The Zou Place

     Once upon a time a movie was screened in class and we were asked to write review on it afterwards. Here is what I came up with… the problem is that I barely remember the discussion question we were supposed to address… 

     Pleasantville, a title that sounds totally delightful and pleasant. It was a movie filled with artistic imagery and social commentary symbolism that art classes like us just love to study on. As describe by Wikipedia.org “Pleasantvilleis an Academy Award-nominated 1998 film written, produced, and directed by Gary Ross. Released by New Line Cinema in Canada on September 17, and stars Tobey Maguire, Reese Witherspoon, William H. Macy, Joan Allen, and Jeff Daniels. Don Knotts, Paul Walker, Marley Shelton, Jane Kaczmarek and J. T. Walsh are also featured.”

For the full story I recommend you to watch the movie itself or read its plot at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleasantville_(film).

     I took down some notes in point form below:

1.Living style.
i)The “big” breakfast prepared by Mother defies all laws of “healthy diet” in jennifer, a mordern high-school girl’s concept.
ii)Routines. 5 to 9 for Father and sunny weather all year round. With no fail, everyday is so pleasant that no accidents can ever happen, resulting to firemen doing nothing other than saving cats on the trees.
iii)Dressing style. Typical 50’s dressing style, however even casual wears appear formal and rigid.
2.Social conduct.
i)Politeness from any stranger.
ii)Wives cook and iron. Dinners should be prepared by no one but Mother.
iii)Maintanence of healthy/clean/Plato-style relationship even with loved one. Even Mother don’t seem to understand what sex is about. Showing of sexuality in forms of art or pulic showcase of affection were dreaded by the public.
iv)Everyone fulfills a role in the community, and is totally devoted to that specific role. Be it a bar tender or high school basketball player.

        The movie celebrates freedom but questions the true nature of it at the same time, and criticises society’s attempts at achieving perfection. When vibrant colours slowly dyed the little town into what we now recognise as ordinary but truthful way of living, notice that shadows began to form in the once “perfect” society too. Jealousy, anger, fear, as though Pandora’s box was once again lifted to release all the darkness into life, the people of Pleasantville learnt not only the joy of a more adventurous life, but also hardship from challenges that came along it. Should we celebrate “true” freedom then? Or is it better to stay in ideals and embrace the safe side?  Gary Ross depicted the latter with hues of rainbow, and it do seems like the real world favoured his practical choice too.