In the current film industry, films are created to positively impact the society. The society needs films that highlight the emerging issues experienced in society. The empowerment of the girl child and women at large is one of the themes used frequently in the film industry. Another common theme is the empowerment of the young population. The factors that affect the young population are also used as themes. The factors include poor parenting, drug abuse, lack of role models and exposure to media. According to Emerson the film industry should be used as a tool of streamlining the young people and society at large (par, 6). With emerging trends in the world of media, film industry can be appropriately used to pass ethics and moral to the society. The development of social norms is usually intended for the young population. The easiest way to get through to the young population is through use of the digital media. In digital media the film industry holds the highest significance in terms of communicating to the society.
The film ‘Half Nelson’ qualifies to be termed as the one of the best films that look to inspire the diverse individuals in society. The film is based on the themes that affect the growth of children. The themes in the film also explain the need of good parenting in society. In an argument by Turan Half Nelson was viewed as an opening eye to parents whose mistakes negatively affect their children (par, 5). The society norms are also put into perspective as how the society shapes the young. The issue of poor role models is also highlighted in the film. Do the individuals acting like role models portray worthwhile characters? Are institutions free from bad role models? This paper will analyze the plot of the film and the motive of the writer of the film. This paper will also analyze the above themes as portrayed in the film. Additionally, the paper will consider the recommendation from the film’s point of view.
The film Half Nelson revolves around a male character, Dan. Dan is a school teacher and also a drug addict. Dan’s social life is poor as drugs have negative affected his social relationships. From Dan’s life, the film portrays the negativity of the modern day institutions. It is inappropriate is a teacher does drugs in school. The institution is supposed to create individuals who are responsible regardless of the current trends in society. Dan’s behavior affected the school life of Drey. Drey is a thirteen year old female student who witnessed Dan abuse drugs. The relationship between her and Dan became more intense since she wanted to know more about the abuse of drugs. Her interest in drug abuse coincided with her personal life where her father was convicted for drug trafficking. At this point, it is evident that the exposure that our children have in society is not made better by family or institutions. In an argument by Turan, Drey’s life has been negatively affected by her Dad, and it was further worsened by her drug addict teacher (par, 5). The author further argues that the plight of the girl child could be addressed in this situation. It is sad to see the plight of the girl child is worsened by the people who are viewed as role models. Drey’s father and teacher have inappropriately used the responsibility given to them by the society.
The theme of gender has also been highlighted in the film. The female gender has portrayed as a weaker sex. The main female characters in the film play second fiddle to their male counterparts. Drey plays an agent of a drug dealer who is partly responsible for her father’s demise. However, Drey decides to deal with drugs. Her relationship with Frank, the drug dealer, is further worsened by her relationship with Dan. Frank takes advantage of her young age and her desperate life to make her one of her agents. Schwarzbaum argues that if the girl child was effectively supported the Drey’s situation could have been better (par, 9). The author further argues that it is sad that a thirteen year old is a drug peddler under the watchful eye of her teacher. In a proper society setting, the teacher should be able to shield their students from social enemies.
The weakness in the female gender is also displayed when Dan forcefully forces himself on Isabel. Isabel at the same school as Dan and the two had previously dated. The view of Isabel in Dan’s perspective portrays how disregard females face in society. According to Emerson the attempt of rape on Isabel displays the disregard the female gender has been viewed with in the society (par, 3). This act also displays the ills in society. Dan is supposed to play the role model because of his career as a teacher. The question begs on what characters children are exposed to in public institutions. These institutions should be centers of behavior change and not centers of acquiring of bad society morals. There is the need of shaping the society view on women and the female gender at large. The importance and significance of this particular sex should be put across in significant sensitivity. Additionally, individuals should be taught on respect of all gender while still at young age. This will help create a society of sensitive and respectful people.
Another theme portrayed in the film is the importance of family ties in the society. A family is still a figure of significance in the society. Families are used to shape the character of individuals in society. In this film, the importance of family ties is equally important. In Drey’s case, the lack of family ties drove her to deal drugs with Frank. The fact that her father was prosecuted because of dealing drugs does not make the situation less complicated. While growing up, Drey was in the company who was a drug a peddler. This scenery shaped her perception on dealing with drugs. She turned to her father’s occupation when she needed money. Emerson argues that the improper character of one of the most significant family member was responsible for the character displayed by Drey at her young age (par, 4). The fact that Drey grew up without her father makes the situation worse. The fatherly duty of protection, guidance and provision was shifted to Drey. She had to do the most available way of survival. Her young age gave Frank the advantage on convincing her to deal drugs. An argument by Schwarzbaum states that if Drey’s father was not convicted, the situation would be so much different (par, 6). The author argues further that if her father was convicted for a much lighter crime, then Drey would not have tread the path her father did.
In reviewing the importance of family ties, Dan seek console in his family at his lowest times. He seeks love and care from his family. His sister Cindy makes him smile after a long time of sadness and tribulations. In words by Emerson the comfort Dan enjoys while with his family was helping him stay away from drugs (par, 9). If Dan did not have a family to turn to, he would probably in a worse situation than Drey who deals drugs at her very young age.
The theme of relationship is also featured in the film. Humans need another human for comfort and social ties. In the film, the relationship between Drey and Dan was very significant in both their lives. Despite the age difference between the two, they had a very intact relationship that was made even more compact with their common interest in drugs. When their relationship got ugly, the effect of this on both their lives was visible. Drey turned deeper into dealing drugs while Dan sought the company of his family due to the depression he undergoing. It took the ties in this relationship to help both of them come out of their miseries. The understanding between the two was a key factor when both of them decided to stop dealing with drugs (Turan, par 7).
Works cited
Emerson, Jim (September 15, 2006). "Half Nelson". Chicago Sun-Times. RogerEbert.com
Schwarzbaum, Lisa (August 9, 2006). "Half Nelson Review". Entertainment Weekly. EW.com
Turan, Kenneth. "'Half Nelson' – MOVIE REVIEW". Los Angeles Times. CalentarLive.com
