Film: 2001 :: Papers

Film: 2001 2001 is a masterpiece of cinema that still influences film makers nearly thirty years after it was made -- but what does it actually mean? Therein lies the enigma. Of course, 2001 is open to many interpretations and probably even Kubrick couldn't provide the "correct" one. The film is very different from the book; Kubrick reduced the original script to its bare essentials making the actors part of the narrative , but not telling the narrative through the script. making it a lesser part of the hole experience. Where there is speaking it is almost always symbolic The first words spoken signal the decay of human language to empty phrases: "Here you are, sir. Main level, please." The opening of 2001 is the Dawn of Man sequence which dovetails neatly with end of Dr. Strangelove: "We'll meet again, some sunny day " First image in the film is of a rising Sun Obviously, Kubrick pondered deeply the astonishing reality, that idea that man was smart enough to blow up the earth, but not smart enough to stop that from happening (kubric)(man doesn't want to nail himself, but he does). How could such a phenomenon occur? With such strong symbolic events and imagery in the opening seen it is hard to see them all as individual events, kubric uses these to tell the narrative of the story. The Sun is not just light, but heat (a desert). Making the Sun not necessarily good, the Sun is usually seen as positive in relation to dark, but not in a desert. This makes the sun a negative, with the use of water as a positive. The leopard killing the zebra Is a key element to the opening scene representing the behaviour of man the Zebra is a coexistence of black and white? Good an bad together just like man, making the leopard the destruction of man kind maybe symbolising the bomb. To echo the directors words ,QUOTE "you're free to speculate as you wish about the philosophical and allegorical meaning of the film" but

War and Witchcraft

The War of Religion also known as the Huguenots War lasted for about forty years (1562-1592). This war was mainly between the Huguenots and the Catholics of France. Within France a Feudal Rebellion took place between the church, nobles, courts, guilds, towns and provinces; all of which rebelled against the King. A traditional saying â€Å"Une foi, un loi, un roi (one faith, one law, one King)† (Newman, 2004) indicates how society, state and religion are all bound within the people's minds. Although religion was the main reason behind the wars, it also was definitely not the only reason. Social and Cultural Issues Religion affects society in many areas and in such a profound way. It also shapes the moral standards of those individuals in which influences policy makers decisions (Gale Group, 2007). For some societies, sharing a religion makes for a powerful bond socially. However, when these people with different religions try to live with others of different faiths, this can lead to conflict as well war (Gale Group, 2007). The social consensus in Europe for over a millennium was formed through religion. The essential view to order was one faith or how else would have society been held together (Newman, 2004). Because without the right faith, pleasing God and upholding natural order, disaster was to follow. As well, innovation was also trouble; leaving things the way they were is how they should be and any new ideas could lead to anarchy and ruin (Newman, 2004). So, during this period no one would dare admit that they were an innovator (Newman, 2004). In addition, the Renaissance was thought as rediscovering a much purer period in their history and Reformation was made not to feel new but a return to the true religion of Christianity (Newman, 2004). Women in the West For many centuries women were classified as unequal to that of man and considered property. They could hold their own power in a private sphere because a public sphere was for the men only, which had to do with politics, law and markets (Cooper, 2007). Women's private spheres consisted of mother's, family, wives and their households (Cooper, 2007). However, if a woman became a widow she becomes the sole responsibility to her own lands and was granted extensive legal rights and could be received in the public sphere with the exception of sanctioned authority (Cooper, 2007). The Renaissance, the Reformation, the Age of Discovery and the Age of Information brought about many changes for women. Women became teachers, writers, artist and knights. However, women in small numbers started as early as the Medieval period. But, during the fifteenth century to the eighteenth century, saw an increase in the number of women in the arts. These women often struggled for public support and were not always accepted by the trade. Men placed restrictions on the type of art they could do, including not being able to use a live nude model. The women who choose to write, became influential when their works were allowed to be published; they wrote books on love, romance and war as well politics. As well, women began to see their own power and beauty as something to be shared and appreciated. The women writers of early periods wrote about poetry and the beauty of women as opposed to the period of the War of Religion in which women began writing their political views and their rights as women and as equals to men. For example, Moderata Fonte (1515-1582) also known as Modesta Pozza wrote a book named The Worth of Women (Sunshine For Women, 2001). Political Issues The Wars of Religion in France were between the Roman Catholics and the Protestants, mostly Huguenots who fought for control of their rights as Protestants and political influences. The majority of Catholic France instigated the war against the Protestants however, the most well known was the Bartholomew's Day Massacre on August 24, 1572. On this day Paris Catholics raised arms against visiting and local Calvinist, which resulted in the death of more than 3,000 Calvinist. Because the war expanded for forty years, in between that time there was also a period of peace (Butler, 2007). However, history identifies seven wars during this period with short periods of peace in between them, which has caused confusion in French history (Butler, 2007). In addition, it is well known that religion was the biggest reason for the wars however other factors such as; the noble factions fighting amongst themselves, old feudal provinces lead revolts, which added and exposed the French State's weaknesses (Butler, 2007). As well, foreign intervention by Spain and England added to the turmoil and violence. Finally, France was lead by a very weak monarch in which allowed these forces to tear apart the country (Butler, 2007). Number One Social Problem of the 17th Century The seventeenth century saw many political, social and cultural changes. With the decline of wars, plagues and economic depression; it also brought about the hunt for witches. Witchcraft trials were considered a common place between 1580 and 1650 that lead to almost 100,000 trials. Additionally, this lead to widespread panic of mass hysteria. The majority of witches tortured and executed by burning at the sake were women and in Calvinist areas (Big Site of History, 2010). Historians are not agreed on why an outbreak of witch persecutions would occur in one place rather than another—in Scotland and New England, in Switzerland and France—except to say that where popular magic was commonplace, so was the fear of witches. Trials also usually followed a period of fear about the future and concern over apparent changes in ordered and stable conditions. Nor were the educated spared—indeed, they were often in the lead when a community sought out a witch. (Big Site of History, 2010) Conclusion Although religion was a major factor behind the wars, it was not the only reason because of noble factions fighting amongst themselves, old feudal provinces lead revolts to weaken the French and foreign intervention by Spain and England added to the mix of turmoil and destruction and a weak French monarch allowed all these factors to tear apart the country. Europe for over a millennium had one view; one faith and without it disaster is sure to follow. Women's influence on the west was substantial, in fact they became more aware of their influence in the private and public sphere and lastly, society was plagued not by disease but by witchcraft during the seventeenth century and even though magic was commonplace, witches brought fear and widespread mass hysteria. Although the reasons for the outbreak are unknown, more than 100,000 trials and executions were performed on a vast majority of women and in Calvinist areas.

General Mills Case Analysis - 1454 Words

1. Key Strategic Issues General Mills was one of the Big Three companies that focused on diversification of consumer goods on cereal division, restaurant chains and packaged consumer foods. The cereal industry was profitable and had been one of the most concentrated industries, and the big Three companies had a dominant position in this industry. However, although the high profitability attracted fewer entry company due to the high entry barrier restrained by the joint monopoly of the Big Three, they were facing the threat of private label companies which grew fast in market share of sales and volume. Therefore, what is the General Mills strategy to increase revenue and deal with the threat of private labels? This is a critical issue†¦show more content†¦Therefore, it is necessary for companies to preempt and influence rivals. On the other hand, real option theory also applies. The exogenous factors like customers’ health preference on organic or high-quality cereals could influence the deci sion making of companies. Hence, companies should continue learning and adapting customers’ preferences. Overall, the game theoretic strategy surpasses the real option theory in this industry because the uncertainty in the cereal industry is low and controllable. Furthermore, the industry structural forces of barriers to entry together with rivalry have a strong influence among the competing firms. In the cereal industry, the market structure is oligopoly, there are a few big firms set up significant entry and exit barriers. As consumers become more experienced and price conscious, and the identical production process which makes the products become more standardized, the new sources of differentiation of cereal were required and the pricing competition become intensified. Besides, the cereal industry was attractive and profitable. The top players in cereal industry post strong entry deterrence to the new entry company by offering free toys in the package, discount and specia l promotions for retailers and adopting shelf space plan. However, the private labels still entered the industryShow MoreRelatedGeneral Mills Inc. Understanding Financial Statements Essay1733 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction The case study General Mills Inc. - Understanding Financial Statements focuses on the most basic idea of finance analysis. This case is a brief look into the language that is used in the finance world and a start to interaction with auditors. In this case, KPMG LLP, the public accounting firm that was auditing their statements, had sent two opinion letters. The first letter was ensuring that both parties were aware that General Mills had internal control over financial reportingRead MoreColombo Soft Yogurt958 Words   |  4 PagesCase 5-2 Colombo Soft-serve Frozen Yogurt 1) Colombo Yogurt Company faces competition in two different channels, namely the independent yogurt shops and impulse shops that sell other products besides yogurt. During the early 90s, Colombo’s competitive environment consists mainly of franchise operations like TCBY and Freshens. The size of these franchise companies that account for most of the independent yogurt stores pose a serious competition to Colombo and by the early 90s, the yogurt storesRead MoreLease967 Words   |  4 PagesConvert WRDS OUTPUT Building a Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation Spreadsheet Income Statement-66 This case starts with raw financial statements and then a) develops standardized financial statements, b) constructs a statement of cash flows, c) builds all the key ratios, d) links forecast inputs to future financial statements, and e) builds discounted cash flow and residual income valuation models based on the forecasts. The result is a simplified version of eVal4, the spreadsheet modelRead MoreModule 1 ACC501 Case1051 Words   |  5 PagesIn this case study, I will analyze and compare the financial statements of General Mills and the Meiji Holdings Company Limited, which are amongst the largest firms in the food industry. I will also talk about the accounting standards, the differences between both company’s annual statements and the differences between Annual Reports, a 10-K and the Corporate Social Responsibility Report. General Mills and Meiji Holdings Company Limited utilizes different accounting standards. General Mills uses theRead MoreGeneral Mills Analysis1563 Words   |  7 PagesFinancial Analysis: General Mills Inc. The following financial analysis is primarily focusing on the performance of General Mills Inc for the year 2010 when compared to 2009, but a historic trend of the past 5 financial years is also being taken into account. Balance Sheet Analysis: The Current Assets for GIS decreased for FY10 by nearly 2% compared to FY09, primarily due to a decline in quick assets, namely cash and cash equivalents. The company experienced a terrific growth period in FY08 whenRead MoreThe Ethical Argument For Veganism1685 Words   |  7 Pages This essay analyzes the ethical argument for veganism through the lens of philosophy using Utilitarianism defined by John Stuart Mill, and Deontological ethics according to Immanuel Kant. Through the use of these theories, I will justify the moral worth and legitimacy of the animal welfare debate that is often used to promote a cruelty-free and vegan lifestyle by analyzing questions of animal sentience, the worth of an animal’s happiness, and the right humanity supposedly has to the lives of otherRead MoreStudent1522 Words   |  7 PagesStudy questions: These questions are intended to get you started on your analysis and to focus your attention on a few critical points. They are not necessarily the final goal of your analysis. Oracle Systems: 1. TYPO: The two quarterly figures, $230,187 and $174,673, listed as â€Å"General and admin† in Exhibit 1 should be listed as â€Å"Total operating expenses†. 2. NOTE: Exhibit 6 presents common-sized financials for the industry, not Oracle systems. 3. On a scale of 1 to 100, rate the financialRead More John Stuart Mills Philosophy of Happiness Essay1099 Words   |  5 PagesJohn Stuart Mills Philosophy of Happiness Along with other noted philosophers, John Stuart Mill developed the nineteenth century philosophy known as Utilitarianism - the contention that man should judge everything in life based upon its ability to promote the greatest individual happiness. While Bentham, in particular, is acknowledged as the philosophy’s founder, it was Mill who justified the axiom through reason. He maintained that because human beings are endowed with the ability for consciousRead MoreRule Of Reasonable Foreseeability On Breach Of Contract1173 Words   |  5 Pagesis that a complete contingent contract may not be made by contractual parties, and it is the failure of such contingent contract that results in the lack of foreseeing, the lack of balancing information or even expensive contracting fees . In such case, the rule of foreseeability will exert its influence to confirm how the breaching party pays money to the injured party. The rule of foreseeability generally defines that when one party breaches the contract and causes the damages, the breaching partyRead MoreCivil Engineering Case Study1295 Words   |  6 Pagesstudying several general principles relevant to civil engineering. A case study of the regeneration of Mossley Mill in Northern Ireland which covers the rebuilding and reuse technology will be given below for detailed research. This kind of technology is not only a typical solution which meets the concept of sustainability, but also a classical paradigm in the civil engineering area. It is further suggested that the case contains several principles which are the specific branches of the general principles