Film Journal: It Happened One Night

     Last Monday in Film History class, we viewed the film class, It Happened One Night, which related to part of the class discussion that revolved around screwball comedy. Screwball comedy, which includes a battle of the sexes, is often seen in older films in the 1940's and 50's. The film is an honest love story between two strangers that meet on a bus. This is also one of the first major films that were effected by the use of sound, which was relatively new for this time period.
     An article related to It Happened One Night that I found is by Rotten Tomatoes, a professional film rating site that has rated the film rather high, putting it at a 9/10, in the 98th percentile. You can find that review HERE . The review states basics of the movie, such as a film timeline, a summary, and has a section on Frank Capra, who directed the film.
     In all honesty, this review made me think more positively about the film. As of now, I have seen It Happened One Night twice, once in my high school Film Studies class, and once again this past Monday for Film History. Neither of the times I took a great liking to the film because it isn't really my style, and I didn't like the suggestive acting. Now that I have seen the film from an older perspective of thought, I found that I enjoyed it more thoroughly than I did when I was younger.
     Analytically, I saw the film as quite interesting. The film's screening standpoint is great, and I've found the film to become quite a good watch. I'd love to have some more class discussion about the entirety of the film so I can develop a better understanding of it. As for the text material, the film has brought a new type of viewing to the table, since this was one of the bigger names when sound in film had just arrived in everyday media. Frank Capra added his own personal expertise to this film with the way he directed it as well. When Peter and Ellie are in the woods after leaving the bus, Capra does a good job on making Ellie look completely alone and vulnerable in the dense forest. Throughout the film, there were things I liked and disliked, however this film was definitely one that I need to rewatch for a third time before I know whether or not I do in fact love it or not.