Freshman Seminar: Volcanoes and Civilization

Volcanoes in Film

1) In this exercise we will consider 3 Hollywood representations of volcanic disasters.

2) The Films are:
A) Volcano: the Coast is Toast (1997) (Los Angeles; Tommy Lee Jones, Anne Heche)
B) Volcano: Fire on the Mountain (1997) (ski resort disaster)
C) Dante’s Peak (1997); Pierce Broznan

You first assignment is to view each of these films. If you have already seen them please review them again so you will know what you are talking about in class. Make notes while you watch the films and be prepared to back up your ideas with details.

Why were all these movies made around the same time (1997)?

How does Hollywood represent volcano disasters for the public?

Do you think they have done a reasonable job?

How does the roll of special effects come to bear- on the exposition of the film?

Have they exaggerated the special effects? Why do they ‘need’ to exaggerate the phenomenon of a volcanic explosion? Isn’t the real thing exciting enough?

Does time flow properly in the film? Are events speeded up or slowed down, and to what effect?

Each of the movies have social aspects in them – what is the point of view of the directors and writers?

The movies have romantic components – are these served well by the movie?

How does the presence of the volcano help the story line – what does the volcano add to the message of the story?

Which movie is the most effective? Most exciting? Most realistic? Most believable?

Why are volcanoes used to advance the story? Could one replace the volcano with any natural disaster? I.e. is there something special about volcanoes that make them particularly useful or appropriate for cinema?