Masculinity In The Film 'School Ties'

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There are various ways of how entertainment has interpreted masculinity. Different forms of film and television have displayed diverse types of alpha-males. One great example of this is David Greene (Brendon Fraser), from the film School Ties (1992), directed by Robert Mandel. David’s character presents a robust view of the confident alpha male. The director uses numerous narrative, symbolic and technical elements to establish his point of view on David. David, in the film, is represented as a leader who is a confident man around others, who shows compassion to his family and friends, faithfulness to his Jewish religion and an assertive attitude towards everyone. In the film, David’s dialogue, characterisation and plot portrays his assertive…show more content…
David’s costumes when all the students of St. Matthews are gathered to eat, he acts as a waiter. The clothes that he is wearing is a white gown, which covers his shoulders to his feet. The reason he is wearing this is because of his poor background from Scranton and he is trying to make a living out of it. The director positions the audience to see David as a strong yet humble character who is faithful and willing to do anything for a living. This also demonstrates his characterisation and attitude in another way. The music that is used in the film, directed by Robert, defines David’s personality in relation to masculinity. For example, at the very start of the film David is in his car listening to pop music from the 1950’s, while he is listening he ‘bobs’ his head and back forth and sings along to the song; showing his own enthusiasm for the music he listens to. This proves that he is not only a strong alpha male but also an enthusiastic charming guy. This established his true character as an alpha male in different types of situation. Robert Mandel choice of costuming and musical features foregrounds his struggle as an alpha male in the real world but also stands out from all the other students because of his

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