This is my English yearly essay based on the study of the film "Pleasantville". The essay question was "How are ideas of change conveyed through your close study of text?"
Change is the catalyst for progress in both a society and the individual. A universal idea, change is often inevitable, and leads an individual to make decisions about their actions that have widespread consequences. These ideas of change are explored in Gary Ross' 1998 film ‘Pleasantville’ by employing film techniques to convey his message. Through considering the developing characterization of the two protagonists, it becomes clear that change can either enrich or hinder an individual's progress, highlighting it’s incredible influence in our society.
Pleasantville explores the universal idea of change in that change is inevitable and is shown by introducing two characters, Jennifer and David into a perfect black and white society. The dialogue of “Well maybe it needs to be messed with. Did that ever like--occur to you?” is depicted entirely through a mid-shot to focus on the character interaction between Mary-Sue and Bud. Despite the minimal background, the black and white amplifies the close-mindedness, lack of knowledge and conformity in their society. The quote establishes Jennifer as the initial catalyst of change in the society whilst highlighting Bud’s reluctance towards change in Pleasantville. Ross consequently integrates Bud and Jennifer in a series of events that lead them to believe that change is needed in order for society to develop. This gives an idea that people need to ‘break their barriers’ in order to instigate change.
Gary Ross depicts that individual rights and freedoms are being suppressed; in other words, knowledge is frowned upon as it enables change and allows choice and decision-making. This is shown in the immediate reaction from the mayor, Big Bob. The narration of “THREE: The area commonly known as Lover's Lane as well as the Pleasantville Public Library shall be closed until further notice.” through the close up and panning of the coloureds, exhibits their emotions and feelings towards the reaction of Big Bob, who bans things that introduce change such as books and music. Jennifer/Mary-Sue’s sudden interest in book reading emphasizes her character development along with her ability to empower the citizens by introducing knowledge through books. The quote by Bud keeps the violence of individual rights and freedoms at a focus as Big Bob believes that if he has control of knowledge, he will have control of the people. As a result, the suppression of individual rights and freedoms is an especially relevant take on the idea of change through Pleasantville.
Individuals and groups sometimes need to initiate change or fight against oppressive regimes; alternatively, in order to achieve change, people have to break free from conformity. The relationship between Bill Johnson and Bud conveys the dependence that Bill has on Bud. When Bud opines "Look, you can't always like what you do. Sometimes you just do it because it's your job. And even if you don't like it, you just gotta do it anyway.” is described through the panning and close up between the dialogue of Bill and Bud that gives the audience an insight into Bill's character. Eventually Bill’s character development progresses when he breaks free from conformity and discovers the missing element of his life: his interest for art that leads to both Bill and Bud’s arrest after their painting of a coloured mural. In Addition, the mural is symbolic of their protests where it is identified through their fight against oppressive regimes. Consequently, it hints that society needs to stand up in order to bring about change.
Change is inevitable and that everyone has something that makes them individualistic. This is expressed through the climax where the audience can see the division of the coloureds and the non-coloureds in the courtroom, a reflection of the movie ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. The quote of “But see? That's just the point! It can't stop at once, because it's in you, and you can't stop something that's inside you” is answered to a close-up and point of view shots of Bob that allows the audience to focus on his emotions. Eventually, people come to the realisation that they are all different and the importance to understand change whether it be physical change or inner change. This gives a multi-layered idea of change within the film as shown by Gary Ross.
By exploring the film in sufficient depth, it is clear then that change is an inevitable force in our lives and influences all aspects of society whilst highlighting the issues of conformity and the fight for individual freedom. Through examining the film Pleasantville, these notions of change become clear, broadening a responders understanding of the fundamental influence of change.
I got 15/20 and the average was 10 or 11 lol
Edit: T'was such a pain in the ass to memorise word for word for my yearlies lol
Edit 2: Thank you to Deswa for helping with my intro and conclusion
