Stand by Me personal response task Introduction

Introduction:

Stand by Me is a film based on the friendship it takes to complete a journey. The friends go through trials and tribulations to reach their destination of Ray Browers’ body. Through stories and near-death experiences, a bond is formed throughout the journey which is needed in the end to protect the body of Ray Browers. This blog aims to show how, when and why the boys show friendship with one another. The question I will be answering is “How do the boys’ Friendships help them trust each other throughout the journey?”

Blog 1 Gordie opens up to Chris

Chris comforts Gordie when he finally breaks down about the loss of his brother Denny.

“How do the boys’ Friendships help them trust each other throughout the journey?”

In this scene, mainly Chris and Gordie show the trust/friendship they have in one another to fortify their friendship even more by letting out their emotions.

Rob Reiner uses the camera technique of a shoulder-level shot of Chris calming Gordie to mainly show the boy’s faces and expressions in the middle of the camera. Reiner also uses the technique of mis en scene/lighting to dim and dull the background into dark, forest-shaded trees to show the sorrowful and emotional scene. Reiner uses acting techniques such as expressions and body language. Expressions are used to show the emotional state of both the supportive Chris and the distraught Gordie. This acting successfully conveys a sense of deep emotion and compassion. Body language is used to show that Chris and Gordie are very close to each other both literally and physically. The body language ultimately reinforces the intensity and emotional connection in the scene

Chris calming Gordie relates to the film Good Will Hunting where Will is comforted by Sean during an emotional breakdown. The scenes are actually very similar. In both scenes, a character (Gordie, Will) is overwhelmed by emotions, and a good friend (Chris, Sean) is there to support them, helping them to cope with the situation. In Stand by Me, Gordie is grieving about his older brother’s death, and feeling that he is a failure and insecure of his own future. Chris comforts him showing the extent of their friendship. This relates to Good Will Hunting when Will is confronted with his traumatic past and the mental walls he has built around himself. Sean decodes the walls by telling Will “It’s not your fault,” letting him finally release his built-up emotions.

This also relates to me when I was younger, one of my friends was upset because of something going on in his personal life (just like Gordie) and he was scared of what might follow for his family. He broke down crying and I didn’t know what to say, but I suggested we go and play basketball. As we played, he was starting to feel better. This moment strengthened our friendship just like when Chris helped Gordie.

 

 

Full scene clip: ⬇️

https://gippslandgs-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/26hpd_gippslandgs_vic_edu_au/EftErp-3rCZHgw4OnxBapoAB_AQ240fS-zSY82iJveDz4g?e=MDbh2g

Blog 2 Chris opens up to Gordie

Chris opens up to Goride about his true thoughts on his life

“How do the boys’ Friendships help them trust each other throughout the journey?”

Once again, Chris and Gordie are having a one-on-one chat. This

time about Chris. Chris talks about how hard it is for him in the small town to have the last name that he has. “It’s the way people think of my family in this town. It’s the way they think of me. Just one of those lowlife Chambers kids.” 

Chris shows the extent of their friendship showing the strength to be able to get these things off his chest.

Rob Reiner uses multiple film techniques in this scene, including sound and lighting. Sound is used as subdued sound, with the fire cracking as background noise, this enhances the scene’s emotional impact. Lighting; Reiner uses the campfire’s glow to make a contrast between the dark night and the light, representing the boys’ bond against external challenges.

This scene relates to the world because of the prejudice that goes on in the world. Chris talks about how he won’t become anything in life due to the unfair prejudice the town has against him. This is due to his dad who is renowned in the town as an alcoholic, also he is abusive towards his family, especially Chris. Also, his brother is part of the Cobras.

This scene resonates with the world in war-torn areas such as the Middle East and Ukraine. In these places, many families and children have to move on and go on with life to support and keep their families going. Just like Chris who has bottled all of these emotions up and just kept going on with life, but having a friend like Gordie who he trusts, just lets it all out.