Malibu Manor Bed and Breakfast July 15

Dear Eric,

Diana and I are having a great time in Los Angeles. We spent the first day at the beach in Venice and saw where Harry and Tonto was filmed – you know, that movie a few years ago starred (starring) Art Carney and an orange cat? Yesterday we went to Universal Studios and learned about all the cinematic tricks, most of them I wasn’t aware of. Amazing! The funny thing is that even though you know that an illusion is presented on the screen is just an illusion, you still believe it’s real when you see the movie. Then we took the tram tour around the premises and saw several actors working, some of them I recognized. I felt like jumping off the tram and shouting “Would everyone is famous please give me your autograph?” In the evening we went to a party at the home of one of Diana’s friends, many of them are connected with the movie business. I had a really interesting conversation with a fellow works in the industry who claims that a lot of movies are made these days are modeled conceptually after amusement park rides. Just like the rides, they start slowly and easily, then they have a lot of twists and turns are calculated to scare you to death, and they end happily. Pretty fascinating, huh? What next?

Sorry to babble on so much about the movies, but you know what an addict I am. Anyway, I may be coming back a day early, in that case I’ll call and let you know so that you can pick me up at the airport.

Love you lots,

Jean

F. Information Gap. A Movie Review

Working with a partner, complete the text. Each of you will read a version of a review of the film Schindler’s List. Each version is missing some information. Take turns asking your partner questions to get the missing information.

Student A, read the review of Schindler’s List. Ask questions and fill in the missing information. Then answer Student’s B’s questions.

Student B, turn to the Information Gap for Student B and follow the instructions there.

Example:

A: Whom did Schindler save?

B: He saved more than 1,000 Polish Jews. Whom did they manufacture crockery for?

A: For the German Army.

Movie Review Schindler’s List

Rating **** Director: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Gooddall, Jonathan Sagalle, Embeth Davidtz, Malgoscha Gegel, Shmulik Levy, Mark Ivanir, Beatrice Macola

Staggering adaptation of Tomas Kenally’s best-seller about the real-life Catholic war profiteer who initially flourished by sucking up to the Nazis, but eventually went broke saving the lives of more than 1,000 by employing them in his factory, manufacturing for the German army. Filmed almost entirely on location in Poland, in gritty b&w, but with a pace to match the most frenzied Spielberg works, this looks and feels nothing Hollywood has ever made before. The three central characters rate – and receive – unforgettable performances: Neeson, who’s towering as Kingsley, superb as his Jewish accountant (and conscience); and Fiennes, who’s frightening as the odious . Outstanding screenplay by Steven Zaillian and by Janusz Kaminsky. Spielberg’s most intense and personal film to date. Seven include Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay, and Original Score (John Williams).