Film Analysis: The Boondock Saints

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Boondock Saints The principal theme of the film Boondock Saints is society’s indifference to the judicial tolerance of crime in this country. After being cleared of any wrong doing in the self-defense killings of two Russian mob soldiers, Connor and Murphy McManus are divinely called to exact God’s justice on evil among the hearts of the children of men. There were not any important sub-themes in this movie. The moral of the story asks a question whether or not killing in the name of justice is righteous. The McManus brothers, Connor and Murphy, are twins that have emigrated from Ireland and are working as meat packers in South Boston. On Saint Patrick’s Day, at the pub that they frequent, the owner professes…show more content…
The Boondock Saints does an excellent job illustrating the ethics of the vigilante, whether for good or evil. The theatrical elements found in The Boondock Saints are very important in the development of this film and all the characters. The set design, costumes, acting and props allow viewers to get visual impression of the events and characters as the story unfolds. The opening of the movie begins with aerial views of the cityscape in South Boston most likely during the autumn months, which gives the movie a very urban feel. Filming in Boston also later contributes to the Celtic influence found within the film. As the film continues, the settings become more personal with scenes filmed in the main characters’, Connor and Murphy’s loft. Connor and Murphy’s loft is extremely bare, simple, dingy, and old. The cement walls and simplicity help develop an idea that the characters are very humble and not concerned with material things. Most of the settings such as an Irish bar, other character’s apartment, and mob gathering create an underworld feeling. There are also many scenes in the Catholic Church and also the Catholic hospital, which enhance the religious theme linked clearly to the…show more content…
Sound and/or music can intensify or pacify the audience’s emotions, assist in story telling, and can be an element of the plot. In the beginning of this film, the invisible sound is used as foreshadowing. Duce’s voice (who is the hit man for the MacManus brothers) is heard in the background and used as a voice over narration. He says “When I raise my flashing sword, I will take vengeance upon mine enemies and I will repay those who haste me. O Lord, raise me to thy right hand, count me among the saints.” Also, when the MacManus brothers have their religious epiphany, Duce’s voice is again heard and he says “And I shall count thee among my favored sheep and you shall have the protection of all the angels in heaven.” At this time, the MacManus brothers decide to kill the evil doers. Until the end of the film, Duce finally appears and is then a character involved. Some types of music used during the movie are classical and hard rock, one used as invisible sound and the other used as visible sound. During the crime reenactment by Smecker, he listens to classical music (visible sound) on a discman as he tries to gather his thoughts. On another note, classical music used in a film typically represents a higher intelligence and in this case, Smecker is well educated. Hard rock music was used during the brawls or shoot outs (invisible sounds) which

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