Thursday, January 29, 2015
Sullivan's Travel
I thought Sullivan's Travels was a funny movie with a serious message. The comedy and antics were very entertaining while the message of the reality of the Great Depression was moving, especially in the scenes when all of the homeless people were sleeping in one big shelter, or sitting around fires to stay warm. American society was in turmoil during that time so it was risky on Director Preston Sturges part to make light of such a somber time, but it worked. I also thought the ending was perfect with John Sullivan realizing that people need a reason to laugh, especially in times of duress. In addition, this was the first time I ever saw Veronica Lake in a movie and she was great!
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There are many layers to the film Sullivan's Travels. At first glance the film is an engaging comedy, but the film also imparts the ideas of social injustice. The film shows how little the poor are considered and shows the violence that society allows toward the poor. When Sullivan is knocked out and put on a train, rather than concern, the train guards just hit him. Since Sullivan has not learned to accept violence, as the poor have, he hits back, which leads him farther into the depths of poverty and farther outside society as a convict. Without preaching the message, the film shows how easy Sullivan and anyone could easy lose their freedom and how little the rest of society seems to care. Sullivan is only freed when he is recognized.
ReplyDeleteThe film also shows how difficult the problem of poverty can be. When Sullivan asks for $100 to be given to the man that gave doughnuts and coffee, there is a comment from one of the directors that this will ruin the man because he will offer turkey sandwiches to every hobo that comes his way. When Sullivan tries to give out five dollar bills the audience is shown that this alone is a naïve way to try to fix the issue of poverty.
The issue of social class is explored. Sullivan is hoping to show the world the poverty he sees as a problem, without realizing that only the very rich need to be shown the problem, the poor are very aware of the issues and look to entertainment, not to show them the life that they already know, but as a means to escape.
In the end, the film shows the class issues that Sullivan wanted to portray at the beginning of the film, but shows it through comedy. This shows the value of the comedy that Sullivan has been doing, as well a message that perhaps the only way to show serious messages critical of society are through comedy.
I agree with you Tami, but I think the purpose of this film was to make the audience laugh...Which it did.
ReplyDeleteSullivan's Travels is now one of my favorite movie because of it ‘s perfect designed and story line to show a satire of how Hollywood function, dysfunctional.
ReplyDeleteLisa, great points. I think some of the message is lost due to the comedy, but I think it is the only way it can be shown without looking like a sad and depressing story.
ReplyDeleteIn tonights movie with Client Eastwood. It seems like they had social media, down flat in the old west. Word traveled fast about Joyce, the outlaw Even grandma was well know just by her face. Who needs texting.
ReplyDeleteGreat movie, I really enjoyed it.