Las Vegas was portrayed differently in both films I watched. From Diamonds Are Forever to Ocean's 11, Vegas is America's playground. Backstabbing is a lifestyle and even James Bond falls into this. Women are toys, men are powerful, and stealing is a way of life. Is everything fast in Las Vegas? From Las Vegas statistics this city is growing with single family homes and the suburbs are spreading. But the media seems to only display the fast strip life of gambling and alcohol.
Diamonds are Forever was made in the early 70s and spends a little time on the strip and in the dessert. We see the high rises start to pop up and we see lights and big city hustle. There is a Go-Go mentality that keeps Bond continuosly sought after. A constant noise of change falling into slots. Women work as dancers or waitresses, and the lucky two that are body guards are portrayed as savages while dressed in their bikinis. They attack fast and are controlling, always a step ahead. While the song, diamonds are forever plays sinfully in the background.
Oceans 11 has more glitz and glamour. The rat pack-Esq bad guy and the friendly good guy battle over the love of a women. George Cloony is again attempting a heist. The fast life style is displayed in the casinos. Coins dropping, men sweating, tiny acrobats popping out of smaller boxes and catching that suitcase. It seems only the quick can succeed in this game.
The heist goes down on the strip with the three most fancy hotels. The whole movie is in Vegas so we can get a good look at the message we are trying to see. A playground where the stupid spend their money and the rich take it."What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" this attitude leads to legal prostitution and endless partying all night.
The picture I have of Vegas is one of spring break, but as our fastest growing city families are flocking to this area. The stereotypes that are displayed it both movies are strong and direct. Las Vegas is a city for the dangerous, and you either play or fall behind. Scandals, money, fame, and harsh danger.
This picture that is painted by both movies is a marketing tool. Why would tourists want to come to Vegas to see a growing community good for raising children. People come for the fast weekend of spending money and having fun.
1 comment:
Hi Mesa,
Well first of all, love the green. My favorite color.
Second of all, you need links. I can't grade till you have links.
But on a related note, I like your brief comments on the two films, but this post needs to be WAY more in depth!!!
Also, your creation of knowledge needs to be a major part of the blog, explored in depth. :)
I see, in your comments thus far, some real potential in your posting. So I look forward to seeing the final draft! :)
See me after class about re-submitting. :)
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