Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Baraka Film Analysis

1) Baraka means "Breath" in Persian Sufi (Islam). Why do you think the film is titled Baraka, "breath", "essence?"
 I think the film is called "Breath" because when you see all the shots and the flow of the film, it really takes your breath away. It's also called "essence" because the  essence of the film captures the beauty of the world in such a short amount of time. The music also makes the film sort of calming and soothing that makes the film incredible.










2) Is the planetary perspective of the film expressing a critique of the modern world? Is there an alternative vision represented?
 This film does show a planetary perspective that expresses a critique of the modern world. The film shows the beauty of life on Earth by capturing its amazing areas and natural beauty. However, its doesn't relate to what really is going on, and how its beauty may be short lived if things go as they are now. The film does show how beautiful life is on Earth and how we don't really know about it. and that we need to maintain stability to ensure that it stays like this.










3) What messages do you get from the film "Baraka"?
I get this message that Earth has many breath-taking spectacles that we take for granite. Also, it shows  the beauty of different cultures around the world by capturing what their life is like. The whole film flows well by capturing all the beauties of Earth, and squeezing it into a short film.










4) Discuss how the absence of voice and text affected the goal of a global perspective in Baraka.
The absence of voice and text wasn't that big, but would've been able to explain Baraka's global perspective. With either voice or text, it explains what is being shown with other facts, This informs people of what they are seeing and what to understand. However, the film explains itself with most of its shots.

 5) What images do you see applied to culture and the city, and how did those relate or contrast to nature?
Throughout the film, many different cultures are being shown. These cultures relate to nature because they are both beautiful and unique. They both show how their beauty is expressed through what it is seen as. The cinematography of it also is great because it was able to capture its beauty.


6) What are some possible interpretations of the monk on the street following the images of the cigarette factory and the city streets? What does the film suggest regarding the role of religion and spirituality?
The monk is there because he is probably questioning why cigarettes are being made and disapproves it. This film suggests that religion is a major part of many of these people's culture, and that they wouldn't change it for anything.










7) What kind of social statement does the film Baraka make with the people on the refuse heap and the images of the poor?
Baraka's footage shows how people and cultures around the world aren't the same as us. They have different living standards and lifestyle that is third world to us. The images of the poor also adds a image of beauty to the film that is essential in establishing its theme.










8) What transitions or music stand out for you? Explain.
Throughout the film, shots are randomly transitioned to different things. In one shot, it was showing the culture of Japan, then went to a shot of the ocean reflecting the sky. The music also seems very suttle and soothing, however, also seems boring because its ongoing and repetitive. It does go with the beauty of the film.











9) Why did we watch Baraka? Could this vision arise without seeing a film like this? How? Does it make you want to travel?
We watched Baraka to see an example of professional film shots and editing. This film has a number of amazing shots around the world squeezed into a short film. This film does make me want to travel because it captures the beauty of every thing around the world and how no one really notices it. Throughout this film I have this feeling.



 

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