Elia Kazan’s, ‘On the Waterfront’, presents a world in which the corrupt rein over the innocent. The protagonist of the film Terry Malloy who was once part of the corruption is left in a moral dilemma, not knowing whether to do the wrong or right thing. Throughout the film, he is set on a heavy journey in trying to redeem himself, but does not go about this alone. To help him on his journey is the local priest Father Barry, who’s religious and ethical views play a large role in assisting Terry. Aside from Father Barry, characters Edie Doyle and Charlie Malloy also assist Terry throughout his journey to redemption and help him do what is right.
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
‘On the Waterfront shows that being true to oneself is more important than being loyal to one’s friends.’ Discuss. Elia Kazan’s film, On the Waterfront clearly conveys that being true to oneself is more important than being loyal to one’s friends. The classic black and white documentary-style film reveals to viewers that life on the ‘fattest harbour in the world’ in the 1950’s on Hoboken, New Jersey is fraught with indignity and uncertainty. The protagonist, Terry Malloy proceeds in a slow transformation throughout the film from a failed prizefighter into the ‘contender he always thought he could’ be. Alongside the affection and guidance exemplified by Edie Doyle and Father Barry, Terry is able to find moral stability and a sense of self in order to testify.
Father Barry is the true hero of On the Waterfront. To what extend do you agree? In the film, On the Waterfront directed by Elia Kazan, there are many heroic characters that impact the lives of the longshoremen through courageous acts. The protagonist, Terry Maloy must make decisions which further influence the futures of others around him; however he needs the aid of others to be his moral compass. Father Barry notably is hero within the film by becoming the mentor Terry Maloy needed.
“Jim said it made him all over trembly and feverish to be so close to freedom”(97). Jim’s excitement in knowing that he’s almost a free man demonstrates his unrelenting desire to be free. These mutual feelings of wanting to escape an old life between Huck and Jim do not crossover to Tom, however. Tom, being raised in relative comfort, is used to living with strict adherence to a list of “rules”. Even though Tom makes his own rules and uses the river as a “base of operations” of sorts, its his adherence to the ideas of having rules that contrasts Huck’s defiant attitude towards authority and constrictions.
But whereas the physically defective Bernard had suffered all his life from the consciousness of being separate, it was only quite recently that, grown aware of his mental excess, Helmholtz Watson had also become aware of his difference from the people who surrounded him." (Huxley 61) Helmholtz tries to comfort Bernard by telling Bernard that he is not alone while also encourages him to strive continually for success. Toronto at Dreamer's Rock: Michael encourages Rusty to persist with his life: "'This information will affect your life, maybe negatively at this crucial and formative stage. I don't think it's advisable at the moment'" (Taylor 57). Michael is providing some facts from the future which allows Rusty to believe that life is more worthwhile, since many troubles bother him at this point.
This seizing of the flag is Henry’s ultimate rite of passage. He discards his terrified and cautious childhood and becomes an experienced, courageous individual. In conclusion, Henry’s rite of passage is, generally, the Civil War. It teaches him the hardships of life and draws out the courage deep down within his soul. Henry, at first, is timid and anxious about his potential and what would the others think about him.
GATTACA SHOWS THAT VINCENT IS A POWERFUL FORCE FOR CHANGE... In the film Gattaca by Andrew Niccol an individual was capable to express a powerful force through their experience with discrimination they yet showed courage and consistency to strive for what they believe in. Vincent changed his identity in order to get into Gattaca. A reason for Jerome to live was changed due to Vincent and it was an emotional aspect in the film. Irene showed she wasn’t limited to her defects due to the impact of Vincent he showed great courage and belief in himself and gave Irene the opportunity to do so as well he has proved to his brother his discrimination in childhood have not affected him in the future.
A number of characters assist Terry on his journey of redemption. Discuss using examples from the film. Intro In Elia Kazan’s On the Waterfront, troubled by the dilemma of choosing which side of the dispute to stand on, Terry Malloy finally discovers the only way he can do ‘good’ is to redeem himself. On Terry’s quest of atoning for his past actions, important characters such as Edie Doyle and Father Barry play a major role assisting him. Furthermore, in life, supporting and minor characters such as Charley Malloy, Joey Doyle and Kayo Dugan was not able to contribute much to the change in Terry.
Orson Welles’ ‘Citizen Kane’ depicts the human experience of a man who perseveres for love and power through a society that has burdened him the weight of materialism and has rid him of his innocence and early independence. Charles Foster Kane’s perseverance throughout the film is driven by his need for the love of the people who surround him, and the need for control through political power due to his early human experience of losing his innocence and independence with the introduction of materialism great!. Throughout the film Orson Welles, using various cinematic techniques and textual integrity, is able to depict Kane’s perseverance throughout his lifetime to achieve his overall contentment but is ultimately unsuccessful in all aspects in which he aspires to accomplish, highlighting his failure under the burden of excessive wealth. This is a good introduction, except for a few things, but thesis is much clearer and your personal interpretation is clear. ‘Citizen Kane’ explores the ongoing perseverance of Kane’s ambition for love from those that are close to him, to those who are the people of society as a result to the lack of love he experienced as a child.