October 21

Visual Analysis

 

rivr

 

I sighed in disgust at myself as I once again shaded my reckless brother’s behavior from my father’s harsh eyes. Time after time, obligation forced me into a web of lies my brother had spun in an attempt to hide his careless actions. They say family is first, family should be every good man’s priority. But what they don’t tell you is which family. Should I side with my father who, in the long run, is only trying to protect us? Should I side with my brother who has good intentions, but somehow always manages to upset father? Should I side with my helpless mother who is in a situation similar to mine? Bound by responsibilities and familial constraints, I struggle to find a balance that pleases everyone, including me.

I come from a small town in the heart of South Carolina where everyone is familiar with each other, everyone is ready and willing to lend a hand, but behind closed doors, even the seemingly most innocent and harmless people strip away their layer of false kindness and their worst unimaginable monsters unleash upon the only people who are constrained to them- family. It’s ironic really that we all know how fabricated our gestures are, but we continue to maintain the exhausting image of “Southern Hospitality”, for no evident reason.

My father is a man of composure, of principles. He believes in nothing but the finest and that every man achieves only what he deserves. He does not believe in conformity and in foolish habits that my brother decides to indulge in such as drinking, smoking, gambling, etc. My father is the calmest when he’s the angriest. His years of utter composure have lead him to master the art of masking even his strongest emotions. I heard he used to be a jolly man. I can still see the smile crinkles around his eyes that haven’t been crinkled in a while. I can still hear a throaty laugh coming up sometimes that hasn’t been heard in a while. He was a jolly man who, like everyone, grew up to face harsh realities that forced him to harden past the point of reversibility.

Every morning at precisely 5:43 A.M, father left to watch the sun rise. He would stand in the same exact spot, the spot had now been worn down by his shoes, and he would just watch. He would not talk, would not appreciate the beauty of nature, he would just simply watch. So it came as a shock when one day he did not return in time for his routine breakfast at 7:00 on the dot. None of us knew what to do. Do you just go about your day, reassuring yourself that he is more than capable of taking care of himself? Do you enter a state of panic when the most punctual man you know is late? Do you assume the worst?

Our police force is composed of Sheriff Jackson, and his fellow policemen who all usually dealt with shoplifting, lost kids, and runaway pets. So needless to say, their skillset would be a little short considering the cases they’ve dealt with in the past. My mother and I are both secretly frenzying but hiding our true state from the other, once again fabrication. By midday, we have officially lost all shreds of hope, leading in finally dialing the police. At this point, I haven’t dared to go to his spot by the river based on the fear of finding something atrocious.

The police take a little time to show up, but when they do they bring their whole police force. Everyone knew my father as he is the minister of the town, so God forbid, literally, something happen to him. Sheriff Jackson is upfront and center asking us a string of questions before he realizes he should go check the river before assumptions are made because word travels relatively quickly in this town. I decide to stay home with my mother and to accompany her in whatever news we will receive shortly. My brother was nowhere in sight, probably passed out somewhere so there really isn’t a point of finding him to be with us right now.

The click of boots on our tiles signified the sheriff’s return. My mother and I stared at him trying to tell whether he had found good or bad news, but we were coming up blank because he, like father, was an expert at hiding his emotions. But when he took off his hat, we knew. My mom burst into tears and I stared out of the window immediately trying to find some solace in our now empty home. I blocked out what the Sheriff was saying except for the fact that my father had been murdered. Who would murder my father?

The Sheriff went on for quite some time about how justice will prevail and this town shall not rest until we found the culprit. But I already knew who it was. As I waited for the hovering policeman to leave and for my mother to cry herself to exhaustion, I went over what I would say to my brother. I softly left the house with the rifle in my hand, the last memory of father I would have. I found him by Cowboy Casino with a drink in his hand, as usual, and a girl around his arm. I pushed both of them to side, ignoring his objections and virtually dragged him out to the car that so strongly smelled of father.

“It was you, wasn’t it?” I quietly asked him, even though it was more of statement than a question.

“What’re you talking about my brother?” he slurred back

I breathed heavily as I tried to level myself as to not make rash decisions. But the truth of the matter is that I made the rashest decision when I loaded the rifle into the car.

“We are not brothers. We are not family. Family does not kill one another.” I volatilely spit at him.

“Whoa relax. That old man was not our family. He just wanted us to turn into a heartless ass like him. Plus that cheapskate never gave me any damn money.”

At this, I lost it. With a quick motion, I slammed his head back into the window until I heard a deafening crack and saw the crimson of the scum I called my brother drip down the window slowly, like his death. I then took the rifle from the backseat and with shaky hands, put it in my mouth. This should end all the bloody hospitality. How are you going to fake what everyone will see on the front page tomorrow? All the Southern Hospitality in the world can’t cover this up.  I felt remorse for my mother, what an ironic thing that all her family leaves her in one day. But I didn’t feel enough remorse to put down the gun and sacrifice my own peace. I reflected upon the last moments of my life and how family is nothing but a web of obligations. Being born into a family is nothing. Becoming a family, despite seeing the worst of each other is the true task that not many can master. One that we definitely didn’t master. And with that, I let go.

 

By: Arsalan

 

October 21

With the Steps You’ve Been Given

 

Humans have developed a certain knack of wanting to learn. A desire that was inexplicably written in our genes.

River-Runs-Pitt-Sheffer-SkerittAnd we’ve that same desire to pass that knowledge on to whomever we deem fit of our trust; family, friends, maybe even to the rest of humanity if we feel like it. It’s not so much a thing that’s pressed on by society, but rather an interaction taking place organically. Knowledge passed and earned is something completely natural; just as natural as the evolution that has made us come to be. Such is the case with this grainy photograph displaying three men partaking in their favoured pastime: fly-fishing. A pastime in which the techniques and methods have been passed down, and with the growing of an individual, that given knowledge grows along with them.

The photograph shows us a father-son relationship taking root with the three Maclean men, with Reverend up to the front and in focus. Our eyes drawn to him as our main focal point, not only because he is up front and center, but the colours on his attire are far more radiant than any other subject in the photograph, as well as having the most light directed towards him. It also happens to be a gentle nod towards his faith; an all-mighty being lending a smile towards Reverend for his loyalty towards his religion. Not to mention the fact that out of all three of the men, he is the most enlightened; the more knowledgeable and wise, as he should be through his title of: Father. Furthermore, this can connect with the idea of knowledge in the sense that before it can be given it must be possessed by a someone first. Someone to take up the mantle as a teacher, a mentor. Reverend Maclean is their guiding force, as his God is his.

Moving onto the Maclean brothers, our eyes are drawn to Norman next. Perched up on top of a rock, focus blurring on him only slightly. Also taking note that he is positioned not far from his father, indicating a more exceptional bond between the two. His attire also compliments his presence in the photo as he is more noticeable along with his father. And the fact that he stands on top of a rock and ending up towering over Paul, can signify his gifted superiority and supremacy over him; his own wisdom and insight that’s obtained through his growth could potentially even rival that of the Father’s. We finally see Paul on the far left, knee deep in the river himself, and focus being fairly obscured on him. Paul chooses to don some dark green clothing, bringing even less attention to himself, as opposed to the other men. (It’s fair to note that Paul and Norman have a likeness in the way they dress, as indicated with the rolled up sleeves and matching gear.) He is also taking up a more crooked stance and adopting a new style of fly-fishing compared to Reverend and Norman, who are standing upright with their chests out, fishing ‘proper’ way. But taking a look at all three of the subjects, we are reminded that knowledge is always going to be passed down through the ages. Wisdom is transferred from the wisest, Reverend, to their successors, his sons. But with the passing of knowledge, the more refined it has the possibility of becoming.
Focus plays a huge role in this photo, in the sense that it serves a dual purpose specifically for Paul, both positively and negatively, depending on perspective. From Reverend’s perspective, for example, we can see how the focus can make Reverend look like more of the proper and upstanding man of authority he is. We can think of him having the most clear vision and having the most wisdom on the matter. Followed by Norman, who we know heavily takes after his father and was influenced by him the most, thus he is placed up higher compared to his brother and staying close to Reverend. Then there’s the risk-taking with Paul and his own endeavors. Paul tended to his own being as he saw fit, and while he too was influenced by his father, likewise to his brother, he instead chose to stray away from his father’s knowledge, or dare I say “enlightenment”, and ended up becoming even less like him. Thus, his limited amount of visibility in the photo. But flip the focus to serve Paul’s perspective, and him straying away isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Because it also signifies development and the pursuit of veering away from your mentor’s ways and discovering your own path with the steps you’ve been given.
But that’s the thing with knowledge and wisdom. It’s never lost. It’s recovered, it’s passed on and transferred from generation to generation. But not only is it passed down, it’s changed. With the passing of knowledge, it evolves from the use of each wielder, and has the potential to adopt new styles and forms throughout. But for that development to occur, it all has to start from somewhere.

October 21

The Equalizing Harmony 

The relationships we form and share all have an aspect of discipline, but a sense of freedom and equilibrium is reached in places where harmony is present. This is visible through the representation of the 3 characters present in the picture, Paul (far left), Norman (middle), and their father Reverend Maclean (right). Both children are deep in the train of thought, lost in the impeccable freedom, and the harmony between them, that they rarely acquire from their father at home.

The scenery consists of the rapid moving shallow water that illustrates the free and volatile behavior that it brings. The placement of the characters brings an astounding symbolism with Paul being placed in the deep end of the water and also the furthest from the father. In contrast to the water’s resilient force, Paul’s personality can be compared. Paul is an individual who loves his freedom, being care-free, and free of any control and discipline. Being the furthest from the father represents of the freedom loving attitude that he brings, giving an insight on his hatred of the discipline the father enforces among them. This hatred forces repulsion in the relationship between the father and son leaving a longing for a substitute to overcome this pain.
The level of water that the three characters are submerged in is significant of the problems and hardships each of them faces. The expression, “being in deep waters”, is commonly heard signifying of the hardships and problems that one may face. Norman is shown to be standing above the water showing the innocent, obedient, and content with the life Norman is leading versus Paul being submerged knee deep. The problems and hardships that Paul may face are depicted in the visual of Paul drowning in them. These hardships that suppress Paul’s ability to reach success make him feel much less than Paul, resulting in a factor of jealousy in the relation of the two. This is often overcome where the two are artists, and are in love with fishing, and find the harmony to overcome the differences among them; at the river.

Another point of to be considered is the play of lighting that the three characters are shown under. Paul is casted out darker than his brother and father who are displayed in the bright light casted by nature: sunlight. They are displayed as almost in a sense of god like stature. This god like stature represents of the flawless personalities Norman and Reverend Maclean are shown to have where honesty, hard work, and discipline are valued most. The character differences between the brothers can be identified where Norman is shown as a character that carries an aspect of innocence to his personality and follows the ideals and values the father taught them. Therefore, the darker lighting signifies of Paul’s dark life that is led on by lies and jealousy that have held him back.
The imbalance between the characters creates an obedience vs freedom scenario where characters try to balance their lives and save themselves from the hardships they face under the discipline of the father. But all is forgotten when they unite in a place where they first remembered how to fish, like a child learns to walk, and where they can call themselves at home; at the river. The river creates the equilibrium in the relationship, taking away the imbalances and differences that the three long to overcome in the everyday life. Most individuals are influenced by a form of discipline that pushes them to overcome the imbalances they face and to improve the weaknesses that hold them back. However, this is all forgotten when individuals come together with loved ones in a place of harmony, where cherished memories resonate with them, and each person is an artist and the imbalances are equalized.

Category: Kabir | LEAVE A COMMENT
October 21

Perceptions Of Relationships

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Perceptions Of Relationships

           When analyzing relationships between family members especially between a father and his son, we mostly see the significance of respect, and the drive to follow our elders footsteps, and the desire of wanting to make them proud. In the film A river runs through it, the idea of fishing has always been an important aspect in terms of bonding and personal values. Rev Mclean and his two sons are identified in this picture as all enjoying a day of fishing. The father is closest to the image as he is taking a higher position, and followed by him are his two sons who are on lower levels compared to the father. This shows how the two sons Norman and Paul look up to their father, and portrays respect by being at a lower level. Even between the two sons there is a difference because one seems more superior than the other showing the younger son, Paul looking up to his older brother Norman. From the positions of the three men an inference can me made upon what kind of characters the three pose. The father and his eldest son seem to be standing on rocks, and have their fishing poles pointed down into the water from above,whereas the youngest son is standing in the water and has his fishing net pointed directly straight in front of him. The eldest son appears to be more like his father as his way of fishing resembles closely with his father but the younger one seems to have found his own style of fishing. Paul standing in the water also illustrates him having a closer relation to nature as that is where he grew up his whole life. The father and older son also have a similar posture because they both have their backs straight, whereas the younger son has his back bent over. The father and younger son both having distinctive positions manifests how the son does not quite follow in his father footsteps. This is an important appearance in the photograph because we see the difference in the kind of relationship the father has with his older son versus the younger son. The way the three characters are positioned is important in terms of identifying hierarchy and the respect for the father from the two sons. Also the different levelling of the sons shows the considerations the two have for each other and creates a pyramid for the three.

Another important element in this picture that relates to relationships and values by the three men is implied through their fishing attire which is wearing dark brown hats and satchels on the side. Sons, Paul and Norman are visualized wearing darker colours such as brown and darker blue which is going well with the environment they are surrounded by. There are not many bright colours around them as they seem to be standing amongst dark green Everest trees so the two blend in well.This portrays how the two brothers have a close relationship with nature because of the colours chosen to wear that fit well with the setting they are in. The father on the other hand stands out as he is wearing clean ironed clothing and a bright white shirt. The father choosing to wear the colour white also makes a direct correlation to him being pure and having strong connections with his faith.He seems to be better dressed perhaps according to the kind of profession he has outside of fishing which is, being a minister. From the father’s cleanliness an inference can be drawn that he prefers to be suitably dressed at all times because of the hierarchy in the family and the respect he receives from the family and society. An assumption can be made from the father’s straight posture as a sense of strictness and having decency at all times. Also the father and older son choosing to stand on the rocks while fishing depicts that they promote being proper and clean apposed to Paul choosing to stand in the water and not care about what happens to his clothes. This contrast is essential in relationships because we see that the father and older son are more kin in behaviour and values but Paul chooses to be the opposite and not obey most of his father’s strict rules. This was important in the film because Norman was always getting more than Paul in terms of better education and strong career. Norman seemed to always lean towards his father’s footsteps and share the same values such as fishing, strictness, and education.

Considering the lighting in the picture, one can see that the sun’s rays are focused more on the father’s face and then the older son, Normans but less on the younger son. This can be interpreted as a light from god shining on the two for having strong connections with their faith and beliefs. Paul is lower than the two and has minimum sunlight gleaming on his face supposedly due to the fact that he has chosen his own direction to follow, and not the one his father suggested which is considered appropriate in society. Going to church and praying is an imperative value shared by all three, but the father and older son signify being on the path of god more closely than Paul,therefore, the light is shawn directly on them. Another reason as to why there is more light focused on the two of them is because they have a brighter future and more achieved. The father being a highly respected minster with well education now has a son who chose to get better education and the opportunity to take up a professional career. This is an important value held by Norman which was passed down from his father.This presents the two binding to their beliefs and achieving much success. This contradicts Paul’s style of living because he chooses the dangerous and fun life which later leads to not much success and darkness. Paul starts drinking uncontrollably and plays poker with a debt that becomes the reason of his death at an early age. In a sense the light being on the father and Norman foreshadows the future and what is coming up for Paul. This is an example of Paul not upholding to his beliefs and values and a distinction between him and Norman having different views and expectations in life.

All in all from this image depicted a clear understanding of respect, values, and character traits are observed. From the father and older son a perception of proper men and strictness is distinguished, whereas Paul is shown as a free bird going on his own path. From the positioning of the three the hierarchy in the family and respect is recognized. The sunlight remarks who is closer to the light of god and in upholding their values and beliefs. This image comes across as an ideal father son bonding through fishing but when closely analyzed the differences between each character and their way of life are revealed. We are able to breakdown which character is closely related to which and from posture and lighting their background and future are determined. From afar this image comes across as a pleasant  relationship but closely we are able to make out the flaws which is important to identify.  Every alliance is not perfect but comes across as one, so taking the time and viewing the little details helps in understanding people better and the bonds they have with others.

October 21

A River Runs Through It.

 

 

Paul

When I first looked at this image all that came to mind was the true representation of perfection. His smile, the way that he carried himself with how he was standing, his amazing looks, and perfect hair, also how proud he is with the fish that he had recently caught. But when you see someone as perfect as Paul does in this photo, do you ever stop and think, is all of this truly genuine, or is it all just an act to hide how he truly feels?

 

Throughout my life I have come to realize that not everyone is truly as happy as they make it out to be. You truly never know what goes on behind closed doors. That vision of perfection sometimes really isn’t that perfect after all. Like how throughout the movie Paul Acts as if he is the perfect son, as if to an outside party he never does anything wrong. But to his family, they know what type of person he truly is. He’s an alcoholic, a gambler, and was in so much debt that he didn’t know how to handle it all. But through all of that he still never asked anyone for help, even though he would hint at it a few times throughout the film. He was the type of person that never wanted to give in to everyone around him due to his sense of pride in himself. He never wanted to get off of his high horse and admit that he could not do things on his own. This is one of those things where once you get it into your frame of mind that you don’t need anyone else, it is very difficult to change that… Paul went through his entire life having to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Norman who was his father’s favorite. It seemed as though his father did so much more for Norman than he did for Paul, he was stuck having to mostly think for himself throughout his life up until his death. He was such an independent soul. He did so much on his own, discovered his new way of fly fishing that was different from the way that his father had taught him. He was dating a women who was Native American, even though society at the time was completely and utterly against it in all of its forms. He was his own person and did not allow anyone to tell him otherwise, and would not listen to anyone f they would try to tell him what to do in any way. Just like when Norman tried to take him home from Lolo’s and Paul just told him that he will find his own way home, and that he just wanted to play even though he knew damn well that he wouldn’t be allowed anywhere near that table. But when I think about I can relate to him pretty well with where it is that he is coming from. So many people tell you that it is so easy to get help, all you have to do is ask. But it really is not as easy as it looks as it looks.

 

In my life I have been told to trust people and that I should just let them help me. But it truly is not as simple as just saying okay and then just going on with my life. Ever since I was little I have always shut the people around me out so that I don’t have to worry about being lied to, betrayed, or worrying that if I let someone in and let them help me they are just going to leave me hanging out to dry. I have been let down by so many people on so many different occasions that I have just put up this permanent wall and have gone into this impenetrable bubble so that no one can hurt me. I have gotten to the point where I have turned into Paul. Began to face difficult situations in my life where I do not know what to do to deal with it all but I still will not as anyone that I care about for help. To me asking for help is like a sign of weakness in a sense. Like Paul I put on the persona where it looks like there is absolutely nothing wrong and I have never been better. Which is going back to the symbol of perfection. The similarities between the two of us is that we both don’t show how we truly feel on the inside. It is almost like you are wearing a Halloween mask 365 days out of the year, so no one can see who it is you truly are, except for the very scarce amount of people who you allow to see the true you.  It just seems like it is so much easier than allowing everyone around you to know what is actually going through your head. I am pretty sure that it is just me but I am not quite able to wrap my head around the whole idea behind the whole idea of letting people know what it going on in your life 24/7. I have tried for so long to be able to understand but it is just a difficult concept for me.

 

When I think about how I am similar to Paul in a sense, I think about how the main reason that I do not ask for help from others is that I am sick and tired of being let down, and on other occasions when I went to people I cared about for help they just blew me off and then began to talk about their problems and completely ignored me. Then when I think about all of that and go back to connect it to Paul, I begin to think that maybe he tried to go to people for help for a long time but then began to realize that it was completely pointless and gave up on the whole idea because like me he got tired of being let down. I can vouch for how emotionally draining things like that are and how difficult it truly is. When you spend so much time figuring out what the easy way out I, why on earth would you go back to putting so much effort emotionally and physically into it all. I do understand that it is not a good thing to be doing at all but I don’t know what to do otherwise. Like when I found out about my mom I had a pretty substantial size friend group that I thought that I would be able to go to anytime and that I had nothing to worry about and that I would be able to get through this with them in my life. Then when everything began to get more real, and it was so much harder for me to handle everything, I went to them for help when I truly needed them and none of them were there. Then as time progressed my group began to shrink down so fast that there was absolutely nothing that I could do to stop it. I guess that when it comes down to it, you need something big to happen in your life to find out who your true friends are and who you can always go to. Hence the reason I gave up on asking for help a long time ago. I didn’t see the point in wasting my time. And in this process I lost one of my best friends which breaks my heart but that’s life I guess… Which is why I see the look of perfection as the best route, because in doing that, you won’t lose people you love, you will not get hurt, you don’t have to worry about dealing with other people always asking what’s wrong and why do you look so down all of the time. It truly hurts when people ask you if you’re depressed so in doing this I avoid that. But there is always a downside in every story no matter how happy it may seem at first. I am the type that has a hard time seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, or the happy ending in the story.

 

This image has so much meaning to me that I am sure I could continue going on about differently meanings for quite some time, but every story must come to an end. It is so heart breaking how much pain that I can see in his eyes. You never truly know what is going on behind closed doors, and in this case the closed door is the persona that he put so much time building up, in which he was not going to risk letting it get broken down by anyone around him, no matter how much they meant to him. He fought from the beginning to the brutal end. He truly was such a strong human being who was never going to let anyone to see him crack.

October 21

A River Runs through it

 

River-Runs-Pitt-Sheffer-Skeritt

When values are instilled in an individual, they tend to cherish and uphold a bond with those whom they share the experience with. The photograph depicts a relationship between a father and his sons as they seem to learn from each other and upkeep peace and harmony through the act of fly fishing.

In the photograph from A River Runs through It, the development of each individual is shown through the focus and lighting of the camera. The father stands the closest to the camera, and is shown to be at the top of this hierarchy from the clarity of the photo.  The father is seen as pure and perfect, due to the bright light that reflects off of him. His son, Norman, stands close to the father, as if he is the one to uphold the father’s responsibilities one day, he is not shown to full clarity compared to his father. To the far left, the photograph shows Paul, who seems to look obscure and insignificant due to the dark lighting that surrounds him. This photograph describes the spiritual and mental growth of each individual. The father obtains the greatest amount of knowledge and wisdom, followed by Norman, then Paul. This photograph gives the example of an ideal individual and role model, this position is held by the father, as seen through how the picture is taken. The father shares his knowledge and experiences with his sons, so the sons may value the art of fly fishing.

Norman, Paul, and the father all take an interest in fly fishing, and look as if it is their paradise. This is shown through their surroundings, the peaceful waters, and the calmness of each individual. In the photograph, it is shown that the father and Norman stand close to each other. As Paul stands further away from them. This symbolizes the strong bond Norman and his father share. Whereas Paul, who is standing in the dark, views life in a different perspective, and does not carry himself the way his father and brother do. Despite the differences seen in the photograph, Fly fishing seems to bring the family peace and tranquility, as they bond over the art they create, and look back on the memories that they have built together. This bond that they hold cannot be broken, for the values that have been instilled in them have a long lasting tradition.

In this photograph, it is shown how experience and knowledge being passed down, manifests bonds that are upheld by the individuals. The peace and serenity that surrounds the act of fly fishing brings these men together, for they hold fly fishing to high value. The peaceful relationship between father and sons is shown through the rhythm they possess and the respect that is shown towards nature, and each other.

October 21

A River Runs Through It

A River Runs Through It

A River Runs Through Response Picture

As humans, there is a sense of responsibility to honour and respect the people who have poured into your life, or helped instil your values. The text provided is a photograph of Reverend Maclean, Norman and Paul, all standing in a field by a river watching the sunset. In the image, the father is looking up towards the sky, while his sons are standing behind him looking towards their father. This image combines the beauty and grace involved in nature with the unity of the Maclean value of family and of the Presbyterian faith.

 

In the photograph, Reverend Maclean is at the forefront, with his arms crossed behind his back, looking up towards the sky. He is wearing a black suit with a top hat, considerably well dressed for the setting that they are in. While looking at the physical stance of the father, it creates the impression that he is looking up towards God. The father’s body language with his head up high and his arms crossed behind his back signify authority and respect. For him, standing by the riverbank carries with it a sense of peace and praise towards the Creator. Although the father is seen as a very strict and almost mean character, he is being presented at a time where he is the most vulnerable, when connecting with God and with nature. All the things that the father is doing suggest that he is taking the time to honour God, person that he has based all of his values from, the person he looks up to. It is through nature that Reverend Maclean feel closest to God, and can momentarily return to a sense of peace, his own Eden. In addition to the father’s body language, there is a small space separating him from his sons. The small space of separation between the father and his two sons conveys the impression that the time he is taking now is very serious to him, so serious that he cannot be distracted by anyone. Every other element that could cause the father’s attention to be drawn away is eliminated by the fact that he is in an atmosphere of peace and serenity. Reverend Maclean’s strong faith encourages him to take the time to stop showing respect and admiration to the one that he believes deserves it. In doing this he is being an example to his two sons who follow very closely behind him.

 

Both Norman and Paul are standing closely behind their father in the photograph. Unlike their Reverend Maclean, they are wearing more casual looking clothing and are about a step back from him. Norman’s clothes are more brightly coloured as well as in the light, while Paul is wearing darker shades and is in the shadow. Both the boys’ focus seems to be directed towards the ground by their father’s feet. The particular manner in which the men are standing parallels the hierarchy that is shown throughout the movie, God, Reverend Maclean, and Norman and Paul both at the bottom. This order show the path in which the Maclean men acquire insight, and it also shows who each one of them try to honour. In the same way that Reverend Maclean honours and respects God, Paul and Norman honour and respect their father. This theme is carried through the photograph and also through the film with the countless attempts, from mainly Norman, to live up to his father’s expectations; usually followed up by Norman complying to his father’s wishes in an act of respect. Also in the photograph, Norman is more brightly lit when compared to Paul. It is almost as if he is glowing in appearance. The contrast between Norman’s clothing and Paul’s connects to the film in the fact that Norman was shown as the favoured son in his father’s eyes, while Paul was never held to the same standard. Through Christian imagery Paul is represented as the “prodigal son” who runs off with his inheritance, spends all his money, and comes back to his father when in need of help. While Norman is displayed as the “lesser known son” who always follows his father’s wishes and never goes astray. Although both sons come back to the father in the end, the “lesser known son” ends up with a greater inheritance finance wise and knowledge wise because he stayed with his father and learned about values and morals. Paul and Norman still equally show respect for their father because of the knowledge and enlightenment he has poured into their lives.

 

Reverend Maclean, Norman and Paul all have someone they look up to and base their values and morals from; because of this, they all have an appreciation towards their particular role model. The photograph above from the film A River Runs Through It helps validate the belief that in society people will take the time to honour and show reverence to the people who most influenced their lives.  

 

Category: Martha | LEAVE A COMMENT
October 21

harmony from nature

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The relationships we have carry an aspect of freedom and equality, but they come with discipline. When both are kept in balance harmony is found. In this photograph you can see that nature is a place of equilibrium where the three men can focus on fishing and be free from their life outside of nature. The way they have positioned themselves shows how each of them live their lives outside of this activity and the influences they have on each other. Although they are living different lives nature will always be a place to bring harmony back amongst them.

In the photograph Paul has been shown farthest away from the river bank and in the deepest water, which symbolizes his independent but dark life outside of the safety of nature. Paul’s distance from his father shows his rebellion against his father’s expectations because of his drive to fulfill his own desires. Pail is shown in deep water which symbolizes his addictions or problems and how deep into them he really is. His position being lower than Norman shows Paul’s lack of accomplishments. His life outside of nature shows that he isn’t very close to his father, yet during fly-fishing his is very close to them. Paul brings the aspect of freedom into their relationship with his sense of rebellion.

Norman is next in the photograph and he is shown in the middle, but you can see with the angle of the camera shot that he is closer to his father. This could symbolize him being obedient to his father’s expectations and ideals. Norman being somewhat in the middle shows that he still cares about Paul and has a strong relationship with him. Norman is also standing on a rock which shows his success having a high position. Norman’s position in the middle demonstrates the idea that harmony is achieved in a relationship with a balance of freedom and discipline. Paul representing freedom and his father Discipline.  With those two aspects coming in they are all getting along with no problem in this photograph.

Closest to the camera is the father and he is in shallow water and in a more calm state than his sons. His sense of peace in the photograph symbolizes how much wisdom and patience he has. This could also show how disciplined he is because he is standing with his back straight with a sense of dignity. Reverend Mclean’s higher position shows his influence in the decisions that the other make. It also shows that he is the leader of the three men. Reverend Mclean brings the aspect of discipline into the relationship balancing the freedom.

Even though their relationships may not be as harmonious in their lives outside of nature they will always have this spot and activity to bring balance and equilibrium between them. No matter how different they are or how much they influence they have in each other this spot is a place where they can have peace among themselves.

October 21

A River Runs Through- Visual Response

 

A River Runs Through Response Picture

In society, individuals uphold respect and obey elders who have an impact on their lives. In A River Runs Through, the dual value of nature and religion is manifested in the image. With the sense of honor that is depicted, it foreshows the respect between the characters and also a sense of respect towards god through the surrounding of nature.

The photo is presented with three men. The man who is standing in the front is the father of the other two men standing behind him. The father is presented to be well dressed, standing tall and staring into the sunset. His appearance is what points out the fact that he is a man of high authority and is well respected in society. He gazes up to the sky in a sense of pride and honor, but also in a wit of respect. His position is placed in a way that it seems he is looking up to god. The father is launched as a character of high respect; however, he praises the one, that he believes, who has the ultimate respect in the world. This is all presented through his atmosphere; his standing off the riverbank on the grass is what is significant. Nature is the creation of god, so he feels that if standing in the natural world is a way to connect to god. Furthermore, through his presentation, his beliefs and respect towards god is what he values most.

The brother who is more invested into his wardrobe shows the comparison between the two. The one on the right appears to have a greater value in his clothing, which shows that he is more mature. His head is bowed down and his hand is placed out, as if he is initiating a moment of silence between him and his brother. This portrays his level of respect; by making sure there is no disruption when the father is appreciating the creation of life. The other brother is shown to have respect, but also a bit of innocence, as he looks down behind his father. His portrayal is what demonstrates his amounts of respect, but his innocence is shown how his brother instructed him to not speak, and also his facial expressions show that nothing was intended.

Both of the brothers have a fair bit of respect towards the father and this is shown by how they are conveyed in the photo. The sons show their admiration towards their father by obeying and respecting him dearly. Moreover, the father’s actions illustrate his respect towards god with what seems to be a moment of silence. How he is honoring the honorable in his surroundings of nature. All in all, there is a great deal of respect depicted in the photo and a sense of obedience that is show through the characters actions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 20

A River Runs Through It Visual Response

 

A River Runs Through Response Picture

A River Runs Through

Relationships play as an influential role in developing an individual’s values and beliefs by finding a balance between the virtues of strictness and freedom.  It serves as a catalyst that motivates certain individuals to find out who they are in this world while maintaining a certain amount of strictness and discipline.  In the picture from A River Runs through It, Reverend MacLean and his sons, Norman and Paul, share a moment of peace and tranquility as they watch the sun set in the horizon.  In the photograph, it reflects this as there is shadows that are casted by all three of them.  The main focus is the three men that includes a bit of scenery in the background.  The three men are standing in the foreground on a grassy field that has a river running alongside.

 

The colors in this photo are lighter and softer, suggesting that the time that this photo takes place is most likely in the evening.  Reverend MacLean is wearing a black vest, black pants, white shirt and a tie.  Norman is wearing something similar that of his father’s and Paul is wearing contrasting colors to both of them, which includes a pair of suspenders and light brown pants.  The color choices signify that Paul has embraced the idea of freedom his father.  Paul is wearing lighter clothes that signify that although his father is strict towards him in his childhood, as he is growing up, he develops a sense of individualism in finding his place in the world.  Norman, on the other hand, is wearing colors that are similar to his fathers, which reflects that he conforms to his father’s demands more than trying to figure out his own path.  Throughout the movie, it is prevalent that Norman is more to making his father recognize him rather than finding self- satisfaction of his own accomplishments.   As for Reverend MacLean, his attire suggests that his perspective is only black and white.  Due to his role as a Presbyterian minister, his belief is based on what is right and what is wrong.  In addition to this, the sun is striking each person differently that also reflects each individual’s values and beliefs.  Reverend MacLean and Paul have more sunlight hitting them than Norman, although Paul has a different type of lifestyle than his father.  Where Paul is enlightened because he chooses to embrace a freer attitude towards life, his father’s lifestyle is stricter.  Norman is darker in the photograph from the lighting because this represents him following in his father’s footsteps.   Norman is the older son of the two and is supposedly the role model.  The darker shade represents following in his father’s footsteps and appeasing his father.

 

Secondly, the focal point of this picture is focused on Reverend MacLean, Norman, and Paul because not only are they a family, but there is also the relationship of strictness and freedom that is displayed.  The boys are standing behind Reverend MacLean and have a somewhat loose posture.  Not only do they have that, but the facial expressions on both of the boys seemed to be more relaxed.  This is significant because there is a sense of brotherhood between them.  Although each has a different set of values and beliefs, they both agree on the longing for freedom from their father’s strictness.  Even as children, they had dreams and aspirations on what they wanted to be when they were older.  Both of the children wanted to something that was not a minister.  Paul becomes a news reporter in Helena and Norman wants to pursue a career in teaching; both of them do not become ministers, but they had a very close relationship with each other that lasted, even in times of conflict.    Contrast to that, the position of the father is more rigid and composed.  He also appears to have his gaze up towards the sky.  This indicates that Reverend MacLean has a religious background in how he views the world.  Being a Presbyterian minister, he enforces strict habits that both Norman and Paul needed to follow, in hopes that they will be men of God.  The composure of the minister’s face also represents the enlightenment of the character, as if he is being given instructions from God.  He is at ease to his surroundings, which indicate a calmness or serenity this character towards the outside.

 

In respect to the framing, the three characters are standing in a grassy field that includes a river running alongside.  There is a mountain range and a bit of forestry that fill out the background.  Reverend MacLean and his two sons stand in the foreground where Reverend MacLean stands in the front while Norman and Paul stand on either sides of their father.  There is a bit of space between the two boys with respect to Reverend MacLean.  From this space, it is resemblance of a triangle of power that shows that power that each person holds.  Reverend MacLean, as a father, has a huge amount of influence and is, therefore, more enlightened than his sons.  This is the reason why he stands in the front.  Since he has all this knowledge, he wants to pass it down to his sons, but in a way where religion is a central theme in their childhood.  Between Paul and Norman, however, there is a certain struggle that can occur.  At times, Norman will seem to have the upper hand on Paul and other times it is the complete opposite.  In the photograph, however, it seems that Norman is a little bit behind Paul, which suggests that Paul is beginning to free himself from what his father demands into what he wants to do.  Norman is standing in his father’s shadow, indicating that because he is the oldest child, he feels the need to conform and appease his father is the most important.   Although there are these conflicts in this relationship, when all three return back to nature, balance and harmony is restored.  There is a river that runs through alongside where they are standing.  It was quoted from the movie, “In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing.”  This signifies that all three of them hold fly fishing up to the same standard as religion, which is the family’s top value.  The river is a source of revitalization of the harmony of the triangle of power.  No matter what the trouble may be, as soon as they turn back to nature, it returns them all back to their highest value, ensuring the relationship of father and son is regarded very highly.

 

As Paul, Norman and their father stand on the bank of a shallow river, looking on, they share a bond through the unity and peace that the surrounding nature shares with them.  The colors that is being portrayed, the subject that is being focused on, and the framing that is being provided show that there is a relationship that helps determine the balance between the ideas of strictness and freedom.  Creating this provides the reader that these relationships are essential in creating an individual’s ideals and what they believe in.