High School Musical - Film

Emily Burke

Mr. Bomboy

HACC Humanities 101

8 January 2016

Critique for High School Musical

            I have chosen to critique the movie High School Musical written by Peter Barsocchini directed by Kenny Ortega. I chose to critique the way that music is used in the film to heighten emotional responses.

            This film was written to not only for entertainment but also show how when a person steps out of their comfort zone and tries something new he or she can experience new things. The two main characters in this movie were both pushed out of their “normal” lives, the basketball court is sidelined and the science books are put on the shelves. However, they each gain valuable friendships and memories through putting down the ball, science book, and picking up the microphone.

            There are two main characters in this movie are Troy and Gabriella. Other important characters in this movie are Sharpay, Ryan, Chad, Taylor, Mrs. Darbus, Coach Bolton, and Kelsi. The location of this film is at East High in Albuquerque, New Mexico. High school activities, classes, outfits, and lifestyles are all shown throughout this film.

            The music in this film adds to the emotions in the particular scene that it is played in. For example, when Troy and Gabriella meet at the Ski-lodge on New Year’s night and end up signing together the song “Start of Something New”, the mood is happy and cheerful just like the relationship that is beginning between Troy and Gabriella. The next week when school is back in session and all the students are coming in from the buses, there is an upbeat music playing as the students’ excitement is through the roof. Sharpay, the glamour girl, walks down the hall and a very dramatic music is played. This gives a sense of “watch your back” as the viewer is able to see that Sharpay is used to getting what she wants, no matter who stands in her way. “Get my Head in the Game” is played when Troy is at basketball practice and he is contemplating signing up for the winter musical with his new interest, Gabriella. The emotion that can be felt is the boys pumping Troy up to stay focused on the game, as championships are only two weeks away.

            There are scenes when no one is talking and there is not any music with words, just instrumental music. This brings up the emotion of Troy checking in on Gabriella to see what she is doing, as well as Sharpay not liking a new girl being Troy’s interest. When there is no dialog going on, the music being played speaks for itself. Music that is played while in the theater is very dramatic and mysterious while the music played while the boys are in the gym is very blood-pumping and energizing. Chad, Troy’s best friend is catching on to something, and he doesn’t like what Troy is up to. He follows Troy around to see why Troy is skipping out of shooting hoops with the team, all while detective music is being played. The emotions that Troy doesn’t want his friends to know what is going on can be felt when this music is played.

            Troy and Gabriella are in the back of the auditorium when soft music is playing and they are sharing how they feel about Mrs. Darbus and how he is afraid of what his friends will think of him if he joins the musical. Shortly after this, Troy decides to go for it and auditions after Gabriella announces she is auditioning. Sharpay finds out and is not happy that someone is “threatening” her show, this is shown through a scream that she lets out. When Sharpay is throwing a fit about the newbies in her show, the rhythm of the music is very war-like. It has a strong beat and sends the emotion of an unpleased person to everyone around. There were multiple sounds in this film that contributed to the feeling given, such as: Sharpay’s heels, basketballs being bounced, chemical reactions, buzzers in the gym, and chatter from students around the school.

            There are scenes where the music takes on a not so happy note, a good example of this is when Gabriella overhears Troy being manipulated and tells the guys that “Singing means nothing to him, and neither does the girl”. She then begins to sing a sad song while looking out at the student body as they are enjoying their time celebrating the upcoming game. Troy and Gabriella’s friends realize what mistake they have made in setting up Troy to say things that they knew they could get him to say. This backfires on their friends as Troy and Gabriella both become saddened and emotions are felt through multiple songs. Their friends realized that being in the musical was something important to Troy and Gabriella and through their work, the two stars find themselves working on their performances while juggling basketball practice and the decathlon team.

At the end of the movie, all of the friends pull together to help these two perform and are more supportive than ever. The ending song in the movie is “We are all in this together” where Troy, Gabriella, and all of their friends are singing together. The tone is happy, upbeat, and encouraging all while everyone is happy to be together. This was a good choice on the director’s part to use this song to show just how when friends come together and people are pushed out of their comfort zone, they are in for an experience of a lifetime.

Works Cited

High School Musical. Dir. Kenny Ortega. By Peter Barsocchini. Perf. Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale. Walt Disney, 2006. DVD.

Painting Critique

Emily Burke

Mr. Bomboy

HACC Humanities

17 December 2015

Painting Critique

            Narrative paintings are those that tell a story through the images and the way that the artist carefully constructed the piece of artwork. Paintings from the Renaissance and Post- Impressionism eras (1500 to 1900) are no exception to this, they still tell a story. Through the use of the elements and principles of design, analyzation of each painting, interpretation of the work, and through critical viewpoints the viewer is able to grasp what the artist is trying to tell. In Beethoven Composing the “Pastoral” by a Brook, there is a story to tell through the different techniques that the artist used.

            The elements and principles of design are very important, without them certain traits would missing and it would be harder for the artist to convey their thoughts. Elements such as line, shape, color, texture, value, form, and space are all used in this piece. Lines are seen in the outfit of the man sitting by the brook. Shapes, both geometric and organic are in the leaves, rocks, trees, and clouds. Colors were chosen very carefully for this piece, light sky, dark water, vibrant green trees and plants are all used to help focus on the man. Blue and white in the man’s outfit it is very eye catching when compared to its surrounding green colors. Texture in this piece brings it to life not only in the leaves on the trees as they are very realistic but also in the water as the ripples are able to be seen. Value in this work is used in differing between the foreground and the background of the scene as well as space, which can be seen where the mountains and houses are seen in the background. Form shows the space that the trees and this person takes up along the brook where he is writing. These devices add a whole new level to this work all while showing the power and importance that the man in the painting holds.

Principles such as the contrast between the colors green and blue can be seen, as well as rhythm and movement. Rhythm and movement can be found in the sky where the clouds are but more so in the water that is in the brook. The viewer is able to tell that the water is moving and is not just a body of still water. The focal point of this work is the man who is sitting alongside of the brook writing in his notepad. He is important, as he is very well dressed in a nice coat, shoes, pants, and shirt. Repetition is found in the trees and bushes all around the man. Unity is shown, the viewer can see that this man who seems to be a leader is taking a break from his normal everyday task to go to the water and think. He does not look out of place or just randomly thrown into a this painting but as if this is a spot where he visits frequently when he needs some down time to himself. Through the use of the elements and principles of design, the author is able to give certain feels and visuals for the viewer to look at and feel. They are also used to enhance the work that the artist has done, creating certain traits that are special to this piece of work. The movement of water and the vibrancy of the nature that surround the man give a peaceful and calm feeling.

Every person will have his or her own interpretation of what he or she thinks that the artist of this piece of artwork is trying to say. For me, I think that the artist was trying to accomplish the feeling of taking a relaxing break by a brook where the scenery and water calms a person and shows where a person is able to go and think about important decisions and tasks. I think that the aim that the artist was going for was to show how this man was taking some time to think outside and write down his thoughts on his notebook. More than just being a simple, common man, this man in the painting shows class and honor. He is very well dressed and has a proper posture although he has one leg bent and his right arm resting on a tree beside him. This man looks relaxed and in deep thought, he looks as if he is writing something important all while brainstorming new thoughts and ideas. There is also a sense of isolation in this painting. The man in this work is not close to the town, he is further away from the place where the people are. The essence of location is important for this man as he is contemplating his role in society and what he brings to the people.

It’s always impressive when an artist completes a piece of work. Even more than just completing a magnificent piece of artwork, the artist is showing a little bit of who he or she is as well as thoughts that he or she portrays. More importantly, the artist is telling a story and giving facts about a certain event or person. It’s important that when looking at a piece of work, the viewer looks at the different elements and principles of design used, interpreted the meaning of the painting, and try to take away what the artist intended from this piece.

Works Cited 

"Ludwig Van Beethoven Pictures." Ludwig Van Beethoven Pictures. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2015.

           

Non-Western Art Critique

Art is all around us and it comes in many different forms and methods. Non-Western art is no exception to the special feature in a work of art. The diverse and intricate details in an Ancient Chinese Art piece show more than just a picture or a scene, they show the time spent in completing this piece, the thought that went into the successful completion of a work. In the piece of work, “Endless Valleys and Mountains” (“Open”) many different techniques and messages are being shown and given. This work is a handscroll from China that was created during the Qing Dynasty in 1766 (“Open”). Although the author of this piece of work did not leave a mark signifying who he or she was, the authenticity of this work is not in question. Through the use of different elements and principles of design this piece of work tells a story and highlights different parts of the work.

“Endless Valleys and Mountains” is a hanging scroll that is made out of paper and completed with the use of black ink on the paper (“Open”). This piece of work depicts a mountain range and valleys with houses and Chinese architecture and buildings present. Although in this painting there is a Chinese structure, there are not any humans depicted in this piece of art (“Open”). Chinese paintings were made to create a mood rather than an objective reality. In “Endless Valleys and Mountains” the use of the elements of art and design help achieve the Chinese’s goal of creating a mood. The lines in this work are strong but also quiet. The different widths and thicknesses of the black lines in the horizontal direction create the trees and pine in this work. The use of lines in this work also create the visual effect of the magnitude of the mountain range. The lines draw your eye from one direction to the next, creating the illusion of the mountain range spanning a large portion of the scene. As the mountains and trees are drawn in the distance, the lines and strong colors become quieter, which is not only visually pleasing to the eye but also show the depth of the mountain range. The author of this piece used black ink only in this piece of work (“Open”). With the color scheme being different shades of the same color, black, the feeling that a person gets when looking at this work is a calm and soft feeling, instead of a harsh and strong feeling. This painting uses dull texture in the mountain ranges and makes the mountain ranges feel real, instead of just ink on a paper. Value in this painting is very present, through the use of black and white the trees and Chinese buildings are able to be seen in a clearer view which gives effects of a real life scene (“Open”). The form of this painting fully takes advantage of organic shapes such as the mountains and paths to grasp the viewer’s attention and pull them into the scene. Through use of the elements of art, this painting is so much more than just ink on the paper.

The principles of design also aid in the effect that this painting gives. The contrast between white and black in the painting, there is also contrast incorporated in the texture of this piece of artwork. The use of contrast in the texture helps create the feel of location and perspective in this art piece (“Open”). Proportion is used in this artwork when there are the trees, other than the trees there is not another thing that is proportional in “Endless Valleys and Mountains”. The emphasis for this Ancient Chinese art is not a single part of the work but, rather the whole piece. However, once a person’s eyes find the Chinese buildings in this work of art, that person’s eyes are no longer able to “unsee” the buildings (“Open”). Repetition that is used throughout “Endless Valleys and Mountains” can be found in the trees, and where the mountains and valleys connect. The balance of this art is informal and dramatic. Without these different principles of design, this piece would not have the effect that it has on the people who view it.

“Endless Valleys and Mountains” definitely has a function. I think that the function of this artwork is to show what a mountain range and valleys in China look like, while creating a cozy feeling when one looks at the painting (“Open”). This artwork fits into the culture that produced it because there were many uses for the valleys and mountains in China, a main use of them was for food and agriculture. This shows how these beautiful creations are so much more than just eye candy, they have a purpose for life. This artwork makes me feel happy and calm, the use of the different shades of black ink adds character to this piece of work.

            There are many different ways that an artist can capture and keep the attention of a viewer. Two major aids in this are the use of elements and principles of design, as seen in “Endless Valleys and Mountains”. Not only that, but the provenance and the function of this art adds to the effect that it has on the viewer.

"Endless Valleys and Mountains" 

Works Cited: 

"Open F|S: Endless Valleys and Mountains." Freer. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2015. 

Thornwald Mansion

Emmi Burke

Professor Bomboy

HACC Humanities

25 September 2015

Thornwald Mansion

The Greek Classical period has forever left a mark on the modern architecture around all of us. Located in Carlisle, PA the Thornwald Mansion is a clear example of how Greek architecture is used in later buildings. The order of architecture the building most closely relates to is the Doric order which is simple and severe (Fiero 123). Later artists such as Andrea Palladio have left a great influence on the architecture and design of this building (“Thornwald Mansion.”). The use of Classical design in this building demonstrated without a doubt that Greek architecture inspired and played an important part in the making of this building. This can be seen through the classical order chosen for this building, the message that the building conveys and effect that the building has and lastly, the way that this building was once used and is currently being used.

            Thornwald Mansion best compares to the Doric order. This order is the simplest, the top, also known as the crown is made up of a circle that is topped with a square. The shaft is the tall part of the column and it is made up of twenty plain sides. In the Doric order, no base is present. Thus, it symbolizes power. In most Doric order, there is the area above the column called the frieze. The frieze usually has simple patterns. The metopes are plain, simple sections between the triglyphs. Triglyphs are a pattern of three vertical lines found between the metopes (Doric). The classical order Doric is best for this building because of the power and greatness that it portrays through the appearance and architecture of the building.

            The Thornwald Mansion was once the home of Lewis Sadler (Thornwald Mansion). Lewis Salder was the brains behind the construction of the Mansion. Lewis Sadler’s construction of the Palladian Villa, is on a wooden tract off along Walnut Bottom Road. Lewis’s brother, Sylvester, moved in with Lewis and his wife. This allowed Sylvester to continue practicing his Law and live close to Dickinson College (Dickinson). The Mansion’s dining room was also once used for hosting politicians with high power and people with great importance (Thornwald Mansion, Old Warehouse).

            Just by looking at the Mansion, a message of power and richness is received. A Doric column is much thicker and heavier than an Ionic or Corinthian column. For this reason, the Doric column is sometimes associated with strength and masculinity. Believing that Doric columns could bear the most weight, ancient builders often used them for the lowest level of multi-story buildings, reserving the more slender Ionic and Corinthian columns for the upper levels (Craven). This was definitely true when it came to the Mansion. The Mansion’s columns not only give me a sense of might and strength but also importance and impressiveness.

            When I walked up to the Mansion, I was first struck by the grandeur of the building. When you walk, bike, or drive up to the Mansion, one cannot help but notice how stately the Mansion is. The size of the Mansion tells me that this was once, and very well still is of great importance. The columns created a canopy to the front of the building further validating the statement of importance. Even more so than that, the building has columns on the back and front of the building. The canopy created makes a perfect place for limos, and other privileged guests to pull up while being sheltered from the elements. Through photos other people have taken different events and people being dropped off under the canopy. Not only was the Mansion clean, well-kept and neat, there were gates surrounding the Mansion. This leads me to believe that although this is an important place with such ability to be a resource for those high up in power, that it was also a place where private meetings and events took place. In order to get to the front of the Mansion, I had to go through the main gate with ornate design, this set the mood for the Mansion.  That it is a place of seriousness, wealth, and class.

            The Doric order of Classical Greek Architecture not only was important to the time when it was built but, also through the use of the building today. Although the Mansion was set on fire and most of it was destroyed causing major damage, millions of dollars was spent on reconstruction, the columns and many crucial details were restored. Through the ability to reconstruct and completely renovate the inside and outside of the building, it is now able to be used as a local place to stay. Those who are coming from out of town, who are looking for a weekend getaway, and people who are also interested in using the Thornwald Mansion as the location of an event are able to rent out parts of the Mansion (Thornwald Mansion).

            Later architects have had a great influence on the structure and architecture on the Mansion. Andrea Palladio created carefully proportioned, pedimented buildings that became models for stately homes and government buildings in Europe and America (Craven). Palladio’s work later became known as Palladianism and was accorded the greatest priority to maintaining symmetry, perspective and overall harmony, in the manner of Greco-Roman temple architecture (Andrea Palladio). Symmetry is a main aspect in the Mansion, looking at it from the front, the columns, windows, and building itself are symmetric. This was just one of the ways that Andrea Palladio influenced the architecture of the Mansion.

            Greek Classical Architecture is all around and ever present. The Thornwald Mansion is most closely related to the Doric order of architecture. Through the classical order, what the building conveys, how a person portrays the building, and how the Doric style reflects the buildings use a person is able to tell that the Thornwald Mansion is not only just a beautiful building but a place of historical importance, strength, and power.

Works Cited

“Andrea Palladio (1508-89).” Andrea Palladio: Biography of Renaissance Architect. Web. 25 Sept. 2015.

Craven, Jackie. “Andrea Palladio Biography - Renaissance Architects.” About Home.  Web. 25 Sept. 2015.

Craven, Jackie. “Definition of Doric Column - Architecture Glossary.” About Home. Web. 25 Sept. 2015

Dickinson College Archives. “Sylvester Baker Sadler (1876-1931).” Sylvester Baker Sadler (1876-1931). N.p., 2005. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.

“Doric.” Classical Orders of Architecture. Bruce R. Schulman. Web. 25 Sept. 2015.

Fiero, Gloria K. The Humanistic Tradition. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015. Print.

“Thornwald Mansion.” Bedandbreakfast.com. Web. 24. 2015.

“Thornwald Mansion, Old Warehouse.” - Abandoned Places. N.p., 9 May 2009. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.

 “Thornwald Mansion.” Thornwald Mansion. Web. 25 Sept. 2015.