Seat Belt Sign is Off

https://www.ted.com/talks/ric_elias (video link)

Towards the end of his quick TED talk Ric Elias challenges the audience by saying:
But imagine, and how would you change? What would you get done that you're waiting to get done because you think you'll be here forever? How would you change your relationships and the negative energy in them? And more than anything, are you being the best parent you can?
In summary Ric Elias is challenging his audience to take a step back and examine how they live their life. He stresses that the time we have on earth is precious and should not be wasted and, therefore, we should fill our lives with positive energy. In addition, he persuades the audience to marinate on the idea that life is urgent and should not be postponed for a later date.  

Ric Elias was a passenger in seat 1D on the plane that landed in the Hudson river after flying into birds. He goes through what he was thinking as the engine cut off and the pilot announced "Brace for impact." Before hitting the water he had three thoughts:

1. It all changes in an instant
2. I've lived a good life; however, I allowed my ego to get in the way.
3. Dying is not scary, and the only thing that matters is being a good dad.

To convey this point and have the audience believe in what he is saying Elias uses ethos and pathos. He is a reputable speaker because he experienced the emergency landing first hand. He displays his expertise by communicating his seat assignment and the interaction he had with the crew members. The audience understands and believes his story because he established himself as a reputable man and flyer. As his story progresses and the audiences learns of the three things he realized in the sky Elias utilizes pathos. A plethora of personal experiences, imagery, and connections to family provide the audience and viewer with a personal connection to the event. By using the onomatopoeia "clack, clack, clack, clack, clack,clack..." to describe the sound of the engine and "big explosion as you climb through 3,000 feet." Many people can identify with the fear that would occur on an airplane as systems begin to fail. This fear is created due to television shows and movies that have been created about planes crashing. Later he uses the verb "imagine," to draw the audience in and make them visualize the events occurring around him. A few minutes later Elias continues by telling about his experience at his daughter's performance. While not all of the audience members have children (like me), they can identify with family. This is the moment in the TED talk that it hit me, what would it be like to be on the brink of death's door and not know if you were going to see your family again? The emotional appeal that is heavily scattered through Elias's talk allows the audience to apply his ideas to their own life. 

So out of all the TED talks why did I chose this one? For starters I'm always up for a little bit of inspiration and insight into how to make the most out of the moments I have on Earth. In addition, I am currently on a United Flight that is beginning its descent to the Chicago O'Hare International Airport. As I listened to the flight attendant video detailing all of the exists, oxygen max directions, seat cushion flotation devices, and seat belt signs I immediately identified with Ric Elias's talk. I trust that the plane I am on is going to easily navigated the cloudy skies and safely land on an airstrip in a new city; however, as I listened to this TED talk I began to wonder, how would I react if my plane began to go down? Would there be any outstanding life revelations I would have? Despite this thought being slightly frightening, as I cruise at an altitude of a couple thousand feet, it is comforting. It makes me realize that life is precious and that as I continue on my journey I need to enjoy every moment and make the best of it. As a side note (and connection to class) Elias brings up that we have been preparing our entire lives for death. As a little throwback to Macbeth, despite whether an individual choses to believe in fate or free will death is inevitable and the final destination for every human being. 

All electronics must be powered off and stowed beneath the seat in front of me, so it is goodbye for now.

Come to the Dark Side

2.  Film noir literally means “black film.” As you are watching the film, keep track of all the elements in the picture that seem dark or depressing. Think about the characters, the setting, and the storyline.

When I think of "black film," or a dark film I am constantly reminded of the idea of going to the Dark Side. This is a theme that repeatedly shows up in Star Wars and Double Indemnity. 

Darth Vader: You cannot hide forever, Luke.

Luke: I will not fight you.

Darth Vadar: Give yourself to the Dark Side. It is the only way you can save your friends. 

Now Double Indemnity is not a conflict that takes place in space but it shares similar themes to Star Wars. In both films there is a dark side and a light (or good) sight, therefore, sparking conflict and gray areas. Throughout our study of literature so far this year we have hit on the concept of light vs. dark. In Double Indemnity Walter Neff, an honorable insurance agent, is lured to the dark side by his love interest Phyllis Dietrichson. As a man of the law the love he holds for Mrs. Dietrichson leads him to considering the murder of Mr. Dietrichson. The dynamic duo, Phyllis and Walter, plans the murder of Mr. Dietrichson very diligently or "straight down the line." The entire storyline revolves around the interactions between Phyllis and Walter as they plot to kill Mr. Dietrichson. The theme of murder and revenge steep deep within dark or depressing elements that plague film noir. 

While together Walter and Phyllis perform deadly deeds, Phyllis Dietrichson is the perpetrator of the violence and the root of the evil. As a married woman she creates desire in Mr. Neff when he enters her home. She is shown in only a towel with a glittering anklet on her bare leg. She invites herself over to Walter's apartment which perpetuates the love interest between the pair, therefore, leading to the murder they plot. In her past life Phyllis killed Mr. Dietrichson's early wife. Murder coursed through her veins; however, Walter Neff was guilty as well. Towards the end of the film he confronts Phyllis at her home and then proceeds to shoot her. Mrs. Dietrichson was a femme fatal who could quickly turn from wanting to kill you to showing affection. 


Setting wise there are multiple instances that portray film noir and dark elements. In Visions of Light, a documentary, film noir is described in full detail. One characteristic of film noir is the lighting, but most specifically the use of blinds to create lines across a figure or object. In Double Indemnity the venetian blind lighting effect was used to heighten mood and portray characters. On the many occasions that Walter Neff visited Phyllis Dietrichson this technique was used. Specifically, towards the end of the film as Neff visits the Dietrichson household for the last time, the Venetian blinds cast shadows on the walls. This provides the audience an explanation, visually, concerning the conflicting relationship of the pair. In this sequence, and the rest of the film, the lighting used to create shadows communicates the dark relationship and motives of Dietrichson and Neff. In addition, the romance paired with murder also reflects the ideas of film noir presented in Visions of Light. Double Indemnity utilizes the venetian blind lighting technique, shadows, and dark romance to effectively showcase ideas of film noir.

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