Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Dualism in Pleasantville
Through the contrast between black and white, reality and fantasy, and purity and sin, the directors and writers make a bold statement on the duality of man. As people begin to spring into color, it seems that they do this when they give into animalistic tendencies, but in Jennifer’s case she becomes colorful after becoming rational and reading. This change shows that their animal tendencies do not bring about color change alone; it is the balance of the inner self.
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3 comments:
Very well put, I completely agree. I am interested in hearing your comments on our post refering to the allegory of the cave. Also, when u say "the duality of man" do you mean that in order to feel "complete" (in color) we need to appeal to both animal and rational tendencies simultaneously?
Very interesting perspective, I had not thought of it that way. Do you think that maybe Jennifer changed into color by doing something rational because she had always followed her animal tendencies before? I agree that in order to be "in color" that both tendencies have to occur simultaneously.
Hmm. This all reminds me of the yin-yang concept, and the fact that under eastern philosophy, a bit of both sides is required for balance. I agree that the dialectic of black and white in the film is indeed what eventually allows Pleasantville's citizens to change into color. Without that tension, there would be no novelty in the transformation.
There is something I am curious about though-- you mention purity and sin as if they were two defined and opposite forces in the film. But couldn't you argue that a conventionally "sinful" action-- such as the mother's affair with the painter-- is the reviving spark the town needs? Is not her action elevated to the status of purity in that it was done out of true love for another and for art?
Just playing devil's advocate here. ;)
-Camila
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