le Huitieme Jour Essay, Research Paper Date: 1997 Genre de film: Drame Metteur en Sc?ne: Jaco Van Dormael Realisateur: Philippe Godeau Avec: Daniel Auteuil comme Harry
Scarface Essay Research Paper scarfaceIf you are
Scarface Essay, Research Paper scarface If you are interested in watching an action filled gangster movie with lots of guns and gore, then ?say hello to my little friend,? as Tony Montana would say. This film is directed by Brian De Palma whom made it after the 1932 classic ?Scarface.? The movie has a couple of well known actors and actresses such as Michelle Phieffer and Al Pacino, in which I feel is Pacino?s best movie.
Movie On Laura Ezquivel
’s Novel Essay, Research Paper Some stories are meant for movies, but then again, there are times when I wish some stories remained stories, unless we had a French film director do them. Laura Ezquivel’ s novel is a treat. It stays with you as a fine dessert, or a fine food, and she knows it so well, and revels in it.
Chaplin Essay Research Paper Chaplins New GemMordaunt
Chaplin Essay, Research Paper Chaplin?s New Gem Mordaunt Hall, a reporter from the New York Times, refers to Charlie Chaplin as a ?Great host of spectators.? In his review of Chaplin?s new film, ?The Gold Rush?. Not even the scorching heat could keep the public from seeing this spectacular flick. New Yorkers swarmed to the theatres to view the new film.
Ghandi Essay Research Paper Reflection of Gandhi
Ghandi Essay, Research Paper Reflection of Gandhi Gandhi?s character was very temperamental. He was very kind and helped his country gain independence from Great Britain. Gandhi seemed to believe in using peaceful ways to fight battles, which meant he must not have been a violent person. This is also supported by the fact that he did not harm another human being once in his life (as shown in the film).
Alfred Hitchcock
’s Film Psycho Essay, Research Paper In the opening situation of Alfred Hitchcock’s film Psycho, we’re at a hotel room where a man named Sam and a woman named Marian are seeing themselves privately. Marian seems like a very respectful woman, however, early in the film we see her steal $40,000 from her boss in the first opportunity she has.
Hunchback Essay Research Paper Film CritiqueThe Hunchback
Hunchback Essay, Research Paper Film Critique The Hunchback of Notre Dame Hugo was trying to say about the main character, Quazi Motto, that looks have nothing to do with personality and how well they should be liked. Quazi Motto was quite
Romeo And Juliet Essay Research Paper The 2
Romeo And Juliet Essay, Research Paper ?The Differences? The play Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare is a tragic love story. When reading the play it can be very difficult to understand. This is mainly because you are unable to see the setting and the characters. Two producers, Zefirelli and Luhrmann, have created films based on this play.
Caste System In India Essay Research Paper
The caste system, or Varna, of India, came about when the Aryan speaking Nomadic groups came to India about 1500B.C.. The Aryan priests divided society into a caste system with four parts. This system determined Indian occupations. The priests and teachers were the highest caste. The second in rank were rulers and warriors, with merchants and traders third in rank.
History Essay Research Paper The film Europe
History Essay, Research Paper The film Europe, The Mighty Continent was an attempt entertaining film that was made from an entirely different angle than other history films. Although Peter Ustinov
Visions And Voices Essay Research Paper Visions
Visions And Voices Essay, Research Paper Visions and Voices The biographical film of Langston Hughes is both informative and entertaining. It approaches Hughes s life with insightful observations from the people that personally knew him. The film goes into detail on his family background and early life before his poetic success, and continues through his life in Harlem, his literary achievements, and legacy.
Spellbound Essay Research Paper SpellboundIn the film
Spellbound Essay, Research Paper Spellbound In the film Spellbound Dr. Murchison, the head of Green Manors mental asylum, is retiring to be replaced by Dr. Edwards, a famous psychiatrist. Dr. Edwards arrives and is immediately attracted to Dr. Constance Peterson. Nevertheless, it soon becomes apparent that Dr.
Canadian Film Industry Essay Research Paper ConclusionWe
Canadian Film Industry Essay, Research Paper Conclusion: We as Canadians watch movies on a weekly basis. On average, most people rent videos or attend the local movie theatre to attend and view the latest film. However, Canadians are not aware that they have become desensitized to the global Americanization of the U.S. film industry, which has been turned strong by Hollywood.
Fear And Loathing Essay Research Paper The
Fear And Loathing Essay, Research Paper The film was produced in the early goings of summer in 1998 almost as a tribute to the re-release of the novel of the same name in June. Directed by Monty Python’s Flying Circus animator Terry Gilliam [12 Monkeys], the film was received quite poorly in the box office and even by the counterculture which was its target audience.
Violence In Films Essay Research Paper What
Violence In Films Essay, Research Paper What place does violence have in the movies? Well, I believe that violence has a place in movies depending on the particular film and what the director of the film is trying to portray. If the director uses violence in his/her film and there isn’t any reason behind it, then I would disagree and say that violence shouldn’t be in THAT particular film.
American Ethics Essay Research Paper American Beauty
American Ethics Essay, Research Paper American Beauty is a very intricate film portraying the sarcasm intertwined within American values, or beauties. Every scene within American Beauty influences each character in the movie as well as other scenes. The structure of this flick is as if it were not possible to remove one scene from the work, otherwise the entire movie would collapse like a domino effect.
The Color Purple Essay Research Paper Byron
The Color Purple Essay, Research Paper Byron Hooper 11/18/96 The Color Purple film review The Color Purple The movie “The Color Purple,” directed by Steven Speilberg, was, in general, a
Something About Mary Essay Research Paper Something
Something About Mary Essay, Research Paper Something about Mary Its a comedy film, that came to Spain in November of the 1998. It was directed by the Farinelli brothers. And his main stars are: Cameron Diaz (Mary), Matt Dylon (a strange detective) and Ben Stiller (Ted).
Movie The Fan Essay Research Paper Movie
Movie: The Fan Essay, Research Paper Movie: The Fan An extraordinary film that every movie ?guru’ should see is The Fan. Putting this picture on a pedestal would be the right thing to do. My counter-
The Birds Essay Research Paper The Birds
The Birds Essay, Research Paper The Birds Essay submitted by Josh Weiss The short story “The Birds” was written by Daphne du Maurrier and was filmed and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It has a very interesting and suspenseful plot. The short
The Red Balloon Essay Research Paper The
The Red Balloon Essay, Research Paper The Red Balloon Essay The Red Balloon is about a little boy and his love for a red balloon. The movie is a French short movie which won the Cannes Film Festival Award. The film has many symbolic meanings. The movie begins when a little boy finds a large, red balloon. He rescues the balloon from a lampost and takes it to school.
The Randle Report Essay Research Paper The
The Randle Report Essay, Research Paper The Randle Report, by Kevin D. Randle explores UFO research in the1990’s. In reading his book I have gained much knowledge of how to determine whether
Process Of Processing Essay Research Paper The
Process Of Processing Essay, Research Paper The Process of Processing How do you process film? Well you’re about to find out. The three main steps in processing film are rolling, developing, and fixing. Not many people know exactly how black and white thirty five millimeter film is processed. So if you don’t, read this.
Braveheart Essay Research Paper I have just
Braveheart Essay, Research Paper I have just recently watched the film 1995 film Braveheart directed by and starring Mel Gibson. The main thing that I noticed about the film was not the art or architecture, but the lack there of. In ancient Roman times, there was some kind of Roman architecture almost everywhere.