Many parents try to protect their children from the imagery and situations seen in horror and action films. They feel that seeing relentless bloodshed and sadistic terror will warp a young person’s mind and drive them to pursue violent impulses later on in life. But while most parents are diligent in limiting children’s exposure to violence, they remain largely unaware of another dangerous piece of media that can warp their minds. That media is television sitcoms.
As you read this I’m sure you think what was written has to be a typo. How can sitcoms damage a young person’s mind? They’re shows designed to entertain through comedy. But a closer look into them reveals a hidden danger.
In many sitcoms a typical episode will run like this: the characters get into a troubled situation. Hilarity will ensue and by the episode’s end the problem is neatly solved and everything is more or less back to normal. While it may seem harmless for children to watch this, it can have a damaging effect. It can make children believe that life’s problems can always be solved quickly with a grand plan. If we get into a fight with someone we just need to come up with a hilarious and well meaning scheme and the fight will be over. In sitcoms problems are solved quickly and (with the exception of the grand scheme) neatly. Where in life this is far from how things are resolved.
In real life problems are very rarely quickly and simply solved. They are messy and complicated. An example is a serious fight between friends. By serious I don’t mean a disagreement on what restaurant to have dinner at. I mean an explosion of anger and words that leaves both parties hurt and shattered. A fight of this magnitude isn’t solved quickly by a quirky plan. It takes a long time of attempting to work through the issues that have come up as result of what happened. There are times where the friendship can not be salvaged. And in the event that it is it’s rarely the same again because of the line crossed from the fight. The fear of being hurt again causes the two to not trust each other as openly as they used to.
A perfect example of a resolution to a sitcom fight is in two episodes from the fifth season of the popular show “Will & Grace”. In the first episode, “The Kid Stays Out Of The Picture”, Grace decides to pursue a relationship with a doctor named Leo. Unfortunately this conflicts with her and Will’s plan to have a baby together. Once Will discovers that she wants to back out on their plan the two characters have one of the most intense fights ever seen in sitcoms. Long held resentment is brought up and each person pierces the other by throwing back their most negative character traits as if they were bullets. The episode concludes with Will throwing Grace out of their apartment and out of his life. In the second episode, “Humongous Growth”, Karen and Jack scheme to get their two friends to kiss and make up by tricking them into attending a kid’s birthday party without either knowing the other will be there. Once they find each other they continue to fight and squabble. Finally Karen essentially locks them up together by throwing their keys into a children’s ball pit. While rummaging through the pit Will and Grace talk about what happened and the issues between them. By the episodes end the two of them are friends again.
The fight in the first episode was so powerful and realistic that there needed to be a significant amount of time before it was resolved. While it’s known that they would have eventually forgiven each other (the title of the show is Will AND Grace after all) there should have been a few episodes gap before they made up. Instead it was quickly resolved in a timely manner. If youngsters see this they may think that is how it always is in life. That all of our problems in life, no matter how detrimental they are, can be solved in a quick and efficient manner. This means that impressionable youths can carry this belief into real life and thus be unable to deal with life’s problems once they arise.
In collusion I’m not saying that sitcoms should be outright banned from the family household. They offer entertainment and enjoyment. I’m saying that parents should reinforce to their children that what they are watching isn’t real life and they shouldn’t imitate what they are seeing. It may sound silly, but it could go a long way.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Untypical Roles Being First Viewing
While actors usually try not to become typecast in certain roles, many times it ends up happening. Either from there own volition or by the roles they are offered, actors will many times act in the same genre or play the same type of roles. Meg Ryan is usually cast in romantic comedies. Arnold Schwarzenegger usually plays fearless action heroes. Though after a while typecast actors will break out of their mold and play a role that audiences wouldn’t expect them to play.
An interesting experience is when the first thing someone sees a typecast actor or actress in is a role that is against their type. It changes one’s perspective of them since they never saw them in the roles they are known for. Recently I’ve realized that there are a number of actors and actresses I first saw in roles they were against their type. This article tells of a few of those instances.
AMY ADAMS
Known For: Playing upbeat and likable characters, such as a pregnant wife in Junebug and fairytale princess Giselle in Enchanted
First Seen In: Buffy The Vampire Slayer, playing the nasty cousin to resident witch Tara.
While many know this actress for playing extremely lovable characters, fans of her early work will see her playing a character that was anything but lovable. Amy Adams appeared in the season five episode “Family” of the brilliant show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In the episode Tara, a skilled witch and Willow’s girlfriend, was visited by her family on the eve of her 20th birthday. They informed her that she had to return home with them because she was part demon and would eventually turn evil. By the episode’s end it was revealed that the demon tale was a lie and Tara severed ties with her family.
The episode had Adams play Tara’s Cousin Beth, a nasty and manipulating woman who had successfully been brainwashed to be subservient and devoted to her family. More then the other family members she was the one who came closest to convincing Tara to leave her life in Sunnydale. Aside from being cruel she was also a malicious manipulator, similar to how a cheerleader might pretend to “help” a less popular girl.
NATHAN FILLION
Known For: Playing flawed yet at heart heroic characters, such as the Sherriff in Slither, the protagonist’s doctor in Waitress and Captain Malcolm Reynolds in the television show Firefly and subsequent movie Serenity
First Seen In: “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, playing the evil and misogynic preacher Caleb in the final season of the show.
Despite seeing this actor play quirky heroic characters, I still have a hard time shaking away the image of the first role I saw him in. In the final season of Buffy The Vampire Slayer Fillion played a evil priest who acted as the right hand of the Big Bad of the season. In spite of only being in five episodes he had a lasting effect, killing several minor characters and permanently disfiguring one of the main characters. What made him terrifying was the fact that he acted like a cross between a serial killer and a religious fanatic, talking about how humanity was dirty and unworthy of themselves before taking someone’s life. It’s almost like seeing pastor Fred Phelps go on a killing spree.
KURT RUSSELL
Known For: Playing gruff tough guys, such as Snake Plissken in Escape from New York, helicopter pilot R.J. MacReady in John Carpenter’s The Thing, and Stuntman Mike in Death Proof.
First Seen In: Executive Decision, where he played a nerdy terrorist specialist.
In the film Executive Decision, a movie where a group of commandos attempt to stop a group of terrorist who have taken a 747 hostage, Kurt Russell plays a terrorist specialist who joined the commandos because of his knowledge on the main hijacker. His character was very nervous and timid throughout the movie. He was nervous about acting rashly and the commandos would often only listen to him because of the direness of the situation. Even when he eventually took a gun and joined in on the fighting it played out more like an average guy thrust in a dangerous situation then an action hero.
ALAN RICKMAN
Known For: Playing nasty and or villainess characters such as terrorist/thief Hans Gruber in Die Hard, the Sherriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series.
First Seen In: Dogma, playing the Metatron and the voice of God.
In the 1999 film Dogma Alan Rickman played the role of the Metatron, the highest level of angels and the voice of God. Naturally the role wasn’t a villainess one at all. His character was portrayed as cranky and very British but also kind hearted. He acted as a guiding force to the characters on earth, giving well meaning advice whenever he could.
After seeing him in this role I found it interesting to see him play much more menacing characters.
KRISTIN KREUK
Known For: Playing angsty and emotionally vulnerable Lana Lang in the show Smallville
First Seen In: Eurotrip, playing the cruel and slutty ex girlfriend of the movie’s main protagonist.
Since I didn’t start watching Smallville until this summer, the first time I saw this actress was in the movie Eurotrip. The character she played was the exact opposite from the role she is most well known for. In the movie her character Fiona dumps her boyfriend Scott in front of his family, callously telling him that he is spineless and that she cheated on him a lot. Later on at a graduation party the band’s lead singer sings a song about all the time’s he slept with Fiona while she dated Scott. Not only does she grind against the singer during the song but she also joins in on the singing, knowing full well her former boyfriend is in the audience watching everything.
An interesting experience is when the first thing someone sees a typecast actor or actress in is a role that is against their type. It changes one’s perspective of them since they never saw them in the roles they are known for. Recently I’ve realized that there are a number of actors and actresses I first saw in roles they were against their type. This article tells of a few of those instances.
AMY ADAMS
Known For: Playing upbeat and likable characters, such as a pregnant wife in Junebug and fairytale princess Giselle in Enchanted
First Seen In: Buffy The Vampire Slayer, playing the nasty cousin to resident witch Tara.
While many know this actress for playing extremely lovable characters, fans of her early work will see her playing a character that was anything but lovable. Amy Adams appeared in the season five episode “Family” of the brilliant show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In the episode Tara, a skilled witch and Willow’s girlfriend, was visited by her family on the eve of her 20th birthday. They informed her that she had to return home with them because she was part demon and would eventually turn evil. By the episode’s end it was revealed that the demon tale was a lie and Tara severed ties with her family.
The episode had Adams play Tara’s Cousin Beth, a nasty and manipulating woman who had successfully been brainwashed to be subservient and devoted to her family. More then the other family members she was the one who came closest to convincing Tara to leave her life in Sunnydale. Aside from being cruel she was also a malicious manipulator, similar to how a cheerleader might pretend to “help” a less popular girl.
NATHAN FILLION
Known For: Playing flawed yet at heart heroic characters, such as the Sherriff in Slither, the protagonist’s doctor in Waitress and Captain Malcolm Reynolds in the television show Firefly and subsequent movie Serenity
First Seen In: “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, playing the evil and misogynic preacher Caleb in the final season of the show.
Despite seeing this actor play quirky heroic characters, I still have a hard time shaking away the image of the first role I saw him in. In the final season of Buffy The Vampire Slayer Fillion played a evil priest who acted as the right hand of the Big Bad of the season. In spite of only being in five episodes he had a lasting effect, killing several minor characters and permanently disfiguring one of the main characters. What made him terrifying was the fact that he acted like a cross between a serial killer and a religious fanatic, talking about how humanity was dirty and unworthy of themselves before taking someone’s life. It’s almost like seeing pastor Fred Phelps go on a killing spree.
KURT RUSSELL
Known For: Playing gruff tough guys, such as Snake Plissken in Escape from New York, helicopter pilot R.J. MacReady in John Carpenter’s The Thing, and Stuntman Mike in Death Proof.
First Seen In: Executive Decision, where he played a nerdy terrorist specialist.
In the film Executive Decision, a movie where a group of commandos attempt to stop a group of terrorist who have taken a 747 hostage, Kurt Russell plays a terrorist specialist who joined the commandos because of his knowledge on the main hijacker. His character was very nervous and timid throughout the movie. He was nervous about acting rashly and the commandos would often only listen to him because of the direness of the situation. Even when he eventually took a gun and joined in on the fighting it played out more like an average guy thrust in a dangerous situation then an action hero.
ALAN RICKMAN
Known For: Playing nasty and or villainess characters such as terrorist/thief Hans Gruber in Die Hard, the Sherriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series.
First Seen In: Dogma, playing the Metatron and the voice of God.
In the 1999 film Dogma Alan Rickman played the role of the Metatron, the highest level of angels and the voice of God. Naturally the role wasn’t a villainess one at all. His character was portrayed as cranky and very British but also kind hearted. He acted as a guiding force to the characters on earth, giving well meaning advice whenever he could.
After seeing him in this role I found it interesting to see him play much more menacing characters.
KRISTIN KREUK
Known For: Playing angsty and emotionally vulnerable Lana Lang in the show Smallville
First Seen In: Eurotrip, playing the cruel and slutty ex girlfriend of the movie’s main protagonist.
Since I didn’t start watching Smallville until this summer, the first time I saw this actress was in the movie Eurotrip. The character she played was the exact opposite from the role she is most well known for. In the movie her character Fiona dumps her boyfriend Scott in front of his family, callously telling him that he is spineless and that she cheated on him a lot. Later on at a graduation party the band’s lead singer sings a song about all the time’s he slept with Fiona while she dated Scott. Not only does she grind against the singer during the song but she also joins in on the singing, knowing full well her former boyfriend is in the audience watching everything.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Passing of a Soul King
Isaac Hayes, the musician and actor who wrote the theme to the movie Shaft, has passed away. He was found unresponsive by a family member and was pronounced dead an hour later. He was 65 years old.
Hayes was a musician who specified in jazz, rap, and even disco. In 1971 Isaac Hayes wrote and performed the theme to the movie Shaft. The song became a huge hit, going to Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November of that year and winning best original song at the Academy awards in 1972. Hayes’s performance of the song at the 1972 Academy Awards ceremony would later be named No. 18 in TV Guide’s list of television’s 25 most memorable moments.
In addition to being a musician Isaac Hayes was a actor. He appeared in several films such as It Could Happen to you, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and Hustle and Flow. His most famous acting role was voicing the character of Chef in the show South Park. The character, a cafeteria chef who loved the ladies and routinely gave the children of the show advice, was notable as not only one of the few African American characters on the show but also one of the very few level headed adult characters. Hayes voiced the character during the first nine seasons but quit before the start of the tenth season. While several reasons have been given for his departure, such as a stroke Hayes had in January 2006, most believe it was the episode “Trapped in the Closet” that caused Hayes’s departure. The episode poked fun at scientology, which Hayes was a member of.
Hayes is survived by his wife and children. He will be missed.
Hayes was a musician who specified in jazz, rap, and even disco. In 1971 Isaac Hayes wrote and performed the theme to the movie Shaft. The song became a huge hit, going to Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November of that year and winning best original song at the Academy awards in 1972. Hayes’s performance of the song at the 1972 Academy Awards ceremony would later be named No. 18 in TV Guide’s list of television’s 25 most memorable moments.
In addition to being a musician Isaac Hayes was a actor. He appeared in several films such as It Could Happen to you, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and Hustle and Flow. His most famous acting role was voicing the character of Chef in the show South Park. The character, a cafeteria chef who loved the ladies and routinely gave the children of the show advice, was notable as not only one of the few African American characters on the show but also one of the very few level headed adult characters. Hayes voiced the character during the first nine seasons but quit before the start of the tenth season. While several reasons have been given for his departure, such as a stroke Hayes had in January 2006, most believe it was the episode “Trapped in the Closet” that caused Hayes’s departure. The episode poked fun at scientology, which Hayes was a member of.
Hayes is survived by his wife and children. He will be missed.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
One Time the Laughter is Silenced
Sadly I have just learned that comedian Bernie Mac has died. He passed away this morning from complications brought on by pneumonia after having been admitted to a Chicago hospital due to the illness. He was 50 years old.
Bernie Mac was a successful comedian with a tell-it-like-it-is approach. Performing since he was a child, his comedy routine was featured in the 2000 documentary film The Original Kings of Comedy. Shortly after that Fox Television gave him his own sitcom, entitled The Bernie Mac Show. In the show Bernie played a guy who is suddenly giving custody of his sister’s three children while she is in rehab. The show stayed true to Bernie’s stand up act by having the character routinely break the fourth wall to personally tell the audience how he felt about the absurdity of a situation. The show was a huge success, earning a Peabody award in 2001 and nominations for a Golden Globe and an Emmy for Mac.
In addition to television Bernie Mac appeared in a number of films. Audiences will most recognize him from his role in the 2001 remake of Ocean’s Eleven, where he played a black jack dealer who helped with the elaborate heist. He would also appear in both of the film’s sequels. Some of his other roles were the no nonsense father in Guess Who, the new Bosley in Charlie’s Angel’s: Full Throttle, a flashy baseball player in Mr. 3000 and a sleazy car salesman in last summer’s Transformers.
Bernie Mac will be greatly missed. His passing has left a void in the comedic world that will take quite a while to be filled. Thankfully his success will still allow others to experience and enjoy his unique brand of comedy.
Bernie Mac was a successful comedian with a tell-it-like-it-is approach. Performing since he was a child, his comedy routine was featured in the 2000 documentary film The Original Kings of Comedy. Shortly after that Fox Television gave him his own sitcom, entitled The Bernie Mac Show. In the show Bernie played a guy who is suddenly giving custody of his sister’s three children while she is in rehab. The show stayed true to Bernie’s stand up act by having the character routinely break the fourth wall to personally tell the audience how he felt about the absurdity of a situation. The show was a huge success, earning a Peabody award in 2001 and nominations for a Golden Globe and an Emmy for Mac.
In addition to television Bernie Mac appeared in a number of films. Audiences will most recognize him from his role in the 2001 remake of Ocean’s Eleven, where he played a black jack dealer who helped with the elaborate heist. He would also appear in both of the film’s sequels. Some of his other roles were the no nonsense father in Guess Who, the new Bosley in Charlie’s Angel’s: Full Throttle, a flashy baseball player in Mr. 3000 and a sleazy car salesman in last summer’s Transformers.
Bernie Mac will be greatly missed. His passing has left a void in the comedic world that will take quite a while to be filled. Thankfully his success will still allow others to experience and enjoy his unique brand of comedy.
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