At work in the genre laboratory: Brian DePalma's "Scarface." (film)

Article Abstract:

The style of Brian DePalma's film 'Scarface' (1983) is compared to its predecessor, Howard Hawks' 'Scarface' (1932) and to other films. Critics have asserted that the genre of 'Scarface' (1983) is different from those of the usual gangster films because the portrayal of death of the protagonist, Tony Montana (Al Pacino), seemed unrealistic. The protagonist had to sustain too many gunshots before succumbing to death, which creates an unbelievable situation. Thus, the film is likened to a horror movie. 'Scarface' (1983) is a mixture of usual gangster film formula and other films genres.

Analysis, Motion pictures, Movies, Film genres, Movie genres, Gangster films, Gangster movies, Scarface (Motion picture)

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Cowboy wonderland, history, and myth: 'It ain't all that different than real life.'

Article Abstract:

Robert Altman raises questions on how history is created and historical figures become legends in his film 'Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson.' The film repeatedly draws attention to its fictional character by references to the genre form and to Buffalo Bill's acts of self-promotion as a means of creating a myth at a time when the real western frontier was already regarded as history. It also questions the significance of film narrative in historiography by destroying the viewer's sense of causality.

Portrayals, Works, Altman, Robert (American film director), Western films, Western movies, Buffalo Bill (American entertainer)

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