Sarah Jett Rayburn, Ph.D. Candidate "Everyone wants to know the whole truth but no one possesses it."

Question 1
Option (a):

In the film “Do The Right Thing”, pathos is the dominant rhetorical appeal that filmmaker, Spike Lee, uses to send a message about how modern-day racism still exists today. Another rhetorical appeal, ethos, is used to expose the audience to another world where violence is dominant, but how it only destroys communities. In the second film “Gone Baby Gone”, Ben Affleck uses logos to capture his audience’s attention about the red alert of child abduction, what the dramatic outcomes are and how they are not what you would expect. He then targets viewers who are sensitive towards the wrongs committed against abducted children when later on, a child is killed. This would be pathos. Also the locations, like the urban neighborhood in Brooklyn in Spike Lee’s film and the city of Boston in Ben Affleck’s film. Each one reveals a backdrop that reflects the conditions and the atmosphere of the plot. Spike Lee’s location reflects the heat of racial conflict and Ben Affleck’s location reflects the dangers of crime and drugs. And also signifies that every neighborhood has it’s own secrets that threatens to destroy moral norms.

Question 2
Option (a)

In “Do The Right Thing”, images makes a more profound impact than sound. It raises the level of intensity as well as adding more drama to the climax of the film. For example, Spike Lee displays the bitter realities about the animosity that brews in communities like the neighborhood in the film. He shows how three unemployed black men detests a Korean family for being more prosperous than any black person in the neighborhood. But the images displays a more powerful theme in the film. And it shows everything from when violence first breaks out amongst the people to the destruction of both sides of the divided community. It is so realistic that it can almost shatter one’s beliefs in the perseverance of peace and equality.

Question 3
Option (a)

In “Do The Right Thing,” the main claim of the argument is about the racial tension in the multi-ethnic community. The film uses the picture of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X shaking hands as a historical moment that defines both the peace and the conflict that are engaged in an endless struggle. There appears to be the concern of inequality as there is enmity against the Italian family and the Korean family for their successful businesses when the black people are left living in poor conditions. But the most important argument is that the black community used violence that resulted in chaos. This neglects peace as the rightful resolution to these conflicts. And Spike Lee seems to aim at an audience who are engaged in understanding the issues of racism and violence.

Question 4
Option (b)

In “Do The Right Thing”, the most defining moment is when Radio Raheem is killed during a riot. This death scene is beyond words to describe. It takes the film to an extreme level. The audience can feel the intensity radiating from the scene and the drama ready to explode in the following scene. This scene gives more power to images. In “Gone Baby Gone”, the most defining moment is when Patrick Kenzie calls the police to arrest Captain Jack Doyle and to return Amanda to her mother. The climax will leave the audience breathless while on the edge of suspense. But when the viewer sees how Amanda’s mother is once again neglecting her daughter, one realizes how Patrick’s choice to do the right thing may have been the wrong thing to do after all. And this alters everything that could have been if Patrick chose otherwise.

BONUS: “The Other America”

The two films “Do The Right Thing” and “Gone Baby Gone” exhibits a few important qualities in common. The main argument is how the ethics from Spike Lee’s film and the social norms from Ben Affleck’s film are tested through the fires of vehemence and corruption. Another theme is the racial tension that takes place in both communities where violence threatens to erupt in every corner. Both films show the struggles between justice and injustice. And they also show the social conflict between society and the law enforcement agencies. These films apply to the theme by showing another side of America that no one would have ever imagined possible to exist. A country that was born on the principles of equality and democracy. And to be exposed to the dark side of America is both startling and disturbing enough to shatter one’s faith in the proclaimed goodness of America. Basically, both films show the reality of the racial and corruptive issues that still lingers in this country and within various societies. This is revealing the truth about what is happening all around us and what we as the people of America can do to persevere with the strength of integrity and justice. And so each film works up to it's purpose. Spike Lee's work shows the real face of the struggle between peace and violence in the midst of bigotry. And Ben Affleck's work reveals the truth behind the world of child abduction, drugs and crimes that can change the way we view the justice department and society itself. So these two films collide with our own views of America and causes us to question the issues that continues to divide our nation.