kyros_stormeye's Friends

On the Waterfront (the first produced of the examined films- 1954) was in many ways a reflection and an affirmation of American values in the fifties. It depicted traditional gender roles, a strong family unit, and carried the concept of integrity, and strength through adversity the whole way through the movie. In some ways it is as “American” as a movie can get.
The plot is simple: Terry Malloy must make a choice between a comfortable life under the heavy hand of corrupt union bosses, or choose the path that is courageous and testify against testify against them in court- risking all he knows and loves. He is asked to make a statement in court after having witnessed the 'accidental' death of a coworker of his (and coincidentally the brother of his love interest- the movie's female lead: (Edie Doyle- actress Eva Marie Saint ). Here he is torn. His initial reaction is to keep to himself what he knows and had taken part in. This seems to be popular opinion, and is reflected in the investigators repeated failures. The longshoreman know better, and so does Terry. Honesty is a dangerous path, if a noble one, the same path Edie's brother died walking. In a truly inspiring fashion, the parish priest, Father Barry rallies his spiritual strength (with help from the virtuous Edie Doyle). He opens the church for free union meetings, so the workers can organize as they should have been doing-- safe from the influence of (boss) Johnny Friendly. A few attend- reluctantly; the meeting is crashed and upon seeing the brutality with which Johnny Friendly executes his 'business', Terry's eyes open to the possibility of standing up against injustice. He is still hesitant, however, and is not fully convinced until the pious and eternally pure of heart Edie convinces him. He decides that he is sick of being a 'bum' (or 'no good') and begins to plan for court. From this point on he faces a slew of temptation ( force, and coercive incentives alike) which would keep him from his testimony. He faces pressure down at the docks, his friends betray and abandon him him for being a 'pigeon'. His brother Charley offers him a well-paying job, and implies the very serious consequences of testifying. And as a final temptation, Edie bends to the weight of the oncoming trial, begging him to leave with her before the trial. Through all of this, his resolve to doing what is right is impregnable. Terry's unwavering devotion to righting injustice transforms him from failed prize-fighter to hero of the down-trodden in the perfect example of the reluctant hero. He champions truth, and serving to the bosses their fair desserts to the end, making him the consummate symbol of courage and moral integrity in the story.
Analyzing the character of Edie Doyle also gives insight into the American ideals for the ideal American woman. Her relationship with Terry is one which shows them both in the best possible light. They are in essence two halves of the American ideal. In the way they are portrayed, they are held up to be the common man's epitome of perfection in citizenship and personality. This is in a way where the claim that film serves as propaganda takes validity. Edie is a college student, at a school taught by nuns, and so lead by their strict moral code. And though she is well-educated and devoted to her school- when she witnesses first hand the cruelty of the local bosses she insists that she cannot allow such injustice to continue. In a moment of what can only be called a feminists worst nightmare- she abandons her education temporarily in an act of bravery and self-sacrifice, forgoing books for docks and taking her moral code with her to combat the evil she sees around her. She therefore dedicates her time and energy to seeing that her brothers death is not in vain. True to the female stereotype she has a strong sense of morality, abhors lying, aspires to teach children, and believes that 'troublemakers' are simply in need of someone to care for them.
On the Waterfront fits awkwardly into the world events of the age, because it is not a film which grapples with foreign policy, but rather the internal moral struggle of a man seeking to be right in a parochial setting. It does, however make the strong connection to the struggle in the united states for religious unity and nation-wide solidarity along moral lines. The year 1954 is remembered in the United States as the year “under God” was added to the Pledge of Allegiance. Though On the Waterfront does not directly interact with world politics, or even national policy within its frames, the interaction of God and the actions of the characters is especially relevant to the political climate of America in the early 50's.

Advertisement