Gran Torino 2008 Film Studies Essay

nanna Torino 2008 ask Studies EssayClint Eastwood. A legend in the film industry. Born on the 31st of May in 1930, he began directing in 1971 and producing in 1982. Famous for his roles in the Dollars Trilogy, the Dirty Harry films, Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, his reboot is synonymous with masculinity. He has 7 children from 5 different women where solitary(prenominal) 2 of whom, each were at superstar point his wife.In December 2008, granny Torino was released and distributed by Warner Brothers. The exposure tells a story of Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood), a caucasian old hand of the Korean War. Walt is the spitting image of the generic racist Ameri so-and-so struggle veteran who sits protrudeside his house with a 12 gauge quipgun firmly pointed at immigrants with a southern drawl. Clint Eastwoods portrayal of Walt is true to this generic image albeit as the story progresses, his attitude towards his neighbours softens. Walts most prized possession is his Gran To rino, a classic muscle car.The film conveys with Walt Kowalski mourning silently the outlet of his wife. Living al bingle, his two sons do not get along s healthful up with their father. Days ulterior, Walts neighbours son, Thao (Bee Vang), tries to steal his car as part of a cabal initiation ceremony. Walt foils this attempt with his semi-automatic rifle from his war days. Thaos family is grateful towards Walts actions that saved Thao from a biography in the gang. Walt obliges it upon himself to set Thao on the right path. provided when Thaos sister, work on (Ahney Her) is assaulted by the same gang who tried to recruit Thao, Walt is forced to take action.Walts rifle from the Korean War is symbolic of his past deeds. It represents the acts of violence and invasion he perpetrated during his days of service. Shut the fuck up You want to fill in what its like to kill a man? Well its goddamn awful, thats what it is. The except thing worse is getting a medal of valour for k ill most poor kid that wanted to just give up, thats all. Yeah, some sc atomic number 18d little gook just like you. I shot him right in the face with that rifle you were holding in in that location a while ago. Theres not a day goes by that I dont think about it. You dont want that on your soul. besides I got line of business on my hands. Im soiled. Thats why Im going it al 1 tonight. Walt is a man who is hagridden by his past. Walts Gran Torino and his dog, Daisy atomic number 18 the only source of happiness and puff of air for him prior to him befriending his Hmong neighbours.At the beginning of the movie, Walts distaste for the asian people is really apparent. He refers to them as gooks most of the time. However, as the film progresses, he realises that he is closingr to his asian neighbours than he is to his protest family. God, I got more in common with these gooks than I do with my own spoiled-rotten family. Jesus. Happy birthday. At one point in the movie, Walt be comes so close to Thaos family that hes imagen grilling some steak in his backyard with Thao, Sue and Thaos date. Walts resourcefulness is apparent as he has a store filled with tools that according to him took 50 years to put together. He sees Thaos come to in them and gifts to him a lubri lott, duct tape and a visier grip. He later goes on to to answer toughen Thao up by teaching him how to talk like a man. Walt even goes so far as to help Thao secure a job at a construction locate and purchase tools for him to kickstart his independence.In order to show their appreciation of Walts help towards Thao, the local anaesthetic Hmong community frequently brings food to him. At first, Walt is reluctant to accept the gifts. But as they persist, he gives in after tasting and falling in love with the flavorful Hmong food. The Hmong shaman reads Walt and tells him that he is not respected by people and that he carries a heavy burden. Upon hearing this, Walt becomes visibly jolted and begins coughing blood.Every instance that Walt was about to take aggressive action, a military themed drum beat would follow. This use of music indicated to the reference that Walt was about to undertake something important. The military drum beat also brings to mind a sense of patriotism that Walt has towards his country. This is further illustrated by the large American glad on his porch. The overall colour utilise throughout the movie is a dull green. This is reflective of the calm pace of the movie with the exception of the times during confrontation when it is usually dark.Thaos character at the beginning of the film is a passive one. He seldom talks and even when he does, he speaks with a soft tone. This can be attributed to his sisters role as the preponderant figure in the house. Thao is regarded as feminine even by his own family. Needless to say, Walt despises Toad as he constitutes him. Yeah Yum Yum yeah exquisite girl nice girl, very charming girl I talked with he r yeah. But you, you just let her walk out right out with the deuce-ace Stooges. And you know why? Cause youre a big fat pussy. Well, I gotta go. Good day, pusscake. As the film progresses, Walt gradually succeeds in toughening Thao up. At one point, Thao stands up for himself when he encounters the Hmong gang while going home from work.though Thao may be weak willed, he is definitely a manikin and helpful boy intent on helping others. At one point in the film, when a caucasian lady drops her groceries on the sidewalk, a group of 3 Hmong teenagers notice but do not help. alternatively they make lewd gestures. Thao however rushes to aid the lady a great deal to the admiration of Walt who was watching intently.Some of the issues discussed in the movie are that of racism, multiculturalism and religion. In monetary value of racism, Walt is racist towards every non caucasian person in the film. Though he mostly keeps it to himself, sometimes his outburts contain racial slurs. Walts neighbourhood is also imitation to be a previously white dominant one. But as immigrants moved in, more people of other races settled down there. particularly the Hmong people. The movie intends to show audiences that racism can be overcome by intellect. This is apparent when Walt saves Sue from some African American thugs. When Sue is in the car conversing with Walt, he tells her that shes alright. From then on, the relationship between Walt and Thaos family improves and they become close allies.Multiculturalism is an important aspect of this film as diverse races can be seen and traditions of the races are also portrayed. When Walt is invited for lunch at Thaos house for a celebration, he pats a child on her head. This act is seen as disrespectful in Hmong stopping point. In the scene where Sue is ambushed by the African Americans, she is seen to be go out a caucasian teen. During Walts visit to the doctor, in the waiting room, people from various races can be seen as well. T heres Walt, a caucasian, an African American lady, an Indian lady with a traditional dress, a presumably Mexican man, an Arabian nurse with a headdress and an asian doctor. The film intends to educate the viewers that the American landscape is fast changing where once Walts neighbourhood utilize to be predominantly White, it is a rarity to see a caucasian.In call of religion, Walt is a catholic though not a earnest one. His take on faith is insouciant and of disdain.Father Janovich Why didnt you call the police?Walt Kowalski Well you know, I prayed for them to come but nobody answered. enchantment talking to Father Janovich, he calls the priest a young 27 year old virgin. By the end of the movie though, he appears to reconnect with his apparitional roots as he attends confession.The movie doesnt appear to lean to both to matriarchy or patriarchy. Though the values of the different cultures are kinda apparent. In the Hmong culture, a lot of family members can be seen congregati ng. Communication is for the most part open and inclusive. Whereas for the western culture as seen in Walts family, the viewer can see a family which is estranged and on bad terms. Walts sons dont pay much attention to their father and only contact him when they want something. In terms of respect, the Hmong people generally are more respectful towards their elders. But in the case of Walts grandkids, the granddaughter smoked a cigarette in Walts house.There are a few film techniques used in the film that are noteworthy. When Walt is confronting the gangs house at night towards the end of the film, an estblishing wide shot is used showing Walt approach the house. The lighting at this point is very low-key, only highlighting what the audience needs to see. Faint background noises such as a barking dog, and crickets can be heard in the distance leading(p) the viewer to assume that the location is one which is seldom visited.When the gang members begin talking to Walt, the camera cut s to a wide shot of him. From the houses behind him in the background, curious neighbours can be seen coming out of their rooms. In the coterminous few moments, a few more shots of neighbours coming out of their houses can be seen to further emphasise the point that the whole scenario is being scrutinised. At this point, the gang leader draws his weapon, but Walt keeps insulting them, determined to carry out his plan unfazed. He insists on defending his neighbours. This is the point where the viewers see that deep beneath the grouchy exterior, Walt is a genuinely good man.The movie overall was a refreshing change from the regular action films which neediness depth and substance. Gran Torino has enough action to maintain the male audience attention while catering to the emotional aspect as well via good character development and storyline. The touching scenes in the film sincerely yours can impact the viewer and make them question their own attitudes towards culture and racism and doing whats right. Where at first the viewer is antagonistic towards Walt, they come to rate is gruffness and empathise with him and feel genuine sadness when he sacrifices his life in the end.