A Reflection About Greta Garbo

Well, I have to say that the main reason I love Cinema is thanks to Greta Garbo I started  to feel attracted to Classic Cinema and at the same time I start to love Garbo . Why? The reason is that I find her very mysterious and at the same I always thought she was a very clever woman for her time. She was born in Sweden, she went to Hollywood and became in such a great actress.  In spite she came from a poor family she succeeded in life, given that she really wanted to be an actress and she finally did it after working hard. Besides, her life was not a bed of roses, her mother was a dressmaker and her   father used to work in several professions. So, she was forced to work at the age of fourteen due to her father died of a strange disease and the conditions of her life were not the best. For that reason, she didn’t know how to face the loss of his father, I would say it was the most terrible episode in her life. Nonetheless, she continued with her normal life and tried to get it over.

As regards her personal life, Greta Garbo was a very shy and reclusive woman during her career as an actress, she did hate paparazzis. However, at the beginning of her career, she used to give interviews, besides she attended to the Hollywood events, she seemed to be comfortable in that environment.  But once the Second World War started she left acting   and she decided to be a lonely woman, she didn’t want people to bother her. So, she became to use grey hair, she also used to use big sunglasses in order to people could not see her walking on the crowded streets. Consequently, she moved to New York and bought a luxurious apartment near to central park after she lived in Los Angeles. Thus,   she focused on investing her money in real states and she spent her life collecting paintings from famous artist like Picasso, etc.

In the end, she died how she wanted, just alone and unnoticed. But the truth is that she remained in the hearts of her fans forever, she will be forever the most extraordinary actress I ever met in my life no matter what people say about her. Her movies really proved she was prepared to go further as an actress but she wanted to keep the myth forever. Also the way she lived her life, reflected much of her traumas and the suffering she had do dealt with. Sometimes she felt Hollywood was a world of mad people in which they were cruel without taking into account the values and virtues of people.

The Golden Age Of Cinema

The time of the golden age began when the first big cinema companies arrived to conquer the world, to make people to perceive it in a different way. Cinema was created when the first cameras or image projectors where about to be invented. But the truth is that Cinema was a real thing, it was created in the early XIX and XX century when the customs and all the forbidden things cannot be showed or told. That time was the Victorian era.  It was an epoch of inequalities in which aristocracy played a major role in the society. Therefore, the religious customs were very noticeable rather strict. However, the industry of Cinema was about to start so they were not so affected by the social, economic and political changes around the world. The pioneers of the industry were just looking for something new, for a new art of expression. Thanks to that,   it was able for people to reflect about their own lives that is to say in their way of living and to reflect them at the same time,   On the contrary, anybody imagined that Cinema would be spread globally, so the creation of the film industry was not made on purpose but was made with the aim of experimenting   new technologies, to show people   that someday   the art of the motion pictures  will come true.

 At the beginning of the XX century, acting was not a big thing, people just go to see plays at the theatre and that was all about, there were famous actors that finally proved their talent and charisma on the screen Consequently, all the rising stars started to emerge from the darkness, by the time they were seen on the big screen they were praised, seen such as Gods and Goddesses. It is remarkable to say that they had an incredible power to persuade and even they became a model to follow, they   imposed a trendy in the society. By the time, they provoked millions of emotions and feelings around the world, people was about to know the world of lust too. Additionally, the film industry became step by step in one of the most profitable business around the world. Once people went to the movies realized that it was a complete success in the entertainment world.

Regarding, sexuality   at the very beginning in the 20’s, sexuality was not a matter of importance since it did not exist rules that restrict people’s behavior on the screen. Everybody had fun and also feel free to express themselves, it didn’t matter if someone was gay or not, people just do want they want. If was the time of women’s liberation, women started to have power and were able to control their lives completely. So, this epoch was the time that the industry of Cinema felt free to do what they want ed owing that the censorship didn’t exist. In addition, the image of women was an image of desire, of femme fatale.

The 20’s were a time of plenty,   where a culture of consumerism finally emerged owing to the American period of economical welfare.   At that time, the United States of America was leading the trends, in fashion   and so on. The American model was followed by others, since its politics were focused on the capitalism, so people waste her money in an incredible way. The big Cinema companies were erected, the world of entertainment was gaining a powerful influence, since cabarets, nightclubs were the new fashion in those times. Besides, new musical genres appeared such as Jazz and blues. The nightlife was full of new things, people felt broad minded for that reason they didn’t give relevance to the moral values given that the most important at that moment was money to have fun and satisfy themselves.  The Hollywood industry gained recognition and fame thanks to their big productions, everything was great in those flourishing times.

Nevertheless, with the arrival of the sound at the late 20’s the careers of some of the most famous stars where about to decline. Many of them, didn’t have a good voice to be listened in public, so the careers of some of them just disappeared. Also the biggest productions were restricted at   the moment of creating and innoving due to sound changed the early conceptions and ideas about Cinema, by the time talking movies gained power and succeeded, making the industry bigger every time. So, the silent movies became old-fashioned. Besides,   the way the movies were conceived differently, the scripts were quite different, then there was music and a different kind of atmosphere. 

Another Version of The Knight’s Tale

At this point, the Amazons were looking forward to kill the king Theseus in order they could rule that land, since they were desperate for conquering it and take it away from Theseus. Consequently, those evil women decided to plan a murder for the king because they have nothing, they were poor and they wanted to have power. So, once he arrived they would carry out their evil plan. The eldest woman told them to hide from him. Therefore, she suggested all of them to catch from him as quickly as they can, to torture him until his painful death. As a result, they used the most horrible techniques in order the king couldn’t live anymore. Hence, the king felt like dying and for that reason he agonized until he died due to the bloody torture those women gave him. The women finally obtained what they want by getting the king’s throne.

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

One day he was sat alone on a hill and he started feeling that anything had sense, he was tired and bored in Halloweenland. He was sick of darkness and terror and living the same life. So, he thought about something new. Then, a dog from the darkness came out, it as his old friend “Zero” which was his friendly dog. Consequently, both of them walked all the night when suddenly they saw a doorway to another dimension, Jack   was really scared but he entered to that place.  That special place was Christmas Town, the place he was looking for ages, he was finally happy, amazed, he was surprised with everything, he looked carefully what was there.

He took everything he found on his way. So. Back to Halloweenland a group of known people stayed looking at the presents Jack brought for them. For the next days, he started thinking of spreading happiness and cheerfulness around the town such as Santa did it on Christmas. It was Christmas and Santa was making some toys when he heard the din, he opened the door and there were three ugly children that pushed and took Santa to see Jack. Then, Jack told him his evil plan. He told Santa he will bring good things, however something was weird. They went out in a foggy night and }

Zero guided Jack’s sleigh with a ghostly aspect. Everything was so macabre that night that all children had horrible nightmares full monsters and creatures. Each thing was converted in a horrible thing but Jack didn’t realized about it. He was in in sleigh and there was a kind of noise dawn there but Jack didn’t realize there were bullets trying to kill him.

In the end, he forced Zero to go higher but they couldn’t. Jack was thrown in a cemetery, pulled in large stone cross, and he thought he could be Santa for a while, he was confused and sad, he looked up to the sky, then he stayed on the grave and he started to cry. All of a sudden Zero and Jack heard someone. It was Santa and he thought, taking over Christmas was the wrong idea, due to Jack belonged to Halloween because the truth was Jack have ruined Christmas. Later on, Santa hurried to prepare for Christmas and bring back the Christmas spirit.

THE EARLY BEGINNINGS OF CINEMA

Before the birth and the arrival of cinema it was considered a fantasy, people just imagine how could it be, they just got hypothesis about it.  With all the advances at that time in   the technological field the conception of making movement on the screen revolutionized the world. During the following years many changes occurred. Among them, the creation of the magic lantern used to project images, the camera and the cinematoscophe. Thanks to pioneers a new era in the motion picture was about to begin.

Everything begun with a new item known as the lantern which was able to capture images through an illuminated lens which allowed the inventors of this new trend to give the first stages in filming trying to show an entire sequence of pictures with a particular technique. Nevertheless, the most significant stage in the early cinema was when Edweard Muybridge caught the first motion picture ever taken which demonstrated to public a new way to perceive life. However, the cinematoscophe created by the Lumiere Brothers proved to be the greatest invention since it molded and technified the way to watch movies, leading the future of the Cinema one step forward. Thanks to that device, movies were finally seen on screen. One of the most fruitful times back then was the silent era in the 20’s where businessmen invested their money to build a new empire full of rising stars. At that time, silent movies were mysterious and had a kind of magnetism regards   their nature.

 All in all, Cinema is acknowledged as one of the seven marvels of the world. Motion pictures left a huge trace to follow generations, they showed us another world; a world of fantasy in which human emotions were involved in an amazing way.  The art of filming is not entertainment but a way to express our feelings and also see the world differently in order to build a new one.

The Use Of Literature In English

In my personal opinion I consider that literature is a great tool in oder to improve our classes. We can do a bunch of things. Such as analyzing poems, performing a play, even create your own version of your own play, create dynamic activitiesto encourage the students to improve and develop their writing and oral skills both in class and outside the classroom.

Literature is very broad, I'd say this help us to be more expressive not only in the classroom but in life. Regarding the population you can implement and adapt what you what to do. For instance, In the classroom you as teacher can make your students act, how? by asking them to write their own version of a tale, or maybe telling them to preparean oral analysis at home in order to perform it in class. Another important thing you can do is by using literature is to carry out a class by playing funny games such as: the hungman, take a piece of paper and draw, guess and emotion according to a poem,etc.

At the end of the day, literature make us more reflective, made us to think in a deep way. Besides, our students can feel more motivated due to the fact we can take advantage of the different topics, literature offers the material is more interesting, since we can analyse or discuss about a peom. So, the opinion you give about a poem varies each time. 

Andre's Mother

(Andre enters to a beautiful garden and meets his mother, he talks alone)

Andre: Hi mom, long time no see you! I know time has ran out and everything happened so quicky but I really want to tell you how much I love you and I beg you to forgive me for being who I am.

(Andre's mother enters)

Andre's mother: You don't have to be worried my darling. However, when I realized about your sexual condition and your sickness, I was extremely shocked, I didn't know what to say, it was terrifying to me. But you know my son, we are humans and we make mistakes.

Andre: Yes mom I know that and let me tell you that it wasn't my intention to hurt you, I wish I could tell you what was going on between Cal and I... (Andre's mother cries)... But I couldn't sorry!

Andre's mother: I really wanted you to tell me that... but life is cruel! You know something... I don't want to fight with you. I love you son!

Andre : ¡That's what I wanted to hear Mom, thanks!

(They go now)

The Beauty and the Beast

Adaptation for oral test

CHARACTERS

-       Yusleidy: Narrator

-     Diego: Beast (He is the young man who lives in a cave and then becomes an attractive man who in the streets gets a “ñero” look)

-      Jecid: Ñero (the Beast’s new appearance after escaping with her sister)

-     Millindy: Belle (Stupid girl)

-     Kellys: Witch- Maleficent. (She is Beast and Cruella’s mother.)

-         Ingrid: Fairy godmother (Beast’s fairy godmother)

-      Grecia: Cruella (Beast’s sister)

·       PLACE: Paso de Hatcher – Alaska- U.S.A (We chose this town because it is a zone full of forest and it usually has cold weather).

TIME: Now

  

SCENE 1

Narrator: Once upon a time on a stormy night a baby was born, son of a horrible witch called “Maleficent”. The baby was really awful like his mother.

(The witch was lying down on the bed, she was in labour. She was yelling and swearing like a sailor).

Maleficent: Damn it! If I had known that it was so painful, I wouldn’t have gotten pregnant.  This is the devil’s work. I hope my son to be the most beautiful boy in this town and if he is not; I will never let him go outside.

(The baby cries and she looks at him with scary eyes)

Maleficent: What an atrocious thing I have for a son! He would be dangerous for the world! Why does this happen to me? What’s the reason for this punishment? I do deserve this misfortune, but he will be the one who pay for my mistakes!

(She is crying and then she goes and leaves her son on the bed)

Narrator: Twenty years later. In a dark cave the young man rest willing to break free.

Beast (ugly): (He appears looking at the mirror and talking to himself.  He is touching his face) What a miserable man I am! I have all the things normal people want to have, any treasure I desire. However, I live alone and I can’t get the simplest things normal people have; friends, freedom, love… (He cries and the Fairy Godmother comes out).

Fairy Godmother: Oh my beautiful Beast, I am with you, do not worry! Due to your misfortune I am here to help you and I will give you whatever you want. Just ask me!

Beast (ugly): I wish to change my physical appearance in order to hang out and have friends, at least for today.  

Fairy godmother: I’ll do what you desire. So I’m going to transform you into the most good-looking prince in the whole world. (The Fairy Godmother tries to whisper a magic spell as she moves her hands; unfortunately the magic wand doesn’t work, so she begins to shake her magic wand desperately).

Fairy Godmother: Damn it! This stupid thing! Just in this moment this stupid wand is ruined! But take it easy my dear, I’ll fix it. (She takes a paste from her pockets and pastes the magic wand with a tape, and then she tries once again. This time it works). — (The beast turns around several times while changing his appearance). Don’t forget this enchantment! You will be a handsome man as long as you want it! The only condition is not to harm or do bad things to anyone, if you do, then you will be ugly once again.

Maleficent: My dear Beast! (She enters and the Fairy Godmother disappears). Who are you, where is my son? (She is worried and anguished). Give me my son back, where is he? How you dare to come into my house, don’t you know I am the most powerful witch in this town; I can destroy you if I want! Get out of my house now!  (She beats him).

Cruella: Mom, what is going on? What is that noise? Who is this poor man you are fighting with? (Cruella tries to help Beast since she does not know he is his brother who now has a different appearance). Why are you always disturbing others, I hate you, and I hate all your secrets, this family will never be normal. (Cruella goes out with Beast… she consoles him after the beating Maleficent gave him)

Maleficent: (Maleficent rest alone inside the cave, she keeps looking for his son who has gone with Cruella).Where is my son? I know that he is awful, but he is a good person, is this devil´s plan? Who have taken him away from me?

Cruella:  Who are you? What were you doing at my mother’s house? Were you trying to kill Beast? I heard the King will pay for his death…

Beast (attractive): Can’t you see it? It’s me! I am Beast… my whole life I was willing to be changed, and now I am! Come with me! Leave Maleficent, sooner or later she will destroy you if you stay.

Cruella: All right brother… I will go with you, I won’t let her to destroy us, we have suffered enough!

(Cruella goes back to the cave; she enters her bedroom in order to gather her personal belongings).

Maleficent: What are you thinking young girl? You are not going to leave me as your brother just did. If you do that, you’ll regret it.  (Maleficent keeps yelling and tries to stop her, but she managed to leave).

Cruella: (She stands at the door staring at Maleficent). Don’t worry mother, you won’t be alone! All the evil spirits you talk with during the nights will rest by your side! You’re the worst person in the world and now you are getting what you deserve (She leaves).

SCENE 2

(After Beast and Cruella’s escape, the siblings are walking in a park; they have been walking for many days without food or water, so that, they have gained a careless appearance “ñeros”.

Narrator: Belle was running in the park totally scared because somebody tried to rape her. In the middle of the escape she trips over a stone, Beast who was there with her sister runs to help her. As soon as they see each other they fall in love.

Belle: Help me, help me, please. A man wants to rape me!

Beast (ñero): Don’t worry! I’ll help you! (In that moment Belle faints, Cruella takes a bottle of water and tries to revive her).

Bella: Don’t touch me! Don’t touch me. (She yells half-asleep) Justin Bieber is it you? (Beast laughs ironically, Belle finally wakes up)Oh my god, I can’t believe it. I’m truly sorry…

Narrator: Beast stands Belle up and they dance for a moment.

(Music is played, while dancing Beast stepped on Belle, he stops dancing)

Belle: What’s wrong, why do you stop? Are you going to tell me the truth? I know you look a bit dirty and you may smell like a toilet, but I can see you have elegant manners, is there anything I should know?

(Cruella interrupts the lovely chat)

Cruella : No, there’s nothing you should know, my brother and I have to go now or we will miss the train.

(The siblings run and Belle stays confused)

Narrator: Beast is charmed with the beauty of  Belle. He prays that his Fairy Godmother fulfills his wish.

Beast (ñero): Please, Fairy Godmothers help me once again. I want to see her one more time!

Fairy godmother: But what is happening? I see you are not happy, not even now your exterior is different! I am going to help you but I need money – nothing in life is for free.

Beast (ñero): All right, how much money do you want?

Fairy godmother: I want 20.000 dollars, in cash.

Beast (ñero): Ok, I accept.  But I have some suggestions: I want to be taller, a little thinner, with amazing blue eyes and blond hair. And I want to change my speech because I don’t like to sound like a redneck.

Fairy Godmother: Mm Ok. You are quite ambitious, you have one day to get the money.

(In that moment the Beast goes crazy about the idea of being even more attractive, he finds a wallet on a chair, he takes the money and throws the wallet)

Beast (ñero): Fairy Godmother! I got more money, now fulfill your promise!

Fairy Godmother: Okay, okay. Show me what you got (Beast takes the money on his hand) I hope you to have earned it with your work, did you?

(Beast rest quite, then the Fairy Godmother realizes he stole the money)

Fairy godmother: You did not respect the deal, so that you will be the ugly beast you hate once again. (The Fairy Godmother takes out her magic wand and turns the man into Beast once again).

(Belle arrives and finds Beast lying on the floor)

Belle: Oh! My goodness! What happened to you? Who did this to you? (She turns him over and sees the dirty but good-looking man now is an ugly beast, she steps back really scared. In that moment Cruella arrives).

Cruella: Can you explain this to me? I knew you were a bad person for my brother! Look what you have done! (Belle starts to cry).

Belle: Don’t you understand? I didn’t have anything to do with this, I just found him like this! Is this his big secret?

Narrator: In that moment Cruella calms down and tell Belle the real story. (They whisper around Beast lying body, the two girls start crying and in that moment the Fairy Godmother reappears)

Fairy Godmother: Move apart you fool girls! Beast broke the deal, so that I will take him with me, you will never see him again, so say goodbye!

(Stop – Maleficent reappears)

Maleficent: You won’t take my son anywhere… he is mine!

(The two magical women start fighting with their magic wands until death)

Cruella: So this is the end, all the ambitious ones have paid the consequences… my mother, the fairy godmother and… (She turns towards his brother lying body).

Belle: Oh Beast, dear beast… forever goodbye (in that moment Belle kisses Beast forehead and closes his eyes, but Beast wakes up and hugs Belle)

Narrator: The love of Belle for Beast broke the spell the Fairy Godmother whispered on him, she accepted his lover appearance and they lived happily ever after. 

THE END