Critical Review of Elysium Essay Example

Critical Review of Elysium Essay Example Critical Review of Elysium Paper Critical Review of Elysium Paper Elysium is about Max Dad Costa, played by Matt Damon, a man who takes on a mission to save his own life that could end up being the act that brings equality to the polarize inhabitants of Earth. The film is set in the year 21 54, in a version of Earths future where the wealthy live on a space station called Elysium and the rest of the population remain on a derelict Earth. As most modern audiences do, my first stop when considering watching Elysium was to AMID to see what it was generally about. I learnt that the film was written and directed by Neil Blowlamp, who I know from his successful debut feature film District 9, in which he proved that he is able to fuse social commentary with exhilarating action and so established himself as one of the more interesting directors doing hard-core sic-if (Cue-Un]Eng, 2013) I knew I was going to see a big budgeted, distributor tent pole, A-List acted, social commentary with some great special effects and that it would most likely look and feel a bit like District 9. After reading and watching multiple reviews and interviews since seeing the film I have realized I was not alone in this estimation and the reviews of this film an be summed up by covering my initial summations in more detail. Firstly, social commentary colors the reviews of this film, the overarching focuses of the reviews on Elysium are the subject matter of the plot and the clear messages to modern viewers found therein. While a pessimistic sic-if tradition is certainly not a creation of Blowlamp Science Fiction has always been perhaps the most powerful genre in terms of raising a mirror to the world and providing social commentary (Clayton, 2013) the fact that his skills as a director when It comes to the production value are only a side comments or finishing remarks seem to be hard proof of his ability to hone in on modern fears and allow the theme to be the resonating factor of his film making. After discussing the many subversion and hidden messages of the film at length most reviews that I read would only Include comments such as Elysium succeeds because the cinematography Is downright Impressive. The SF and weaponry are also top notch (Cue-unguent, 2013) In the closing paragraphs. Elysium In the simplest description of It Is a sic-if film, It Is set In the future (In this case a historian one), It features advanced technology and It Is a metaphor for our present conditions that Is presented as a thrilling action film. Whether or not you agree with the social Implications It raises, whether you have left or right political leanings or you come from the USA, Australia, Salsa or Europe the film has become a successful allegory that at the same time has been able to exaggerate and simplify a vast array modern status quo In order to create circumstances that force each particular viewer to confront the context of the points raised In relation to how they live their ivies. This view that the film Is able to Inspire a mixed rhetoric about such wide current world situations and the Implications of that Is held by Patch when he says Blowlamps film really lets fly with Its anguished take on where our world Is heading (Patch, 2013) and again by the comments made by Clayton Its worth pondering on when you watch Elysium, should this be making me feel pessimistic about humanity prospects and should I abandon my mere upbeat hopes for a possible progressive utopia ahead? Id say no, Elysium should make you feel bleak he term misapplication in its description of the way Blowlamp has wielded social commentary to his advantage in order to create a box office success. The suggestion that this is, in essence, an angle that has been seized Due to the recognition Blowlamp gained from the success of his previous apartheid themed sic-if, District 9, a film that gave him a status as a sort of sic-if socialist mastermind, it is now generally perceived that he has an inherent talent to skew versions of the present into a setting in the not too distant future that appeals to the widest possible audience and hat this ability can be purposely tapped into. They go as far as saying Elysium has one of the most openly socialist political agendas of any Hollywood movie in memory, beating the drum loudly not Just for universal health care, but for open borders, unconditional amnesty and the abolition of class distinctions as well. (Debugger, 2013) Entertainment Weekly says in its review of Elysium, If you are a member of the 1%, Elysium is a horror movie. For everyone else, its one step shy of a call to arms. Whatever you feel about the context of the film and whatever the means it used, it as achieved what was expected of it, the basic understanding that blockbusters are designed to appeal as broadly as possible (Debugger, 2013) this leaves no question that for whatever reason the social commentary exists it is a meticulously realized and successfully achieved production for its purpose of being wide reaching in its capacity to connect with a large audience. Reviewers from different backgrounds and countries have read into the film in different ways, I believe this is an accurate example of how the film has been able to achieve a connection with a broad range of people. Elysium has a message that many people can relate to, and conveys it in a manner that never becomes overtly preachy. Nonstop, 2013) For Johnston, a reviewer from The Czech Republic the crucial message is equal access to health care. He states those on Earth crowd into hospital emergency rooms where a few bandages and ineffective pills are dispensed for everything, while on Elysium every home has a flat-bed scanning unit called a med-pod that can remove any ailment and eliminate any genetic defect. Nonstop, 2013) And Jones a British reviewer souses on the haves and have onto theme when she says the film will resonate particularly with audiences in countries with extreme wealth discrepancy Cones, 2013) In comparison, Australian film critic Stratton sites some specifically A ustralian and incredibly current issues when he says l like some of the themes that Blowlamp introduces in this film, like the idea of refugees. You dont Just stop the boats, you shoot them out of the water and thats the ultimate, I guess, end of that sort of policy. So thats a very interesting theme for the film. (Stratton, 2013) There is no water and here are no boats in Elysium literally, but Stratton has naturally associated similar circumstances occurring in the film to the boat people issue that is currently front page news in Australia, the refugee motif we see in Elysium could Just as easily comment on the Mexican illegal crossing the Californian border but this issue is not a relevant one to Stratton. Here we have three different reviews from three different cultures that all resonate with different aspects of the films social agenda for reasons that directly affect their community. This is clear example that what Blowlamp has en able to achieve for the second time is a biting social commentary on todays headlines Nonstop, 2013) In an interview with Jones, Blowlamp states that its not problems that people will face in the future, but when it offers insight into the world we live in today. Nonstop, 2013) Blowlamps version of Earth is reminiscent of slums in our modern third world countries and the filming of the scenes on Earth were actually done in the worlds second largest garbage dump on the Bored Opponent landfill site in Mexico City Cones, 2013) The irony that comparably Elysium scenes were filmed in a first world city such as Vancouver is not lost on him It was embarrassing for all of us during filming, because half the movie executives actually do live in Beverly Hills. Wer e already living in Elysium. Were aware of it. Cones, 2013) Blowlamp says he intentionally filmed in one of the most unpleasant areas he could find because the imagery adds to the theme of the film. We could have green- screened the entire thing, but I wanted there to be a real discrepancy in the film between rich and poor. So were not manipulating the audience in any way the poverty is completely real. I believe this is one reason that from the whole cinema going experience of Elysium what is of interest afterwards and what is mostly taken away and dissected are the messages and themes that are explored.

Gorbachev and the end of the Cold War essays

Gorbachev and the end of the Cold War essays In 1991 the Soviet Union collapsed as a nation state. Although, in retrospect, this seemed the likely outcome after years of economic stagnation, political corruption, and most importantly, the collapse of all pro-Soviet communist regimes in Eastern Europe by 1989, no one expected it (Painter, 108.) The Soviet Union, ever since the death of Stalin in 1953, had experienced economic and nationalistic difficulties, but this had never led to such a drastic change of events. So why did it collapse so unexpectedly, and who or what is responsible for the disintegration? These questions have been the focal point of many debates in the historical and political arena, and this essay will take a closer look at one important issue. The issue at hand is, to what extent is Gorbachev responsible for the collapse of the Soviet Union? Gorbachev came to power in March 1985 (Smith, 136) and, dismissing the Brezhnev era as years of stagnation, he announced strong intentions to radically transform the S oviet Union both politically and economically. Economically he aimed to radically restructure management and party through perestroika, and politically he intended to make the system more open to input and criticism through glasnost (Reynolds, 543.) Many historians claim that these two policies, which internationally became the catchwords of the Gorbachev era, caused the collapse of the U.S.S.R. Glasnost fueled dormant nationalistic sentiments throughout Eastern Europe and provoked public criticism of a failing political system, while Perestroika spelled deconstruction, not reconstruction of the economy. Other historians have turned the spotlight away from Gorbachev, focusing it on the hardliner President Reagan of the United States, who came to power after Jimmy Carter in 1981 (Cannon, online, 2001.) They argue that Reagan was the man who ended the Cold War through his national self-confidence, purpose, and optimistic m...

Saint Dominic Quotations

Saint Dominic Quotations Born in 1170 and founder of the Order of Friars Preachers, Domingo de Guzmn lived an austere life, traveling and spreading the Gospel. He was also good friends with Saint Francis of Assisi. Here are some quotations attributed to Saint Dominic. On Austerity and Charity Arm yourself with prayer instead of a sword; be clothed with humility instead of fine raiment. These, my  much loved  ones, are the bequests which I leave to you as my sons; have charity among yourselves; hold fast to humility; keep a willing poverty. We must sow the seed, not hoard it. I could not bear to prize dead skins, when living skins were starving and in need.- After selling books inscribed on parchment (sheepskin) and giving the money to the poor. Other Saint Dominic Quotes I would tell them to kill me slowly and painfully, a little at a time, so that I might have a more glorious crown in Heaven.- After being asked what he would do if caught by his enemies. A man who governs his passions is master of the world. We must either rule ​them, or be ruled by them. It is better to be the hammer than the anvil. You are my companion and must walk with me. For if we hold together no earthly power can withstand us.- Upon meeting Francis of Assisi.

Insurance Model Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Insurance Model - Essay Example The consumers have standard preferences defined over consumption. If P is the probability of the loss, then the consumers expected utility is: Thus, we can have the following indifference curve: It is simple to show that this leads to negatively sloped convex indifference curves. The slope of the indifference curves are: The high risk and low risk groups differ in their probabilities of incurring the loss. The probability of accident of an individual consumer belonging to the high risk group is PH and that of one belonging to the low risk group is PL, where PH> PL. Figure 1 below shows the indifference curves for a particular utility level for representative agents from the two groups. Observe that since PH> PL the indifference curves for the high risk type will have flatter slopes (less negative). Figure 1: Indifference curves for the high risk and the low risk consumers The monopolist The monopolist’s objective is to maximize its expected profits or alternatively minimize it s expected costs by trading with the consumer. The monopolist offers a pair of contingent claims (G,B) which realize in the good (No loss) and bad (loss) states in return for the consumers initial endowment. The expected costs of the monopolist are equal to: We can form the Iso-cost function for the monopolist as follows: Evidently, these are straight lines with a slope of . Observe that since PH> PL the Iso-cost line for the high risk type will have a flatter slope (less negative). Thus, the iso-cost lines for the High risk type and the low risk type can be drawn as follows: Figure 2: The iso-cost lines for the monopolist insurer for high risk and low risk contracts – C(H) represents the iso cost line for the high risk types and C(L) represents the isocost line for the low risk type. The separating equilibrium under asymmetric information Recall that asymmetric information is a situation where one or some of the players of the game have private information. In the present co ntext the asymmetric information is manifested in the form of consumers having private information since they know whether they belong to high risk or low risk groups. The firm does not know any particular agents type. However, the monopolist is perfectly aware of the exact probability distribution of consumer types. A separating equilibrium in the present context would be one where the high risk types choose a contract that is different from the contract chosen by the low risk types. The monopolist firm’s objective is to minimize its costs subject to the participation constraint or the individual rationality constraint and the incentive compatibility constraint of the consumer. The participation constraint requires that the contract offered by the firm provides him at least as much expected utility as the consumer’s initial endowment. This implies that for any consumer to accept the firms offer, the contract has to lie on or above the indifference curve through the in itial endowment. The incentive compatibility constraint on the other hand requires that consumers of either type do not find it beneficial to accept the contract devised for the other type. It is essentially the satisfaction of this constraint that leads to the separating equilibrium. In terms of indifference curves, the incentive compatibility constraint requires that the contract for the high type lies on or below the low types indifference curve

Guinness International Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Guinness International - Essay Example Alcohol is a dependence-producing drug that causes detrimental societal and physical effects. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it leads to diseases, early mortality, accidents, and violent crimes (Camerra-Rowe, 11-12, 17). No doubt, the technologies in the beer industry are the brewing facilities and the bottling and packaging technology. However, technology is not the critical success factor for brewing fine beer, more important are the brewer's marketing image and the recipe (Alan Moen). Beer brewing contributes to global warming by emitting carbon dioxide. The use and disposal of bottles and packaging also contribute to environmental pollution (Brewers Association of Japan). Hence, beer brewing is a cause of concern for much environmentalists (Camerra-Rowe, 8, 24). The beer industry operates within a tight legal environment. Numerous legislation exist in various nations to curb the advertising and excessive consumption of alcohol (Camerra-Rowe, 5, 14-15). Examples include control on drunk driving, operation hours of pubs, advertising, distribution, and even import controls, such as in Sweden (Camerra-Rowe, 13-15; Diageo, 9). Strong marketing and advertising (Asia Pacific Breweries Limited, 2). ... SWOT ANALYSIS Having analysed the external environment, let us perform an internal analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats specific to the company. Strengths Sales volume increases in Asia in recent years (Asia Pacific Breweries Limited, 2). Strong marketing and advertising (Asia Pacific Breweries Limited, 2). Its main forms of advertising are magazine, newspaper, point of sale, poster and billboard advertising, and radio, cinema, and television advertising where appropriate. It also uses consumer promotional programmes in the on trade, such as bars and restaurants (Diageo, 8). Strong in human resources. Guinness International Learning Centre was set up for the purpose of training and development (Diageo, 8; Guinness Storehouse). Besides, the building of a pool of talented human resources is its core strategic imperative (Diageo, 8). Hence, it provides a competitive compensation package (Diageo, 8). Established and strong in the Africa market (Diageo, 7). Its parent company, Diageo is "the world's leading premium drinks business with a collection of international brand" (Diageo, 1). Weaknesses Not the leader in market share in Asia (Asia Pacific Breweries Limited, 15). No emphasis on research and development (Diageo, 9) Opportunities Alcohol consumption in eastern Europe, Asia, Indochina (Vietnam and Cambodia), and America is rising (Asia Pacific Breweries Limited, 1; Camerra-Rowe, 8). Europe, with the highest per capita alcohol consumption in the world (Camerra-Rowe, 12), is a mature market. The market is fragmented due to differences in taste around the world, as well as national barriers to trade that stipulate the allowable ingredients, alcoholic content level, and size of containers of beer (Camerra-Rowe, 5). For example,

Comparison between Confucius and Lao Tzu Research Paper

Comparison between Confucius and Lao Tzu - Research Paper Example The teachings associated with Confucius can be considered as concepts of human activities and they contain five fundamental messages. The initial message demonstrates two key components which are Zen and li. The concept of Zen points toward humanity and benevolence while li addresses rules and decorum. According to Confucius, li was the greatest manifestation of Zen despite the fact that Zen is attained through li. This means that the capability to abide by rules and decorum was the most favorable way to display respect and regard to the authority figure and the environment inhabited by individuals. The second message associated with the teachings states that an individual who is honest and decent should obey the authority and avails a set of morals for people in authority. These two mechanisms demonstrated the opinions held by Confucius concerning the framework of the state as well as the manner in which the community is organized socially. The third message carries Confuciusâ€℠¢ warning to human beings against possessing anything that will make their characters become extreme. Confucius perceives the center as being the most favorable position for an individual. The fourth message addresses issues of power and Confucius considers that it should be based on the ideology of justice. In essence, he blended the ideas of power and justice into one concrete formation. The final message argues that the human beings have to be completely involved and realistic to the religion they confess.

BHP Billitons Vacation Program Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

BHP Billitons Vacation Program - Case Study Example Being a chemical engineer, it has always been my dream desire to associate myself with a company, which adopts highest standards of professionalism and values better performances. BHP Billiton believes in equality in all it does. The Company expresses its dedication towards growing a rich culture, diverse workforce and providing a work environment in which every employee is treated fairly, respected and has the opportunity to contribute to business success - while always being given the opportunities to realize their full potential as individuals. I am sure everybody would love to perform still better if provided such a working environment. I am no exception to this temptation and feel quite excited about the vacation program to secure a head start for my career. The resources sector is a highly growth potential sectors today as the world's demand for resources continues to increase. Therefore if provided an opportunity, I'll try my best to make optimum use of the opportunity by learning the professionalism and skills required to excel in life.