W6.1 April 8 (Monday)——Movie Analysis: Goffman's Theory Elements in "The Sting" and "Pleasantville"

1. "The Sting" and Goffman's Theory

"The Sting," released in 1973, tells the story of two gamblers pulling off a complex revenge and con scheme in 1930s Chicago. The film vividly portrays several elements of Goffman's sociological theories:

Dramaturgy: In "The Sting," the protagonists not only play roles in gambling and casino settings but also enact various identities as they execute intricate deception schemes. They rely on carefully constructed illusions and performances to deceive both their adversaries and the audience (viewers in the film context).
Front Stage and Back Stage: Throughout the execution of their cons and gambling setups, characters operate on the "front stage" (public settings) where they display carefully crafted personas and behaviors. Meanwhile, the "backstage" (private settings) reveals their true selves, where they discuss plans and strategies away from public scrutiny.
Impression Management: Through meticulously planned attire, speech, and interactions with others, the main characters manage the impressions they create to convince others they are ordinary gamblers while concealing their true identities and intentions.

2. "Pleasantville" and Goffman's Theory

"Pleasantville," released in 1998, follows two modern teenagers who are transported into a 1950s black-and-white television show and disrupt its social order, illustrating several elements of Goffman's theories:

Front Stage and Back Stage: The protagonists find themselves in the "front stage" (public settings, the town in the television show) where they must conform to the roles and behavioral norms set by the show. In contrast, the "backstage" (private settings, such as their home) allows them to express their true selves and modern values.
Rules of Social Interaction: "Pleasantville" depicts the strict norms and traditional values of 1950s society, reflecting Goffman's concerns with social behaviors and rules. As the protagonists introduce modern ideas and changes, these rules and behaviors gradually evolve.
Self-Identity and Identity Construction: The characters in "Pleasantville" undergo a transformation from passively accepting roles to actively choosing and constructing their identities. This process of identity construction aligns closely with Goffman's exploration of how individuals shape and maintain their identities through social interaction.

Conclusion

Whether in "The Sting" or "Pleasantville," both films showcase multiple elements of Goffman's sociological theory through complex social interactions and role-playing. From dramaturgy and front stage/back stage dynamics to impression management and identity construction, these movies provide compelling insights into how people shape their images and identities through behavior and interaction in different social contexts.

Through this analysis, "The Sting" and "Pleasantville" not only entertain but also serve as powerful interpretations of sociopsychological and human behavioral theories.

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