A deeper look into different cultures' perception of beauty and how they can affect one's inclination to watch a movie or film
The article resulting from this would be compelling if it succeeded in saying anything other than "films with more attractive actors are also more popular." – IsidoreIsou8 years ago
Are there any films where more grotesque main characters actually make the film more appealing and thus more popular? Will there be a distinction between the actor's beauty and that of the character? Will the article resulting from this prompt consider exploring non-physical components of attractiveness and beauty? – IsidoreIsou8 years ago
What about frankenstein? Does that count? – dandeliaon8 years ago
Really interesting idea for an article. I would say that its kind of a difficult topic because its hard to really "prove" anything definitely in terms of popularity due to beauty. But the idea is very provocative and I think that looking at beauty and how it plays a role in cinema - esp modern cinema - is a really great idea. Maybe focus less on the popularity and more on just the role beauty plays. – SDale428 years ago
This is a really cool idea but I think you have to be careful because you could end up going down a rabbit hole of ideas that branch off of this one; such as beauty standards in America, beauty standards in media, etc. I think also it's important to have a thesis with this, like should we not see movies because the leads are attractive? What is the point of writing this? – hannahb8 years ago
Why do so many books and movies come in threes? Blade, Austin Powers, Scream, The Hunger Games Trilogy… the list goes on for ages, regardless of genre. Is this just the perfect number of books or movies that are needed to wrap something up?
Nice topic. The writer should also consider looking beyond the formal and technical aspects of trilogies and examine the historical antecedents of contemporary trilogies. There might even be some value in discussing ancient Greek plays that came in three and ancient Indian epics whose three-part structures were prototypical versions of modern books and films. – IsidoreIsou8 years ago
There's an opportunity to take this topic in a number of interesting directions. The writer may consider exploring "omne trium perfectum" or the "rule of three" used in writing, comedy, fairy tales, rhetoric, poems etc... Why is it that things that come in three are more satisfying? Does this have any connection with trilogies being as common as they are? On a different note, maybe trilogies are created by certain economic demands–maybe they represent the perfect balance between "maximum number of works required to generate maximum profit" and "artistic quality and integrity." These are just random ideas. – IsidoreIsou8 years ago
Three has been such a significant number throughout history (the 3 major gods, the holy trinity, etc), that I think we are hardwired to find appeal in the number 3. It's fascinating, and could be a very interesting psychological investigation – MHayman8 years ago
Would love to read about this. Three is used everywhere and sometimes we don't even realize it. Is it just visually or mentally appealing? Or [enter your question] is it just the perfect number? – madigoldman8 years ago
Historical and symbolic reasons aside, there also has to be a modern day marketing reason behind the rise of the YA trilogy in particular, at this point. Trilogies are hot, they sell, and they sell more than one book. I bet if you looked, you could find sources supporting the fact that publishers are looking for trilogies and pushing authors to use a three book format. – ealohr8 years ago
Could it be that it's rooted in three-act structure? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-act_structure — I've never thought about it before, but that comes to mind. – Benjamin Brandall8 years ago
Many of the old "classic" writers chose to write all their work by hand first and then type, if typing was available at all. Has the use of the computer and typing improved writers ability to perform their craft? Do writers today who choose to write long hand have an advantage?
Typing definitely reduces the amount of time spent for writing. However, some writers who choose to write longhand do so because it's their work habit. I think writing longhand helps them spot errors more because looking at a screen might be more difficult for some writers. – seouljustice8 years ago
The act of writing with an instrument in hand infuses one's heart and soul into the work. It is like a tear sliding down the cheek: you feel it. Typing is more like work - just getting it on the page. Forming letters, words, and phrases in ink from a perfectly proportioned pen with the color that fits the mood allows the writer to bleed out on the page. No keyboard can replicate the bond that ink from the hand creates.
– ajforrester758 years ago
The writer might also look into the way the brain works when handwriting versus typing. Handwriting is more engaging than typing. You can cross out words and write small notes to yourself as you go along. There are ways to do that in a word document; however, it really isn't the same. – krae298 years ago
It may be individual. For example, when I write with a pen, it makes me feel kind of secure. Not just because, unlike with computers, I’m sure my writing will not be accidentally erased or deleted but also because it gives this unexplainable feeling of close friendship with pen & paper) It’s the kind of feeling you have if you prefer printed books over e-books. It also makes my piece feel more real, for some reason. Writing longhand is time-consuming, it’s true. But for someone like me, it reduces anxiety, which is more important to me (if only I don’t feel the deadline’s breath against my back – then the anxiety is inevitable, anyway :)). So, I usually write my stuff down and then put my headphones on with some Aretha playing and start typing it on my computer almost automatically – weirdly enough, I enjoy typing as a separate activity which I cannot properly combine with the writing process that requires concentration deeper than one I have when just typing comments or messages.
Plus, papers with handwriting gain even sentimental value through the years.
I suppose, I’m a bit old-fashioned and embarrassingly not ‘technology-fluent’ as for a millennial (first time calling myself this way)). I guess, the perfect option for me would be a typing machine – a vague compromise between velocity and cosiness. Unfortunately, I would still have to either type it once more on my computer or use some damn good scanner and a bunch of software tools to convert images into text so I could put my work on the net and have it mobile. So, objectively, it’s most beneficial to do it all A to Z on the computer, but, from an individual point of view, writing with one’s hand has some personal advantages. The evolution of technology has played a crucial role here, but the evolution of people in the context of their readiness or refusal to accept those changes is what really should be examined.
– funkyfay8 years ago
Analyze how comedy is a legitimate form of rhetoric, as rhetoric is language that is intended to influence people. People that have been seen as successful rhetoricians are people like Martin Luther King jr., Plato, and Obama. These people have been popular in the field of politics, but how does comedy come off as legitimate way to influence emotion and character. Maybe try using TV shows such as The Office or Parks and Recreation.
This is an excellent idea but it is slightly broad. Consider distilling this topic by looking at a specific work or text. The author has suggested 'The Office' or 'Parks and Recreation.' That said, however, the author has also preceded that by referring to individuals with political perspectives and agendas. The writer of this prompt should consider looking at comedic works that either have or aim to have any kind of political influence. Many satirical works would be worth examining. – IsidoreIsou8 years ago
In many mainstream American animated films, the main characters are often portrayed with exaggerated beauty standards of the day. Discuss the evolution of beauty standards and how mainstream American animated films have either perpetuated or gone against these standards.
Nice topic. In addition to discussing the evolution, it would be nice to talk about why animators/producers feel it necessary to portray characters in this way. – IsidoreIsou8 years ago
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the holder is the largest group in the office. For instance, if your animation and art teams consist of 80% white men from the southern part of the united States, the Hero/Heroine will probably be blonde and white. If the team consists of all Japanese men, the Hero/Heroine will be overly busty/muscled, light-skinned, with wild hair. I don't believe there has been any evolution in "beauty standards", especially in Hollywood. Just because some anime females are not busty with a skirt, doesn't mean they accepted new ideals of beauty. The movie industry, like all media outlets, are biased in their opinions, so the only way to evolve the industry, is to evolve the people working in it. – MikeySheff8 years ago
Examples? Also, have beauty standards changed or has animation changed? – T. Palomino1 year ago
Throughout a growing number of games (one blaring example being Bioware's Mass Effect or Dragon Age series), players have the option to "romance" a character, through completion of side quests, dialogue, gifts, etc. What does this add to the game, if anything? Does it take anything away?
Another thing that could be focused in is the "role-play" aspect. Some games (such as Bethesda games) have always had that rpg aspect that ties into the general style and playing experience of the game. Other's however, don't really need it. A good example could be the Witcher series. You make decisions and romance, but ultimtaely the game is based and adapted (pretty heavily) off the Witcher book series. Therefore is this rpg aspect really necessary? – Mela8 years ago
Now that is has been a while since it's release a well rounded consensus can be established. Disregarding the overall quality of the execution of how the story was told, did it have a reason for existing? Did anybody feel that the book justified its existence by providing a well needed chapter of emotional development missing from Harry Potter's character arc?
Maybe an approach could be, what does Harry Potter and the Cursed Child add to the universe and understanding of Harry Potter that wasn't there better in just the books, films, and cult followings? – Kevin8 years ago
It is important to note that Cursed Child is a piece of theatre co-written by two other people. It brings HP to the stage while still presenting something new. It is completely different and it definitely has a reason for existing, as evidenced by the tickets sold out from now until eternity. – Christen Mandracchia8 years ago
This is a difficult topic to approach because, technically speaking, there is no reason any form of art should exist. It might serve a good function but it serves a constructed one, either through the artist's vision or through society's desires. When looking at the latest installment in Harry Potter, I would keep the facts strictly true and twist the discussion toward a more interesting one, which might be: does an author have the right to promulgate or continue a story even if it is to the story's detriment? Perhaps this isn't a question worth answering, but it is worth considering especially with the possessive nature of fandom today. – atiku8 years ago
Was "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" a worthy continuation to the Harry Potter series? I actually think this a very interesting topic to explore. It's true that it is a piece for theatre above anything else but it still continuing the story of the novels. I also have the question of whether the story should have been told in novel form verses in stage form. Why continue the story in a different format? – MatthewSimmons8 years ago
I believe that this is a very interesting topic that would make a great read. It is quite arguable whether or not there is a valid reason for it's existence. I'm sure some feel as if it was a wonderful continuation, while others find it just a way to extract more money from devoted Potterheads. I personally would take this on by writing how The Cursed Child helped you learn more information about your already beloved characters. – jccrockett8 years ago
The Cursed Child has a reason for existing insofar as it brings Harry Potter to a new medium--the stage. Though A Very Potter Musical exists, JKR had never been part of a theater adaptation of the series, and by creating the play, an opportunity for a new audience to experience the series, and long standing fans have a chance to experience the series in a new format. The actual story, however, didn't seem to be a worthwhile addition to the canon. In the sense of continuity, the characters did not read the same in the play as they do in the books or movies. And then in the sense of fiction practice and ethics, characters should arguably let free after a series has finished--the author has already constructed a story that should leave the audience with distinct enough impressions of the characters for readers to determine for themselves what comes of their lives. – mrgawlik8 years ago
I myself am very contradicted about this. I go back and forth about it a lot. Overall though, I think I've come to the conclusion that it was great to see how Harry's kids turned out. I would've never thought Albus would actually become a Slytherin. I never thought that people would think Scorpious would be the son of the dark Lord. It was fun to see these new characters go through their own adventure, especially since i was so enthralled with them after reading the epilogue – Jenae8 years ago
I think its better to question if Rowling should have allowed others to (in my opinion mar her legacy) interfere with her works. Did the co-authors do justice to the series or was it more of a money making attempt. Was the character development and style what fans came to expect from Rowling, how has The Cursed Child helped or hurt her readership or how her fans view her now as opposed to before The Cursed Child came out? – ADumbuya8 years ago
The reason was money, I believe. – T. Palomino2 years ago
The term "Itasha" 痛車 most literally translates to "painful car." It can be interpreted as "painfully embarrassing" or "painful for the wallet." It's the act of decorating the bodies of cars with fictional characters of anime, manga, or video games. Though where did it start and why? What is its current scene or standpoint in the car scene (most notably, JDM and stance life).
In the new remake of Rocky Horror Picture Show, aired on FOX last night, choices on set, costume design, as well as the lead protagonist deviate from the original impressions and genre classic that Rocky Horror is known for. Many might claim that being unhappy with Laverne Cox's choice for protagonist is wrong etc., but I think personally she represents a woman, through and through. But, the original production resonates so clearly as a man in woman's clothing, a sweet transvestite, gothic sexual, and eerie, through and through. The clothing choices misgender the cast and portray a different set of queer statements throughout.
Your topic requires a strong controversial argument and will present a challenge for anyone who tackles it. – Kevin8 years ago
I would warn anyone who takes on this topic not to let your feelings as to which one was "better" influence the gender and sexuality discussion. It is difficult sometimes to separate nostalgia from analysis. It is quite possible that the new version is specifically trying to separate itself from the original. Ask "why"? – Christen Mandracchia8 years ago
As incredible as the original Rocky Horror is, our society has evolved from 1975. I think you can examine the casting of Laverne Cox, as well as other casting, costume, and design choices, as a reflection of the values of our society now versus the views and values of the society which produced the original. Maybe look into reviews for the original movie and compare them with reviews from this new version and see if there are any similarities/differences among the opinions. – lpcrescenti8 years ago
You pose an interesting question. With transgenders becoming a more common part of society and American culture, these matters raise a lot of questions have could easily come off as offensive. We are told that gender is which sex we identify with, okay, Laverne Cox identifies as a woman. So, she's a woman. However, the original screenplay for the movie calls for a man to play the role of a transvestite. Therefore, Laverne Cox playing Dr.Frank-N-Furter is essentially tantamount to let's say Jennifer Lawerence playing the role. So in every other circumstance Cox is suppose to be characterized as a woman except for when she plays in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, then she is characterized as a man playing a transvestite. The role doesn't call for a transgender is calls for a man to play one, that's what adds to the conspicuity of the show, going outside of your comfort zone, giving in to absolute pleasure. For this reason alone I don't think Laverne should had been casted. She is amazing and talented by her taking a male role in a show it is contradictory to everything we know about gender identification.
– sastephens8 years ago
Analyze the ideology behind attempting to capitalize on nostalgia and how it has effected the film industry. This includes remakes, Quentin Tarantino, and the B-list aesthetic.
This is absolutely everywhere, and is a super broad, big idea in my opinion--a really good one!--but definitely too big to effectively analyze in one article. A more narrow focus (like remakes, Tarantino, B-aesthetic, etc.) following a broad intro to the overall topic might be more successful and ultimately more exciting/enjoyable to read. For sure a pervasive part of the zeitgeist that many people would be interested in and probably benefit from, haha. – skohan8 years ago
I think this would be a great and interesting article. I have definitely noticed how modern culture has adopted a love for old things. It's very fashionable to wear certain things that clearly have a relation to old-fashioned styles. Music also has been taking a lot of older styles and bringing them to the surface again. It would be cool to discuss the influence on music and clothing, not just film. But those could be separate articles, even, because you could go into great detail about each thing. – Wordmaster8 years ago
I would say that the capitalization on nostalgia is due to a longing for the "good old days". I feel that a majority of the population sees the world as a hectic, overwhelming place, while the "old days" were a much simpler time. The next generation always falls short of the previous generation's expectations, and the next generation always longs for the perceived simplicity of the previous generation. It is a very circular view. I believe the use of this in film is simply an attempt to relate with this nostalgia. – DKdaVinci6158 years ago
The film movement New Queer Cinema was meant to describe independent films of the 1990s that helped bring queer narratives to the screen. This article would review the history, importance, and films of the movement.
REVISION: How can writing benefit a student in all jobs/careers?
ProtoCanon, I thought your response/note was a little harsh. In no way am I judging or millennial-bashing anyone. In fact, I am one of those thousands of millennial undergraduate students studying English, so I would not submit a topic to bash myself. But thank you for the destructive criticism. – Marina8 years ago
Marina, this is too simplistic. I know you've revises the edits but the topic requires more detail before someone can write it. Honestly if you just add some background (why is this relevant? important?) than it will be perfect. – Mela8 years ago
I think one of the many benefits of writing is that they can improve their communication skills. But I do agree with Mela. The topic is interesting, but it wouldn't hurt to add more details. – seouljustice8 years ago
You could almost instantly narrow this topic down if you talked about its polar opposite. What can't writing do for you career-wise? Which aspects of professional life remain unexplored by written expression? This next suggestion is a slight deviation but someone could consider talking about the aspects of life (both professional and otherwise) that are beyond written expression. Does recognising these limitations provide any worthwhile information about how to better use writing to one's advantage in all domains? – IsidoreIsou8 years ago
Too broad and out of the scope of The Artifice. – T. Palomino1 year ago
I have seen so much art purely because it was the "thing to do." The Mona Lisa in Paris, the Astronomical Clock in Prague, the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania and the list goes on. There are so many objects that have hype from millions of witnesses, that severely under deliver in reality. Yes, the history, the groundbreaking advances made in their relative time periods and the new technologies may be truly amazing; but in the context of 2016, there are expectations that remain unmet. Do we appreciate these types of art for their inherent value and significance, or are we motivated by taking a selfie and tagging our photo so our friends know we went somewhere famous? Do we travel to the Louvre, to be captivated by the the Mona Lisa, and marvel at the gentle application of brush strokes, or is it just a good story to tell grandma when we get home?
What would be the contrast to this? Are there any works of art that over deliver that aren't hyped by tourism? Or could the disappointment come from overly high expectations due to the stories of their cultural significance? – Kevin8 years ago
Here in NYC, MoMA is home to Van Gogh's Starry Night. The fifth floor of the museum is always crowded with tourists wanting a selfie with this painting. If you ask many art patrons they will NOT consider Starry Night to be one of their favorites in the museum's collection. However the image is so omnipresent and "famous" that the gallery becomes a site for a photo op rather than contemplation of the artwork. Something worth noting in reference to Kevin's point is there is actually a second Starry Night (Over the Rhone). This painting at Musée d'Orsay in Paris does not garner the same fanfare as the version at MoMA. – Anthony8 years ago
Anyone who has read Pride and Prejudice has probably fallen in love with Mr. Darcy. But why do we love him so much? This could focus on why we may relate to him or what is it about his "standoffish" personality that we like.
Maybe the girls were touched by his change of heart at the end, it demonstrates sensitivity, a necessary element in any steamy romance. – RadosianStar8 years ago
The first thing this makes me think of is Jess from Gilmore Girls--what is it about the sulky, smart, utterly uninterested "dark" man with a heart of gold that remains timeless and timelessly attractive? – Sasha Kohan8 years ago
I believe that part of the answer to this question is rooted in what women find attractive in general. A man who is "standoffish" is intriguing, and his initial rudeness exciting. Hate is not the opposite of love, after all, indifference is. – C8lin8 years ago
I think part of appeal of Darcy relates to how Austen constructs her narrative. In the early parts of the novel, we are led to believe that Darcy is a standoffish, arrogant, individual based off Elizabeth's interactions with him. However, as the novel progesses,Elizabeth and the reader get to see a different side of the character and our opinions of him changes significantly. – SeanGadus8 years ago
Another idea to add to his character appeal is his letters to Elizabeth and the intimate effect they have on both her and the reader. – musaie8 years ago
I personally like Tilney, Brandon, and Wentworth better than Darcy (gasp)! But I definitely think Darcy has appeal. What draws me to him is the fact that he's mistaken for cold and arrogant when in truth, he's shy and has a painful past that makes him distrustful. That wins audience sympathy and empathy, even if said audience sometimes cringes at his choices. Personally, I see Darcy as a fairly realistic romantic hero, esp. when compared to what you'd find in say, Harlequin books. Then again, I'm an Austen fan and biased, so do with that what you like. – Stephanie M.8 years ago
With great, iconic musicals like Grease in the late 1970s, would it be possible to create such a hit musical now? How would modern music like house music be incorporated into such a film? What do you think a modern musical would look like?
Hamilton by Lin Manuel Miranda just won a ton of Tony awards and it features hip hop and rap. House Music might be a little different since it doesn't often feature lyrics and musical theater is dependent on words by definition - but I would like to see if someone argue the house music could become material for a musical... – Kevin8 years ago
I think now with the remake of Rocky Horror Picture Show, as well as the huge success of Hamilton, musicals definitely have been revived and have become hits. I think now musicals speak to a specific genre or time period in order to be successful, their flavor is specific as well as culturally relevant. Even High School Musical created such unproar! I think if done correctly, marketed correctly, and the scoring was impeccable the musical would definitely be adopted by large demographics. – amirnaveh8 years ago
With live-action versions of Cinderella, Maleficent, Alice in Wonderland, The Lion King, etc., it seems that every animated Disney film is likely to be re-imagined. Discuss why filmmakers are drawn to recreate these classics and the consequences. Have the most recent Disney animations, such as Moana, been influenced by the sudden live-action interest?
Don't forget to talk about Beauty and the Beast! – albee8 years ago
Also The Jungle Book and how this particular reimagining may be superior to the original film. – DallasLash178 years ago
Maybe one of the reasons is that they needed more original ideas and they thought the concept was good enough to keep the economy going. – RadosianStar8 years ago
The movie might be over a decade old, but the ending, while completely amazing, is also controversial. Some are confident that Verbal Kint was Keyser Söze, while others are convinced it was actually Keaton and that he never died at all. There are others who say that we never even got to see the real Keyser Söse. My question is, what do you guys think and can you back up your theory?
It's been too long since I've seen it, so forgive this comment if it's ignorant or inaccurate, but I kind of remember the end being a pretty unambiguous about the reveal that Verbal was Söze. Was that not the case? Did I miss something, or was that not the whole point of the big twist? – ProtoCanon8 years ago
Most movies about fraternities and sororities seem to want to convince us that they're either full of slobbering-drunk, pain-inflicting "students" (because they never seem to do homework or care about class) or clones forced to fit a certain mold. Why might this be? Are these accurate depictions of Greek life or not?
Also another interesting dimension could be how these types of movies influence collegiate Greek life in America as well. – Kevin8 years ago
I feel this is a very stereotypical viewpoint most have about Greek life. What movies don't mention is how some Greek organizations are solely academic/educational and are helpful for students looking for jobs post-graduation. Movies also forget to mention that a lot of Greek organizations give back to the community, volunteer, and do lots of fundraisers. I feel like most depictions of Greek life are inaccurate. This is a great topic to write about. – Marina8 years ago
I think this is an interesting topic to explore since only a small percentage of the populations has an association to these collegiate organizations, but their impact is felt throughout society. The common connotations around Greek life entail a certain understanding of an undergraduate college career whereas there are more aspects to consider, such as the culture of the institution of student demographics. In addition to this, the study of multicultural Greek life is also an aspect of these organizations that hasn't been fully explored. These type of organizations are also part of college campuses and create impact and positive contributions to their campus in different ways. – Adriana5 years ago
What is important and necessary when becoming an author? This topic is about helping others outside of the book store, and keeping the ideas of others fresh. Help those who need help, and inspire those who need inspiring. Sometimes, we can only introspect so far, and need some outside advice.
Authors have physical needs too. Sometimes people mistake lack of basic material necessities for a lack of inspiration. My own favourite "inspiration" is probably a decent meal. – albee8 years ago
I think this could focus on the physical needs of authors. I feel that there is enough writing inspiration articles out there. This could focus less on the actual writing, and more on a lifestyle. – jacklynr8 years ago
It's understandable that many writers struggle with inspiration, but I do agree that there are already many articles out there that provide some insight in sparking those inspirational moments. I come across many writers with amazing ideas, but they're still lacking the writing basics. Perhaps there can be a few more articles focusing on that instead. – parketat8 years ago
A decent meal, yes. And add a bottle of wine. – ajforrester758 years ago
For western audiences, the notion of suicide is often met with abhorrence; however, for eastern audience, such as the Japanese, the theme of suicide has a distinct and intrinsic connection with tradition. In anime, the theme of suicide is discussed openly. That being said, it is still a topic none too well covered in literature. By engaging the topic of suicide in anime in terms of Japanese tradition, among other lenses, compare and contrast the theme of suicide in anime such as Welcome to NHK and the more recent anime Orange.
I feel it might be somewhat limiting to approach this topic from just the perspective of Japanese tradition. Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, and I think it's important to address that there are likely social factors of this day and age, not just cultural ones. – fiorenze8 years ago
Hi Fiorenze, Japan has the third highest suicide rate in the world. While, yes, there are societal factors associated with suicide, for example, the Asian Financial criss (1998) and the World Financial Crisis ten years later, lack of suicide prevention training among medical professional that demonstrate a spike in suicide related deaths (and those should be discussed under the current thesis), there is still a much longer cultural history in Japan of suicide. The question is: how does anime deal with the topic of suicide and why. Whether the dealing is cultural or societal will determine entirely on the narrative of the anime. – chrishepburn8 years ago
OMG, Orange... That anime had me filled with feels on the first episode. Anyways, Japanese society, besides cultural ideologies, have great impacts on the suicide rates. Its not like in the ancient days where samurai did Bushido to die in honor. We live in new times and new societies. Expectations and presumptions on youth, adults, families in japan have definitely covered the topic of suicide, but it is just as sad for one to kill themselves in any time and place. – BlueBirdKiah8 years ago