Physics in “Home Alone”
I) Introduction- A young boy left on his own during the holidays is forced to defend his home from two men trying to break in.
a) Parabolic arcs of falling action are sometimes incorrect
b) Speed exaggerated in certain scenes for comedic effect
c) Damage to burglars take is not realistic
d) Thesis statement: Assuming this movie is based on our physical plane, the rules are often broken for the sake of entertainment.
II) Parabolic Arcs of Falling Action are Sometimes Incorrect
a) Kevin (the kid) sliding from the top of the stairs to the sidewalk outside.
i) Angle he is going down stairs should first of all stop him from getting that far
ii) Once outside he has too much hang time before landing
b) When villains fall off or down stairs they do not fall accurately. Several examples:
i) Harry (short villain) falls off stairs, he travels too far: where he should have landed on the stairs he lands instead on the sidewalk.
(1) Also has the feeling of being pulled back
ii) Marv gets hit in the face with a paint can he actually raises off the stairs before falling again on the floor.
(1) The paint can would not exert enough force to lift him off of his feet it would only send him backwards.
iii) Harry gets hit with the paint can, and without the rise he somehow lands evenly on his taller partner, though Harry was higher up on the stairs.
c) Bad guys swinging from middle of rope would have landed on the ground before ever hitting the wall
III) Speed Exaggerated in Certain Scenes for Comedic Effect
a) Falling Action in all cases happens slower than it would in real life, allowing us to savor the reactions of the actors.
b) Harry is attacked by the flamethrower: stands there for 6 full seconds, simply screaming.
IV) Damage Burglars Take is Not Realistic
a) Many examples in the movie of physical injury that would cause serious injury or even death and yet the burglars get up every time.
i) Head injuries: Iron, Snow shovel, BB gun point blank, Flamethrower, Paint cans.
ii) Other Body Parts: Nail sinking full inch into foot followed by broken glass, Burned hand, BB gun in private parts, iron crowbar on lungs.
b) In one case Harry falls off the stairs and crushes his full body weight against his head and spine, but sustains no lasting damage.
V) Conclusion
a) Thesis again
b) Summarize main points
c) Breaking the rules can also be fun, because it allows you to torment your villains longer.
That'll work. 10 points
ReplyDelete