Thursday 1 September 2011

On the Waterfront: Charley and Terry scene analysis

Unfortunately this clip doesn't show the taxi driver at the end of the scene moving ominously into the frame; he obscures Charley and eliminates him as an authority figure.

Watch the scene and answer the following questions:

1. How are Charley and Terry depicted at the beginning of the scene?
2. How does the mise-en-scene (set, lighting, blocking etc) affect our understanding of this scene?
3. When and how does the sound change (the musical score)? How does this amplify the emotion?
3. How is the tenderness and love between the brothers shown?
4. Describe the moral choice that Charley is faced with:
5. How is Charley's internal conflict portrayed?
6. How does Charley obtain redemption for his past?
7. In what way is this scene a "confessional" between the two brothers?

Kayo Dugan's "Last Rites" scene analysis

This scene is pivotal; it marks the awakening of Terry Malloy's conscience and Father Barry's call to arms:

Father Barry is established as key to achieving justice on the waterfront, and instrumental in empowering Terry. Although Father Barry's character is downplayed in the film, the screenplay originally had this powerful orator at the centre of the story. Kazan's inclusion of Father Barry's momentous speeches show his latent strength and allude to Christ's motivational power. Just as Christ spoke boldly despite opposition, so too Father Barry speaks undeterred by taunts, threats and physical abuse. This scene signals a turning point in the film; while Friendly's mob enforcers are clearly depicted in a position of authority, Father Barry ascends to their level in the final moments of the scene. Below in the hold, the longshoremen are deeply affected by his words. Terry is motivated to absolve his guilt and fight for justice. In this scene, Father Barry is literally the moral voice - he verbalises Terry's awakening conscience.

While you watch, please answer the following questions:

1. What is the (biblical) significance of a crucifixion?
2. What is implied by the camera angles on:
a) Father Barry
b) the longshoremen
c) the mob (Charley)
3. How are we made to understand that the longshoremen are ultimately responsible for the corruption that continues to exist on the waterfront? (Refer to Father Barry's words, and to film technique.)
4. Father Barry asks: "How does Christ who spoke up without fear against every evil feel about your silence." Analyse Terry's reaction.
5.  Father Barry states: "Only you... have the power to knock them out for good." The camera cuts to the longshoremen and to Terry. What do the camera angles indicate?

ON THE WATERFRONT

1. 'On the Waterfront reveals the powerlessness of the individual against a corrupt ruling group.' Do you agree?

2. 'It is Terry's anger that leads him to testify against Johnny Friendly, not his newly awakened conscience.' Discuss.

3.'The poverty of the dock workers' lives is portrayed effecctively in the film's cinematography.' Discuss.

4. 'On the Waterfront suggests that most people prefer security to justice.' Discuss.

5. 'The film suggests that love is a powerful influence for good.' Do you agree?

6. 'The film presents clear-cut heroes and villains and a black-and-white view of morality that lacks subtlety.' Do you agree?

7. 'On the Waterfront tells us that we need the support of otehrs in order to act bravely.' Do you agree?

8. 'Although Terry complains that he "coulda been somebody", he finally does become somebody worthy of our admiration.' Discuss.

9. "What's ratting for them is telling the truth for you." The film suggests that loyalty is not always a virtue. Discuss.

10. 'On the Waterfront presents a powerful argument that all human beings should be treated with dignity.' Discuss.

11. 'On the Waterfront is the story of Terry's journey to heroism.' Discuss.