Humanity's Frailty and the Need for a Hero
Humanity's frailty necessitates the need for a hero. Unfortunately, most characters never achieve success and die in mysterious circumstances. They neglect their aspirations and desires in order to prioritize those of the poor, or they balance their needs so that everybody profits (Hidehiro 73).
The Theme of Brutality and Redemption in Seven Samurai
Numerous authors and film directors have discussed the elements of the savior in their screenplay writing efforts throughout history. The 1954 film Seven Samurai, directed by Akira Kurosawa, is a classic exploration of the theme of brutality and redemption (Kurosawa). The film is the original portrayal, on which later adaptations, such as Antoine Fuqua's 2016 film, have been based. The Magnificent Seven and its former 1960 version with the same title (director John Sturges) draw their elements of production and screenplay.
Alignment of Scenes and Humanity of the Leaders
There is a clear alignment in the three films. Various scenes carry particular themes towards advancing the plot as well as the character development (Dargis). The different examples of the aligning scenes in the two separate productions by various directors depict the humanity of the leaders (Phillips and Stringer 50). In the Akira Kurosawa's version, the scene involves the main character, Kanbei, disguising himself as a monk on his mission to save a child taken hostage.
Selflessness of the Heroes and Impact on Character Development
Conversely, John Sturges alters the selflessness scene of the first production to depict his primary character, Chris, who is the leader of his band, alongside his partner, Vin, confronting thugs, who are standing in the way of burial to help the innocent victims (Sturges). Both scenes play a fundamental role in the plot development, because they explain the selflessness of the heroes (Fuqua). The villagers, who are at the mercy of marauding raiders, do not have wealth to pay for the services of the heroes. It, therefore, takes a hero, who is willing to work for the benefit of others, even when they stand to lose; hence, it confirms the validity of the scenes.
Difference in Filming Techniques and Focus on Character Development
The scenes also have a profound impact on character development. Although the audience is just meeting the heroes, the scenes help to depict them as individuals, who care for the welfare of humanity. The characters also come out as people, who can take charge of situations while showing leadership qualities. Thus, Chris and Kanbei are shown as leaders and heroes in the separate productions.
Filming Techniques and Angles in Seven Samurai
The difference in filming takes into account the extent each director wishes to explore the characters as well as their backgrounds as relevant to the plot (Jcrash). Director John Sturges is keen on the drama in the production, and thus, focuses on the action. On the other hand, director Akira Kurosawa focuses on exploring the development of each character so that the audience can develop a deep and profound relationship with them. It is the reason that the film Seven Samurai has a considerably more bittersweet ending than the latter versions.
Various Camera and Character Movements in Seven Samurai
Akira Kurosawa was keen on exploring each scene at multiple angles. The scenes in this episode as well as the others have the same action from separate angles. In so doing, the perception of the viewer is not limited (Ricwulf). The frequency and speed of the cut follow the same pattern of placing the viewer in action by ensuring clarity of all the angles while establishing the pace of the story through the various camera and character movement.
Selflessness Scene in Seven Samurai and its Relevance
The scene has wide-angle views as well as close-ups to focus on the action in the scene. The value of the close-up shots is the focuses on the individual elements that make the scene stand out in its role towards plot and character development. The relevance of the scene is to bring out the selflessness Kanbei as he rescues the child (Phillips and Stringer 50). The focus on the scene will, thus, elaborate his character as a hero, who can work for poor farmers that cannot afford to pay him for his services.
Filming Techniques and Setting in The Magnificent Seven
Magnificent Seven, on the other hand, has the advantage of western film technology in its production (Whitty). For this reason, the director had the advantage of shooting a single scene multiple times to capture various motions and expressions. The episode, therefore, focuses on different angles of the action through various shots that include close-up shots and wide screen shots that depict the entire scene (Keough 57). With the cowboy theme that runs through the entire film, the apparel follows the trend. Besides, the lighting in the scene is in most cases neutral. The director uses a combination of shots that range from the medium range shots to the up-close shots that emphasize the value of each prop and character as well as the wide shots that capture the entire scene.
Paragraph 10: Similar Settings in The Magnificent Seven and Seven Samurai
There is a witnessed change in the movie settings and premise, but the director is very keen in ensuring he does not alternate the source material in The Magnificent Seven. There is no particular period or date outlined; rather, the director insinuates the film to have occurred during the very end of the American "Old West". The movie takes place basically in an isolated village in Mexico on the U.S border. The bandits enter the small town threatening the livelihoods of the poor peasants, who cannot afford to seek the services of experienced war veterans for their security (Keough 49).
Paragraph 11: Differences in Backstory and the Role of Characters
The subsequent remake of The Magnificent Seven (2016) also takes place in the "Old West" settings characterized by not-so-sophisticated homesteads. The Town is then torched by a violent organization interested in gold mining. In Seven Samurai, it depicts an individual (Rikichi) in revenge attacks to repay the destruction of his property at the hands of the bandits. Further, the village elder permits the importation of an external force to act as a backup security and to assist in suppressing any potential aggression with rice as the only source of appreciation to the Samurai (experienced soldier). Save for the method of payment, the Magnificent Seven follows the same settings. However, a significant difference lies in the lack of tragic backstory by the major player in the person of Jorge Martinez de Hoyos, the Mexican village representative. This backstory limitation robs the representative the role of import reducing the classification of Hilaerio as a character of much significance other than a device meant to bring in the real heroes into play (Keough 59).
Paragraph 12: Unique Productions and the Feebleness of Humanity
The three films right from the original depiction of hero and victim in Seven Samurai to the final version of Magnificent Seven in 2016 have over the years had differing reception and level of criticism. The fact remains that each producer devoted time and effort to ensure a unique production. They borrowed elements from other production in history as well as events in the society. The latter depict the feebleness of humanity and the need for a champion.
Works Cited
Dargis, Manohla. "Review: Denzel Washington Rides High in 'The Magnificent Seven'." The New York Times, September 22, 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/23/movies/magnificent-seven-review-denzel-washington.html?referrer=google_kp [video file] Accessed 25 Jul. 2017.
Fuqua, Antoine. "The Magnificent Seven (2016)." IMDB, [video file] 2016. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2404435/. Accessed 25 Jul. 2017.
Hidehiro, Sonoda. "Modernity through Westernization: The Case of Japan." International Research Center for Japanese Studies, 2007.
Jcrash. "The Magnificent Seven Samurai: Two Films, One Universal Story." Jcrash, 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znXFQO9t0y4. [Video file]. Accessed 25 Jul. 2017.
Keough, Kyle. Cowboys and Shoguns: The American Western, Japanese Jidaigeki, and Cross-Cultural Exchange. University of Rhode Island, 2008.
Kurosawa, Akira. "Seven Samurai (1954)." IMDB, [video file] 1956, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047478/. Accessed 25 Jul. 2017.
Phillips, Alastair and Julian Stringer. "Japanese Cinema: Texts and Contexts." Routledge, 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, 7 Apr. 2008.
Ricwulf, Daniel. "The Magnificent Seven(s) & Seven Samurai: Similarities & Differences." (2016) http://screenrant.com/magnificent-seven-magnificent-seven-seven-samurai-how-they-compare/ Accessed 25 Jul 2017.
Sturges, John. "The Magnificent Seven (1960)." IMDB, [video file] 1960.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054047/. Accessed 25 Jul. 2017.
Whitty, Stephen. "'Magnificent Seven' remake may have ammo in Chris Pratt, Denzel Washington, but mostly fires blanks: movie review." New York Daily News, 20th September 2016.
