Rhetorical analysis

Rhetorical analysis

Rhetorical Analysis of "Memo to John Grisham: What's Next-'A Movie Made Me Do It?'"

In 1994, author and director, Oliver Stone released his movie Natural Born Killers. There were several different opinions on it, just as there would be any movie, but later there began to be a series of copycat murders. There were many victims of these murders, but one of these victims happened to be a friend of John Grisham. Grisham, in a state of anger and grieving, wrote an article slighting the film industry in general and saying that they should be held responsible for these murders. In response, Oliver Stone published his article, "Memo to John Grisham: What's Next--'A Movie Made Me Do It?'", in L.A. Weekly. Stone's article not only defends his movie, but all of the film industry, saying how these murders, or any murders, were not caused by movies but more by troubled past experiences.
Before even reading the article you can tell the scorn Stone has for Grisham just by the title. Stone says "Memo to John Grisham", he is implying that he is above him, as if he was Grisham's boss. Stone then asks the question "What's Next-'A Movie Made Me Do It?'" almost as if he is mocking Grisham. The readers of this article are more likely to be other film makers of course L.A. Weekly readers, but the article itself was intended specifically for Grisham, as you can tell from the title.
Stone establishes his credibility by using literary allusions. But being a successful author and filmmaker also play a helping hand in establishing his credibility. He also references other controversial plays that are now known as classics, saying that his film, Natural Born Killers will also fall into that same category.
Stone first sentence immediately catches attention. He starts off by alluding to the Salem Witch Trials by saying "The hunt for witches to explain society's ills is ancient to our blood but unholy for that nonetheless." He compares the accusations made...

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