Terry Malloy Journey

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On the Waterfront, released in 1954 and directed by Elia Kazan, follows the struggles of Terry Malloy challenging conflicting conditions in gaining back something that was once his, power over his own existence. Terry’s journey is driven by a diverse of conflicting principles and people around him, inspiring him to overcome the thought of being “D and D – deaf and dumb” and a “bum”, which is ever-present throughout the film. Not only is it through his motivation of ridding himself the label of being a “bum” and a pawn of Johnny Friendly, together with the help and moral support of Father Barry and Edie Doyle, Terry is able to create a tale for himself in gaining back the power he lost over his own life by eventually fighting Johnny Friendly…show more content…
Through the death of his brother, Charley, Terry is able to “break free” of the barrier that has been holding him back by his association with the mob all these years. In doing so, Terry has marked the end of his journey in his quest to regain power and a sense of freedom over his own life with “So I'm glad what I done— you hear me? —glad what I done!” – feeling no regret and a sense of justice in what he’s done, Terry has successfully regained his confidence and power within himself through a short close up shot. After testifying, Terry comes to self-realisation and declares, “They always said I was a bum, well I ain’t a bum Edie”. This ultimately marks the nearing end of his journey in his tale of reclaiming a sense of freedom and power over his life. Furthermore, director Elia Kazan directly mirrors this quote from his past with his testimony of “naming names” to The House of Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), with him being glad that he did the right thing and has no regrets of it. Through the fictional representation of Terry Malloy, Elia Kazan has justified his actions through the film. On the Waterfront ultimately follows the story of a young man in his fight for power over his own life. Terry is initially seen as a “bum” in the commencement of the film, but as it progresses, his character changes and evolves through self motivation, help and support from Father Barry and Edie Doyle paving him the way, hence Terry is successful in claiming back power over his own life and also, gaining a sense of freedom from
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