Gran Torino Masculinity

2500 Words10 Pages
Katelyn Brewer English 202, Sullivan Film Analysis December 1, 2009 Masculinity in the Movie Gran Torino When many Americans think what masculine men are today they immediately think of tall muscular men working out in a gym or big burly guys getting into a brawl at a bar. The male ego demands respect and attempts to impress or intimidate those that question otherwise. The movie Gran Torino displays masculinity as it is perceived today. Initially, the movie defines the American idea of masculinity as being powerful, tough, and aggressive, but then, the climax of the film reveals the depth of true masculinity to have its roots in love through the concepts of selflessness and sacrifice. The scene of the movie, in which Walt Kowalski first helps Sue Vang Lor, demonstrates that guns add to a man’s perceived masculinity because of the power the weapon holder has with the firearm. In this scene, Sue is surrounded and harassed by three black males. While driving by, Kowalski spots the situation and comes to Sue’s aid. The three older teens did not see Kowalski as any threat until he, without hesitation, pulls a gun out of his belt. Caught off guard, the three quickly change their perspective of Kowalski from nothing more than an old man to someone who demands respect. “Hey, pops, come on now,” one retorts with his hands up in surrender (Gran Torino). Only then, do the three men allow Sue to leave. It was solely the gun that changed the way that that the three aggressors viewed Kowalski. In reality, “guns are [only] inanimate objects capable of doing nothing without the application of a person's will,” but they do hold an BREWER 2 ability greater than that of the holder alone;
Open Document